I,Akaino will not die easily

The flames brought not only light and heat but also fear. In the days when humans still lived primitively, fire was the embodiment of terror.

Today, the residents of Ohara finally recalled the memories engraved in human genes—the ancient fear and reverence for fire rooted in their bloodline!

The refugees on the evacuation ship stared in shock at the distant island. Just a while ago, it was lush with verdant forests, tranquil towns, and the thousand-year-old Tree of Knowledge standing tall and unyielding.

Now... burning! Burning!! Burning!!! The flames seemed to ignite everything. The forests surrounding the island had long been devoured by fire, their moisture evaporated, leaving the dry wood as fuel to feed the flames. From afar, it looked like a dazzling red lotus blooming in sinister beauty.

With the continuous bombardment, Ohara resembled a living hell. Many residents collapsed on the decks of the evacuation ship, praying for divine salvation. Countless families clung to each other, tears streaming down their faces as they watched the hellish flames ravaging their homeland, longing for a place they could never return to.

The barrage finally destroyed the Tree of Knowledge. Even after standing firm for a millennium, it could not withstand the life-ending iron shells fired from naval cannons. "The Tree of Knowledge has fallen!!" someone cried out. Olvia covered Robin's eyes with her hand, her heart aching as she watched the iconic giant tree of Ohara break in half at its trunk.

Robin struggled in her arms, sobbing loudly, "Doctor!!! Everyone!!"

Sakazuki stood silently, staring at Saul, waiting for his response. Even the deafening crash of the Tree of Knowledge breaking could not distract him.

Saul turned his head to see the iconic giant tree of Ohara consumed by flames. Anger burned in his eyes as he turned back to Sakazuki, speaking softly:

"You won't even blink witnessing such atrocities, will you? For everything you've destroyed, you feel not the slightest guilt, do you? The countless civilians who lost their homes—and you, the instigator of it all—just look on coldly. This heartless Navy... I won't give you what you want!!"

Sakazuki looked coldly at Saul and shook his head. His hands clenched into fists, and magma roiled over his arms. "That's not the answer I wanted to hear. During wartime, I am first and foremost a Navy soldier—a fighter. Only after that can I consider humanitarianism. War is cruel, Saul!! You're seeking your own death!"

Magma began to engulf Sakazuki's arms, making them appear massive. The dark red magma spiraled up his arms, glowing a bright crimson as it neared his fists. The clenched knuckles emitted a faint incandescent light.

The massive magma fist collided head-on with Saul's enormous descending palm, crashing down with all its might—

"Ahhhhhh!!!!!!" A heart-wrenching scream burst from Saul's mouth. His left arm, struck by Sakazuki's magma fist, was almost entirely obliterated. The searing magma scorched his skin, muscles, and bones. What little remained of his upper arm bore scorch marks, and splattered magma landed on his body.

Saul lost his balance and fell face-first onto the uneven dirt. His pupils contracted sharply from the pain, losing some focus. His massive frame, once an advantage, now became a target.

Sweat dripped profusely from Saul's forehead as his body trembled uncontrollably in pain.

Sakazuki did not deliver a follow-up blow, for someone else acted quicker.

Kuzan silently appeared at Saul's side, placing a hand on him. The left side of Saul's body rapidly froze, frost visibly spreading across him. The ice drew out the heat from Saul's body at an alarming rate, freezing his blood and organs. Even the charred remnants of his severed arm were covered in ice crystals. Saul no longer felt the burning pain; instead, his entire body was gripped by a piercing cold.

The freezing induced a delusion in his mind. Saul felt warmth, a comforting sensation, like soaking in a hot spring or bath.

He strained to lift his head, looking at Robin, who was being held tightly with her mouth and eyes covered by Olvia. Struggling to speak, his voice was hoarse:

"Dereshishishi, don't be afraid. When you go to Marineford, you'll find there are good-hearted people in the Navy. One day, you'll meet companions who will protect you, even at the cost of their lives. Sakazuki, Kuzan, I want you to promise!!! No matter what, protect Robin!!! Remember this, Robin! When times are tough, just smile like this: Dereshishishi…."

His voice grew weaker and weaker. With the final freeze, Saul became a giant ice sculpture.

Kuzan and Sakazuki remained silent, standing quietly before Saul's frozen form. He truly was not suited to be a soldier. Even in death, this rugged giant maintained his gentle, caring heart.

"!!!"

Tears streamed uncontrollably down Olvia's face. She no longer had the strength to cover Robin's eyes and mouth. In her arms, the frail little girl cried like a shattered, broken porcelain doll.

Sakazuki stepped forward, kneeling with his back straight but his left leg slightly back. His hands rested lightly on his knees as he looked into Robin's eyes and spoke in a deep voice:

"You are free to hate whomever you choose. Yet I will still raise you to adulthood. You will study and grow at Navy Headquarters. Even if one day you wish to take revenge on me, the 'culprit,' I will allow it. But until then, I remain your guardian. Be grateful you're alive. Always remember! As long as you're alive, there's hope."

Kuzan showed no sentiment, heading straight toward his ship. At the edge of the shore, he paused, turning back to take one last look at Saul's ice sculpture. His gaze lingered briefly on Robin, who was stunned into silence by Sakazuki's words.

He murmured softly, "I'll keep my promise, old friend."

With a faint sound, Kuzan leaped toward his ship.