Curtain call (VI)

July 7, Sea Circle Calendar 1500, Mary Geoise.

"Are you all right?"

"Yes, sorry I took so long..."

"It's all right. Now let dust return to dust, and earth to earth... I'm counting on you."

Looking at the guardian beside Vegapunk, whose eyes had lost their spark, Reg knew Joy Boy was gone. From this day forward, there would be no survivors of the Void Century left in this world... History would now be written by those living in the present.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I just feel everything has gone too smoothly, too quickly..."

"Only from your perspective. To me, this was inevitable... The bloody fighting in Wano Country, the full might of a nation committed to the seas of Totto Land, cutting off the three Gates of Justice, occupying the G-1 fortress... Over these seven days of war, countless people gave their sweat, their blood, and even their lives."

Vegapunk's bewilderment prompted Reg to say a great deal in one breath. His words held reflection, sorrow, and a trace of relief... If Joy Boy hadn't been alive, how would they have dealt with Imu?

With Uranus under his control, Imu wouldn't even have needed to deploy the guardians. He would only have needed it to release a few fruits to rout them... Fortunately, there was no need to dwell on what might have been. Joy Boy had persuaded Imu, allowing them the ease they enjoyed now.

"Sorry, I took too much for granted... I just feel sad for my teacher. He finally reunited with Princess Imu, only to leave in such a hurry." Realizing what was wrong with his words, Vegapunk explained with an apologetic expression.

Vegapunk didn't dwell on the rights and wrongs of the past, and Reg agreed with him on that. He changed tack. "Not in