Core Chamber – All Forces Unite
The battle ended in a chaotic blur. The walls bore the marks of explosion and combat, but the Straw Hats, Law, Smoker, and Kael stood victorious.
Caesar Clown, disarmed and wheezing, crawled backward as Sanji pinned him with a foot to the chest. "SE-RE-RE-RE—okay! Okay! I give up!"
Monet attempted to take flight, ice gathering around her arms—only for Robin's limbs to sprout along the wall and restrain her.
"Fluer: Net," Robin whispered, and the harpy fell, bound tightly.
Kael sat against the wall, breathing heavily but fully conscious. The Core within him no longer pulsed dangerously. He watched in silence, observing the Straw Hats work together like clockwork. For a moment, he felt like he belonged.
Luffy tied up Caesar with rope Usopp had fished from Franky's pack. "No more gas tricks!"
Caesar shouted, "This is illegal! I'm a scientist! SE-RE-RE-RE!!"
Zoro sheathed his swords and looked to Law. "Now what?"
Law dusted off his coat, his eyes cold and calculating. "Now, the next phase begins."
He pulled out a Den Den Mushi from his coat. The small snail blinked, its eyes narrowing into sharp slits.
"Calling Joker," Law said calmly.
The others looked on in confusion.
The Den Den Mushi squawked. "Fuffuffuffu… Trafalgar, I assume you've made progress."
Law's lips curled into a smirk. "Caesar is in our custody. The exchange can proceed."
On the other end, Doflamingo's voice became quieter—deadly serious. "You've made a dangerous play, Law."
Law replied coolly, "Only if I lose."
---
G-5 Barracks – Safe Evacuation
Meanwhile, Tashigi and the remaining G-5 Marines escorted the children through the snowy corridors, leading them to the extraction point. Chopper rushed alongside them, checking the children's pulses.
"They're stabilizing," Chopper said. "They'll be okay."
Tashigi gave a small nod, glancing toward the distant sounds of combat. "Let's hope the others are, too."
---
Return to the Lab – Final Containment
Franky and Usopp locked Caesar into a containment pod, reinforced with steel. Monet was placed in a secondary chamber under watch by Robin and Nami.
"You sure she won't break out?" Nami asked.
Robin nodded. "She's disoriented. Her wings are injured. She won't fly for a while."
Kael stood by silently, arms folded, watching the aftermath unfold. Despite his silence, Chopper gave him a brief checkup.
"You're stable," Chopper said. "For now."
Kael looked at him. "Thanks… doctor."
---
Final Scene – New Alliances
Law turned to the group. "We'll be moving Caesar off this island soon. And we're going to take down Doflamingo."
Luffy grinned. "He's next?"
Kael looked to the horizon. "If he's part of what caused all this… then count me in."
Zoro gave him a sideways glance. "You sure you're ready to fight with us, not against us?"
Kael gave a faint smirk. "You'll find out soon enough."
The storm had passed, but a bigger war was brewing on the horizon.