Whoosh—
A sonic boom cloud burst across the sky.
Before long, Leo reached the Gran Tesoro.
He hovered in midair, the sea breeze tugging at the hem of his white suit and the ends of his hair.
He was waiting for someone.
Soon, Kizaru appeared before him.
His form coalesced from a point of light and hung in the air.
He looked more exhausted than before. His expression was hidden behind his sunglasses, and he stood there without a word.
Leo stood still too, watching him.
The air between them turned quiet and heavy. Only the sea breeze and the occasional sound of waves below broke the silence.
After a long while, Kizaru spoke.
His voice held less of its usual languor and a little more seriousness.
"Was what you said true?"
Leo answered.
"I don't make empty promises. You can head to Egghead Island and start preparing now."
Kizaru asked, puzzled,
"What are you planning to do?"
Leo grinned.
"A massacre, of course. You'll find out soon enough."
He turned toward the Red Line, his gaze passing through the sunlit sky to where Mary Geoise stood.
Kizaru followed his gaze and jolted in surprise. He had a fair idea of what Leo intended to do.
"How scary~ Young people these days really are terrifying."
For once, he spoke seriously.
"If you make it back alive, I'll join you."
Leo nodded, satisfied.
"Good. That'll be the smartest decision you ever make. Remember to bring Vegapunk. His genius brain will be useful to us. Off you go."
Kizaru said nothing. He glanced at Leo, then dissolved into light and vanished, leaving only a fading golden afterimage.
Leo turned toward the sea on his right.
A man was cycling across the water. Wherever his tires passed, the sea froze into a thin