Crane closed her mouth, silently watching Sengoku speak. Kong added, "Zephyr, don't blame yourself. This isn't your fault."
"Yes, you're still young. This was never your burden."
The dark horse investigator walked out with a gloomy expression, muttering, "Sengoku... why would you do this?"
"Marshal Kong, what now?" he asked, frowning.
"All right," Kong replied grimly.
At that moment, everyone turned toward Zephyr in shock. Kong looked to Sengoku.
"I want to devote the rest of my life to Marine training—to open a new path for Marine's future," Sengoku stated firmly.
Everyone, even the dark horse, slowly nodded.
After others had left, Sengoku addressed the room, "My actions are complete. If there are any questions, ask now."
Kong motioned for him to stay. Sengoku looked up, surprised.
Zephyr shook his head and said, "Everyone knows I'm no longer qualified to be an Admiral—not with a broken arm. Admiral is the Marine's highest combat power. It's not a place for a cripple."
The dark horse asked, "You mean the entire decision was yours?"
Sengoku nodded. "It was just me and Crane. She disagreed, but I insisted."
The dark horse paused. Sengoku's words were airtight. Further questioning would be useless.
"Zephyr nearly lost himself," the dark horse murmured. "The trauma from losing his arm…"
"Impossible!" someone exclaimed.
Everyone turned to Kong, awaiting his judgment.
Kong stood and said, "This ends here. Everyone return." His tone left no room for argument.
If the Marines were to rise again, they needed new strength.
But Zephyr wouldn't bear the blame.
Zephyr stood. "Sengoku, I've decided to nominate you as the next Marine Marshal."
Kong nodded. "Zephyr... if that's your decision, I accept it."
The room fell silent. Kizaru, Akainu, Aokiji—all Zephyr's students—were visibly moved.
"At the time, Garp was gravely injured and unconscious. You all know that," Zephyr said.
"Zephyr Admiral, don't be impulsive!" a Vice-Admiral called out.
But Zephyr was firm. Even if Sengoku accepted the burden, did everyone else agree?
Kong spoke again. "Zephyr will temporarily step down from Admiral. His benefits remain intact."
He turned to Sengoku. "Stay. I need to speak with you."
The dark horse still had more questions, but couldn't act further—for now. Sengoku and the others would keep their ranks. Zephyr, though, had lost more than just his arm.
"Marshal, I've decided to resign from the position of Admiral," Zephyr declared.
Sengoku replied calmly, "You're right."
The dark horse blinked. So many strange things had happened.
"After fighting Ayr," Zephyr continued, "I realized—our generation has no hope of defeating him."
The room went still.
The dark horse had expected punishment—reprimands or suspension. But not this.
He turned to Sengoku once more.
"What???"
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