The New Generation's Vow

Marineford Harbor

"Buzz--!"

The air jolted suddenly, and a distorted spatial fluctuation rippled across the Harbor, followed immediately—

"Boom!"

A Marine warship suddenly appeared, silently taking up its designated spot, the word "Navy" on its sails billowing in the wind!

The Harbor Guards were already used to this entrance; almost reflexively, they looked up, then grabbed megaphones and shouted, "Vice Admiral Roy and the others are back!!"

The sound was like thunder, instantly causing an uproar throughout the port area, and countless naval personnel rushed to the scene!

And almost at the same moment the shout ended—

"Boom!!"

A ball of flame shot from the direction of the Marine Headquarters, streaking across the sky like a meteor, and the scorching heat wave caused a stir in the Harbor!

"Luffy! Where is Luffy?!"

The flames landed and transformed into a human figure. Ace's eyes were bloodshot as he anxiously scanned the entire Warship. The flames had not yet completely dissipated, and his voice already echoed across the deck!

"Bang!!"

A familiar Iron Fist landed on his head without warning, sparks flying!

"Ahhh!!"

Ace crouched down, burying his face in his hands, and looked up with a pitiful expression. He saw Roy standing beside him, looking utterly helpless.

"It's noisy, but nothing's wrong. They're still resting."

Ace rubbed his head, but upon hearing that his brother was unharmed, a look of relief flashed in his eyes, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.

Looking in the direction Roy was pointing --

Kuina stood silently by her side, her gaze cold yet tinged with worry.

Two familiar faces, Luffy and Zoro, lay quietly on makeshift stretchers, their bodies wrapped in thick bandages, their faces pale but their breathing steady.

Luo, who was squatting down beside him, was diligently taking notes, his eyes focused.

"Phew... that's great." Ace muttered to himself, finally relieved. "I was just... a little worried..."

"Yo~" a lazy voice slowly rang out.

"So caring for his younger brother! What a gentle older brother, Captain Ace!"

Kizaru lazily walked onto the deck, a sly smile playing on his lips, golden light scattering around the Warship like stars falling from the sky.

Following closely behind was Zephyr, draped in a cloak and with eagle-like eyes, who calmly stepped onto the deck.

He glanced at Ace and scoffed, "What kind of behavior is this, all flustered and panicked! You think you can be Admiral?"

When Ace was called out, he scratched his head awkwardly and chuckled a few times, but he didn't argue back. Instead, he looked more like a reprimanded intern.

On the other side, Enel, arms crossed, stood beneath the mast, his golden eyes calmly sweeping over the two most severely wounded soldiers. His tone was indifferent. "To survive on such a Battlefield, in this 'god's' eyes, is already quite remarkable."

Luo stood up and closed the record board. "The injuries are no longer serious, but the physical strength and Haki were severely depleted, so he needs to rest for a few days."

Roy nodded slightly, his gaze slowly sweeping over his comrades before finally settling on the Harbor—

A large group of naval soldiers had already gathered there.

They crowded around the dock, their robes billowing in the wind, their eyes burning with fervor, all looking at Roy and the others on the deck with eyes full of shock, respect, and fervor.

This was no ordinary return voyage.

This is the victor returning from the "god-level Battlefield"!

He is Navy Hero who repelled the "Two Emperors" and changed the course of the battle!

"Let's go," Roy said softly, his tone calm yet firm.

The Warship slowly lowered its deck, and the crew filed out, embarking on a new journey after the legend, amidst the gazes of thousands.

Marine Headquarters - Fleet Admiral's Office

"Thump--"

Roy, Zephyr, Kizaru, Enel entered the Fleet Admiral's Office, and a solemn atmosphere quickly spread through the silence.

The Sengoku emperor sat at the head of the table, his white robe neatly arranged, with battle reports and photographs laid out on the table.

Aerial footage of Roy punching Kaido away, the moment Shanks swung his sword to stop the Galaxy Starburst, and the fierce battle between the Zephyr's Trainee Team and the Tyrannosaurus Pirates...

Each one is enough to shock the world.

Sengoku raised his head, his expression solemn, but his tone was surprisingly calm. "Roy, you did very well in this battle."

He placed his hands on the table, his gaze intense. "From this moment forward, the Navy will fully support you and the New Generation you lead."

His tone was firm, without the slightest hesitation.

Roy stood ramrod straight, his gaze meeting Sengoku's eyes.

In those veteran's eyes, he saw for the first time a clear determination to never compromise.

It is no longer a cover-up and exploitation by the World Government, but Trust and entrustment belonging to "the Navy itself".

He nodded and replied simply, "Understood."

Zephyr snorted coldly, crossed his arms, and exuded arrogance. "It should have been like this a long time ago! The Navy isn't the Celestial Dragons' watchdogs; we should have our own integrity!"

Enel stroked his chin, a glint of electricity flashing in his golden eyes, and gave a cold laugh, "Heh, if anyone still dares to harbor any wicked thoughts..."

"I wouldn't mind letting him taste the power of Thunder God’s Judgment."

Kizaru leaned lazily against the wall, tilting his head. "Wow~ You guys are making it sound so scary, it's frightening to this old man..."

Although his tone remained nonchalant, he didn't show the slightest denial—which meant he tacitly agreed.

Sengoku slowly rose, his cloak billowing with the movement, and the golden epaulets gleamed faintly under the lamplight.

His voice was deep and powerful, seemingly penetrating the entire Fleet Admiral's Tower: "The world will be even more chaotic from now on, but the Navy will not retreat!"

A sharp smile played on Roy's lips as he said calmly and firmly, "Just what I wanted."

Marineford Navy Residences

"... Meat--!"

With a roar that pierced the entire building, Luffy suddenly sat up in bed, his hair standing on end and his stomach growling so loudly it almost shook the chandelier off!

"I'm starving!! Meat! Meat!! I want to eat Barbecue--!"

"Bang!"

Ace kicked open the door, Fire Fist descended from the sky, flames erupting everywhere, and roared, "Can you not shout so loudly after just waking up?! Luffy!!"

"Hehehe--" Luffy chuckled while rubbing his stomach, "But I'm so hungry..."

Just then, Nojiko and Nami rushed in, carrying bags of ingredients, pots and pans, looking anxious and helpless.

"That's great, it's good that you're awake!"

Nojiko put down the pot and pan, smiling and letting out a sigh of relief, "You scared us to death, you know?"

"Hmph!" Nami said, hands on her hips, "If you dare to eat the Kitchen out of business, I'll make you pay for it!"

"Whee!"

Luffy grinned, revealing his signature big white teeth, "Nami is the best!!"

Nami punched him on the head. "Don't try to change the subject!!"

"Ouch!!"

The house was bustling with activity, and laughter, a sound rarely heard in the neighborhood, echoed through the long corridors of the residential area.

In another room

In the dim light, Zoro slowly opened his eyes. His vision was blurry at first, but after blinking a few times, it gradually became clear.

The first thing that catches the eye is a familiar face.

Kuina sat on the chair by the bed, her arms wrapped around her knees, her eyes fixed on him, filled with worry, anger, and... emotions that had been suppressed for a long time.

Zoro was taken aback for a moment, then a grin spread across his face, his voice hoarse but making no attempt to hide his laughter. "Oh, looks like I'm still alive."

Kuina froze, her fist already raised high, but then quietly lowered.

She sighed softly and murmured, "... Idiot."

"Haha." Zoro propped himself up on his elbows, his eyes shining brightly despite his numerous wounds. "But... this isn't enough."

"Next time, I'm going to personally cut down that 'Wildfire'!"

His eyes burned with fighting spirit, and his words were no longer youthful arrogance, but a refined sharpness.

Upon hearing this, Kuina chuckled and glanced at him, "Then don't hold me back."

Zoro snorted, "I'm the one who should be saying that."

The two looked into each other's eyes, remained silent for a moment, and then smiled at the same time.

At this moment, the bond between sword and will was once again firmly established.