"Golden Lion, you just killed him like that?"
As the chaos settled, Robin still felt a bit unreal.
The legendary Flying Pirates Golden Lion, a sea overlord from the era of Roger and Whitebeard, had fallen so easily, dying right before her eyes.
From start to finish, it had been as simple as a cup of tea—and she was the only witness.
Robin's usually cold demeanor was shaken; she felt as if in a daze.
"Phew!"
Kaelen exhaled a slow breath and slipped back into his usual relaxed posture.
He said lazily, "Even if I hadn't shown up, the Golden Lion wouldn't have lasted much longer."
From the moment they clashed, Kaelen had sensed that the Golden Lion was running on empty—his spirit and body on the verge of collapse.
It was easy to imagine the toll the battle with Luffy took on him, and hearing of Whitebeard's death must have dealt a devastating blow.
The will to survive had faded, and his physical condition was rapidly declining.
First, the activation of the Float Fruit's power, followed by two thunderous punches from Kaelen, had pushed the Golden Lion beyond his limits.
Compared to Whitebeard during the war, the Golden Lion was in even worse shape.
Dying at Kaelen's hands was, in a way, an act of mercy.
Rumble!
Kaelen waved his hand and activated his Float Fruit ability again, sending debris swirling from every direction, burying the Golden Lion's body beneath the rubble.
Afterwards, Kaelen appeared beside Robin in a flash, gently supporting her slender waist.
"Let's move. This island won't stay afloat for much longer."
Robin's brow furrowed, her body trembling slightly before steadying.
"Our ship is below. We won't be caught in this, right?"
"Of course not."
Kaelen answered confidently; everything was under his control.
Together, they floated gently upward, heading towards the sea beneath.
"What is this?"
Robin's eyes flickered with curiosity but she said nothing, quietly taking in the sensation of flight.
"You're sharp," Kaelen observed silently, a flicker of admiration and satisfaction in his eyes.
Everyone has their secrets; there's no need to pry.
Smart people act as if they know nothing—and that's how they coexist peacefully.
The pair returned to the ship, which sailed forward steadily.
Behind them, the island slowly descended from the sky toward the ocean.
Whether it would sink or float was no concern of Kaelen's.
Yet, some had noticed the strange sight and were paying close attention.
Miles away, three naval warships spread across the sea, white flags fluttering in the breeze.
They symbolized the Navy's strength and justice, a deterrent to all pirates.
...
"Report, Commodore Tina! An island is falling from the sky ahead!"
"An island falling from the sky?"
Pink-haired Tina, her face cold and expression stern, frowned and exhaled a smoke ring.
"There were rumors the Golden Lion had been spotted haunting the East Blue, but no trace was found. Could this be connected?"
Muttering to herself, Tina stepped out of the room.
"Full speed toward the falling island!"
"Yes, Commodore Tina!"
Her order sparked renewed energy among the naval soldiers, who looked at her with admiration.
Tina was famous throughout the Navy—a renowned beauty with many admirers, rivaling even Admiral Peach Rabbit in popularity.
She also wielded a Devil Fruit power and was formidable in battle.
After the war, she had been promoted to Commodore of the headquarters, assigned to patrol the East Blue and suppress unrest.
Soon, lookouts on the ships spotted something else.
"Commodore Tina, a sailing vessel is approaching, heading this way. No pirate flags detected."
Tina frowned. "Anything else?"
"There are two people aboard, a man and a woman. No, wait—that man—"
The sailor's voice faltered as Tina interrupted sharply.
"Identify him clearly."
"Yes—that's the Rebel Thunder. The woman is Nico Robin, the Devil's Child!"
The sailor's words flowed more smoothly but he still looked pale.
The others listening stiffened, their legs weak and eyes wide with fear.
Rebel Thunder, a man with a bounty exceeding 600 million Berries, could sink them all with a single gesture.
"Rebel Thunder and Devil's Child Nico Robin," Tina's brows tightened in thought.
She felt confident about apprehending Robin, but as for Kaelen, she dared not be so sure.
Having fought Admiral Akainu to a standstill, Kaelen was far beyond her ability to handle.
Rumors had recently spread that former Shichibukai Moonlight Moria had fallen at his hands.
Though proud and confident, Tina was no fool and made a swift decision.
"Order the fleet to alter course and avoid engagement."
"Understood, Commodore Tina!"
This time, the reply was louder and more precise, and the sailors breathed sighs of relief.
They believed in justice and were not afraid of death—but none wished to die in vain.
Ignoring her subordinates, Tina returned to her office, picked up the communicator, and dialed.
Bulu... Bulu...
"This is Navy Headquarters. Sengoku speaking."
Hearing the deep voice, Tina felt a measure of calm.
"Marshal Sengoku, this is Commodore Tina reporting."
"Rebel Thunder is in the East Blue, accompanied by Nico Robin, the Devil's Child. I also suspect the Golden Lion is dead..."
Tina relayed everything quickly.
There was a brief pause before Sengoku responded, "Understood. Exercise caution. Avoid unnecessary conflict."
"Yes, understood."
__
I meant 'Hina', my apologies.