Two years later!
"Huge news! The Blackbeard Pirates have launched their final general offensive against the Whitebeard Pirates!"
"Is... is this for real?"
"It has to be. Haven't you seen the photos of Blackbeard setting sail in the papers?"
"Are the Whitebeard Pirates truly about to be wiped out...?"
For a time, the entire sea was abuzz with speculation. The world of pirates was thrown into chaos by Blackbeard's latest move. Friction between the Blackbeard and Whitebeard crews had been constant over these past two years, with the Whitebeard Pirates consistently suppressed; they had suffered another major defeat only recently. Driven back step by step, the Whitebeard Pirates had now lost ninety percent of their territory. The sudden news of the Blackbeard Pirates mobilizing their entire force made it clear that Blackbeard intended to deliver the final, lethal blow.
"Why haven't Whitebeard and Fire Fist Ace appeared yet? Are they really going to just watch as Blackbeard destroys their crew?"
"What nonsense are you talking about? Whitebeard and Fire Fist Ace died long ago. Why else would Blackbeard dare to be this arrogant?" someone scoffed. Indeed, because Whitebeard and Ace had not been seen since the Paramount War, the majority of the world believed they had succumbed to their severe injuries. This rumor had spread across the entire ocean, and while some remained skeptical, most had come to accept it, as there had been no news of them for two full years.
Moka City, Dark Clan Headquarters.
The Dark Clan was far different now than it had been in the past. Their original four-story headquarters had been replaced by a much more magnificent and imposing structure. The facility's footprint now exceeded that of the royal palace castle, and its walls, crafted from special dark-teal stone, gave it a unique and formidable aesthetic. On the top floor, Bernice sat with poise in a large office chair, dressed in a long black gown. She held the latest report, which featured Blackbeard's final declaration of war on the front page.
"So, the Blackbeard Pirates are launching their final assault..." she murmured, slowly standing up. "A-Bing, come in for a moment."
With a soft creak, the office door opened, and a silver-haired woman in professional attire entered gracefully. "You called for me, Leader."
Bernice nodded with a smile. A-Bing was a capable assistant who had been by her side for a long time and was a dear friend. When Bernice became the true leader of the Dark Clan, A-Bing became her secretary.
"Come with me to the back mountain," Bernice said, leading A-Bing toward the secluded area. In the uninhabited reaches of Moka City's back mountain, a high tower stood proudly. The two women soon arrived at its entrance. A-Bing watched in silence as Bernice stepped forward to knock, her eyes filled with awe for the dozens-of-meters-high tower. This wasn't her first visit, yet every time she came here, her heart raced uncontrollably, and she felt an unspeakable sense of shock.
"Lord Captain, I have something to—" Bernice began, but before she could finish, the massive tower shuddered violently with a loud roar. The tower doors slowly ground open, and the sound of steady, rhythmic footsteps drifted out.
A-Bing watched with bated breath, her hands clasped tightly together. This was the first time she had witnessed the doors opening automatically; on her previous visits, they had only come here when the Dark Clan faced a crisis far beyond their ability to handle, necessitating a request for the masters' intervention.
Five figures emerged slowly from the tower, walking side-by-side. Leading them was Vale D. Drake, wearing flip-flops, a black open-chested thin shirt, and a red belt over his shorts. Over the past two years, they had spent their time desperately honing their skills, emerging only briefly when the Dark Clan was in peril to deal with external threats.
The two years of training had resulted in a transformation beyond their wildest imaginations. Drake no longer looked like an inexperienced youth. Every gesture exuded an effortless, innate authority; his aura was perfectly restrained, making him appear calm and approachable at first glance. Yet, upon closer inspection, an invisible field seemed to radiate from him, warning others not to draw too near.
"Bell! Is that really you...?" Bernice stared in disbelief at the young man standing beside Drake. A-Bing was equally stunned. Having watched Bell grow up, she struggled to reconcile this poised young man with the thin, small boy she once knew. For two whole years, Bell had not set foot outside the tower. Though Bernice had missed him dearly, she knew the path of the strong must be walked alone. She had seen his earlier struggles and his inability to break through his limits, but the Bell standing before her now radiated a sense of extreme danger. Unlike Drake's perfect restraint, Bell's powerful aura flickered intermittently.
"Sister, it's me," Bell said, walking to Bernice and sweeping her up in an embrace. "From now on, I can protect you..."
"Bell..." Bernice blushed. It was her first time being lifted by her brother. Previously, Bell had only been the height of a child, while she was tall and elegant. Now, Bell stood a full head taller than her.
The group laughed at the sight of the siblings, and even Drake couldn't help but shake his head with a chuckle. Once the laughter subsided, Bernice remembered the gravity of her visit. "I have something important to tell the Captain."
"What has happened?" Drake asked, knowing Bernice would not disturb them unless it was critical. Bernice explained the situation between the Whitebeard and Blackbeard crews, emphasizing the dire crisis facing the Whitebeard fleet.
"Drake, shall we act?" Kenshin asked. All eyes turned to Drake, waiting for his command. He looked at the faces of his four companions; the two years had subtly matured their features.
"The Dragon Flag Pirates set sail once more! Our target: the Whitebeard Pirates!"
His words were met with broad, joyful smiles. The Dragon Flag Pirates were heading out! As Drake spoke, the thick snow accumulated on the high tower slid away, revealing the pale, blue-white metallic luster of the ship beneath.
"The Magic Protector, setting sail!"