"Teacher, breathe in this medicine, quick!"
Zephyr, trusting Hammer completely, snatched the asthma inhaler and took a deep breath. As the relief kicked in, his breathing eased slightly.
Seeing that the medicine worked, Hammer's face turned grave. There was no denying it anymore: Zephyr had developed asthma.
His health was declining, and time was running out.
Some plans would need to be accelerated.
Looks like he would have to return to Dressrosa...
Tontatta Kingdom… The Tontatta Tribe… Healing Fruit...
"Hammer… hah… hah… I knew you little bastard wouldn't die so easily!"
"Just Whitebeard, huh? I could twist that old man's beard myself! How could my son get killed by one Sea Quake?!"
"I knew it, I knew it!"
When Zephyr went to avenge Hammer, his student and his son, he gave it 120% of his strength. With his "Fist of Tekko," he battled Whitebeard for 300 rounds without retreating, even while injured.
He even teamed up with Sengoku to give Whitebeard a solid beatdown.
But revenge was one thing; the uncertainty of Hammer's fate had plunged Zephyr into darkness.
He couldn't imagine a world where Hammer was truly gone.
Even if he died in the name of justice, Zephyr couldn't accept it.
Just like how he could never forget the deaths of his own wife and child.
All because of one phrase:
"Dad, please accept a bow from Hammer."
In all his years, Hammer was the first person to call him "Dad." And even though the guy was ridiculous most of the time, Zephyr could feel the genuine care, whether it was helping train new recruits or forging the "Fist of Tekko."
Over time, Hammer really became his son in Zephyr's heart.
Now that he was back, the darkness was gone. As long as he was alive, nothing else mattered.
Men don't cry easily, especially warriors of the sea. But a single tear rolled down Zephyr's rugged cheek.
'Whitebeard, you old bastard... Now I understand why you kept "adopting" sons. There's nothing better in this world than having your son by your side…'
"Oi, old man... are you crying?"
"Ah crap, where's my camera?! Don't wipe it off, I need a photo!"
Hammer was just as overwhelmed, but he still cracked a joke.
"Get lost, you little punk! You come back just to rile me up?!"
Zephyr swung as if to hit him, and Hammer burst out laughing.
The two towering men, both over 3 meters tall, embraced like family.
Every recruit and instructor in the training camp froze, watching the scene in awe.
"Yes! Vice Admiral Hammer really is alive! I knew it!"
Shuzo's eyes gleamed with admiration. He'd always looked up to Hammer, the legendary blacksmith, the rising star of the Marines, and a true idol to the younger generation.
"Ohhh! That's Vice Admiral Hammer! My hero!!"
"Of course, Whitebeard couldn't kill him! The news was full of crap!"
The camp burst into wild cheers. Hammer was stunned by the reaction. Was he really this popular?
"You don't believe it? Well, it's true," Zephyr chuckled, patting Hammer's shoulder with pride.
"You're more famous than Sakazuki and the rest. Strong, a master smith, undoubtedly the Marine's top new star."
"Even Sakazuki would admit it. After all, they're the ones always asking you for favors! Hahaha!"
Zephyr beamed like a proud father.
Meanwhile, at the shipyard, the mood was entirely different, somber and silent.
Lance, Shirley, and the other marines kept Hammer's return a secret, per his 'request'.
Seeing the heavily damaged Warhammer and the grim expressions of the crew, they could only clench their jaws.
Chilling frost, molten magma, and searing light swirled across the docks.
The three radiated bloodlust.
"Lance, you and your team go rest. I'll arrange a dedicated repair crew for the Warhammer," said Kong at last.
The pressure in the air was suffocating.
Lance and Shirley exchanged a silent glance, both internally sweating bullets.
'Hammer… bro… you'd better brace yourself. If you push it too far, they really might kill you...'
"Hmm? Wait a sec, Kong, do you hear something?"
Garp suddenly turned toward the distance, his face serious.
"What are you saying, Garp? Huh? …Wait…" Kong narrowed his eyes and extended his Observation Haki in the same direction.
And sure enough, he sensed something.
"Why is there cheering coming from the training camp?"
"Garp, your dog ears really can hear that far?"
Even Kong said it, and the others became suspicious. They all activated their Observation Haki.
Among them, Sengoku's senses were the sharpest, his Devil Fruit had amplified his ability to feel emotions.
"Joy... happiness? Why the hell is Zephyr's camp so cheerful?"
"They should be lucky Zephyr isn't exploding, let alone smiling…"
Everyone was puzzled.
"Tch! Who cares? Let's just go see for ourselves!"
Garp wasted no time and launched himself toward the training camp.
Sengoku, Kong, and the three followed.
Lance and Shirley sighed once more.
'Hammer… good luck. You're on your own now…'
"Quit smiling! Get back to training!"
"Since I'm in a good mood today, 500 laps! Finish them and you get free time!"
"Hahahaha! Hammer, we have to drink tonight! Gotta celebrate your return!"
Hammer grinned and nodded. He was planning to feast with Zephyr anyway.
The recruits, motivated by the promise of freedom, sprinted at full speed, no longer needing Shuzo to supervise.
Zephyr nodded in satisfaction, only to be interrupted by a deafening yell from above.
"OH MY GOD! Hammer's GHOST IS POSSESSING ZEPHYR!"
"ZEPHYR, GET OUT OF THE WAY! I'LL SMASH THAT GHOST BACK TO HELL!"
A terrifying wave of Conqueror's Haki exploded in the sky.
Garp, grinning maniacally, raised his immense fist, glowing with Armament Haki, and launched a massive punch directly at Hammer.
"ARE YOU CRAZY, GARP, YOU OLD BASTARD?! YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?!"
Hearing Hammer's very alive and very foul-mouthed voice, Garp smirked and restrained his power just enough not to kill him.
Still, the punch collided with Hammer's attack, and the sky shook.
Even with all his might, Hammer's strike crumbled under Garp's monstrous punch.
In the face of Conqueror's Haki, everything else was meaningless.
Hammer's air hammer shattered like glass.
Garp's punch was still coming down fast.
"BASTARD GARP! YOU TRYING TO KILL MY SON?!"
"Black Arm Steel Fist!"
Zephyr erupted with deep black Armament Haki, yanking Hammer aside and hurling his own fist up to meet Garp's attack.
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu