Core Chamber – Breaking the Bind
Kael's body convulsed as arcs of violet lightning danced across his skin. The Core within him, once a pulsing mass of raw energy, writhed and screeched in resistance. Kael fell to his knees, slamming his fists into the floor.
"No… I won't be your puppet!" he roared.
The energy tethering his limbs snapped like whips, the chamber trembling as the Core's glow dimmed. For a moment, silence followed—the kind that hinted at both victory and doom. Then Kael rose, breathing hard, his body steaming from the release.
His eyes—both now his own—glowed faintly, no longer under the Core's influence.
"It's over," he whispered.
Luffy blinked. "Whoa… He did it."
Zoro raised an eyebrow. "Guess he's tougher than he looks."
Chopper gasped. "The Core… it's dormant!"
Kael looked toward the crew. "I'm not your enemy anymore… but I don't expect forgiveness."
Robin gave a small nod. "You chose to fight it. That says enough."
Before more could be said, an explosion rocked the corridor.
---
Outside the Core Chamber – Clash of Justice
Vergo slammed Law against the wall, his face grim. "Still too weak, Law."
Law winced, clutching his chest. "I'll take that back now."
Before Vergo could react, Smoker appeared from behind with a blur of white smoke. His jitte cracked against Vergo's ribs, and in one smooth motion, Law activated ROOM.
The heart capsule tore from Vergo's coat into Law's hand.
Law crushed it.
Power surged back through his body. "You lose."
With Law's precision strikes and Smoker's brute force, Vergo couldn't keep up. A final blow from both men sent Vergo crashing through the metal wall, unconscious.
Smoker leaned against the wreckage, panting. "Finally."
Law glanced down the hall. "Now, for Caesar."
---
Core Chamber – Unwelcome Guests
The Straw Hats turned as the next door burst open.
"SE-RE-RE-RE! Isn't this touching?" Caesar Clown cackled, striding into the room with Monet floating behind him.
Nami stepped forward, clima-tact sparking. "You."
"Surprised?" Caesar said, grinning. "I've come to collect my prize. That Core is still mine."
Kael tensed.
Sanji stepped in front of him. "Not happening, clown."
Monet spoke calmly, but her wings twitched. "Step aside. We won't ask again."
Robin narrowed her eyes. "This is no longer your experiment. He's free."
Franky rolled his shoulder. "If you want him, you'll have to go through all of us."
Caesar frowned, raising a device. "I thought you might say that. So I brought insurance."
He pressed a button. Pipes on the walls hissed—and toxic gas began leaking in.
"Let's see how long you can hold your breath!" he laughed.
Luffy growled. "I'm tired of these stupid tricks."
Kael stepped forward. "Then let me repay the debt."
He raised a hand—and to everyone's surprise, absorbed the gas into his Core, neutralizing it instantly.
Caesar stumbled backward. "No… That's not possible!"
Kael's voice was cold. "I know what you did to me."
The Straw Hats charged.