Chapter 38: Iron-blooded man, black-armed Zefa
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It took Roja an entire day to reach the waters of Ronadoron.
According to the updates Roja received during the journey, Zefa was still being relentlessly pursued by Edward Weevil, known as Whitebeard II. The former admiral and current naval instructor had managed to escape to an island after his warship was severely damaged, but not without devastating losses—many of his naval cadets had already perished.
As an elite instructor in the Marines, Zefa had devoted his life to training these recruits. They represented his greatest pride and hope for the future. Losing them to this brutal attack had undoubtedly fueled his hatred for Weevil to its core.
"Kalifa, contact Zefa immediately!" Roja commanded.
The Den Den Mushi crackled for about two minutes before the call connected. Through the receiver, Roja could hear the howling wind and the crashing rain. He glanced toward the distant storm clouds and rough seas ahead, understanding that Zefa's position was close.
"Teacher Zefa, hold on! We're almost there," Roja reassured.
"Bai Ge," Zefa's voice was firm despite the chaos, "I'll hold them off until you arrive—for the sake of these children!"
Before Roja could respond, Zefa ended the call.
On the island, Zefa gritted his teeth. Though his body bore the wear and tear of age, the White Dove, Roja, was on his way. All he had to do was keep Weevil occupied long enough for Roja to arrive.
Glancing at his severed right arm, Zefa let out a bitter smile. "I just hope this old body of mine can endure a fight like this."
"Teacher Zefa, please don't fight him! Let's retreat while we still can!" Ain, one of Zefa's most exceptional students, pleaded.
But Zefa shook his head. "It's no use running. We're already within his attack range, and trying to flee would only put us in greater danger. It's better if I face him head-on and buy time for you all to escape."
Despite the dire circumstances, Zefa smiled warmly at Ain. "Don't worry. Admiral Bai Ge will be here soon. Among all the admirals I've met, he's the one who embodies true justice. I trust him to protect you and the others."
With that, Zefa steeled himself, rushing toward Weevil. "Leave this place to me!" he shouted.
Miss Buckin, Weevil's cunning mother, sneered as she watched Zefa approach. "Weevil, kill that man! Your father, Whitebeard, would be so proud!"
"Okay, Mama!" Weevil responded enthusiastically.
Weevil, nearly seven meters tall, charged forward with his massive naginata. His every step left deep craters in the ground, his monstrous physique as imposing as ever. Though his upper body bulged with muscle, his legs seemed almost unnaturally thin. His hair, long and wild, reached down past his legs, while his crescent-shaped mustache mimicked the iconic feature of the late Whitebeard, though thinner and longer.
"I'll crush you to pieces!" Weevil bellowed, swinging his weapon in a devastating arc.
A massive slash tore through the air toward Zefa, who responded without hesitation.
"Armament Haki—full coverage!"
"Black Wrist Strike!"
Zefa's legendary strength as the Black Wrist sent a powerful counterattack hurtling toward Weevil's slash. The resulting impact erupted with a deafening boom, sending shockwaves across the island and scattering debris into the air.
The force of the clash even sent Miss Buckin tumbling. "Weevil, watch it! Do you want to kill your own mother?!"
"Sorry, Mama! I'll be more careful!" Weevil shouted back, oblivious to the chaos he'd caused.
Zefa seized the moment, darting behind Weevil with Soru and unleashing another devastating punch.
"Black Wrist Strike!"
His fist collided with Weevil's back, a blow strong enough to obliterate any ordinary opponent. But against Weevil's near-indestructible physique, it felt as though Zefa had punched solid steel.
"This guy's durability is monstrous—just like Whitebeard in his prime!" Zefa thought grimly.
Weevil turned, swinging his naginata with terrifying power. This time, there was no slash—only raw, brute strength behind the attack.
"Crush him!"
Zefa braced himself, calling upon every ounce of his strength.
"Black Wrist Strike!"
The impact was catastrophic. The ground beneath them split apart as Zefa was sent flying, crashing through dozens of trees before skidding to a halt.
Coughing up blood, Zefa struggled to his feet. His Armament Haki dissipated, and his battered body felt like it was falling apart. A searing pain coursed through his limbs, his injuries overwhelming him.
But Zefa refused to give up. He clenched his jaw, his voice hoarse but resolute. "For my students... I'll keep fighting. Just a little longer until the White Dove arrives!"
Miss Buckin cackled, mocking Zefa's defiance. "Weevil, finish him off! Show him how it feels to face death!"
"Okay, Mama!" Weevil eagerly lumbered toward Zefa, his towering shadow falling over the injured admiral.
"Armament Haki!" Zefa roared, forcing his body to obey. Blood trickled from his mouth as he launched another desperate attack.
But Weevil's counterattack shattered Zefa's resolve. The immense force snapped his leg, sending him flying once again.
Zefa lay on the ground, his breathing labored. Too strong... this power is truly like Whitebeard's in his youth...
As darkness crept into Zefa's vision, he pushed himself upright once more. His right arm was gone, his left arm limp, and now even his legs were failing him. Yet, he stood tall, prepared to fight to the bitter end.
"For the sake of my students... I'll give everything!"
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