Moonlight spilled down, illuminating Tsugikuni Yoriichi's face.
A gentle smile appeared on Yoriichi's face as he looked at Zephyr, who stood dazed at the end of the corridor.
"Yoriichi!"
Zephyr looked at Tsugikuni Yoriichi sitting in the corridor before the door and murmured in disbelief. He had never expected to see Tsugikuni Yoriichi in his own home.
After causing such a huge commotion in Mary Geoise, Tsugikuni Yoriichi had not immediately reunited with his companions after leaving the Holy Land. Instead, he had come to Marine Headquarters. No one could have imagined that Tsugikuni Yoriichi would appear here.
"You brat..."
"You've really got some nerve!"
"After causing such a huge mess, instead of hurrying back to the New World, back to your base, you actually came to Marine Headquarters."
"Are you looking down on me? Looking down on the Marines?"
The astonishment and confusion on Zephyr's face vanished, replaced by a soft chuckle as he questioned Tsugikuni Yoriichi. Although his words sounded accusatory, his tone was exceptionally calm, without even a trace of anger.
"How could I possibly look down on the Marines?"
"Even if I did, I would never look down on you, would I?"
"You are one of the Marines I respect most."
"I came here to say goodbye."
"I'm sorry, Teacher Zephyr, but I'm afraid I can't remain in the Marines any longer. Under the World Government's control, I can't find the justice I seek in the Marines."
Tsugikuni Yoriichi pressed one hand against the floor, picked up the two long swords at his side with the other, and slowly rose to his feet as he spoke to Zephyr.
Zephyr's gaze never left Tsugikuni Yoriichi. Under the moonlight, he carefully examined the terrifying wounds on Yoriichi's body, concern inevitably surfacing in his eyes.
After a long silence,