Barn turned the First-Generation Onikiri in his hand and lightly sliced across Zephyr's forearm. Blood poured out, and the arm Zephyr had been so proud of no longer belonged to him...
The direct consequence of Barn running out of patience with Zephyr was the injury he inflicted on him: the arm Zephyr had been so proud of was no longer his. Zephyr was actually very strong, especially in physical combat and his mastery of Haki, which even surpassed Garp's. But no matter how strong a man was, he would ultimately lose to time. Even someone as powerful as Whitebeard had succumbed to its erosion and met his end in Mary Geoise.
Barn, however, had no such concerns. He was actually close to Zephyr in age, but thanks to his heaven-defying Devil Fruit Ability, the years had not diminished his strength. Instead, he had only grown stronger.
Zephyr watched his arm fall away from his body, still twitching in a pool of blood, yet his expression remained perfectly calm.
"As expected, only time could prove just how powerful your fruit is."
Zephyr still felt a trace of resentment. In his eyes, he would not have lost if he had not grown old-at least, not so miserably.
Hearing Zephyr's words, Barn naturally understood what he meant. The corner of his mouth lifted as he spoke.
"True, my Devil Fruit Ability has given me a great deal, but immunity to the ravages of time alone was enough. Still, the fact remains, Zephyr: you aren't someone this era has chosen."
Barn spoke mildly, but his words drew a cold snort from Zephyr.
"Chosen by the era? You're wrong, Barn."
Barn frowned slightly at Zephyr's words but said nothing. Using his sole remaining arm, Zephyr struggled to his feet. Having lost an arm, he had