The Curtain Falls, Humbled and Submissive

The explosion raged on for what felt like an eternity, lasting several minutes. At that moment, whether it was the Navy stationed on the island or the residents of Marineford, all eyes were fixed intently on the area engulfed in smoke and fire.

“Xuan Ye, stop!” came a furious roar, Marshal Kong’s anger unmistakably clear.

“Zephyr, what are you doing?” Sengoku was livid, unable to believe what he was seeing.

“Karp, Sengoku, stop Zephyr!” Kong shouted again.

“Hey kid, didn’t you hear us telling you to stop?”

A dull thud echoed, followed by the sound of blood splattering. Amidst the haze, a figure collapsed heavily to the ground, drenched in blood. The wound on his chest was so deep the bone showed, making the sight especially horrific.

“Cough… cough…” Xuan Ye’s face twisted in agony, resembling a ghastly specter as he lay sprawled on the ground, his blood quickly soaking the earth.

At that moment, the smoke cleared, finally revealing the scene within.

Kong’s face was dark as he half-knelt, breathing hard, gazing at Akainu, who struggled for breath with two flaming swords driven through his chest.

On the other side, Zephyr was restrained by Sengoku and Karp, his face contorted in anger and sorrow.

“Let go of me, I need to see Xuan Ye,” Zephyr demanded, his expression grim as he addressed Sengoku and Karp.

“Zephyr… this…” Karp looked awkward, unable to meet Zephyr’s furious gaze.

Sengoku, too, wore a look of apology.

Zephyr ignored them both, instead using Soru to appear at Xuan Ye’s side. He lifted him gently, his expression tinged with concern. “Are you alright?”

“Cough… cough…” Xuan Ye’s face was pale, but he managed a smile. “Master, I’m fine.”

After speaking, Xuan Ye turned to look at Marshal Kong—his gaze calm at first, then erupting into wild laughter, disregarding the wounds on his body. Even tears streamed down his face as he laughed.

“Haha… haha…” It was a laugh full of scorn, his derision making Kong, Karp, and the others’ faces darken.

“Kid, what are you laughing at?” Kong sighed, rising to his feet, his mood heavy.

“A Navy Marshal, an Admiral, a Vice Admiral—such figures, yet you have no shame, no honor. Not only do you interfere in the competition time and again, you even attack the victor. Truly admirable.”

“You could have just said what you wanted. I’m only a Navy cadet, not even officially enlisted. I can’t defy the orders of a Marshal, Admiral, or Vice Admiral. Obeying superior orders is the Navy’s most basic principle. Yet you promised not to interfere in the contest, not once or twice, but every time in the end you break your own rules… I don’t understand. I can’t fathom why, after everything, you would attack me as well…”

“Marshal Kong, Admiral Sengoku, Vice Admiral Karp, please tell me—is there really corruption behind this tournament? Was the winner decided long ago?”

Each word was deliberate, each sentence piercing to the heart. In that moment, Xuan Ye wished he could slaughter them all. He swore to himself that, once he had the power, he would forsake the Navy and make those who had wronged him pay dearly.

“Nonsense!” Karp’s face was flushed, feeling his cheeks burning.

“If so, then Vice Admiral Karp, please offer an explanation,” Xuan Ye replied, his voice calm as he looked at Karp.

“I…” Karp panted, like an enraged lion, his chest heaving violently.

“Kid, let’s not talk about that now. Why didn’t you stop when I told you to?” Kong tried to shift the topic.

“How ridiculous. This was a personal grudge between me and that mangy dog. Both sides agreed to fight without regard for life or death, and you, Marshal Kong, approved it. Surely you haven’t forgotten already?” Xuan Ye shot back with biting sarcasm.

Seeing Xuan Ye’s unabashed mockery, Kong pressed his hand to his forehead, clearly troubled.

“Brr… brr…”

At that moment, the sound of a Den Den Mushi came from Kong’s collar.

Kong exhaled in relief, hastily pulling out the Den Den Mushi. He glanced at Xuan Ye, then walked to the side, speaking quietly out of earshot.

A moment later, Kong handed the Den Den Mushi to Xuan Ye, instructing him, “This is a call from the Five Elders.”

Xuan Ye took the Den Den Mushi carelessly, but within he felt the secure smile of one who holds all the cards.

In truth, this was all part of Xuan Ye’s plan, for his ultimate goal was to speak directly with the Five Elders.

With his strength, Xuan Ye could have worn Akainu down slowly. That’s why he deliberately used an attack that required charging up, ensuring Kong and the others would try to intervene.

Inside the fiery domain, Xuan Ye already had absolute confidence he could kill Akainu. The cost was just a little sacrifice, but it wouldn’t be worthwhile. After all, Akainu could be erased any time, but the opportunity to negotiate terms was rare.

“Brr… brr…”

Moving away, out of earshot of Kong and the others, Xuan Ye opened the Den Den Mushi.

“Hello!” He looked at the golden Den Den Mushi in his hand, his expression composed.

“Xuan Ye Tang, excellent, very good. I forgot to introduce myself—this is the headquarters of the World Government. As for me, you should know who I am,” came a venerable voice, full of authority.

“Yes, esteemed Five Elders. What instructions do you have?” Xuan Ye feigned deference, his manner extremely sincere.

“Haha… haha… very good, very good—you show great promise,” the Den Den Mushi mimicked laughter, clearly pleased.

“Xuan Ye Tang, will you let Akainu go this time? Both of you are valuable assets to the government.”

“Five Elders, this…” Xuan Ye pretended to hesitate.

“I know about your grudge. If you want something, speak directly,” the voice replied, still smiling, evidently satisfied with Xuan Ye’s attitude.

“No… I have no demands. Serving the government loyally is my honor. However, I do have a younger sister. I would like…” Xuan Ye’s face was solemn, like a zealot, leaving no room for reproach.

“We’re aware of your situation. As long as you serve the government, once you become a Vice Admiral, you’ll have direct access to the World Government’s intelligence network.”

“Thank you, Five Elders.”

“Any other requests?”

“None. My lifelong wish is to become an Admiral and help the government eliminate all pirates.” Xuan Ye’s face twisted, as if he harbored boundless hatred for pirates.

“Good. In that case, Akainu…”

“I will not pursue the matter further,” Xuan Ye replied respectfully.

“Very well, very well… Let’s leave it at that for now.”

Silence hung in the air. With his back to everyone, head bowed, Xuan Ye allowed a cruel smile to creep onto his lips.

“Just wait. All of you, just wait…”

He exhaled, feeling a weight lift. Now was not the time for confrontation; instead, he had to swallow his anger. Xuan Ye forced himself to calm, turned, and walked back to Kong without expression.

“Marshal Kong.”

“About Akainu…” Kong’s face was red.

“Let that mangy dog live for now,” Xuan Ye said disdainfully. “Marshal Kong, you’d best keep him on a leash, or he really will die.”

“Ugh…” Akainu, lying on the ground, cast a venomous glare at Xuan Ye and spat out a mouthful of blood, clearly enraged.

“Can the results of this match be announced now?” Xuan Ye arched his brow; after all, he was injured.

And so, Akainu once again escaped death, and Xuan Ye emerged as the victor, drawing an end to this chapter.

Next would be the match between Kizaru and Aokiji—the winner would face Xuan Ye for first place. As for second, third, and fourth, Xuan Ye had no interest. His goal had always been first.

And so, Xuan Ye found himself hospitalized once again.

…