On a nearby height.
Kuzan watched from afar, his face expressionless as he looked at the figure standing in front of Zephyr.
He shifted his gaze to Kizaru, who was closing in fast, then glanced at the Marines' command post. At last, he left the spot where he had stood watching for so long.
"Hm? Who was that?" Kizaru had felt someone's gaze on him. It had vanished almost at once, but he could tell the person was powerful.
"Looks like I'd better speed up." Kizaru gave it no more thought. Zephyr had reached the area where the Dyna Stone was stored, and whatever he intended to do, Kizaru had to stop him.
With that, Kizaru accelerated, quickly leaving Luffy and Zoro behind.
When neither side could persuade the other, all that remained was a fight.
Ain stepped forward and pointed her sword at Wuli. "Teacher Z, I'll hold him off."
Zephyr was silent for a moment. He looked at them both, then nodded and flashed away to the side.
"Ain."
"There's nothing more to say. We've chosen different paths." Ain's voice was cold. A chill gleamed along her blade, and killing intent radiated from her.
Wuli knew Ain likely saw him as a true enemy now. She meant to kill him.
It hurt, but they stood on opposing sides. He had known this could happen.
He did not see the apology and guilt buried deep in Ain's eyes. For their side to win the war and achieve its goal, though, this was something she had to do.
"Take this!"
Ain cried out and swung her sword. A fierce slash of sword energy hurtled toward Wuli, its powerful wind pressure whipping dust from the ground.
Amid the swirling dust, Wuli suddenly raised his head and held his sword before him.