NOVEL NEXT Chapter 323: He Will Lead Us There
The bonfire flickered gently.
The black-haired young man raising his drink wore an expression more solemn than ever.
Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Zephyr's gaze wavered for a moment. Then, slowly, a warm and genuine smile crept across his lips.
...
Night had deepened.
The flames had mostly died down, leaving behind drifting wisps of smoke.
Everyone was full, drunk, and sprawled carelessly around the clearing.
Under the star-studded sky, a chorus of snores rose and fell.
"I figured you'd stick around at headquarters."
Daren walked over to Tokikake and held out a cigar.
Tokikake glanced at him, took the cigar, lit it, and grunted, "Why stay? Everyone else left."
"I've spent enough years holed up in Marineford. Getting out, breathing fresh air... not so bad."
"At least now, I feel a hell of a lot more free."
Daren lit one himself and asked, half-casually,
"So, what's next for you guys? I mean, unless..."
Sensing where this was going, Tokikake immediately raised his hand in a firm "no way" gesture.
"Nope. Don't even think about trying to recruit me into the North Blue Fleet."
Daren blinked.
Before he could respond, Tokikake was already shaking his head like a spinning top.
"If I stay out, we're equals. But if I join, that makes me your subordinate—and that means taking orders from you."
Daren frowned.
"But you used to take my orders just fine."
Tokikake flushed.
"That was because you gave me a VIP pass—wait, no, because I was cutting you some slack. We're friends, you get it? Friends."
"That's totally different."
Daren paused, then sighed.
"But it's still dangerous for you guys right now..."
Tokikake waved him off, annoyed.
"We're doing just fine. You should worry more about yourself, Daren."
"The World Government doesn't care enough to bother with us anymore—not when they've got you to chase around."
"And don't go thinking you owe us anything, either. We talked about this. Protecting Toki-san wasn't because of you."
He paused and exhaled smoke into the night air.
Under the stars, Tokikake seemed to have changed—gone was the usual slouch and sleaze. The days of unshaven stubble added weight to his face, and he had the air of someone who'd been through something real.
It was obvious—this whole ordeal had made him grow.
"Or I should say... not just because of you."
He let out a quiet sigh.
"A Marine commander's family getting ambushed and nearly assassinated in the middle of Marineford? That's not something anyone could imagine."
"We stepped in because it was the right thing to do."
"Even if it wasn't Toki-san, we wouldn't have stood by and let some innocent person get killed."
"And the reason we left Marineford? Mostly... because we were lost."
He looked up, letting the breeze hit his face, eyes fixed on the starry sky above.
"If the justice we've always believed in is flawed... or worse, if the justice we upheld was just a tool for the World Government's power—then what's the point of our uniforms?"
"We don't know where we're headed. But we do know we won't find the answer by staying in Marineford."
"That's why we chose to follow Zephyr-sensei—because we believe he'll help us find what real justice means."
As he said this, Tokikake turned and looked toward the room where Zephyr was resting.
A faint smile formed at the corner of his mouth.
"He'll lead us there."
There was a quiet strength in his voice—an unshakable conviction.
Under the starlight, with smoke curling through the night air, Daren stood still.
In that moment, Tokikake seemed to shine with a different kind of light—brilliant, steady.
Daren never would've imagined that this lazy, pervy guy had been carrying such a pure, noble belief in justice all along.
And in that moment, even he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of respect.
"I see. So you've already made plans for the future," Daren nodded.
"Hahaha! Don't underestimate me, Daren!"
Tokikake grinned confidently and flicked his sticky hair back in an exaggerated, stylish gesture.
"I'm a genius of Marine Headquarters, after all—Tokikake!"
Daren couldn't help but chuckle. He had to admit, Tokikake had definitely grown.
"But that aside, there's actually something I need your help with."
Tokikake suddenly seemed to remember something. His expression turned solemn as he looked at Daren.
Seeing him so serious, Daren straightened up as well.
"What is it?"
Clenching his fists, Tokikake wore a tragic expression as he said,
"My VIP card got damaged during the fight. You have to get me a new one."
"…"
Daren's mouth twitched.
Yeah, maybe he hadn't grown at all.
...
After giving Tokikake a good beating, Daren strolled into the mansion feeling quite satisfied.
Despite the chaos of the Marineford battle and the long, turbulent journey afterward, the Japanese-style mansion—originally located at Marine Headquarters—had barely suffered any damage. It looked as pristine as ever.
It was already deep into the night.
Not wanting to disturb Toki's rest, Daren moved carefully, making no noise.
But just as he opened the door, he saw a figure in a nightgown sitting quietly at the bedside, flipping through a book in the moonlight streaming through the window.
"Toki?"
Daren froze, then quickly stepped forward, concern flashing across his face.
"Why aren't you asleep? That's not good for your health."
Amatsuki Toki closed her book, gently shook her head, and smiled softly.
"Husband, I'm not sleepy."
She looked at Daren, her eyes filled with the love of a long-awaited reunion.
Seeing her serene and gentle face, Daren suddenly felt the exhaustion from all the recent battles and endless travel melt away, leaving only tenderness in his heart.
She was always so thoughtful.
Never prying into what he'd been doing out there—just quietly, gently, and patiently waiting for him to return home.
She didn't ask questions, but Daren could imagine how lonely and helpless she must've felt, lying alone in bed, wondering what he was doing out there, whether he was hurt, too worried to fall asleep...
"Toki, I'm sorry for putting you through all this."
Daren took her hand and sighed.
"How could you say that?"
Toki smiled and shook her head.
She lifted her chin proudly, her face glowing with open pride, and blinked playfully.
"My husband is the most dangerous criminal on the seas."
...
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