A.N: No, this is not a Hunchback of Notre Dame reference. Frankly, Claude Frollo is far too disturbing even for me, especially in that scene. No, this is something else. Anyway, we left Garp in quite the precarious situation when we last saw him. So let's not waste any time and just get right into this chapter.

Chapter 29: Hellfire

"So, what do you say, Monkey D. Garp?" The man who had introduced himself as Itan said with that same chilling smile to Garp. "Do you mind taking a detour for little old me? I know it's a little presumptuous, considering how I've shown up unannounced, but with my level of strength, I do feel like I've earned the right to make a demand or two."

"So, you're one of Konton's top lap dogs, huh?" Garp folded his arms, managing to remain composed and brave in the face of a man who could only be described as a monster in human flesh, in terms of raw power. Coby, Helmeppo and the people Garp had managed to save, were not so lucky. They were all shaking in utter terror. His mere presence was frightening.

"Lap dog?" Itan laughed. "Ah come on, Garp, there's no reason to be so hostile. Well, maybe there is, considering I am your enemy. But how violent I can be depends entirely on you."

"Why are you here then?" Garp asked.

"I told you, I want you to make a little detour for me." Itan pointed to the left. "There's a small uninhabited island just thataway. I want you to take me there. That way, we can fight without any limit."

"That's your favor? That's the reason you want this little detour?" Garp frowned.

"Seriously? He's challenging Vice Admiral Garp knowing who he is?" Coby muttered in disbelief.

"That's crazy, no matter how strong Watchers are, even they have to realize that fighting someone like Vice Admiral Garp is a death wish." Helmeppo added.

"And why would you want to fight me?" Garp asked.

"Well, isn't it obvious? Word quickly got out that the Hero of the Marines is trying to defect and take as many people to safety as possible. Your men are loyal, Garp, but eventually someone who is not as loyal talks. Like say, a student who joined because he bought into that Sakazuki's Absolute Justice."

Garp narrowed his eyes. "You better not have hurt any of my men. And you certainly better not have hurt the boy who talked." He glowered at Itan.

Itan laughed. "You're kind, Garp I like that." He said with an admiring smile. "You're faced with a man who may be an even more vicious opponent than your two greatest foes, and your concern is what I could've done to your men and your students."

"But my assignment is you and you alone. I really don't care about anyone else." Itan promised. "It's simple really, I can't just let the so-called Hero of the Marines properly defect. So, I've been ordered to beat you into submission and bring you back to the Coalition. I could certainly threaten you into cooperating, but you chose to put everything on the line for these people. I respect that. So I'm going to give you a chance to prove you deserve to defect."

"If you manage to beat me, I'll be the better man and step aside. I'll tell Lord Konton that even I could not stop you from doing what you believe is right." Itan promised. "But if you lose, well...I think you know what'll happen next."

"What kind of bet is that?" Coby muttered in disbelief.

"You show up on my flagship and you make demands of me?" Garp frowned. "You nailed it right on the head when you called all this presumptuous, kid."

"Kid?" Itan smirked. "This may surprise you, Garp, but I'm actually older than you."

"Whatever," Garp shook his head, "you can threaten me all you want, but you have no way of actually making me submit to your demands."

Itan's smile became ruthlessly chilling once more. "Did you forget everyone on this ship? I'm a nice guy compared to my fellow Circles, but if there's something I want accomplished. Something I truly believe in, you better believe I'm willing to do anything to accomplish it."

"Then by all means, try and hurt the people on this ship." Garp narrowed his eyes. "I promise you, if you try to lay one hand on them, I'll kill you before you even realize you're dead, you damn filth. I've been wanting an excuse to take out all my anger on one of you Rakuen soldiers for a long time."

"Considering how we've made your precious Navy even more depraved than it already was, I don't blame you for hating us." Itan smirked. "But I don't have to make any threats, and I certainly don't have to try to lay a hand on anyone to force you to do things my way."

"Isn't that right, Yuko?"

Garp's eyes widened. Wait, this presence is…

Garp then heard Coby and Helmeppo yell in pain. He looked over his shoulder and saw that both his top disciples had been forced to the floor headfirst by a woman who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. "Bravo, Yuko." Itan smiled.

Yuko blushed at her master's praise. Itan then heaved a sigh. "Honestly, I don't want to do things this way. Taking hostages really isn't my style. I just want you to agree to settle things with me like men. You agree to that, and I'll order Yuko to let go of your two precious disciples."

"No tricks?" Garp demanded with a ruthless glare.

Itan nodded with a completely serious expression. "I'm a man of my word," Itan promised him, "you have your resolve, I have mine. No matter what, I will always respect the beliefs and resolve of others. It's what makes us who we are. You want to defect that badly? Then prove it to me. Prove that your resolve to defect and do what you believe is the morally right thing to do, is stronger than my resolve to neutralize you as a threat to His Majesty."

Garp took a deep breath and walked over to the portside of his ship. "You said the island was just that way, correct?"

Itan smirked. He had him now. "That's correct." He said. "I scouted the place out ahead of time to make sure no one lived there. We can go as crazy as we want."

"And when I win, you'll let us leave without any more trouble?"

"When you win? Now look who's getting presumptuous." Itan laughed. "But don't worry. I already told you I'm a man of my word. You win and you leave. My job's a lot more secure than yours, so I can afford to fail on occasion."

"But I promise you one thing, Garp." Itan smirked. "You won't win. Legend in this world you may be, you won't beat me."

Garp ignored Itan's boast and addressed his helmsman. "Take us to this island he's scouted out, now!" He ordered.

"Y-yes sir." The helmsman stammered out in fear.

Garp then glared at Yuko as the ship turned towards whatever island Itan had picked out for him and Garp. "Alright, I've agreed to your boss' demands. Now let those two brats go." He ordered.

Yuko looked over at Itan. Itan nodded. "Just do it, Yuko." He said. "He's agreed to it, and I'd rather you not make me look like a liar."

"Yes, Master Itan." Yuko said obediently before letting go of the heads of both Coby and Helmeppo. Both boys gasped in fear as they scrambled to their feet and then to Garp.

"What the hell, that grip was insane. She's a beast." Helmeppo muttered.

Yuko pouted and glared at Helmeppo. "A beast? Don't you know it's impolite to call a lady something like that, blondie? Or maybe you'd like me to hurt you again?"

"Er, forgive my friend, he was just taken aback by how strong you were, Ma'am." Coby tried to placate her before she hurt them again.

"Helmeppo," Coby leaned in and whispered into his best friend's ear, "seriously, do not say stuff like that. Especially not to someone who's way stronger than the both of us. We just need to stay calm, look after the people on this ship, and have faith that Vice Admiral Garp can beat that guy."

Yuko frowned slightly at the two men before her whispering to each other. She then shrugged. "Well, whatever, it really doesn't matter. Once Master Itan wins, this little journey of yours will come to an end."

"Don't underestimate Vice Admiral Garp." Coby responded on instinct, making Helmeppo look at Coby like he was crazy.

"Oh? Don't get me wrong, I'm well aware of how strong Monkey D. Garp is." Yuko responded in a surprisingly pleasant tone now. "It's just...well, Master Itan's invincible. At this point, it's really more of a question of how long the man can expect to last."

As they neared the island where they would soon do battle, Garp found himself heaving a sigh. Damn, why did that woman have to show up out of nowhere like that? I was hoping that they could try and sail away while I kept this guy busy. Now I have no choice but to win, no matter how strong he might be.

Itan joined Garp at the portside, resting his arms on the guardrail. If one actually looked at this scene with no context, one would think Itan was actually an old friend of Garp's with how relaxed he looked. "For whatever it's worth, beneath all the corruption and piracy, I think your world is actually quite lovely." Itan told him sincerely.

"That didn't stop you from destroying it." Garp coldly responded.

Itan sighed. "You make it sound like we plan to leave it as such. Lord Konton has every intention of rebuilding the places he conquered. There's no point in conquest if you leave it a destroyed hellhole, you know. No, we have every intention of rebuilding." He promised.

"And what about you? What has it that your boss has promised you that motivates you to fight for him? What did he do to secure your loyalty?" Garp asked.

Itan laughed. "You really think me no better than some hired gun, Garp? That's actually a little hurtful...but understandable, since you don't really know me." He acknowledged before admitting. "His Majesty has promised me nothing in particular, truth be told."

"I follow him because I respect the man, and I believe in the universe he is creating." Itan revealed. "I acknowledge that we're stepping on a lot of people on the way...but to be frank, I have faith that what results will be better than what it is now."

Garp looked at Itan in shock. How did such a seemingly pleasant guy think that such a brutal conquest would result in a better universe? Itan chuckled. "The sad truth about the current universe is that the status quo completely stifles the ideals of others. The ideals we have mean nothing in a world where you have to conform to the universe around you."

"Lord Konton, however, understands the importance of a truly free universe." Itan's expression turned serious. "The new universe will be one where those with the strongest wills to assert their ideals will stand above everyone else. It will be a universe who's laws will change and conform to the ideals of the individual, and not the other way around."

"Your master could never possibly bring peace to the universe." Garp bluntly told Itan. "Plunging the entire universe into chaos cannot hope to solve anything."

"Isn't there a saying that claims through chaos comes order?" Itan smirked. "The problem with pure order is that it naturally becomes tyranny over the individuals. What about what each individual believes in, hmm? Eventually, we become stagnant and our own beliefs mean nothing to us. I for one, have no intention of letting that happen."

"But in a society that brings order through chaos, that is truly permanent. People will constantly be allowed to compete and assert their ideals and then, everyone will be happy. Through chaos comes order."

"But, I suppose I wouldn't expect a man of the law to understand where I'm coming from, isn't that right, Garp?" Itan smirked at Garp. "You live to impose order on this world. Just by being part of the Navy...well, I don't think your hands are any cleaner than mine, considering what they've done to this world."

Garp glared at Itan. Itan smiled, holding his hands in surrender. "Sorry, sorry, it's just so strange to me, that a man who morally disagrees with the actions of an organization would continuously serve it so loyally. It just makes no sense to me."

"Because like you, I believe in creating a better world." Garp admitted. "But...after what the Navy has done, in teaming up with your kingdom...well, you deserve a little congrats, Itan the Heresy. You actually made the Hero of the Marines lose faith in his own organization."

"Well, I'd apologize for that, but we both know I wouldn't really mean it." Itan said with a smile. "So was it really just Rakuen teaming up with the World Government that drove you to defect with all these people?"

"It wasn't just that." Garp admitted.

"Oh, please tell me what else there is, because now you've got me curious." In spite of the somewhat teasing edge in his voice, Itan actually sounded very sincere.

Garp sighed. "I just want to do right by my grandsons for once." He admitted. "And...I'd also like to try to make things right with my son, Dragon, if possible. I honestly have rarely spoken with him since he became the leader of the Revolutionary Army. I...truly hope he can find it in his heart to give his foolish father one more chance."

Itan smiled in acknowledgement. "I can respect that. I don't really have any family myself. No one who's waiting for me to get back to 'em or anything like that." He admitted. "Closest thing I had to a family once upon a time...nah, nevermind, that's a story I'd rather not get into right now."

Garp fell silent. Itan chuckled. "Sorry, sorry, I'm honestly trying to make conversation with ya to relax you. No reason to go into the fight all tense, you know what I mean?"

"I think I have every reason to be tense." Garp pointed out to Itan.

Itan sighed. "Suit yourself, Garp." He said. "I am actually trying to be nice for the record. War or not, it doesn't mean I have to be as ruthless as Bo, Uragiri or any of the other Circles. In fact, the fact that I'm here and not any of those guys is good luck for you."

Garp scoffed. "Whatever you say, you still threatened innocent people, and are still working for a monster."

"The same could've been said of you for...how long did you spend your life in service of the Navy? I mean, I'm going to assume that you enlisted when you were of age, and you're what...78? That means you spent sixty years of your life working for people who were...frankly willing to do things that make them fit right in with the freaks we've got dancing to our puppet strings backing in Rakuen." Itan pointed out.

Garp glared at Itan for that statement. Itan raised his hands in defense. "I'm just saying, Garp. You really have no right to judge me." He said, making Garp fall silent as there was some truth to that statement. "The World Government...Rakuen...I really hate to tell you, but no matter how you slice it, you're no better than the kingdom with the goal to subjugate an entire universe. And you're a smart man, Garp. You know I'm right."

"Ohara, Flevance, all the coverups, the hunt for Gold Roger's unborn child, all the assassinations conducted by Cipher Pol, World Nobles allowed to run rampant, corrupt Navy officers imposing their will on the people they're supposed to protect. Sure, guys like Sagi and Uragiri get a kick out of that kind of stuff, but me, well I think there are less bloodier ways to keep the world under your control."

"Frankly, with how many strong guys you have on your side, that itself should've been enough to keep people in line. I don't know why that just doesn't seem to be enough for you, and honestly I don't care enough to find out." Itan shrugged.

"Point being, I respect your beliefs and your ideals, Garp, I really do." Itan assured him. "In fact, I honestly respect you for having the conviction to actually run away from a government whose beliefs and actions no longer align with yours."

Itan's expression then darkened. "But make no mistake, I can't stand hypocrites. So don't ever act like you're above me because of the actions of my own kingdom. All we've done is start a war to create what we believe will be a better version of the universe."

"Someone who spent 60 years serving a government that's done all I've mentioned and more has no right to criticize me, even if there is some truth to it. Again, I really can't stand hypocrites." And Itan sounded like he meant it. "Guys who have no conviction...guys who just change ideals or betray their ideals at the drop of a hat or when it's convenient for them. I just want to burn them all to a crisp."

Garp was taken aback by the sudden shift in Itan's tone. Even when he had been threatening the ship and the people on it, he kept up that jovial tone of his. But the minute Garp showed a hint of hypocrisy, Itan looked like he wanted to murder the man on the spot. "I...apologize for upsetting you." Garp settled on simply apologizing. "I...suppose there is some truth to my own hypocrisy. My bloodline...it frankly makes every fiber of my being desire opposing the government, the Elder Stars, the Celestial Dragons, even the Navy."

"But...my heart simply refused to go the opposite route, because I knew it also disagreed with the ruthless life of a pirate or a revolutionary. In the end, that cost me my relationship with my son, and my grandsons." Garp acknowledged before laughing bitterly. "In the end, I guess I stuck around as long as I did because I wanted to make sure my family were not shackled with the fate of being members of the Clan of D."

"I guess the compelling fate of that bloodline was too strong for all of us." Garp lamented.

"I see," Itan folded his arms, "so because you had a family of your own, you wanted to try and make sure your family was normal...even though you knew deep down that was impossible."

Itan smiled. "That love for your family was what allowed you to endure everything you personally disagreed with. You aren't a hypocrite, Garp. Because more than anything, you believe in family."

Garp laughed bitterly. "I can't believe I'm being comforted by the man I'm about to engage in a life or death struggle with."

"Just because I'm your enemy doesn't mean I can't be a nice guy. If you fall into the trap of such black and white thinking, you'll only doom yourself. At the end of the day, we all have our duties and beliefs, Garp. That's just how the world is."

"Perhaps you're right." Garp acknowledged. "Tell me, do you believe Chitsujo intends the same for the world as you do? If the Alliance does win, they'll most likely be the lone superpower in the universe. So does he intend the same?"

"He most likely does, but for different reasons. If what His Majesty has told me is true, Chitsujo has no desire to install himself as some king of the universe. If the Alliance wins, the new governments will be given the freedom to work together towards a peaceful universe."

"If you don't doubt the Alliance's sincerity, why fight against them?"

"Because I don't agree with their vision, it's that simple. I recognize that they're all probably good people, but I simply cannot agree with their vision." Itan revealed. "I want to create a world where every man has the right to live life as he sees fit. A world where-as I've mentioned before-society's laws conform to the individual, and not the other way around. While I don't doubt that an Alliance victory will bring peace as well...it's just not a peace I can agree with. It's as simple as that."

"You, of all people, should know, Garp." Itan's next words chilled Garp right down to his old bones. "More often than not, war's not a battle between good and evil. It's a battle of ideals. A battle to see who has the strongest resolve to see who's vision of the world will come true."

"Sure, the Alliance probably sees it as good and evil. But I see it as simply a battle of ideals." Itan smiled. "At the end of the day, we all have to do our best and see just how things turn out."

Garp sighed. "Maybe you're right, Itan." He acknowledged. "Maybe at the end of the day war is nothing more than a battle of ideals. And breaking it down to just a battle between good and evil is simplifying it too much."

"But know this...if you completely discount the concept of good and evil, you'll find yourself transforming into an amoral monster." Garp warned him.

Itan smiled. "Much appreciated, Garp." He said. "Though I'm much older than you, I'd be remiss to discount the wisdom of someone as well-respected in your world as you are."

Itan's smile then widened. "Oh, would you look at that." He said, pointing outwards. "The island is in view. It's almost time, Garp."

Garp narrowed his eyes. Coby and Helmeppo ran up to their superior. "Sir, is there really no way we can talk you out of this?" Coby asked.

Garp gave both boys a grin. "Whatever happens...I'm proud of you both." He said before turning to Itan. "Okay, Itan, I take it you're ready?"

"More than ready, I'm being sincere when I tell you I'm truly looking forward to fighting you, Garp. We didn't want to push our luck in bringing back Gold Roger, so the idea of fighting the only man to go toe to toe with him is quite exciting."

Garp smirked. "You fools would screw yourselves if you tried to control Roger."

"Maybe, but Lord Konton would just put him in his place. Point being, it'd be a waste of time." Itan watched as the ship dropped anchor near the shores. He then casually stepped onto the rail. "See ya there, Garp!"

With that, Itan casually leapt off the rail and landed in the island's forest. Garp took a look at the island. It was a small, but definitely large enough for the duel Itan wanted with him. There was a simple beach that surrounded the land, most likely in its entirety. It was also covered with a lush forest that Garp could not help but lament would soon be destroyed by their fight.

"Vice Admiral…" Coby tried to speak up.

"My master is waiting for you, Garp." Yuko interrupted. "It would be unwise to keep him waiting. He's been looking forward to this."

"Has he now." Garp muttered. "Well then, I'll get moving. You better not hurt these people while we're fighting, woman."

Yuko shook her head. "I have been given strict orders not to harm anyone by Master Itan as long as you cooperate with him, Garp. I am a woman of my word, just as Master Itan is a man of his. I have strived to emulate him, after all."

Garp decided to say nothing else. He calmly stepped onto the railing and launched himself off his flagship. He could hear Coby and Helmeppo call after him. He could not look back. If they saw him hesitating, if they saw him looking back at them, they would think him afraid. Garp could not afford to be afraid at this moment.

Win or lose, he would face this like a true member of the Clan of D. He would face it with no fear whatsoever.

Garp landed in the middle of the island, facing a smiling Itan. Itan actually gave Garp a sad smile. "I would've actually been patient if you wanted to say your goodbyes to anyone on that ship." He admitted. "I'm sure your beloved troops would've loved a final goodbye."

"If my men are that emotionally fragile that a washed up old man's goodbye would break them...then they shouldn't be Marines." Garp said, trying to hide the fact he did want to say one last thing to them, but also wanted to face what could be his impending end bravely.

Itan sighed. "They don't think you're washed up Garp," he sagely pointed out, "otherwise, they all wouldn't have defected with you."

"But, it's your decision in the end." Itan acknowledged.

"Anyway, no more formalities. We had that entire boatride to get to know each other." Itan pointed out as he began stretching. "Let's get started, Garp."

Garp nodded, coating both of his fists in Armament Haki. "Yes, let's."

Luffy, Ace, Dragon, whatever happens, I hope you find it in your hearts to one day forgive this foolish old man. Garp told them inwardly. Because...I don't know if I'll be there to ask in person.

Itan then held up his hand and made a "bring-it" gesture towards Garp. If it were anyone else, making such a gesture to the Hero of the Marines was akin to suicide. But this was one of the Nine Dark Circles. It was not a move made lightly.

Garp threw a single jab forward. "Black Meteor!" He yelled, emitting his Armament Haki outwards.

Itan let out a gasp of surprise at the sight of Garp's mastery over Armament Haki. The emitted Haki struck him in the stomach, making him grunt slightly as he was pushed back by Garp. Garp dropped into what looked like a sumo stance and began firing off multiple punches, emitting more powerful blows of Haki.

"Black Meteor Shower!" Garp yelled, attacking Itan with the rapid-fire version of Black Meteor Shower. Oddly enough, it looked suspiciously like Luffy's Gum Gum Gatling attack. In the end, it really was like grandfather, like grandson, no matter how much Luffy wanted to deny it out of terror.

Itan chuckled and took each blow Garp rained down on him. So this is the emission technique that advanced users of Armament Haki are capable of. It's impressive, but it's nothing compared to how hard Bo can hit.

Itan recovered from being assailed by Garp's Black Meteor Shower and leapt into the air with Vanishing Walk. Garp managed to track Itan's movements with Observation Haki. "Black Meteor!" Garp fired outwards, only for Itan to actually deflect the attack with his bare hand.

Itan landed on the ground and rushed Garp, attempting to throw multiple punches at Garp. Garp managed to avoid each punch with his skill in Observation Haki. Out of the corner of his eye he saw that the trees that were in the line of each of Itan's punches were destroyed by the sheer force of the blows.

I'm not sensing anything from his punches. That's just brute strength behind his attacks. Garp quickly realized. I see being a Circle actually does mean something in Rakuen.

Garp then grabbed onto Itan by the skull and began spinning him around. "Great Tornado!" Garp yelled while spinning rapidly with Itan in his hand.

Itan kept up his smile as Garp eventually let him go, sending him flying through several trees, all the way onto the other side of the island. Itan kept up that smile, even after crashing through several trees headfirst. He's trying to make me dazed and confused with a concussion. Itan noted. That would certainly give him an advantage…

Itan recovered from the toss and managed to land on his feet, all the way on the other side of the island. Garp, on his side, would not let up. He had to catch Itan while he was dazed. It would give him the edge he needed in a fight.

And so, Garp rushed across the island, towards Itan. Itan, meanwhile, ran across the island towards his foe as well. Both men met with a clashing of fists. The shockwave that resulted uprooted the entire forest, and kicked up violent waves that crashed against Garp's flagship. Even the heavy anchor that held them in place found itself struggling against the power of their combined might.

"Such power!" Helmeppo yelled in disbelief.

"Vice Admiral Garp!" Coby could only scream for his mentor.

Please don't die! He added inwardly.

Itan laughed in delight at the force behind Garp's punch. "You are amazing!" He yelled. "You live up to the title 'Garp the Fist' just as much as you do as 'Hero of the Marines'!"

Garp threw more punches at Itan, who matched each of them with ease. Each matched blow created yet another shockwave that pushed the area around them to its limit. "They're not holding anything back!" Helmeppo yelled, holding onto the rail to keep himself from being blasted away. "The force of these punches are insane!"

Coby, meanwhile, had moved all the civilians Garp had saved below deck and was now constantly reassuring them that everything was going to be alright. There was another reason why he went below deck, however. He simply could not bring himself to watch what may very well have been Garp's final fight.

Yuko, meanwhile, casually sat atop the rail near Helmeppo, unbothered by the shockwaves from Garp and Itan's attacks. It seems that Master Itan was right to be excited about fighting someone like Garp. She noted. But the outcome of this fight is already quite obvious. These foolish men are still just clinging to hope.

However, as serious as he's taking this...Master Itan has yet to use his Art.

Garp himself knew that while Itan was fighting him with all his physical strength, he was still holding back some sort of hidden power. Perhaps Itan wanted to enjoy the fight as long as he could? He did not seem like the type to look down on anyone, certainly not Garp. So, that was the only possible explanation.

This gives me a golden opportunity. Garp noted. If he only wishes to duel me with brute strength alone, I can end this fight!

Itan then smirked and stepped inside Garp's punches. He then dealt multiple punches to Garp's upper body in the span of a single second. Garp grunted in pain as he was knocked backwards by the force of the blows.

He'll go in for the killing blow now, Garp noted, that means there will be a brief moment when he'll be wide open. In battle, all opponents leave an opening when they are attempting to finish off their opponent, because they believe they've already won.

Itan aimed a final punch at Garp's head, intent on caving his skull in with a mighty punch. I know you've got more than this, Garp! Show me the determination of D!

Garp then saw an opening, right at Itan's chest. There's my chance! Garp declared, throwing a sudden counter that made Itan's smile widen.

I've only shown you one advanced form of Armament Haki. Garp noted. The power to emit it outwards! Now, allow me to show you an even stronger form of Armament Haki. Experience all the destructive power of Garp the Fist!

Garp threw that very punch straight into Itan's chest. "Cannonball Fist!" Garp yelled, striking Itan and emitting his Armament Haki right into Itan's body.

"The cannonball is fired from my fist, entering your body and then it explodes from the inside out!" Garp declared as Itan's eyes went wide. He could feel the power of Garp's Armament Haki, blasting him from the inside. And right in one of his vital areas as well, right where his heart and lungs were.

He let out a brief yell of pain as the Haki continued expanding outwards, threatening to tear him apart from the inside. Garp's Haki, however, was so powerful, it did not just burst from Itan's body, it actually blasted the entire island with a powerful shockwave of Haki. Fissures began to form around them. The clouds in the sky were dispersed and destroyed. Even the anchor that kept Garp's flagship in place was uprooted.

"WAH!" Helmeppo yelled in shock before turning to the helmsman of the flagship. "Helmsman! Keep this ship under control, dammit!"

Yuko forgot her master's strength and yelled out in fear as she saw him land on his back from the force of Garp's punch. "Master Itan!" She screamed in fear for his safety.

As Garp stared down at the motionless Itan, he found himself visibly shaking from just how much he had exerted from the attack. Damn, I poured nearly all of my Haki into that attack. I really have gotten old. Back in my heyday, I could've thrown ten punches of that caliber.

Was it enough? Garp looked at Itan's body. Did I at least damage him enough where continuing would be difficult, even for someone of his caliber?

Itan then started laughing, catching Garp off guard. Slowly, he rose to his feet. "That hurt," he acknowledged, "damn, that actually hurt."

Itan then actually spat out a bit of blood, showing that Garp's punch did damage him just a little. "That was splendid, Garp." Itan said with a smile. "The Cannonball Fist...it was incredible! I can see now how you actually managed to corner Gold Roger so many times in your prime. Oh, to have been a spectator for such fights. Hell, to be a spectator for the one fight you actually teamed up for."

"The God Valley Incident with Rocks D. Xebec." Itan smirked. "I really wish I had the time to find out the specifics."

"Damn you," Garp muttered, "I can't believe I hit you with one of my strongest blows and you just shrugged it all off."

"Huh? I didn't shrug it off completely. That actually hurt, Garp." Itan seemed offended by that statement.

"I've been taking this fight seriously from the get-go, letting you try and prove to me that you deserve to defect." Itan assured him. "Every punch I've thrown at you was at full-force. Or rather, enough force where I didn't outright kill you. Lord Konton would prefer you're taken alive, after all."

"And now," Itan continued, cracking his neck, "allow me to show you what a Circle's true power is when we're not only fighting with all our physical strength...but our Arts as well."

"Fair warning though," Itan cocked his right fist back, "this is going to be hot. Hotter than the flames of Hell themself!"

Garp let out a gasp as Itan was surrounded by a light blue aura. His Reiki had now become visible. Suddenly, Reiki around Itan's fist formed into what seemed to be blue-colored flames. "This is my Art: Hellfire." Itan introduced. "The ultimate flames of the universe."

"The heat of Hell itself will burn until the end of time itself!" Itan declared before throwing the punch forward. "Hellfire Jab!"

Itan's punch sent out a ball of hellfire that rocketed towards Garp. Garp instinctively coated his arms in Haki and held them up to block Itan's hellfire. Garp gasped at the intense heat of the flames. The heat of Sakazuki's Mag Mag Fruit was nothing compared to the powerful heat of this hellfire.

Garp then saw his arms. They were on fire. The hellfire was not vanishing. It was just as Itan said, it would burn until the end of time. "I wasn't exaggerating, Garp. The true power of Hellfire is that it burns forever. Or at least, as long as I want it to."

This Art is...unbelievable… Garp thought in disbelief.

"But that was just a simple fireball," Itan noted, I will now show you what a blaze of hellfire feels like."

With that, Itan rushed forward, leaving a burning trail of hellfire. Itan then appeared in front of Garp, gathering a large amount of hellfire in his fist. "Hellfire upon you!" Itan yelled. "Checkmate, Garp!"

"10,000 Degree Hellfire!" Itan yelled, throwing his fist forward as the hellfire exploded in front of him, enveloping Garp and half the island in hellfire.

"Vice Admiral!" Helmeppo and the rest of Garp's men yelled in horror while Yuko watched with an impassive expression on her face, no longer concerned for her master's wellbeing.

Coby heard the yells of terror of his fellow Marines and felt all the color drain from his face. Oh God, something terrible has happened. He immediately realized as he felt a horrific headache come to him. I can hear a voice...weakening…

Meanwhile, back in Dressrosa, Monkey D. Dragon was briefly distracted by a powerful gust of wind that blew into the meeting room between Alliance leaders. The force of the wind blew a painting off the wall, making it fall to the floor. That came out of nowhere, Dragon noted, I wonder...why did…

"Dragon?" Chitsujo spoke up, snapping Dragon out of his thoughts. "Are you alright? It's not like you to be distracted by something so trivial."

"Ah, my apologies." Dragon spoke up. "What were we discussing again? The 4th Hokage, Minato Namikaze, right?"

Back on the island engulfed by hellfire, Itan stood impassively above a body covered entirely with hellfire, hellfire that would burn forever. Itan heaved a sigh. Truth be told, none of the Circles are 'good' at taking their enemies alive. He admitted. However, I can do this at least.

Itan snapped his fingers and the hellfire surrounding the body suddenly vanished into thin air. He then grimaced at the sight of Monkey D. Garp. The man was nothing more than a blackened, charred body. Eyes and mouth wide open in shock and pain.

Coby, meanwhile, finally came above deck to confirm his fears and suspicions. His face fell at the sight of his comrades gazing at something in horror. He ran to the railing and saw it as well. "VICE ADMIRAL GARP!" Coby yelled in terror at the sight of his mentor in such a horrific state.

Yuko sighed. "The outcome of this fight...was obvious from the start." She claimed. "No one can stand up to Master Itan, not even the Hero of the Marines."

"It was a good fight, Garp." Itan assured the downed Garp. "In the end, it was not that you were too weak. Quite the opposite. You're very strong."

"I'm just that strong."

Yuko then vanished for a split second and then reappeared at Itan's side. She did not use the Vanishing Walk. "Master, was that wise?" She asked. "An attack of that caliber must've killed him."

"I'm aware." Itan nodded. "My orders were to take him dead or alive. And he was fighting his hardest to make sure that 'alive' would not come to pass."

"I'm not sure I understand, Master." Yuko admitted.

Itan sighed. "Garp fought his absolute hardest to avoid being taken back to the Coalition to be indoctrinated into our ranks. So, I chose to respect that resolve and kill him instead."

"What a sad waste." Yuko lamented.

"Even if we took him back now, we lack the healers to restore him, not like the healers on the Alliance's side." Itan noted. "So, let us simply return back to Rakuen and inform His Majesty that Vice Admiral Garp was killed in battle."

"What about the people on that ship?" Yuko asked. "A few of them could be potential soldiers…"

Itan then glared at Yuko, making her flinch. "Yuko, we made a promise to Garp that we would not touch those people as long as he fought me." He reminded her. "Do not make me a liar by breaking that promise."

Yuko lowered her head in shame. "My apologies, Master…"

Itan then took another look at Garp's body. "Seriously, it was a good fight Garp. I hope you know that as you take your trip through the Styx. Farewell…"

Itan trailed off when he noticed something particularly interesting. His eyes widened. "No way…" He muttered.

"Master, what's wrong?" Yuko asked curiously.

Itan then started to laugh. "Well, I'll be damned. Yuko, he's alive." He revealed.

Yuko's eyes widened. "That's not possible!" She denied. "Nothing can survive the explosive force of your Blazing Purgatory. Even other Circles fear to take such a technique head-on!"

"If you don't believe me, then check Garp's vitals right now." Itan ordered.

Yuko did as ordered and ran towards Garp. She checked for a pulse and a heartbeat. She gasped in disbelief. "He...he is alive." She listened for a breath. "It's faint, but he's breathing. It's weak, but he has a pulse...and a heartbeat too!"

Itan sighed. "He's probably in agony, with how badly I burnt him." He noted.

"What now, Master?" Yuko asked. "If he's alive, we can take him back to Rakuen, and…"

"Like I told you before, Yuko," Itan interrupted, "we don't have the healers to bring him back to the state he was before. If it was anyone else, we could heal him, but attacks from a Circle are not easily healed. In the end. He'll most likely die while they're trying to heal him."

"...I see...then perhaps you'd like to kill him out of mercy, Master?" Yuko suggested.

Itan looked at Garp. "Tempting," he admitted, before smiling, "but I've got a better idea."

Itan then walked over to Garp and lifted him onto his shoulder. He then leapt from the island onto Garp's flagship. Coby and Helmeppo screamed at the sight of their mentor's state once more. "Oi, enough with the screaming you two." Itan ordered.

Itan then gently set Garp down. "You have a doctor aboard this ship, right? I suggest he or she goes to work on him right away if you want to try and keep him alive for the trip to Dressrosa." He told them.

"Wait..what?" Coby could not believe what he was hearing. "But…your orders…"

"My orders can be summarized as: 'neutralize Garp as a threat.'" Itan revealed. "And he has been neutralized. No matter how much he heals, I doubt he'll be the same. My hellfire has burnt him on both the inside and the outside. As in, his nerves, his muscular tissue, all of it has suffered because of my attacks. If there was such a thing as 4th degree burns, he'd have them because of me."

"And yet, he's still holding on." Itan pointed out. "His resolve to make it to Dressrosa and make up with the family he had been estranged from is that strong. No matter how much I deny it, I really can't bring myself to deny someone the right to at least make the attempt."

"So, I'm going to make a new wager with Garp." Itan smirked. "Let's see if he can survive the trip to Dressrosa to have his injuries treated. But here's the twist. All of the islands between here and Dressrosa are under our control, so you can't restock your supplies. Eventually you'll run out of medical supplies, and that'll just make the journey even harder."

"In other words, this will come down to a battle of wills. Let's see if Garp's will is strong enough to fight through the pain my hellfire has left him in." Itan challenged. "If he dies, then he dies, it's no skin off anyone else's back. He's no longer a threat. If he lives, no matter how much healing he gets, I doubt he'll ever be the same again. The legend of the Hero of the Marines has ended today either way. The question now is, will Garp's life end as well?"

Yuko then reappeared at Itan's side. "Okay, Yuko, let's get going. Best of luck to you all. I look forward to seeing if Garp survives this or not."

"Wait!" Coby yelled.

"You don't want me to wait, kid." Itan told him. "Every moment is precious to Garp right now."

"I realize that, but why?" Coby asked. "Why beat him within an inch of his life and then just let him go?"

Itan smirked. "Because I'm Itan the Heresy." Itan reminded them. "Every action I take is meant to contradict what you expected in some way. That's just how I operate. And, I really do respect Garp's resolve, so I want to give him one last chance to prove it. Besides, like I said, I've already neutralized him as a threat, so it's no skin off my back at this point."

Yuko glared at Coby. "My master is more merciful than you realize, be grateful!"

"Enough, Yuko, I think he gets the point." Itan told her. "Now, let's go home."

"Y-yes Master Itan." Yuko muttered before the two vanished into darkness, on their way back to Rakuen.

"What do we do now, Coby?" Helmeppo asked.

Coby looked at Helmeppo. "Cast off!" He quickly took charge, knowing that's what Garp would have wanted. "And get the ship's doctor on Vice Admiral Garp, now!"

"...So, we really have no proper explanation on how Minato Namikaze left the Styx?" Benn Beckman frowned slightly. "We're just going to accept that he just randomly showed up out of nowhere and helped us win on Fishman Island?"

"Ugh...I should be happy he's back...but he's still the Yellow Flash." Onoki lamented.

"Hmph, I think it's time to let all that go, Old Man Onoki." A spoke up. "Were it not for him, I have no doubt we'd have lost that fight. His actions gave Naruto the chance he needed to recover and land the finishing blow."

"Of course he shows up out of nowhere to save his son." Shikaku Nara shook his head with a fond smile, remembering his old friend. "Yeah, that sounds like him."

"Stay on topic, everyone, the fact that the Yellow Flash was able to leave the Styx of his own volition may seem like a good thing…" Mavis Vermillion began.

"Which it is," Kisuke Urahara interrupted.

"...And it is," Mavis agreed, "but we need to keep in mind that this could also mean terrible things for us as well."

"After all, if one man can leave the Styx, who's to say that more can just leave at any time? We're talking about the dead walking the earth freely, without anyone to keep them corralled."

"Lord Chitsujo," Mavis turned to Chitsujo, who sat at the head of the table, "what does this mean? Do we have anything to be concerned about?"

Chitsujo heaved a sigh. "Theoretically, no." He replied. "Minato managing to escape the way he did was an outlier. Honestly, if anyone was going to successfully escape the Styx on their own, it would be the Yellow Flash himself. I'd expect no less from Naruto's father, one of the finest Shinobi in the universe. No offense, Onoki, I know you're still uncomfortable with him."

"No, Lord Raikage is correct," Onoki shook his head, "I cannot be the stubborn old man I once was. While I don't know if I will ever be able to forget that the Yellow Flash killed many subordinates of mine that I knew by name...I can forgive him. If not for his sake, but for my own."

"After all, forgiveness is more for your own sake, and not the one you are forgiving, right My Lord?" Onoki asked Chitsujo.

Chitsujo nodded with a smile. "That is correct," he said before getting back on track, "anyway, because of how vast the Styx is, finding the exit is practically impossible. It would take someone of Minato's caliber to escape it on their own."

"And usually, even then it would be impossible to escape, because usually the Styx is heavily guarded. But with most of the guards murdered by Konton and his men prior to the war…"

"That means men of Minato's caliber can leave if they wished it." Shanks noted. "Damn, that is a frightening thought. I wonder if Captain Roger would one day consider leaving?"

"It depends on Roger's decision." Chitsujo noted before smiling. "Still, this means Konton did not get his hands on Minato...that is relieving."

"Honestly, Minato is one of the few people I did not wish to make an enemy out of." Chitsujo admitted. "While I don't doubt that my best men could beat him, his skills make him dangerous in wartime for everyone else."

"Indeed, that man single handedly won the 3rd Great Ninja War." Onoki muttered. "There's a reason why the orders on him were 'Flee On Sight.'"

"Honestly, all I want right now is to possibly find out why Minato has no interest in joining us. From what we understand so far, he seems to be searching for something. But he has promised that once he finds it, he'll return to Naruto's side."

Shikaku heaved a loud sigh at this. Makarov Dreyar sighed. "Something you'd like to say, Shikaku?" He asked curiously.

"I think it's pretty damn obvious what Minato is searching for." Shikaku pointed out. "Well, obvious for a guy like me, I mean."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Mei Terumi deadpanned.

"There's only one thing that Minato would want to find that would keep him from staying by his son's side." Shikaku pointed out. "His wife, Kushina Uzumaki."

This made everyone gasp before frowning. It was so damn obvious. How did they not realize it? "Kushina Uzumaki, of course." A muttered.

"Kushina Uzumaki...Naruto's mother." Gaara added.

"Exactly," Shikaku nodded, "back then, there were never two people more in love than Minato and Kushina."

Shikaku smiled fondly at all the memories he had of those two together. "Kushina was a very rough, brash and loud woman. But she was so in love with Minato that it wasn't even funny. And Minato loved her just as much. Yoshino used to get on my case all the time that I wasn't as affectionate towards her as Minato was to Kushina."

"Hold on, but Kushina Uzumaki is dead too, right?" Goldmine asked. "So wouldn't she be in the Styx?"

"I'm sure if Kushina was in the Styx, Minato would have stayed there. Or rather, they would have until they both found a way out together and then both would have come to Naruto's aid and then stayed with him." Shikaku pointed out.

"However, she didn't. Only Minato came to Naruto's side in battle." Shikaku reminded them all. "So therefore, with deductive reasoning, there is only one possible explanation for this."

"Kushina also managed to escape the Styx on her own, but she ended up elsewhere. So, Minato's searching across the universe for her." Shikaku revealed before smiling. "Heh, that sounds like him."

Chitsujo hummed at this. "Yes, that is indeed the only explanation." He acknowledged.

"Not necessarily, Kushina could be with the Coalition as an Indoctrinated." Bob of Blue Pegasus pointed out. "Er...not to be a cynic, but that's a possibility too."

"I don't think so." Kisuke shook his head.

"Why would you say that?" Goldmine inquired.

"If Minato Namikaze was as good a Shinobi as he is supposed to be, he would have investigated if the Coalition did have his wife." Kisuke pointed out. "And then he would be fighting with us to get her back. If the Coalition had captured his wife, it would make no sense for him not to help us to get her back, right?"

"He's right," Mavis nodded, "the fact he's not joining us means that Kushina Uzumaki is out in the universe...somewhere. I honestly have no idea where she is though. None of us do."

Chitsujo hummed at this. "Then perhaps it's time we join the search?" He suggested.

"Eh? You want to search for Kushina?" Mavis was surprised.

"Why not?" Chitsujo smiled. "Gaining both husband and wife would make for a tremendous boon to our forces. Both are legendary Shinobi. And while I certainly don't that Minato can find Kushina on his own, I am more than happy to try and widen his search through our own efforts."

"Ha!" Shikaku had to laugh at that as he smiled at Chitsujo. "Minato will probably be grateful, but when he does find out you're trying to help him find Kushina, he'll just treat it as a competition. You'll just motivate him to work even harder to find her."

"All the more reason to do it, correct?" Chitsujo chuckled. "And besides, I think it's long overdue for Naruto to have some prolonged moments with his parents."

Shikaku's face fell at this for a brief moment before smiling and nodding in agreement. "You're right, my lord, I think he'd like that very much."

"Then we're in agreement, I'm going to put together a small task force to search for Kushina Uzumaki. If we find her first, we will get into contact with Minato and reunite a family that sadly never even got the chance to be a family." Chitsujo said.

That struck a chord with Dragon. Never got a chance to be a family, huh? He thought back to his son, and his estranged father, who was fighting for his life, unbeknownst to him.

"Now then, what's next on the agenda?" Chitsujo asked.

"We have received word from the 4th Fleet that they have reached New Marineford, Lord Chitsujo." Beckman told Chitsujo.

The mood immediately changed. Chitsujo narrowed his eyes. "And?" He asked.

"...The Navy Headquarters is completely deserted, Your Majesty." Beckman revealed. "All soldiers, all weapons and ammunition, all rations, the place has been stripped completely bare."

"That's an interesting turn of events." Chitsujo muttered before wondering out loud. "Why would Sakazuki abandon his own headquarters? A man with that much pride wouldn't just leave what would be viewed as a symbol of pride for the Navy."

"That's definitely not like him." Dragon admitted. "Sakazuki, monstrously flawed man as he may be, is a true patriot of the Navy. On a different end of the spectrum from my father, certainly, but a patriot. And he's the Fleet Admiral. Why would he leave New Marineford without a fight like that?"

"He strikes me as the type to fight to the last man." Mavis frowned. "Why would he just retreat? That goes against everything we had perceived of him."

"Sakazuki will back down if the situation isn't in his favor though." Shanks spoke up. "I was able to get him to back down two years ago at Marineford. Of course, that was probably because old Whitebeard did such a number on the man first."

Shanks laughed bitterly at the memory. "I really do wish we could've gotten there in time to save Ace at least." He admitted. "At least the old man taught that bastard a lesson of why you shouldn't mess with a monster's children."

"Perhaps we were underestimating just how much Konton's got the bastard by the balls." A suggested. "I mean, if Konton's really that strong, he's probably emasculated a prideful guy like Sakazuki."

"Crude, but a possibility." Mei Terumi admitted, rolling her eyes at A's lack of tact.

"I guess if Konton had a specific task for Sakazuki that involved him leaving his own headquarters, then Sakazuki would have no choice but to follow those orders, right?" Kisuke pointed out.

"And if that is the case, then where would Sakazuki be?" Gaara asked. "His location is important because of how extremely dangerous he is."

"Indeed, if someone like him was interested in finding the One Piece, he'd find it in a matter of months." Beckman muttered. "That should tell you all how dangerous he is. So knowing where he is, or at least being able to decently speculate as to where he is helps us with our battle plan."

"There's only one place Sakazuki could stand being ordered to go, if he truly has abandoned Navy Headquarters: the only place that makes any sense, considering the position he's in as Fleet Admiral." Dragon spoke up before revealing his idea about Sakazuki's location. "Mary Geoise."

This made everyone gasp in shock. "Mary Geoise, the Holy Land." Shanks muttered. "So then...we're already about to fight in such a place, huh?"

"If Sakazuki is anywhere, he is in the so-called Holy Land of the world." Dragon smirked. "Probably because Konton wants to keep his alliance with those Elder Stars and the Celestial Dragons. And what better way to do so then by keeping the strongest of the Navy in Mary Geoise."

"Not only do we have to keep Mary Geoise in mind, but we also must consider the Sabaody Archipelago." Shanks spoke up.

"Eh? Why is that?" Mavis asked curiously.

"It's simple, it's because Sabaody is quite close to Mary Geoise." Beckman revealed. "For it is the final island within Paradise before the New World."

"You see, Mary Geoise is meant to be the passageway between Paradise and the New World." Shanks explained. "However, only those who work within the law are allowed to use the passageway. That's why all pirates who go to the New World use Fishman Island to get there."

"Point being, because Sabaody is the last island, there is no doubt in my mind that Konton probably has reinforcements docked at Sabaody. If Mary Geoise were lost to the Coalition, Konton could very well lose control of his Alliance with the Navy." Dragon explained before adding. "Or rather, whatever illusion of friendship he is maintaining with them."

"Dragon's right, the Holy Land is considered the symbol of the World Government's control over...well, the world." Shanks explained. "If Mary Geoise was lost...the Navy, no, the very government itself might break from Konton in a rage."

"That could be to our advantage." Shikaku claimed.

"Why's that?" Mei asked.

"If the World Government is that prideful, they could be desperate enough to try and fight us on their own if they no longer feel Konton can give them the victory they desire." Shikaku pointed out. "Which means, theoretically, as long as we play our cards right after taking Mary Geoise, we can actually remove the World Government as a threat."

"Then this battle is one we absolutely cannot afford to lose." Gaara noted. "Tell me, who is on the way to Mary Geoise?"

"Three entire fleets." Chitsujo revealed. "The 1st, 3rd and 4th Fleets will be attacking Mary Geoise. I've also given orders to the 2nd Fleet to take the passage through Fishman Island and take Sabaody."

"Once they do so, they will be attacking Mary Geoise from their flank. We will cut off any retreat they have other than Kako." Chitsujo continued.

Mei hummed at this. "Hard to believe we're at such a crucial battle already."

"If I may, My Lord," Makarov Dreyar spoke up.

"Yes, Makarov?"

"I do not doubt the strength of my children. I do not doubt the strength of anyone in the Alliance." Makarov explained before frowning. "But still, if Mary Geoise is that crucial, doesn't that mean we can expect resistance on the level of Tenrou Island?"

This made everyone present stiffen. Even Dragon found himself at a loss for words. "...Most likely even greater, since Tenrou was a defeat on their part." Chitsujo sighed. "They probably want to avoid such a defeat this time."

"Then that means…" Makarov trailed off.

Chitsujo then gave Makarov a reassuring smile. "I know where you are going with this, and I assure you that I've already considered such a scenario." Chitsujo told him. "I would never put them in a situation where they cannot win."

"Indeed," Dragon nodded, "this Alliance may be built on the philosophy of togetherness, but there is another philosophy we follow closely."

"We don't pick fights we can't win."

"Yes, and as such, I am already taking steps to tip the scales in our favor." Chitsujo smiled in determination. "We will be reminding my brother that he's not the only one who can use the dead to his advantage."

This created a large discussion among the other Alliance leaders and the Intelligence Division commanders. Chitsujo, however, found himself deep in thought about what his brother's next move was. There's no doubt he knows how crucial this is. And knowing my brother, he's planned for every contingency. Chitsujo noted. When we were kids...I always respected how far he thought into the future.

What are you planning if you lose this one, my brother? Chitsujo wondered.

This thought would continue to plague Chitsujo's mind, as a truly destructive battle neared for the Allied Forces.

The site of this battle: the so-called holy land of the Pirate World, Mary Geoise.

A.N: The Worf Effect is a very interesting trope. Used right, it can give you a hell of a plot twist, used incorrectly, and some of your characters get turned into memetic losers, like poor Chad. I personally like the Worf Effect. It raises the stakes when it is used correctly because it demonstrates the power levels of antagonists. And you certainly send the message that certain antagonists aren't to be messed with when the character you are Worfing is MONKEY D. GARP.

And I want you all to keep something in mind here. Itan's the token good teammate of the Nine Dark Circles. He's the nicest person they could've sent after Garp. Let that sink in. And to be honest, he's still something of a sociopath. He's still not a good person. In Itan's case, I wanted to see if I could write a likable character who you'd want to be friends with because of his affable personality, who's still not a good person. And I want to make this clear. Itan may be nicer than his teammates, but he is still not a good person.

Now, the upcoming fight with Mary Geoise. I'll be honest, I did not want to have such a crazy arc this early in the campaign. But, then I remembered that Mary Geoise was the only way in and out of the New World without Fishman Island. And the reality is, without taking that area, they're always going to have an attacking point. So this was unavoidable.

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter for what it was though. I'll see you all next time. Stay safe and stay healthy.