Sacrifice for the Greater Good!

Gion looked at the crack, then at Fleet Admiral Kong's wavering back. She bit her lip until it bled, her body turning into a streak of pink light as she shot through the path Enel had no time to block and burst out through the closing gap in the flames.

The instant she passed through, the gap closed.

Outside the barrier, the sun shone brightly beneath a deep blue sky. The sea breeze swept over her, lifting her disheveled long hair.

Behind her stood the silent, burning urn of purple-black flames. It cut off all sound and sight.

She could not see the battle inside or hear a single sound. Only the barrier stood quietly there, like an ominous tombstone.

Gion stood on the shore, her justice cape hanging down. She did not leave. She simply stood there with her back to the flaming barrier.

Her hands were clenched tightly into fists, her nails digging deep into her palms. Blood dripped through her fingers onto the sand and gravel with soft taps, then was quickly absorbed by the dry earth without leaving a trace.

How could people be devoid of feeling?

On one side was the man she loved; on the other, an elder who had always cared for her. Helping neither was the best choice she could make.

Inside the barrier, devastation stretched as far as the eye could see.

Fleet Admiral Kong knelt on one knee, breathing heavily. His shirt was torn to shreds, exposing a powerful body now marked by the passage of time.

Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth onto the scorched ground. His signature mohawk was now plastered messily to his sweat-soaked forehead, while his once-sharp eyes were bloodshot and filled with exhaustion.

Dawn calmly looked at the old man before him.

"Time