"Oh my, even if you say so, this old man cannot allow you to act."
Kizaru's expression was one of forced helplessness. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku specifically instructed me that this matter has already been discussed with the Gorosei and cannot be interfered with."
"They are directly defiling Marine justice!"
Akainu's face burned with fury, his eyes blazing like molten lava.
Kizaru feigned fear and stepped back, his tone exaggerated: "Oh my, oh my, this old man is just a messenger. Sakazuki, don't take your anger out on me."
Akainu ground his teeth, then turned sharply toward the small ship drifting steadily away. "A justice that retreats like this is absurd!"
Kizaru walked alongside Akainu, glancing at the ship, and chuckled faintly. "Perhaps… but there is nothing we can do. That monster is simply too strong. Marine justice…"
He paused, sighing deeply. "Cannot restrain him."
The Den Den Mushi rang again. A Marine Vice Admiral asked hesitantly, "Admiral, why aren't we stopping him? Are we really letting them go?"
Akainu's face remained grim, but he said nothing. To speak now would contradict his previous declaration of fighting to the death.
Kizaru, sensing Akainu's inner struggle, took the Den Den Mushi and said firmly, "Fleet Admiral Sengoku's orders are clear. Let them go. No attacks. Violating this is disobeying direct orders."
Though reluctant, the Vice Admiral had no choice. "Yes!"
Whoosh!
In the distance, Aokiji, who had observed the aftermath at Enies Lobby, exhaled coldly.
"Stopping a war alone? Truly terrifying, Shirogai…"
Under the watch of tens of thousands of Marines and dozens of warships, the pirate ship, flying a grinning Straw Hat flag, slowly sailed away from Enies Lobby.
…
"Merry Go! Hehe, Going Merry!"
On the return journey, the Going Merry encountered ships from the Carrera Company, coming to meet them.
"We can only escort you this far."
Going Merry groaned. "Ah, I'm cracking!"
"Don't be foolish. I'll give you a new body when we return," Shirogai replied.
He clapped his hands, activating his Wax-Wax Fruit ability. The damaged areas of Going Merry solidified under the protective wax, extending her life. The tearful drama from before was averted.
…
Two days later, inside Shipyard No. 1.
Luffy slept soundly in a chair, mouth wide open.
"Hehe, it's my turn! My turn!"
"You're all so noisy! I was first!"
"Luffy-sama loves meat! Move aside, it's mine!"
"What's so great about a bone-in piece? I'm the perfect steak, move aside!"
Above the vast shipyard, countless foods floated, laughing, and flew into Luffy's mouth automatically.
"The materials for the ship cost 50 million Berries, and the wood from Adam Tree cost 200 million Berries…"
Nami, wearing glasses, calculated expenses, frowning. "They spend money like water. They really should be more frugal…"
The floating foods, clearly mischievous, distracted her.
"Quiet! All of you!" Nami shouted, slamming her hands on the table. "If anyone interrupts me again, I'll feed you to a dog!"
"Oh! So scary! Nami-sama is terrifying!"
"Boo hoo, I don't want to be fed to a dog…"
"Ms. Chocolate! You want to be fed too? Dogs are scared of you too! Shh, keep it down!"
The floating foods trembled in fear, lowering their voices.
"Oh, Nami-sama." A floating bubble cup spoke, bubbling. "It is sinful to anger such a beautiful lady. Allow me to offer a calming drink."
Nami accepted it, satisfied. "That's better."
"Oh! Slurped by such a beauty, I am truly fortunate!"
Nearby, a spinning object muttered enviously, "If only I could be eaten by Nami too!"
Chopper, entering, tilted his head. "Huh? Does Nami eat people?"
A pile of floating marshmallows chimed. "Chopper-sama, please eat us!"
Chopper's face lit up. "Talking marshmallows! Marshmallows!"
A pink marshmallow introduced itself. "I am Strawberry Marshmallow, eldest of the Five Brothers."
"Blueberry Marshmallow, second," another chimed.
"Mango Marshmallow, third," said another.
They circled Chopper, who laughed and pondered whom to eat first.
Robin, entering with Chopper, smiled, covering her mouth. "The Soul-Soul Fruit's powers fascinate me."
Nami removed her glasses, sighing. "Shirogai spoils Luffy too much. He's been eating like this for two days straight!"
Robin glanced around. "Is Shirogai still with Franky, building the new ship?"
Nami nodded, focused on the bills. "Merry Go's dismantling is complete. Now it's about reinstalling the recovered parts on the new ship."
Robin chuckled. "A reliable bunch indeed."
Chopper contentedly ate, then looked at Sanji. "Where's Zoro? Shouldn't he rest after healing?"
Sanji muttered irritably, "Green Algae Head left early. Probably practicing his swordsmanship at the beach."
…
In a strange lightning-filled space, scenes of global disasters played around thirty massive square platforms, which remained untouched.
Black, indistinct figures stood on some platforms, silently observing each other.
"The second meeting of Vespera begins," a smiling voice echoed, descending onto a red stone platform.