Amazon Beneath the Spearhead

"Are you the leader of the Revolutionary Army?" Ichiji asked calmly.

Kuma nodded cautiously. "I'm the commander in charge of this operation."

Ichiji handed over the metal container. "Take this. Inside are my father's research data and notes, including Germa's most advanced genetic technology."

Kuma accepted the container in surprise. "Why?"

"Because before my father was completely controlled, he had a brief moment of clarity," Ichiji explained, his voice low and urgent. "He realized the mistakes he had made and secretly instructed me to give these materials to the right person in a time of crisis."

Ichiji removed his mask, revealing weary yet resolute eyes. "The research includes analysis data on Void Energy. It may help you understand and fight this threat."

"What about you?" Kuma asked. "Aren't you leaving with us?"

Ichiji shook his head. "I still have unmodified siblings and residents who need help. I'll save as many as I can, then find another way out."

He glanced at the ever-expanding purple vortex in the distance. "There's no time. You must leave immediately. Once the vortex fully forms, everything here will be swallowed."

Kuma nodded solemnly. "Thank you for your courage and help. I hope we meet again."

Ichiji turned to leave, then stopped. "If you see one of my brothers—Sanji—tell him... I'm sorry. For everything in the past."

With that, he quickly vanished into the shadows of the streets, heading for other parts of the kingdom to search for survivors.

The Revolutionary Army fleet set sail, slowly pulling away from the shore of the collapsing kingdom. Standing on deck, Kuma witnessed Germa Kingdom's final moments. The purple vortex grew larger and larger, eventually forming a massive Void Eye that shrouded the entire mobile nation. Buildings began to warp, the ground split apart, and seawater was drawn strangely