After knocking Aokiji unconscious, Zephyr handed him over to Ain.
"Ain, take your Senior Brother and run, if you still consider me your teacher."
Ain was stunned by what she had just seen. She hoisted Aokiji onto her shoulder, at a loss for what to do.
She was utterly lost, because she felt she might be about to lose her teacher.
"Ain!"
Zephyr's roar jolted her back to her senses.
"Teacher..."
Ain forced out the word, but her feet would not move.
"Go. Don't let my sacrifice be for nothing."
With that, Zephyr turned away from Ain and faced Werther, a smile on his face.
Ain bit her lip until it bled. After a fierce struggle with herself, she turned and ran toward the ship.
Sensing her departure, Zephyr smiled even more brightly.
Doffy and Jack moved to pursue Ain and Aokiji, but a net of Lightning blocked their path.
They glanced at Werther and said nothing. After all, he had just saved both their lives.
"Looks like you're willing to die for your students, Zephyr."
Werther had stopped Doffy and Jack because Zephyr reminded him of someone: his Master, Longliang. If Werther were badly wounded and pursued by a powerful enemy, his Master would fight to the death to save him too.
"Heh. These old bones will die sooner or later. Better that the young keep chasing their dreams.
"Kid, you're not quite what the rumors say. You reek of blood, but you're not entirely without compassion. Let this old man give you a fight.
"And I've decided to stop using the name Zephyr. Kuzan has avenged me, so from now on, call me Z."
Z kicked off the ground, sending gravel flying as he charged Werther.
"Too slow, old man. With that enormous mechanical arm, you'll never dodge