Inside the treasury, Tsuru finally found the mechanism that opened the hidden compartment. A section of the wall slowly slid aside, revealing a small safe. She quickly entered the password and took out a silver chain that looked almost identical but carried an entirely different aura.
The chain gleamed with a pure blue light beneath the lamps, and the runes upon it seemed to possess a life of their own. At the same time, the Dawn Blade in Lin Ye's hand shone even brighter, as if responding to the Purification Chain's presence.
"This is the real one," Tsuru said with certainty. "It feels completely different."
Lin Ye nodded as he continued fighting Bel-mère. "We need to get out of here now! Whitebeard's arrival will draw most of their attention, but it won't last long."
At that moment, Zoro broke through the enemy line and reached the treasury entrance. "Lin Ye! We've opened up a route! The Vinsmoke Family's technological weapons are effective, but they won't last long! We have to withdraw immediately!"
Sanji's voice came from outside. "Hey, moss-head! Less talk, hurry up! We can't hold on much longer!"
Lin Ye glanced at Bel-mère and made his decision. "Go!"
He suddenly slashed forward. The Dawn Blade swept across Bel-mère's chest, but instead of harming her, it severed the connection between the purple energy and her body. Bel-mère stumbled back in surprise as the violet glow temporarily faded from her eyes.
"Go!" Lin Ye said to Tsuru. "She'll recover soon."
Tsuru nodded and carefully put away the real Purification Chain. The two quickly moved toward the treasury exit. Zoro cleared the way ahead, while Sanji and Usopp covered the flanks. The other members of the Vinsmoke Family handled the rear guard.
However, when they reached the main passageway, a despairing sight