Immediately, he burst into a loud, even joyful laugh, as if he had heard the funniest joke in the world:
"Hahaha! Borsalino, you kid... you're still so infuriating and unpredictable!"
After laughing, Zephyr stared intently at Kizaru, his tone carrying a bold and confident air, like someone trying to poach a talent,
"As long as you're willing to come, forget overtime pay, I'll give you double salary! And, with us, you never have to worry about funding or action budgets being strangled by those idiots in the World Government—"
He paused, looking meaningfully at his former student, his voice deepening:
"Because what we rely on now is a truly 'towering giant'!"
As soon as he said this, the air seemed to solidify, and the sound of explosions seemed to become distant at this moment.
Kizaru's smile remained unchanged, but a flicker of an almost imperceptible light flashed in his eyes behind the lenses.
The cynical smile on his face gradually receded. He pushed up the sunglasses that had slipped down his nose, and for the first time, the gaze behind the lenses became clear and sharp, locking onto Zephyr's face, which was etched with vicissitudes and determination.
The roar of explosions around them seemed to become a distant background sound.
The silence lasted for several seconds before he finally nodded slowly and solemnly, his voice no longer drawn out, but clear with a sense of finality:
"Understood... Then, from this moment on, you are my only teacher again."
Zephyr was startled at first, then an indescribable, booming laugh, mixed with relief, emotion, and triumph, erupted again:
"Kuhahaha! Good! Good! Borsalino, it's not too late to turn back now! That's exactly what I was waiting for you to say!"
But he quickly stopped laughing, and his right fist swung forward with what looked like a wild force, the swirling air current obscuring their figures and creating the illusion of an ongoing fierce confrontation. He lowered his voice, his tone becoming serious and urgent:
"Listen! Now is not the time to celebrate.
Your 'return' must only be revealed at the most crucial moment to catch the World Government off guard!
Now, we must continue to 'fight,' and we must fight realistically, absolutely not revealing any flaws!"
Kizaru, Borsalino, understood. The familiar curve of his lips reappeared, but it seemed to hold a more genuine meaning now.
His figure transformed into a streak of light and retreated, his Ame no Murakumo sword condensing in his hand, parrying Zephyr's feigned attack that followed.
"...Undercover, huh?" he responded softly, his voice carrying a nearly professional, lazy confidence, "I'm good at this business."
In an instant, their eyes met, and a silent understanding was reached.
The battle that had seemed like a fight to the death just moments ago now, in the eyes of those in the know, had transformed into a meticulously choreographed, magnificent drama designed to deceive everyone.
The golden flash and the purple iron fist clashed violently once more, creating a grand spectacle, but their essence was now different.
While the Admirals and top powerhouses were locked in one-on-one combat, another area of the battlefield had already turned into an even more chaotic meat grinder.
The Vice Admirals of Marineford, these pillars of the Marine, were currently facing immense pressure.
"Maintain formation! Don't get scattered!"
Vice Admiral Momonga swung his sword, unleashing a sharp sword energy that repelled a roaring member of the Giant Pirate Crew, but his tiger's mouth was already numb from the impact.
He looked around, his heart heavy...
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