Betty fail to attack Kizaru, and she let out a frustrated scowl. She clenched her fists in anger, grabbed the Den Den Mushi, and called out to Dragon:
"Dragon, that guy Kizaru is here. You'd better be careful."
Standing next to the massive Punk Records, Dragon watched as particles of light slowly began to condense in front of him. He remained calm, his tone unwavering as he replied:
"I understand. You and the others should leave first. Leave the rest to me."
Betty snorted in dissatisfaction but complied with Dragon's order. She gathered the surviving Revolutionary Army members, including Karasu, and began a strategic retreat.
After putting away the Den Den Mushi, Dragon crossed his arms over his chest and fixed his gaze on the figure materializing before him. His aura remained composed, but his words carried a weight of acknowledgment.
"You're as fast as ever, Borsalino. The intelligence reported you'd been away for two days, yet here you are in such a short time."
Without waiting for a response, Dragon extended his hand, his voice filled with sincerity.
"Borsalino, today's Marine no longer deserves your loyalty. Join the Revolutionary Army. I can offer you the position of second-in-command."
Dragon's tone was earnest, and his offer was tempting—an invitation to break free from the shackles of the World Government.
But Kizaru's attention wasn't on Dragon. His sharp eyes, hidden behind his ever-present sunglasses, shifted to Vegapunk, who was cautiously peeking out from behind a machine. Kizaru let out a long, weary sigh, his hands still buried in his pockets.
"You really know how to put me in a difficult position, Doctor," he said, his tone carrying a mixture of exasperation and resignation.
Vegapunk hesitated for a moment before stepping out slightly, his guilt evident on his face.
"I'm sorry, Borsalino, but I have my reasons. I must go with Dragon," he admitted, his voice heavy with regret.
Vegapunk knew that his departure would inevitably bring trouble to his longtime friend. But with his life and the secrets of the Poneglyphs at stake, he had no other choice.
"Well~ since you've already made up your mind, there's nothing more to say," Kizaru replied with a helpless shrug. His gaze shifted to Dragon, as if acknowledging him for the first time, and he offered a mockingly exaggerated pout.
"Hmm~ Isn't this Brother Dragon? It's terrifying to see someone as dangerous as you showing up here."
Dragon, unfazed by Kizaru's characteristic sarcasm, maintained his calm demeanor. Knowing Kizaru's personality well, he chose not to engage with the admiral's frivolous remarks. Instead, he repeated his offer, his voice steady and resolute.
"Borsalino, lend us your strength. If the world is ever to gain true freedom, the Revolutionary Army will need individuals like you to help achieve it."
Kizaru scratched his head as though the proposal genuinely distressed him.
"Well, I've failed to keep an eye on Dr. Vegapunk. Even an admiral like me won't escape punishment for this." He sighed dramatically. "Joining the Revolutionary Army does sound like a good career move right about now."
Hearing Kizaru's words, Vegapunk's face lit up with a glimmer of hope. But Dragon's expression remained calm, and his eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion.
As expected, Kizaru quickly added, "I'm sorry, but I'll have to refuse. The Marine pays me pretty well, and it's more than enough for my retirement."
Dragon allowed himself a small, knowing smile. "As I suspected. Very well, Borsalino. My offer still stands. Should you ever change your mind, the Revolutionary Army will welcome you."
With that, Dragon shifted his stance slightly, his right fist clenching.
"Since you've made your decision, there's no need for further discussion. Let's end this here—for now."
Kizaru remained silent, lowering his head slightly as if lost in thought. The two stood in a tense stalemate, the seconds stretching into what felt like hours.
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the corridor, breaking the heavy silence. Neither Dragon nor Kizaru turned to look, both already aware of who was approaching.
Dragon noticed a subtle tremor in Kizaru's posture, though it was so brief that he questioned whether it had happened at all.
"Doctor, I'm here!"
Sentomaru's voice rang out as he appeared, carrying a large package over his shoulder. However, the sight of the familiar figure standing before him caused him to falter.
"Uncle…" Sentomaru murmured, his tone laced with hesitation and unease.
Kizaru slowly turned around at the sound of the name, his expression unreadable as he addressed his nephew.
"Sentomaru-kun, are you planning to leave as well?"
Sentomaru hesitated, his grip tightening on the package. After a moment, he steadied himself and met Kizaru's gaze.
"I'm the doctor's bodyguard. Wherever Dr. Vegapunk goes, I follow. Uncle, I'm sorry, and thank you for everything you've taught me over the years. But I must go."
Kizaru let out a dry laugh, holding his forehead with one hand as if to mask his disappointment.
"Sentomaru, you really are…" He paused, his voice tinged with both amusement and sadness.
He straightened up, his tone turning cold and detached.
"If you leave, we'll be enemies the next time we meet. Don't bother calling me then. I won't hold back."
Sentomaru clenched his jaw, his emotions warring within him. He thought of the countless lessons Kizaru had imparted, the bond they had shared over the years. But his loyalty to Vegapunk and his duty as the doctor's protector left no room for hesitation.
Blinking back tears, Sentomaru turned away, the weight of his decision heavy on his shoulders. He ran to Vegapunk's side, the package still secured on his back.
...
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