Cheers washed over every corner of Onigashima's ruins like a tide, only to be swallowed by the continuing explosions and battle cries below as the remaining enemies were hunted down. The reality of victory did not immediately bring peace.
Lin Yan slumped beside Ace. Chopper's furry hooves worked swiftly and gently on Ace's worst wounds while he injected him with specialized medicine and nutrient solution. Robin assisted nearby, but her eyes swept their surroundings warily, especially the government warships circling offshore like vultures.
"Chopper, how's Ace?" Lin Yan's voice was dry and hoarse.
"It's bad, but he's stable for now." Chopper's little face was grave, sweat beading at his temples. "He's overdrawn his life force too severely. The Flame-Flame Fruit's essence was forcibly extracted, leaving it nearly depleted... He'll need a long period of rest and special treatment. For now, all we can do is keep him alive." He took out some homemade ointment and applied it to Ace's wrists and ankles, where prolonged confinement in Seastone chains had left the flesh ulcerated.
Ace seemed to regain some awareness. He looked at Chopper, then at Lin Yan, and forced a weak smile. "Thanks, little reindeer... and you, big brother..."
"Don't talk. Save your strength." Lin Yan tightened his grip on Ace's hand. Only when he felt that faint but steady pulse did the weight on his heart ease a little.
Nearby, Zoro, Sanji, and the others gathered, supporting one another. Everyone was wounded and bloodstained, but the fire of survival and a glimmer of victory burned in their eyes.
"That bastard Kaido... we really beat him?" Kid still sounded incredulous. One of his mechanical arms hung limp, badly damaged.
"Falling into the sea from that height, with injuries that severe... even if he isn't dead, he must be close, right?"