Dawn Blade Awakens

Vice Admiral Tsuru faced Bell-mère calmly, gripping the Purification Chain she had just taken out. Though Bell-mère had endured the impact of the Seal-Cleansing Ultimate Move, purple energy quickly seeped back into her body, and the violet glow in her eyes grew ever more eerie.

"Vice Admiral Tsuru, your ability truly is astonishing," Bell-mère said as she straightened up, an unnatural smile curling across her lips. "But this alone cannot stop evolution. Give me the chain, and you will see a broader world."

Tsuru took a slight step back, concern flashing through her eyes. Her ability worked against the purple energy, but only temporarily. The purple markings on Bell-mère's body spread again at a visible rate, recovering faster than expected.

"My duty is to protect justice, not surrender to unknown power," Tsuru said firmly. "Bell-mère, you were once an outstanding Marine. Do not let this bizarre energy devour your soul."

Bell-mère let out a laugh that sounded nothing like a human's. "Soul? That is a concept of the old world. Once you experience resonance with the Void, you will understand just how limited individual existence is."

She suddenly lunged forward, moving with astonishing speed. Her arm became a purple afterimage as it shot straight for Vice Admiral Tsuru. Though Tsuru reacted quickly, the difference in their ages still left her half a beat too slow. Just as Bell-mère was about to touch her, a silver flash streaked past, accompanied by the sound of a blade slicing through the air.

Lin Ye appeared before Vice Admiral Tsuru, the Dawn Blade held crosswise between Bell-mère and Tsuru. A brilliant burst of light erupted where the blade met Bell-mère's arm.

"Sorry I was late, Vice Admiral Tsuru," Lin Ye said in a low voice, forcing Bell-mère back at the same time. "Zoro is