The End of Enies Lobby

The two fighters remained still, staring at each other with differing emotions.

Ryomen, after experiencing a glimpse of Toji's strength, knew nothing could be held back.

His body exuded an oppressive force, cursed energy crackling around him. He had to give it his all, here and now.

But despite the overwhelming pressure, his eyes held a strange sense of calm.

As if the only thing that mattered…was this very battle.

Toji, on the other hand, looked like he had just found an interesting new toy. The slight smirk on his face and the glint of intrigue in his eyes were the only signs of his emotions.

The remaining Straw Hats who weren't knocked out in the earlier chaos held their breaths, eyes locked on the two warriors. Their bodies tensed, ready to jump in at any moment.

And then, the world started to shake. The sea churned, the air trembled, and an eerie hum filled the atmosphere.

At first, it seemed like the environment itself was reacting to their impending clash, but everyone quickly realized there was another cause.

The Marines approaching with their Warships. The Water Seven shipwrights and henchmen still drifting at sea. The Straw Hats, and even Toji Fushiguro himself—a battle-hardened bounty hunter—all widened their eyes at what was unfolding.

'Could he have predicted this?' Toji's eyes narrowed as he recalled the second task entrusted to him—the real reason he even got involved with CP9.

He didn't have time to dwell on it, though. Something far more pressing was happening.

Robin's breath hitched. Her mind couldn't process what she was seeing.

"This is…what is this?"

"We're…we're gonna die!!" Nami and Usopp shouted, their bodies trembling. 'Wasn't this unstoppable monster enough!?'

The sky darkened. The clouds twisted, warping and spiraling toward a single point—Enies Lobby.

More specifically, the underwater tunnel where Yorozu had created her ultimate masterpiece.

Even without turning away from Toji, Ryomen could feel the effects of the True Sphere. His bones shook along with the air, sea, and earth.

'This is…her power?' He had to admit, he was impressed. But deep inside, there was something else. A quiet frustration. Because the only way they had survived…was by running. And even then, it was a close call.

For a moment, everything seemed to pause. The waves froze in place, the wind fell silent, and the world itself seemed to hold its breath.

And then—

The island disappeared.

No explosion. No dramatic destruction.

Enies Lobby—one of the World Government's greatest strongholds—was just…gone.

Nothing remained.

And the aftermath followed.

A shockwave of impossible magnitude exploded outward. The very air screamed as the blast shattered the sound barrier over and over, sending shockwaves through the sky.

Tsunamis of impressive sizes began to form, and if not for the bottomless void already existing underneath the island itself, the ocean would've been split open, causing ripple effects which would have destroyed even Water Seven.

The Marines aboard their Warships could only watch, their faces pale. Their minds struggled to comprehend what had just happened.

"It's…gone…" The words barely left their lips.

The World Government's stronghold—one of their most impenetrable bastions—had been erased in an instant.

…

"Well, that was something. Didn't think I'd see a whole damn island disappear today." Toji finally spoke, barely masking his own surprise.

Ryomen remained silent, his gaze locked onto Toji despite the chaos unfolding around them.

He could feel it—Toji was still holding back, not taking him seriously.

That realization irritated him.

His eyes narrowed in determination.

'No matter, I'll take him down before he even has the chance to go all out!'

As if reading his intent, Usopp, Nami, and Robin moved into action.

"Lightning Balls!"

"Treinta Fleur: Hang!"

Nami conjured several crackling spheres of electricity, while Robin's hands sprouted all over Toji's body, aiming to restrain him.

They both knew it wouldn't hold him. It was just a distraction.

And just as expected, Toji twisted his body, slipping past Nami's attack with inhuman agility. Robin's hands barely lasted a second before a few sharp movements shattered them.

But that was all the time Ryomen needed.

He closed the gap in an instant, his body wreathed in Haki and Cursed Energy, his fist cocked back, ready to strike.

Toji smirked, barely tilting his head to evade the punch. "You know…" He mused, swinging his weapon just as Ryomen repositioned. "I never expected someone other than that weirdo to wield such power."

Ryomen didn't respond. His eyes remained locked onto Toji, unwavering.

He raised his arms to block the incoming strike—this time, his body didn't even flinch.

Toji's eyes flickered with mild curiosity. 'Is it because of those red sparks?' He wondered, curious about Ryomen's sudden shift in demeanor and strength.

Before he could dwell on it further, a projectile hurtled toward him.

"Net Star!"

A projectile shot forward, seeking to ensnare the bounty hunter.

Toji moved to retreat—only to feel resistance.

Glancing back, he found Ryomen gripping Playful Cloud with all his might.

Toji barely had time to register it before the sent projectile let out a net which wrapped around him.

"Cursed Cleave!" Ryomen grinned, and cracks splintered across the weapon.

"That actually worked…?" Usopp muttered in disbelief, already rushing forward, his heart pounding in his chest.

Toji growled, shredding the net effortlessly.

"You know, that weapon cost me a lot." He sighed, shaking off the remnants.

Ryomen scoffed. "Expected more of a reaction. You're left without your weapon now."

Toji simply smiled, making Ryomen feel uneasy.

The tension was broken by Usopp's voice.

"Hey! You…you bastard!" He shouted, fists trembling.

Toji raised a brow. "Hm?"

"Fight someone your own size!" Usopp bellowed, his hands shaking as he raised his fists.

Ryomen blinked. 'What's gotten into him?' He thought worriedly, before seeing the reason for his recklessness. A dial, gripped tightly in Usopp's palm.

Toji smirked. "Well, if that's what you want—" He vanished, reappearing before Usopp in a blur.

His fist lashed out, aiming for Usopp's chest.

The boy hurriedly protected himself with a yelp.

But instead of an impact—there was silence.

Toji frowned. Then his eyes flicked to the dial, vibrating unnaturally in Usopp's grip.

"That's what you were banking on?"

Usopp's wide grin confused Toji even further. "That's right. Impact Dial!"

BOOM!

The force of Toji's own punch slammed back into him, staggering him a few steps.

As Usopp was flung back, Robin's hands caught him before he hit the ground.

Toji exhaled, rubbing his chest where the attack had landed. The sting lingered.

"Interesting…" He muttered, but rather than frustration, his mind wandered to the object's resale value.

Unfortunately for him, Ryomen was already behind, taking advantage of the opportunity given by Usopp.

"MAXIMUM OUTPUT—CURSED SHOCKWAVE!"

Wind roared as Ryomen's punch struck.

Toji reacted fast, coating his body in Armament Haki—just before impact.

Even so, his body shook under the sheer force, his grin widening.

"Finally!" He laughed. "Things are starting to get interesting!"

That was until he noticed the exhaustion creeping into Ryomen's stance.

"Oh…maybe I spoke too soon." His tone held amusement, but also a tinge of disappointment.

Ryomen gritted his teeth. 'I barely had time to recover—and now I've burned through everything I had left!'

He had emptied his Cursed Energy.

"Looks like you're about to drop." Toji chuckled, dashing forward.

His fist swung for Ryomen's abdomen.

Ryomen caught it with two arms, countering with a third aimed at Toji's midsection.

Toji twisted his body just enough to evade, responding with an uppercut.

Ryomen's teeth rattled, but he held firm.

Grabbing Toji's head with both upper arms, he slammed his forehead against his opponent's.

Haki crackled between them—

But Toji barely budged.

"Hahaha!" Toji roared. "Struggle all you want, but we both know how this ends!" His fist blurred—Ryomen barely saw it coming.

However, none of them were aware of the saving grace approaching them. A friend they thought they'd never see again.

…

Far away, on the turbulent ocean, Marine Warships approached the bridge where the Straw Hats and Toji Fushiguro were locked in battle.

Thousands of Marines, including five Vice Admirals, stood in stunned silence, still struggling to comprehend what had just transpired.

Enies Lobby—one of the World Government's most important strongholds—was gone.

No wreckage. No ruins. Just…nothing.

"S-Sir…what do we do now?" A Marine hesitantly asked Vice Admiral Strawberry, who had just finished speaking with the other Vice Admirals over his Den Den Mushi.

Strawberry remained silent for a long moment, staring at the horizon as if waiting for an answer that would never come.

"Fire." His voice was calm but resolute.

"What!? But we were ordered not to attack the Straw—"

"I said fire!!" Strawberry snapped, his usual composed expression twisting with frustration. "Enies Lobby has been erased! Every last one of them on that bridge…is now a culprit in this unprecedented disaster!"

The Marine flinched but quickly saluted. "Y-Yes, sir!" He rushed off to relay the order.

Strawberry exhaled slowly, his fingers curling into a fist. If the island had simply been left in ruins, they could have controlled the narrative—spun it as a tactical victory or an unavoidable loss.

But this?

This was unexplainable.

Admitting an enemy had obliterated the entire island would be an admission of staggering weakness. Yet if they claimed it was a deliberate act by the World Government, it would paint them as monstrous tyrants.

'It's not my place to think about this.' Strawberry steeled himself. 'All we have to do…is halt the Straw Hats and wait for his arrival.'

With that thought in mind, he crossed his arms and watched the distant battle unfold.

…

"Damn… this guy's insane." Usopp muttered under his breath, his wide eyes locked onto Toji as the assassin continued exchanging brutal blows with Ryomen.

"He's got no weaknesses…" Unlike the monstrous golem they had fought in the tunnel, there were no distorted spots, no openings Usopp could exploit.

"The hell are you mumbling about? You get hit in the head or something?" Zoro groaned as he pushed himself up from the cracked stone.

"Hey! At least I actually managed to hit him, you know!?" Usopp shot back indignantly.

"Didn't see that happening." Sanji muttered, rubbing his temple.

"That's 'cause you were face-down on the ground!"

Sanji and Zoro shared a look before turning back to Usopp.

"Stop lying."

Usopp's eye twitched. "I swear, you guys are—"

Before he could finish, Luffy suddenly sprang to his feet, his expression dark with fury.

"Where is he!? I'm gonna pay him back!!"

"All of you, stop messing around!" Robin's sharp voice cut through the chaos as she ran toward them. "Can't you see what's happening? Ryomen is being hunted. If we don't help him soon, he'll be killed!"

Her words sent a chill through the crew.

"There's no way we can beat that guy! We need to get out of here—now!" Nami shouted, helping Chopper while Franky limped beside her.

"No way! We're not running!" Luffy's refusal was instant and absolute.

"What do you mean!?" Nami snapped, her voice rising in frustration. "We're not the ones in danger! He's here for Ryomen! If we stay, he'll stop playing around. Do you understand what that means? Ryomen is going to die if we keep fighting!!"

Luffy clenched his fists. "And if we run, he'll just follow us. Besides…do you really think Ryomen would retreat?"

Nami froze, her breath catching in her throat.

She turned toward the ongoing battle, her eyes narrowing. At first glance, Ryomen's face was a mask of pure focus and determination. But beneath that?

A flicker of something else.

Excitement.

Even as he struggled against Toji's overwhelming strength—even as blood dripped from his wounds—there was an undeniable thrill in his eyes.

Luffy's voice broke through her thoughts.

"It's because he's the one being hunted that we'll stand by him—no matter what he chooses."

With that, he charged forward, Zoro and Sanji right behind him.

The three of them were the only ones who could get close without being instantly knocked back.

…

'I can't drag this any longer.' Ryomen thought darkly, wiping the blood from his face.

"If I knew this was all, I would've just killed you all from the start." Toji sighed, raising his palm before spitting out a strange, pulsating purple ball.

No matter how familiar the creature seemed as it transformed into a giant worm, Ryomen knew there was no time for distractions.

'Another Black Flash…that's what I need!' He inhaled sharply, thinking back to the raw power that surged through him when he first used it.

But he couldn't summon it at will. It had only happened twice before—both times completely accidental.

'No, I can't think like that!' He gritted his teeth while closing his eyes.

He exhaled, pressing his fist into his palm. 'I'll give my all. Not for myself…but for those standing beside me!'

Toji wasn't idle.

His pet worm spat out a large dagger, which Toji caught effortlessly, twirling it between his fingers with a grin.

"Don't blame me for this. At the end of the day, it's just a job." With that, he vanished, leaving only a gust of wind behind.

Ryomen remained still, focusing every last remnant of his Cursed Energy into his fist.

Despite his closed eyes, he felt the world shift around him. The air distorted with movement. His friends were trying to approach. And most importantly—Toji was right behind him, his dagger aimed at his neck.

Even in the face of certain death, Ryomen didn't flinch.

He opened his eyes, and suddenly, time slowed to a crawl.

Toji's blade inched forward, a hair's breadth from cutting through.

Ryomen twisted his body, just enough to evade—the edge of the dagger nearly grazing his neck.

And then, he struck.

His fist shot forward, moving sluggishly through the slowed-down world—until time snapped back to normal.

"Black Flash!!"

Red sparks detonated on impact, sending shockwaves through the battlefield. Ryomen's body surged with exhilaration, his strength momentarily renewed.

Toji, however, barely flinched.

The attack had connected, but the minimal cursed energy remaining in Ryomen's body weakened its effect.

'What the hell…?' Even Toji seemed caught off guard—not by the damage, but by the sudden surge of power.

That moment of hesitation was all the Straw Hats needed.

Luffy, now in Gear Second, blurred forward with a "Jet Pistol!" forcing Toji to raise his arms in defense.

Zoro followed, unleashing a rapid storm of slashes, while Sanji dashed from the opposite side, his leg igniting as he spun into a Diable Jambe barrage.

Toji's Haki-coated arms absorbed the brunt of the attacks, but at that moment, Luffy, still in front of him, raised his foot up above.

"Gomu-Gomu no…Jet Axe!!"

Luffy's foot came crashing down. The impact shattered the ground beneath them, sending a shockwave through the bridge.

Ryomen wasn't about to let this chance slip away. He appeared behind Toji, his fist crackling with energy.

"BLACK FLASH!!"

The explosion of cursed energy was massive. A hurricane-like force erupted, throwing even the Straw Hats back slightly.

And in the center of it all—Toji remained standing.

His shirt was torn. Dirt and debris clung to his skin. His dagger trembled slightly in his grip.

Then, he chuckled.

"Was that supposed to be some kind of combo attack?" He smirked. "I have to admit…I actually felt that one."

He rolled his shoulder, glancing at Luffy. "Does it have a name? Hurricane Impact, maybe? Sounds cool, doesn't it?"

"Oooh, that's a good one!" Luffy nodded, though his body remained tense.

Toji smiled, amused. "Just as I started to feel disappointed, you guys finally proved me right." He casually dusted himself off. "Only when the prey is cornered does it truly fight back."

Ryomen clenched his fists. "Is this just a game to you?"

"I told you not to take it too personally. I gotta get paid somehow." Toji spread his arms—until his gaze flicked toward the distance. "Though it seems someone's gonna interfere."

Marine Warships.

Their cannons were readied.

"Shit!" Ryomen reacted instantly, slicing through the incoming cannonballs with his Devil Fruit—but for every one he stopped, another took its place. And with Toji still standing in front of him, he couldn't afford to be distracted.

Toji sighed. "I thought I told them not to attack you when activating that thing. Did I not sound convincing enough?"

The ships fired again.

"Well–" Toji muttered, rolling his neck. "Guess we'll have to cut this short after all. Can't imagine you fighting at your best while drowning."

His eyes turned back to the trio standing before him.

"Consider yourselves lucky." He smirked. "With the Navy on your asses, I doubt they'll pay me for the bounty. Hell, I might not even be able to set foot in Marine bases after this."

Before anyone could react, Toji swung his Haki coated fist.

Without even making contact, an invisible shockwave blasted outward.

"Wha—?!" Ryomen's eyes widened as Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji were hurled backward.

Toji exhaled, stretching out his arm. "Alright. Let's wrap this up." He tightened his grip on his dagger, his smirk returning.

…

"Why is this happening!?" Usopp cried out, his voice nearly drowned by the thunderous explosions of cannonballs crashing around them.

"Dammit, how are we supposed to get out of here!?" Nami exclaimed as the bridge trembled beneath them. "We can't jump in the water, and the tunnel is out of the question!"

"Maybe I could build a boat and get us out of here!" Franky chimed in.

"Huh? Really!?" Chopper looked at him with hopeful eyes.

"Of course…As long as I've got the materials."

"You bastard!!" Nami nearly exploded. "Stop joking around!"

"We could wait for a Warship to reach us and take control of it." Robin suggested, her voice tight with tension. "But a Vice Admiral could be on board, and we wouldn't have the manpower to handle it anyway." Beads of sweat formed on her brow, her breathing quickening as the weight of their situation pressed down on her.

Nami put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Robin, stay calm! We'll get through this! We'll find a way—"

Before she could finish, a cannonball struck beside them with a deafening explosion. The bridge shuddered violently, massive chunks of stone crumbling into the churning ocean below, leaving them stranded with nowhere to run.

"This isn't good! This isn't good at all!" Usopp shouted, thrown to the ground from the impact.

Nami barely had time to process the destruction before she saw something hurtling toward them—Luffy and the others, launched at terrifying speed.

"Oh no…" Her eyes widened in horror. "They'll fall off the bridge!"

Chopper reacted instantly, leaping with his Jump Point to catch Zoro. Franky's mechanical arm shot out, snatching Sanji midair.

Nami, her mind racing, reached for her Clima-Tact. Heat and Cool balls formed at her fingertips.

"Cyclone Tempo!" A powerful gust surged against Luffy, slowing his momentum just enough for him to land safely.

"Thanks…" Luffy muttered, adjusting his hat as Robin's multiple hands pulled them upright.

"Are you alright?" Robin then asked.

"Yeah. That guy's crazy strong!" Luffy exhaled, still feeling the impact.

"Doesn't even seem like he went all out." Zoro added darkly.

"You guys found a way out of this?" Sanji asked, eyes flicking between them.

"No. We're trapped!" Robin admitted, louder than intended. "The Warships are closing in, and I can't help Ryomen without instantly being knocked down!" She clenched her fists, frustration and fear clouding her expression.

'After finally deciding to try and live again...he'll…'

She tried to push the thought away, but the weight of reality pressed down on her chest.

"Shit. There has to be something…" Franky muttered.

As a sense of inevitability settled over them, Chopper noticed Usopp staring at the ocean, his face frozen in disbelief.

"Usopp, what happened!?" He asked urgently.

"I…I think I'm hallucinating." Usopp muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "No way…no way she's actually there…"

The crew glanced worriedly at him, before turning toward the water.

And to their immediate surprise, they saw something.

"Wha!?"

"Usopp…"

"You're not hallucinating!" Luffy grinned, his face lighting up. "Merry!!"

Usopp's chest clenched as his vision blurred. 'She came for us…'

"That's great! We can get out of here!" Nami exclaimed.

Robin's heart pounded as she turned toward Ryomen, who stood tensely, facing Toji.

"Ryomen!! We can leave!!" She shouted, hope lacing her voice.

"Merry's all repaired and here to help us!" Nami added.

"Let's run away!!"

Ryomen didn't move.

"You guys go." He finally said.

"Huh? This again?" Sanji's frown deepened.

"Stop trying to play the hero and let's go." Zoro growled.

"I told you before, we're not leaving anyone behind!" Luffy declared, his voice firm.

Ryomen's gaze remained steady. "There isn't a choice. If I go with you, he'll drown us all. If I stay, you have a chance."

"Heh. The kid's got sense." Toji sneered. "If you don't want to die, you better hightail it."

"Nobody asked you, you…jerk!" Chopper snapped angrily.

"What can he do once we hit the ocean!? Nobody would survive in such turbulent waves without a ship!" Nami shouted, desperation in her voice.

"There's no time to argue! Please, come with us!" Robin pleaded, her eyes misty.

Ryomen exhaled slowly. "I'm sorry, but I can't run away." His palm pressed to the ground.

"Cleave."

The ground beneath their feet shattered. With a sickening lurch, the bridge gave way, sending the Straw Hats plummeting toward the sea.

"No!!"

They crashed onto the Merry's deck, eyes wide with horror as Ryomen remained alone on the ruined bridge.

Luffy gritted his teeth, fury and helplessness warring within him. His hands shot forward—

But with a simple Dismantle, the bridge crumbled further, forcing him to retract his arms before he could grab hold.

"Ryomen!!" They screamed, but it was too late.

Franky exhaled sharply. "That guy's insane." Respect laced his disbelief.

"We can't just leave him there!" Nami shouted, voice breaking.

"Why…?" Robin whispered, her fingers trembling.

"Damn it." Luffy muttered, eyes locked on the bridge above.

But no matter their thoughts—they couldn't go back.

Just then a ship approached, clashing against the waves.

"You guys!" Paulie and the others waved from the deck of their ship. "Glad to see you safe! Let's get the hell out of here!"

The sound of cannon fire roared behind them, but all the Straw Hats could hear was the silence of the one they left behind.

…

"You're a real weirdo, you know that?" Toji chuckled, a sharp grin tugging at his lips. "One moment, you're fighting like a maniac, the next, you're playing the noble saint, throwing yourself away for your crew." He tilted his head, eyes glinting with amusement. "Which one is the real you?"

Ryomen didn't answer, his expression unreadable.

"Tell me–" Toji continued, stepping forward lazily, twirling his dagger between his fingers. "Did you do this to save them? Or were they just getting in the way of our fight?" His smirk deepened. "Because if you ask me, you don't seem like the selfless type."

Ryomen's frown deepened. "You don't know me.Whatever you're playing at won't work."

"Playing?" Toji scoffed, shrugging. "I don't need to play at anything. I just thought that with your experiences, you'd have a little more steel in your spine. Instead, you're out here making sacrifices like some tragic hero." His voice dripped with mockery.

A flicker of something passed through Ryomen's eyes, but he didn't bite.

"You were sent by Isgor, weren't you?"

"Took you long enough to say it out loud." Toji gestured toward the grotesque worm-like creature on his shoulder.

Ryomen's eyes narrowed. 'That thing…' The sight of it stirred memories—vague, but unmistakable—of the creatures that lurked around the Celestial Dragon.

Then, he felt it.

A pulse of energy coursing through the thing's body, unnatural and unmistakable.

"It's made of Cursed Energy!?" He muttered before he could stop himself.

Toji chuckled, amused at his reaction. "Oh? Finally caught on?" He tapped his temple. "Yeah, gotta say, it's damn useful. Makes me almost jealous that I can't use the stuff myself."

Then, just like that, his smirk faded.

In a blink, his body shifted.

"But enough with that."

He disappeared.

'To my left!' As Ryomen registered where Toji was, time began to slow down in front of his very eyes, allowing him to dodge.

Or so he thought.

With a sudden burst of speed, Toji's figure blurred as his dagger approached at impossible speed.

Unable to fully evade, Ryomen could only grit his teeth as the dagger was stabbed into his midsection.

Toji grinned widely, gripping his weapon tightly before slicing through Ryomen's chest.

"Hh!" Pain coursed through Ryomen's body, staggering him, and giving Toji the opportunity to continue his assault.

The bounty hunter took back the dagger before impaling it into the pirate's shoulder.

And just as he was about to take it out once again, Ryomen finally struck back.

He coated his arm in Haki, before punching Toji's abdomen.

The attack didn't even make the man flinch, but it allowed Ryomen the opportunity to back away, the dagger exiting from his shoulder with a sickening splash.

"What the…!?" Ryomen could feel his body weaken. But unlike sea stone, it only felt like a connection inside him had just been severed.

He tried to bring out his Cursed Energy, or to slash at Toji, only for nothing to happen.

"Surprised? It was a generous gift." Toji wiped the blood off of the blade.

"I can't use my Devil Fruit." Ryomen's eyes dilated from shock and disbelief.

But Toji didn't give him a chance to comprehend what happened, launching himself toward Ryomen once again.

The boy, realizing the gravity of the situation, could only choose to defend.

But even so, Toji began a barrage of attacks, disappearing and appearing from every angle, not giving Ryomen any chance to react.

He could only endure the flurry of pain coursing through.

'Without Cursed Energy, I'm completely outmaneuvered!' Ryomen gravely realized. Without his Devil Fruit to complement his Armament Haki, he was left only with the most basic of mastery, barely able to coat one part of his body before reaching his limit.

It seemed as if the end was right in front of him, as Toji aimed his dagger toward Ryomen's head, a gust of wind left in its trail.

As death approached, a sharp crack split through the battlefield.

The bridge beneath them trembled violently.

Toji's brow twitched as his footing shifted. Another crack followed, then another. The stone beneath them groaned as fractures spread like veins across its surface.

"Ah, shit." Toji muttered with a sigh as he lost his footing, the stone under them crumbling toward the sea below.

The Marine Warships arrived, stopping close to the bridge. But one ship stood at the forefront, one not previously present. With a dog head as a figurehead, it stood right under them, uncaring about the falling debris.

As the two began to fall down toward the ship, an overpowering sense of oppression began to weigh on them, as if something was holding their hearts in its hand, able to kill them at any moment.

Ryomen's mind nearly went blank from the mere pressure, but as he tried to resist–

"Ryomen!!" A boy's voice resounded in his ears. A distant, but familiar voice.

'Coby…?' With that thought, his eyes closed, and his body gave out.

.....

The arc is finally done! Mostly, at least.

I have to say, I'm sorry for the scarce uploads. I'm sure the enjoyment of the story was affected by it, but I just couldn't find the motivation to write more lately. I can't promise it will get better any time soon, but I sure hope so.