The heroes of the Four Battlefields looked up at this star, their hearts filled with respect and reluctance to part with Lin Ye.
On the Island of Beginnings, Luffy's Blazing Rubber Giant Form had already dissipated, and he had returned to his original appearance. Yet the determination on his face was stronger than ever. He raised both hands toward the starry sky and shouted:
"Lin Ye! Can you hear me?" Luffy's voice carried on the sea breeze. "We won! We really won! Even though you're gone, we'll keep adventuring! We'll see every corner of this world, and we'll protect everyone who needs help!"
Tears welled up in his eyes, but his voice remained loud and clear. "I will become the true King of the Pirates, not for treasure, but to protect everyone's smiles! Just like you protected us!"
Beside Luffy, Ace slowly raised his right hand, orange-red flames dancing in his palm. The flames were no longer violent; they had become gentle and enduring, like the warm fire in a hearth that could drive away all cold and darkness.
"Lin Ye..." Ace gazed at the Seven-Colored Star in the sky, his voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for teaching me what true flame is. Not a blazing fire of destruction, but a light that warms people's hearts."
He raised the flames high in tribute to the starry sky. "I swear that I will use these flames to warm everyone who needs help, and use this light to illuminate every lost soul. Sabo's will, and your will, will burn forever within my flames!"
Orange flames flickered in the night sky, as though echoing the Seven-Colored Star from afar, forming a beautiful and solemn sight.
In the waters around Laugh Tale, Zoro slowly drew his three swords: Wado Ichimonji, Yubashiri, and Kitetsu.