Spare Him
The next day, dawn broke.
The first rays of dawn pierced the long night, illuminating the ruins of the Red Line.
The wind blows across the Scorched Earth, carrying the scent of blood and iron, as well as an indescribable tranquility.
In the sky, the lingering clouds of war still hung in the air, and on every island, on every ship, in every city square across the world—
All the Den Den Mushi) and video projectors suddenly started up at the same moment.
"Click--click--"
"Zzz--"
A brief burst of noise followed, then an aged and steady voice.
The eyes of the world were drawn at this moment.
In the image, a figure with a giant apple head appears.
The background behind him is a Laboratory filled with ancient machinery and flowing lines of light and shadow.
That's Vegapunk.
"... cough."
He took a deep breath, his gaze devoid of its usual rational calculation.
Instead, there is a calm and steadfastness that comes after a long struggle.
"People of the world, please listen to what I am about to say."
Vegapunk's voice, transmitted through the resonance of the Den Den Mushi, reached the entire world.
From fishing villages in the East Blue to the heart of the Grand Line, from islands in the New World to the ruins of Heavenly Tribute.
What I'm about to reveal is a truth that has been hidden for eight hundred years—
He paused for a moment, as if bearing the weight of history for this opening statement.
"--About the 'Void Century' of this world."
The air fell silent for a moment.
People all over the world who were listening held their breath.
Vegapunk slowly said, "During that erased century, there once existed a 'Great Kingdom'."
"Its civilization was highly advanced, and its technology surpassed all our current understanding."
Their ideals are freedom, equality, and unity.
"Their aim is not to dominate, but to enable all of humanity to understand each other and coexist together."
"--That was a truly 'world without borders'."
People around the world looked at each other in astonishment, and murmurs of discussion rose and fell.
"However--"
Vegapunk's voice was overwhelming.
"It was precisely because of this ideal that it conflicted with the interests of the twenty powerful nations at the time..."
"Those twenty kings joined forces to wage war and destroyed that kingdom."
"They are the true perpetrators in history."
The camera trembled slightly, Vegapunk's expression was solemn.
"After their victory, they established what we now call the World Government."
In an instant, all the Den Den Den Mushi) in the world emitted a piercing "zzzz--" interference sound.
He smiled faintly, but his voice was as firm as iron.
"I want the world to hear the truth again."
"The D. Clan, whom they call 'the Natural Enemy of Gods,' is not an evil bloodline."
"They are the remnants of that Great Kingdom."
"Their existence is living evidence of the crime committed eight hundred years ago."
"They were demonized, hunted down, and wiped out, simply because they inherited the will of that kingdom."
"That will is free."
"They are equal."
"It is the hope that the world will no longer be ruled by fear."
Vegapunk's voice trembled for a moment as he looked up beyond the camera lens, as if whispering to someone through the image.
"The scholars of Ohara... were right."
"The truth you seek has never disappeared."
Upon seeing this, Robin, far away in Elbaf, burst into tears.
Vegapunk's expression grew even more serious. "As for the 'Ancient Weapons' — Pluton, Poseidon, and Uranus."
"They were never weapons of destruction."
"They are the 'power source' created by that Great Kingdom, tools that exist to connect the islands, drive energy sharing, and maintain the balance of the ocean."
"Later generations of humans, out of fear and greed, called them 'weapons'."
"The real destroyers are those rulers who distort history and control the truth."
"--The World Government is the 'original sin' of this world."
At that moment, the world stood still.
Tears, gasps, fear, and cheers mingled together to form a wave that swept the globe.
The images continued to play in the sky, while on the shattered Battlefield of Mary Geoise, the wind swirled ashes and blood.
Ace, Luffy, Zephyr, Dragon, and the others are cleaning up the horrific aftermath.
Amidst the ruins, the flames still lingered, and the echoes of collapse could still be heard on the scorched earth.
"Click... click--"
Enel stood atop the rubble, his body crackling with lightning, his eyes as cold as knives.
In his hand, the Golden Staff transformed into a Lightning Spear of electricity.
Before the Lightning Spear lay the Saint Shamrock, kneeling on the ground, trembling all over, having long lost his former divine majesty.
Imu's fall deprived him of his immortal protection;
The father's body remained buried, broken and mangled, beneath the rubble.
His eyes were unfocused, and he murmured, "Father... even gods... can die..."
The voice was hollow and filled with despair.
"This charade should have ended long ago."
Enel gave a cold shout, Lightning Spear flashed.
"God has fallen... then false gods should also perish."
"Boom--!"
A bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, as swift as Inazuma!
Just as the Lightning Spear was about to pierce Saint Shamrock's chest—
"Clang--!"
A flash of crimson sword light suddenly appeared!
The Lightning Spear was forcefully thrown away, its arcs of electricity scattering and exploding!
Enel's expression turned cold, and his gaze followed the firelight. The morning light shone on his disheveled hair, casting a blood-red hue.
"Red-Hair..."
Shanks' expression was cold and stern, his eyes no longer showing the affability and smile of the past.
The sword in his hand still retained the lingering aura of Haki.
"The war is over, Enel."
Let him go.
Enel's eyes turned cold, lightning surged from his muscles, and his Golden Staff reformed into a spear, with arcs of electricity leaping at its tip.
"Let him go?"
He let out a cold laugh, his voice booming like thunder.
"Who gives you the right to say that to me?!"
"Boom!"
The Lightning Spear instantly reformed, transforming into the shape of Inazuma, and pierced towards Shanks!
"Clang--!"
Shanks also made his move, his Haki burning like crimson flames, his sword energy slicing through the air, and the two forces collided instantly!
"Buzz--!"
The red and blue shockwaves exploded, and dust swept in all directions!
Just as the two were about to collide again--
A calm, yet undeniably powerful voice rang out between the two.
Stop.
"Buzz--"
Flash space.
Roy appeared between the two, the lightning at his feet dissipating into harmless sparks, and the sword energy in front of him stagnating into wind patterns.
He reached out and stood between the two.
In that instant, the air seemed to fold in space, and Enel and Shanks' attacks stopped half an inch in front of each other.
He looked at Enel and nodded slightly.
Enel remained silent for a long time. The lightning on his body gradually subsided, Golden Staff transformed into electricity, returning to its original form as a bracelet.
He snorted coldly, turned around, and left.
Roy turned around and his gaze fell on Shanks.
Their eyes met, and the air between them vibrated silently.
Shanks remained silent for a long time.
He slowly sheathed his sword, took a deep breath, and his gaze returned to calm.
Let him go.
He said softly, "I'll take you to see—the 'National Treasure'."
The wind stopped.