Packing Up and Setting Off

"Rumble..."

At the edge of the core ruins of Future Science Island, the vast expanse of disintegrating refined-steel foundations still gave off muffled groans under unbearable strain. The sea wind howled, slowly scattering the lingering black-red Conqueror's Haki arcs and scorching smoke from the sky, revealing a long-lost expanse of clear blue.

The Ancient Iron Giant, dozens of meters tall, had exhausted the Haki essence Joy Boy had left within him. The white divine flames covering his body had completely gone out, and his massive brass frame once again stood rigid amid the charred rubble, returning to an eternal silence and desolation.

This great naval battle, one that had nearly overturned the entire age, finally came to an end with the Five Elders forcibly teleported away and Admiral Kizaru decisively retreating.

"Whew... I survived... I really survived after facing down gods, ahhh!!"

Usopp sprawled gracelessly across a scorching alloy plate, tears and snot still wet on his face. He slapped his thigh while letting out bizarre cries of relief.

"Honestly, Usopp, you were yelling so loudly up in the air just now that not even the thunder could drown you out." Nami sat weakly nearby. Her pretty face was covered in dust, yet her beautiful eyes brimmed with amusement.

At this moment, Zoro, Sanji, Jinbe, Keen, Aira, and the other main forces who had stayed behind across the island were also dragging their exhausted, bloodstained bodies toward the geometric center of the battlefield. As they discussed the harrowing fight to the death, they trudged over to gather, take stock, and clean up this devastated hellscape.

"Hey, Mosshead, that skeletal horse you fought just now... its swordsmanship was so cold it felt like it could freeze someone's soul."

Sanji pulled a crumpled cigarette from his pocket, lit it with a faint