Gion looked at the two ice sculptures before her, her beautiful eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions. She was deeply familiar with Zephyr's story. Promoted to Admiral of Headquarters, Zephyr had never killed a pirate, firmly believing in justice through judgment rather than execution. Known as the "non-killing Admiral," he was lauded by Sister Tsuru as the man with the purest sense of justice in the Marine.
However, his kindness did not shield him from tragedy. Four years after his promotion, pirates murdered his family. This event ignited a hatred for pirates within him, conflicting with his lifelong principles. Struggling with his conscience, Zephyr resigned from his position, unable to reconcile his desire for revenge with his concept of justice.
Despite his resignation, Marine Marshal Kong, now the Commander-in-Chief of the World Government, retained Zephyr as an Admiral. Unable to pursue his former ideals, Zephyr became the chief instructor of Naval Headquarters, dedicating himself to training the next generation. His students included Borusalino, Sakazuki, and Kuzan, who would become the strongest Admirals in history. Many of the current Vice Admirals, save for the giant Vice Admiral, were also his protégés.
Zephyr's devotion to the Marine and his unwavering commitment to justice were unquestionable. Yet, his final fate was a bitter irony. Gion sighed, her gaze lingering on the frozen figure of Zephyr.
At this time, Hancock is still a Shichibukai. The World Government had notified her of the new candidate for Shichibukai, a decision that struck a painful chord with Gion. The chosen successor was Edward Weevil, the self-proclaimed Whitebeard II, who had attacked a student ship led by Zephyr in his later years, severing one of his arms and massacring most of his students.
In a bid to maintain the so-called balance of the sea, the World Government had disregarded the feelings and sacrifices of Zephyr, a veteran who had devoted his life to training the Marine's future. This betrayal pushed Zephyr to quit the Marine, disillusioned and heartbroken.
Gion, too, was profoundly disappointed with the World Government. Although she, like many others, was committed to justice and willing to die for it, she could not ignore the inhumane treatment of the Marines from the World Government. This incident was a significant factor in her decision to fully join the Entei Pirates' fleet.
The World Government's disregard for the lives and emotions of those who served them was intolerable. As Gion stood there, reflecting on Zephyr's fate, she felt a renewed sense of resolve. Justice was not merely a concept to be upheld; it was a living, breathing commitment that demanded respect and integrity.
"'No-Kill Admiral' Black Arm Zephyr?"
Ace gazed at the Marine veteran with profound admiration in his eyes. Zephyr's life had been marked by tragedy and unwavering commitment to justice. After pirates took the lives of his family, his heart wrestled with a newfound hatred for pirates that challenged his deep-seated principles. Despite this inner conflict, he remained dedicated to upholding justice, a testament to his steadfast character.
Choosing to step away from the frontline to avoid succumbing to his hatred, Zephyr became the Chief Instructor of Naval Headquarters. This decision, often seen as naive or even foolish by some, reflected his unwavering belief in preserving the justice he held dear.
"Laki, purify Kuzan's Frozen Fruit ability," Ace instructed, turning to Laki beside him.
Laki nodded, her arms adorned with magnificent feathers that ignited into unusual flames. With a focused intensity, she summoned the Suzaku flame, enveloping both Zephyr and Ain in its purifying heat. The ice encasing them began to rapidly evaporate, not melted by mere heat but erased by Suzaku's cleansing flames. It was a purification that could even dispel Haki and evaporate the essence of Devil Fruit abilities themselves.
As the last traces of Kuzan's Frozen Fruit ability vanished, Laki smiled at Ace, her eyes reflecting the marvel of Suzaku's power.
"Indeed, this is the ability of the Bird Fruit - Phantom Beast Species - Suzaku form," Ace remarked, marveling at its potency comparable to Kaido's mythical Fish-Fish Fruit - Blue Dragon form.
Zephyr, now freed from the confines of the ice, opened his eyes, contemplating the nature of Suzaku's flame still flickering on Laki's form. Without a trace of the Frozen Fruit's influence remaining, his body had reverted to its natural state before being frozen.
"The Flame Emperor!" Ain exclaimed as she regained consciousness, instantly on guard.
"Ain, stand down. If they had malicious intentions then why would they free us?" Zephyr cautioned his student, his gaze shifting to Ace with a knowing smile.
"It's an honor for an old-timer like me to have someone of your caliber addressing us directly and facing the entirety of the Entei Pirates," Zephyr said, acknowledging Ace's presence with respect.
Rayleigh, standing nearby, greeted Zephyr with a subtle smile. Theirs was a mutual respect forged through shared history and trials faced in the service of their respective paths.
"Call me Z," Zephyr insisted, his demeanor reflecting the unyielding spirit that defined his career.
Rayleigh chuckled softly. "Stubborn as ever, I see."
"Hey, Vice Admiral Momousagi? Are you alright?" Ain suddenly noticed Gion's presence, her concern palpable.
Since the end of the Entei Incident, Vice Admiral Momousagi had been reported as "kidnapped" by the Entei Pirates. Despite the official narrative, Ain couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story, especially given Momousagi's reputation and popularity among the female Marines.
As tensions simmered and loyalties wavered, Gion's resolve to align herself fully with the Entei Pirates deepened, spurred on by the injustices she witnessed and the bonds she formed.
"Call me by another name, Z, Ain," Gion calmly addressed Zephyr and Ain, her declaration resonating with a weight that surprised them both.
"The Entei Pirates' Grand Fleet, Captain of the Sixth Division, Gion."
Zephyr and Ain's reactions were immediate and profound. Their pupils contracted in simultaneous astonishment, struggling to reconcile the transformation of their former colleagues into pirates.
"Even you..."
Ain's shock was palpable as she scrutinized Gion. The notion of former stalwarts of justice like Aokiji and Momousagi joining the ranks of pirates defied her understanding of the world.
In Ain's view, pirates epitomized absolute evil, the antithesis to justice and order on the seas. She couldn't fathom why figures like Aokiji and Momousagi would forsake their principles, potentially becoming the catalysts for chaos and piracy in this era.
"Gion, have you eaten a Devil Fruit?" Zephyr's inquiry was steeped in seriousness, his Observation Haki sensing the formidable aura enveloping Gion. It was a power capable of effortlessly threatening even him—a testament to Gion's staggering growth in strength.
The revelation of Gion's current abilities exceeded Zephyr's expectations. As someone intimately familiar with Tsuru and the inner workings of Naval Headquarters, he recognized that Gion's power now surpassed what he had achieved in his prime—an unprecedented feat.
"What Devil Fruit did you eat to achieve such a terrifying increase in combat power?" Zephyr pressed further, his curiosity tinged with a hint of disbelief.
"Cat Fruit - Phantom Beast Species - White Tiger Form," Gion responded without hesitation, meeting Zephyr's gaze unflinchingly.
"The White Tiger Form, renowned for its attack prowess among the Phantom Beasts, alongside Azure Dragon and Suzaku?" Zephyr's astonishment deepened. The rarity and power of such a Zoan Devil Fruit were legendary—even the World Government struggled to procure such prized specimens.
"The World Government has only managed to secure one of the top Phantom Beast Species, the Fish Fruit - Phantom Beast Species - Blue Dragon Form, but even that was famously taken by Big Mom and subsequently consumed by Kaido in the God valley Incident," Zephyr reflected aloud, grappling with the implications of Gion's acquisition.
"To possess both Suzaku and White Tiger fruits on your own... what an extraordinary individual," Zephyr remarked to Ace, his demeanor betraying a mix of awe and concern.
As the implications of Gion's newfound power settled, the dynamics of power and allegiance in the tumultuous world of pirates and justice shifted once again, leaving Zephyr and Ain to reconsider their own paths amidst this evolving sea of chaos and ambition.
"The legendary four top Phantom Beast Species Devil Fruits: Azure Dragon, Black Turtle, Suzaku, and White Tiger. Currently, only the Turtle Fruit - Phantom Beast Species - Black Turtle Form remains unaccounted for," Ace remarked with a glint of interest as he addressed Zephyr.
"It seems you're curious about the last of the four top Phantom Beast Species Devil Fruits, the Turtle Fruit - Phantom Beast Species - Black Turtle Form," Ace continued, his tone suggesting a proposition.
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Zephyr's reaction was immediate; his pupils constricted slightly upon hearing Ace's offer.
"The Turtle Fruit - Phantom Beast Species - Black Turtle Form, according to the Devil Fruit illustrated book, has the ability to rejuvenate the elderly and restore vitality. It seems quite fitting for you now," Ace remarked casually, a small smile playing on his lips.
Ace's proposal was bold and unprecedented. Normally, such a coveted and rare Devil Fruit would be beyond anyone's reach, let alone being offered freely. But this was no ordinary offer—it came from Portgas D. Ace, renowned as the Flame Emperor and holder of three of the four top Phantom Beast Species Devil Fruits.
Zephyr's contemplation was evident as he processed the implications. The World Government had long sought to collect these exceptional Devil Fruits without success, yet Ace had already acquired three. His offer to find and bestow the Turtle Fruit upon Zephyr was not merely a gesture; it carried the weight of Ace's unparalleled influence and power in the world of Devil Fruits.
The description of the Black Turtle Fruit's abilities in the Devil Fruit illustrated book was sparse, emphasizing its unique power to grant a new lease of life to its user—a profound gift in a world where strength and longevity were paramount.