Once, Aokiji had asked Loa whether he would let someone else avenge him.
Loa had answered, "No."
But in truth, he did not know what he would choose if he lost all his strength, as Zephyr had, and his sworn enemy stood before him.
Zephyr's request for help was an expression of trust between teacher and student. Even if their roles were reversed, that trust would not change.
So Loa knew Zephyr could not die. And as for revenge, he had long since made a far more ruthless plan.
"Fine. I'll take Zephyr to the nearest Marine Branch. But you must promise not to harm a hair on Mama's head! And you can never attack her again!"
Pudding did not want to kill Zephyr, nor did she dare try anything during the hostage exchange. If Loa could storm Whole Cake Island once, he could certainly do it again.
What worried her most was what would happen if they handed Zephyr over and Loa broke his word. They might be the ones holding a hostage, with every apparent advantage in the deal, but in a world ruled by strength, Loa was the one in control. He could kill them all and bury the matter for good.
"Are you questioning my word?" Loa gave a contemptuous laugh. "Ask anyone on the seas whether I, Loa, have ever broken a promise. Besides, a mere small fry isn't worth staining my reputation over!"
"And make no mistake: by 'small fry,' I mean Charlotte Linlin."
His words were harsh, but his stance was firm. Pudding recalled the information her family had gathered while searching for Loa's relatives. Everything they had found suggested he was not that kind of man. With Loa holding the power in this exchange, all she could do was take the gamble.