bookbashuk Chapter 399 (skipped), Ain's Life [2]
Chapter 399 (skipped), Ain's Life [2]
Just as everyone was anxiously searching, Ain's group unexpectedly encountered the Straw Hat crew. Tensions immediately rose, and a fierce battle was inevitable. During the fight, Ain displayed her powerful Devil Fruit ability, skillfully using it to rewind the ages of Nami, Robin, Chopper, and Brook, causing considerable trouble for the Straw Hat crew.
However, the Straw Hat crew were no pushovers. They quickly adjusted their tactics and engaged in a thrilling battle with Ain. Although Ain's Devil Fruit power put them on the defensive, the Straw Hat crew's tenacious resistance and excellent teamwork gradually made the battle more intense.
In the midst of the fierce battle, Ain did not forget her mission. She decisively led the NEO Navy forward, their target the second lava block. Although she was at a disadvantage in her fight against Zoro, she successfully completed her mission through sheer perseverance and excellent combat skills, choosing to retreat at a crucial moment.
However, Ain's misfortune seemed far from over. When they reached the third lava block, the NEO Marines were once again attacked by the Straw Hat crew. This time, Ain encountered Zoro again. Facing Zoro's fierce attacks, Ain dared not be careless in the slightest. She tried her best to maintain distance while simultaneously using her Devil Fruit ability to create volcanic lava, attempting to use it to harm Zoro.
Unfortunately, Zoro's strength was far beyond what Ain could match. In a thrilling duel, Zoro unleashed his ultimate technique—Azure Dragon's Roar: Flowing Water—defeating Ain in one fell swoop and rendering her unconscious.
As Ain fell into a coma, Nami, Robin, Chopper, and Brook gradually returned to their normal ages. Meanwhile, Luffy, after a hard-fought battle, finally defeated Zephyr.
When Ain awoke, she was anxious to help Zephyr with Binz. However, just as she was about to act, Kuzan stopped her in time. Kuzan knew that the situation was beyond repair, and he advised Ain to give up her futile struggle and accept reality.
Zephyr was buried on the island where he died in battle. Ain and Binz stood silently before his grave, tears streaming down their faces like broken beads. They could not accept the fact that Zephyr was gone, their hearts filled with grief and sorrow.
Ain's hands trembled slightly as she recalled Zephyr's teachings and care. She remembered Zephyr's warm smile and his unwavering pursuit of justice. Now, all of that was just a memory, and Zephyr lay forever asleep beneath this land.
Binz also wept silently, his heart equally shrouded in pain. Zephyr was not only his mentor, but also his friend and family. He couldn't imagine what life would be like without Zephyr; the world seemed to have suddenly become strange and indifferent.
In the somber atmosphere, Ain suddenly remembered her Devil Fruit ability—the Rewind Fruit. She decided to use this ability to express her respect and longing for Zephyr.
Ain took a deep breath, focused her mind, and activated the power of the Rewind Fruit. Instantly, a ball of pink flame, resembling a will-o'-the-wisp, appeared in her palm. Although this flame had no heat or offensive power, it possessed astonishing abilities.
Ain gently placed her palm on Zephyr's grave, and flames slowly enveloped the entire tomb. As her power activated, time on the grave seemed to reverse, and everything around became blurred.
Ayn closed her eyes, feeling time flow backward. She imagined Zephyr still alive, standing before her, smiling and telling her not to be sad. This feeling calmed her slightly, but at the same time made her realize more deeply that Zephyr was gone forever.
When Ain opened her eyes again, time on the grave had rewound 12 years. Looking at the scene before her, a complex mix of emotions welled up within her. This ability couldn't truly resurrect Zephyr, but it at least allowed her to feel his presence for this moment.
However, Ain knew that this ability had its limitations. Her power could only rewind the age of anything she touched by 12 years, and it worked on things other than living beings as well. This meant that if she wanted to fully restore Zephyr to his former state, she would have to use her ability constantly, which was virtually impossible for her.
Moreover, the only way to reverse the regression is to defeat the ability user. This is undoubtedly a huge challenge for Ain, because she doesn't want to fight anyone, especially those who have had dealings with Zephyr.
Just then, Ain suddenly sensed a powerful aura coming from afar. She looked up and saw a figure walking towards them. As the figure became clearer, Ain was surprised to find that the person was none other than Zephyr's disciple—Xiu Zuo.
Shuzo, formerly a commodore in the Marine Headquarters, is now a member of the "NEO Navy." His appearance surprised both Ain and Binz, who had no idea what Shuzo's purpose was in coming here.
Xiu Zuo walked to Zefa's grave and gazed silently at the tombstone. His face was expressionless, but Ain could sense the turmoil within him.
After a while, Xiu Zuo finally spoke, "Teacher, I've come to see you." His voice was low and hoarse, as if carrying endless sorrow.
Ayn looked at Xiu Zuo, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside her. She didn't know how to face this man who had once shared a deep master-disciple relationship with Zefa, nor did she know if he would be a threat to them.
In the battle against the elite navy, although he was slightly inferior in physical skills, he ultimately won by relying on his powerful Devil Fruit ability, instantly killing all of his opponents.
When facing Nami, Robin, Brook, and Chopper, the Straw Hat crew members, they once again demonstrated the power of their Devil Fruit abilities, making them all 12 years older and easily securing victory in the battle.
However, the duel with Roronoa Zorro became exceptionally intense. Although it ended in a draw, he was actually at a disadvantage. After this thrilling duel, having completed his mission, he chose to retreat.
But fate always seems to be full of drama. In his subsequent confrontation with Roronoa Zoro, he suffered a crushing defeat and was completely defeated by Zoro's Azure Dragon Roar: Flowing Water.
Ultimately, the battles against Admirals Kizaru and Aokiji yielded no clear results. The fight with Kizaru was interrupted by Zephyr, while the duel with Aokiji ended because he tried to rescue Zephyr, but Aokiji's Ice-Ice Fruit ability blocked his path, preventing him from continuing the fight.