The raging sea of flames finally died down.
Arlong Park, once a symbol of terrifying rule that had loomed over Cocoyasi Village like a giant beast for eight long years, had now vanished completely from the map.
In its place stood a charred black ruin.
When the wind blew, ashes danced across the sky.
It was as though this land were holding a belated funeral, burying every sin and nightmare.
The villagers stood outside the ruins, staring at the unbelievable scene for a long time without daring to make a sound.
That "monster" crushing their hearts and leaving them unable to breathe was just... gone?
Nami stood there blankly, looking at the scorched earth as if she had yet to recover from the enormous shock.
Until a hand reached over and gently patted her head.
"Shishishi."
Luffy's familiar smiling face appeared before her.
He did not offer any comforting words.
He simply took back the Straw Hat she had treasured so dearly and placed it back on his own head.
"Luffy... thank you."
Nami sniffled, then suddenly turned around and threw herself into Nojiko's arms, where her sister had already been crying.
"Big sister... Big sister!!"
"It's okay now... It's okay, Nami."
Nojiko held her sister tightly, then looked up and gave Luffy a brilliant smile. "Thank you, Luffy."
Just then, a stir rose from the crowd.
"That... that person..."
The villagers turned their eyes toward Victor, who stood amid the ruins.
The boy in black was flicking ash from his sword. Though he had just created that terrifying sea of fire, a chilling murderous aura still lingered around him.
They looked at him with reverence, yet none of them quite dared to approach.
After all, the demonic means he had displayed earlier had been far too shocking.
In the