Chapter 62: The Third Resolution — Gan Fall’s Atonement Through Death, the Shandians Pledge Their Allegiance

Behind Ron, the Division Commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates followed closely, their eyes filled with vigilance and loyalty.

They had to ensure Ron’s safety. Under no circumstances could they allow him to come to harm. Even the slightest mishap could lead to unimaginable consequences.

On one side stood the Shandian Chief, his sharp gaze fixed firmly on the Skypiean leader, Gan Fall.

Gan Fall refused to back down. His icy stare met the chief’s directly.

A tense atmosphere hung between them, as if a fierce clash could erupt at any moment.

The smell of gunpowder filled the air.

The entire scene was stretched to its limit as everyone held their breath, waiting for what would happen next.

"Enough."

Ron spoke coldly.

He hadn’t come here to mediate.

He had come to deliver a verdict.

This was the privilege of the strong.

Before the weak, the strong possessed the right to issue commands.

Disobedience meant death.

Ron knew that this conflict had to be settled once and for all. Otherwise, future cooperation would inevitably be plagued by disputes and unnecessary trouble.

His gaze swept across everyone present.

The coldness in his eyes seemed capable of piercing straight through their souls.

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines and instinctively lowered their heads.

The plaza fell silent.

Even breathing seemed subdued.

Everyone knew who Ron was.

Aside from Whitebeard himself, Ron was effectively the second most influential figure in the entire Whitebeard Pirates.

A man whose words carried immense weight.

In this brutal pirate world, his decisions were almost law.

No one dared question him.

No one dared challenge his authority.

As a result, both sides stared at him anxiously, hoping his ruling would favor their own people.

Ron glanced around before speaking calmly, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger.

"The conflict ends here."

"Both sides will take a step back. State your conditions, and I will make the final judgment."

"Remember."

"You only get one chance."

"I know your two peoples have carried this hatred for over four hundred years. Those who ruled before bear the greatest responsibility..."

At that point, Ron paused.

No one dared make a sound.

It was as if even breathing required caution while they waited for the final verdict.

The atmosphere was tense and suffocating.

Among the Skypieans, a trace of loneliness flashed through Gan Fall’s eyes.

It was the look of a man burdened by helplessness and sorrow.

He looked back at the people of Skypiea behind him, his expression filled with complicated emotions.

Then he stepped forward.

One step at a time.

Each step seemed to carry the weight of his entire people.

He bowed deeply toward Ron and spoke with solemn sincerity.

"Honorable Vice Captain Ron , as the leader of the Skypieans, no one understands the conflict between our peoples better than I do."

"This hatred has been built upon countless years of bloodshed and resentment. It cannot be resolved with a few simple words."

Then he slowly turned toward the Shandian Chief and the warriors standing behind him.

Determination filled his eyes.

"A feud forged in blood can only be resolved through blood."

"I am willing to atone with my life."

"I hope that after my death, our peoples will no longer hate one another and will cherish the hard-won peace before them."

"What?!"

The Shandian Chief was visibly shaken.

His face was filled with disbelief.

Was this man truly prepared to die for peace?

Even he had not expected such a decision.

The Skypieans cried out in shock as well.

They looked at Gan Fall with complicated expressions, their hearts filled with conflict and pain.

Did things truly have to come to this?

Was there no other solution?

Ron glanced at Gan Fall in surprise.

His brow furrowed slightly, but he said nothing.

Just as Gan Fall himself had said, some blood feuds could only be settled with blood.

It was a cruel reality.

"Gan Fall."

"If you truly intend to atone with your life, then I, as Chief of the Shandians, swear that from this day forward, we shall coexist peacefully with the Skypieans."

The Shandian Chief spoke in a deep voice.

There was a faint tremor hidden within his words.

He understood exactly what this decision meant.

But for the future of his people, he was willing to accept it.

Many Shandians were dissatisfied.

Some felt the condition was far too severe.

Yet they also understood that this was likely the best outcome possible.

Reluctantly, they accepted it.

"Good."

"Then I ask Vice Captain Ron to bear witness."

Gan Fall laughed lightly.

"Wouldn’t want someone backing out after I’m already dead."

His eyes were firm and unwavering.

He had already made up his mind.

The next moment, he pressed a hand against his chest.

A powerful burst erupted from a Reject Dial hidden beneath his palm.

The tremendous impact instantly shattered his heart.

Blood blossomed into the air like a crimson flower.

Brilliant.

Tragic.

As though proclaiming the final glory of a warrior.

Gan Fall’s body collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud.

Yet a peaceful smile remained on his face.

To him, exchanging his life for peace between the two peoples was something to be proud of.

All men die eventually.

And he had died for a worthy cause.

"That’s enough."

Ron waved his hand, signaling the matter was settled.

Several Skypieans immediately rushed forward and carefully carried away Gan Fall’s body.

Their movements were gentle and respectful.

It was as if they were escorting their leader on his final journey.

At that moment—

Whether Shandian or Skypiean—

Everyone was moved by Gan Fall’s sacrifice.

Their hearts were filled with complicated emotions.

Ron then turned toward the Shandians.

The meaning in his gaze was obvious.

The Skypieans had already paid with a life.

What would the Shandians offer in return?

Having lived for many years, the Shandian Chief naturally understood.

Without hesitation, he stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"Vice Captain Ron ."

"The warriors of the Shandian people are fearless and brave."

"They are willing to serve you."

"They are willing to become your most loyal warriors."

Ron’s eyebrow rose slightly.

Even he hadn’t expected the chief to offer the support of his entire people.

Such resolve and courage were not qualities everyone possessed.

"Chief! You can’t do that!"

A Shandian warrior shouted emotionally.

His voice was filled with shock and anger.

"That’s right, Chief!"

Wyper stepped forward immediately.

"I can die instead! Let me atone with my life!"

"And I’m willing to sacrifice myself for our people!"

Raki stepped forward as well, her voice clear but resolute.

But the chief’s furious roar silenced them all.

"Enough!"

His voice crashed down like thunder.

No one dared object further.

Then he lowered his head once more and quietly awaited Ron’s answer.

Though the other Shandian warriors remained dissatisfied, none dared defy their chief’s command.

They could only lower their heads and wait for Ron’s judgment.

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