The heroes on all four battlefields gazed up at the star, their hearts filled with respect for Lin Ye and sorrow at his departure.
On Starting Island, Luffy's Flame-Rubber Giant Form had faded, and he had returned to his original appearance, but his face held greater resolve than ever before. He raised both hands and shouted toward the starry sky:
"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 explore every corner of this world and protect everyone who needs help!"
Tears welled in his eyes, but his voice remained strong and clear. "I'll become the true One Piece, 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, but gentle and enduring, like a warm hearth fire that could drive away all cold and darkness.
"Lin Ye..." Ace gazed at the Seven-Colored Star in the sky, his voice catching slightly. "Thank you for teaching me what true fire is. Not a raging blaze that destroys, but a light that warms people's hearts."
He lifted the flames high in a salute to the stars. "I swear I'll use these flames to warm everyone who needs help, and this light to guide every lost soul. Sabo's will and yours will burn forever in my flames!"
The orange flames flickered in the night sky, seeming to answer the distant Seven-Colored Star, forming a scene both beautiful and solemn.
In the waters around Laugh Tale, Zoro slowly drew his three swords: Wado Ichimonji, Yubashiri, and Kitetsu. Moonlight spilled over their blades, reflecting a silvery-white gleam. He raised all three swords high toward the