Barn spoke calmly to Zephyr, who stood before him, blocking his blade.
Zephyr smiled, though his smile was nowhere near as kindly as before. He said,
"Fine. I'd also like to see whether you still have what it takes to survive."
The moment Zephyr finished speaking, an enormous burst of steam erupted from the shoulder of the Mechanical Arm blocking Barn's sword. A tremendous thrust surged forth, yet the massive arm seemed to draw back slightly.
But Zephyr wasn't backing down, and Barn certainly wouldn't entertain such a naive thought. The massive Mechanical Arm that had just drawn back suddenly drove forward with tremendous force, sending Barn flying!
"Now you understand, don't you? It may be cumbersome, but it gives me greater strength! This was the Navy's final gift to me!"
Barn frowned.
The sea lay right behind him!
As a Devil Fruit user, Barn would face nothing but death if he fell in!
Of course, that was merely Zephyr's wishful thinking. Even as Barn flew backward, he came to an unnatural stop in midair, pushing down with his feet as though stepping on the air itself!
"A weapon is only a weapon, Zephyr. I'm disappointed. You may have gained greater strength, but I still have to say it: you've grown weaker."
"Hmph."
Zephyr merely snorted at Barn's mockery, as though rejecting his assessment, but changed the subject when he spoke.
"Geppo? How did a Pirate like you learn a Navy technique?"
Zephyr swept a cold glance over Barn, who hovered in midair. His short purple hair fluttered lightly.
"There's nothing strange about it, is there? Your Navy can't hold on to its people, so I was kind enough to take them in."
"Oh, no, sorry. Not 'your' Navy. You're no longer a marine."
Barn kept using Geppo as he