Prelude to a New Era

Rock did not say another word.

After offering the choice, he had already lost interest in continuing the conversation.

To him—

The answer did not need to be rushed.

Those who wanted to live would naturally choose.

Those who chose wrong... had no need to continue existing.

"Remove their shackles."

He spoke lightly to the guards.

The guards froze, but the next moment—

"Yes!"

They immediately stood at attention, moving swiftly.

"Clatter—"

The chains were removed one by one, and the heavy iron rings fell to the ground.

The crashing echoes reverberated through the empty cell block, like some kind of "restraint" being forcibly severed.

Rock had already turned and left.

Beyond the cell doors, his footsteps gradually faded.

As though he had left everything to the "outcome."

In another cell.

"Clank—"

The last section of chain fell away, yet Moria remained kneeling on the ground.

His hands braced against the floor as he breathed heavily, his forehead pressed against the cold stone.

Inside his mind—

Those words echoed over and over.

—Wano Country.

—Those people.

—They were still waiting for him.

Further above was another image.

Thunder.

Oppression.

An overwhelming power that could not be resisted.

Moria's fingers suddenly clenched, his knuckles turning white.

The next moment—

He abruptly raised his head! His gaze changed at once!

His former confusion and collapse were forcibly suppressed by something.

What replaced them was determination, a determination bordering on obsession.

Without hesitation.

"Step!"

He rose directly to his feet.

His body was still swaying, and his wounds had yet to heal, but his steps were exceptionally firm.

One step.

Two steps.

Three steps.

He walked faster and steadier with every step!

He had to become stronger, he must become stronger!

Otherwise—

He would not even have the right to return!!

On the