Reed made his way down to the shore, heart hammering. The marine battleships loomed like iron beasts, and all he could do was pray he'd slip aboard unnoticed.
Then a voice cut through the chaos.
"You useless slacker Fred! Where the hell have you been?!"
Reed froze. His stomach dropped. Slowly, he turned toward the source of the shout. A stern officer was glaring at him—Lieutenant Matsuro, according to the name stitched on his coat.
Panic clawed at Reed's throat. He bowed low, forcing words past his lips. "S-sorry, sir! While searching for stragglers I… I suddenly had stomach trouble. I resolved the issue, but it won't happen again. I swear it!"
The apology was excessive, but Reed had no idea what relationship "Fred" had with this man. For all he knew, they were close. All he knew for certain was that "Fred" was a newly promoted seaman recruit—a former choreboy—and Matsuro seemed to be his direct superior.
The lieutenant's scowl lingered, but after a long pause, he waved Reed off. "Fine. Just don't let it happen during missions again. I don't want Vice Admiral Sakazuki breathing down my neck. Now—make sure those civilians get on the evacuation ship."
At the name Sakazuki, Reed's face drained of color. Still, he snapped to attention. "Sir, yes sir!"
As he moved toward the crowd of civilians, guilt gnawed at him. They're being sent to die. Should I warn them? Would it matter? Even if they knew, they'd still be slaughtered. I… I can't save them. I can only do my job and face my sins later.
Forcing a soldier's smile, Reed barked orders. "Everyone, please hurry onto the ship! We don't want anyone left behind to face what's coming."
Faces stared back at him—faces Reed remembered. Neighbors. Children he'd once played with. People who belonged to the island that was no more. His throat tightened, but he pushed the words down, swallowed them, and moved on to the next group, then the next.
When the last civilians were herded aboard, Reed lingered at the edge of the dock, careful not to step onto the ship itself. Minutes later, Lieutenant Matsuro's voice called him back. Reed obeyed, climbing onto the deck where dozens of marines stood at their stations, cannon crews waiting for the order.
And there he was. Vice Admiral Sakazuki.
Reed ducked his head instantly, retreating into a corner. His every instinct screamed don't be noticed.
Then the command came. "Open fire!"
Cannons roared, fire lit the sky, and Ohara burned.
Reed's rank spared him from the cannons, so he slipped away, searching for somewhere—anywhere—he could breathe. He found an empty cabin, closed the door behind him, and let his disguise fade. His body shifted back into Clou D. Reed's original form.
He collapsed onto the toilet, chest heaving, and then… laughed.
"Hahaha… I'm safe. I'm really saved." His laughter cracked into sobs. "So what if everyone Reed knew is dead? So what if I've been thrown into a world not my own? I'm safe."
Tears rolled freely down his cheeks, but his lips still curled into a smile. "I'm safe. Once this mission ends, I'll ditch the marines at the first island I see. I'll build a new identity. But for now… I'll keep playing the role of Fred."
Wiping his face, Reed stood and glanced at the mirror above the sink. For the first time, he truly saw himself.
A tall man—about 190 centimeters. Short blond hair, thankfully unlike his uncle's. Blue eyes set above a sharp nose. Two small moles rested under each eye, giving his gaze an oddly weary charm. His frame was lean but surprisingly developed for someone who hadn't trained—a gift, perhaps, of the D lineage.
"Not handsome," he muttered, studying his reflection. "But above average."
With a sigh, he shifted back into Fred's form and straightened the borrowed uniform. Thankfully, the two shared the same height; nothing seemed out of place.
By now, he knew. The Tree of Knowledge was gone. The scholars were ash. The civilians were slaughtered.
Only he and Robin remained.
But unlike Robin… Reed had no intention of seeking her out. Another survivor would only draw attention, only risk discovery.
Better the world believed Nico Robin alone carried Ohara's will. Better no one ever knew Clou D. Reed escaped that day.