Zephyr's Dissatisfaction

[Knock knock!]

"Come in."

"It's me, Professor Zephyr."

Vidal pushed open the door and entered the principal's office, located on the top floor of the Marine Headquarters Academy's Teaching Building.

"What brings you here, kid?" Zephyr was surprised to see Vidal, then said, "Well, it's good that you're here, I have something to tell you."

Vidal was also surprised; what could Zephyr possibly want from him?

"Really? Then please go first." He pulled out a chair without any hesitation and sat down at the other end of the desk.

"Yes, it's about your eldest son Bullet," Zephyr said, gently putting down his pen.

"Didn't we say before that this year's Special Training Camp would include him, Gion, Tokikake three others?"

"Yes, that's true."

"After thinking about it carefully, I still feel they are too young."

"Bullet Tokikake are only fifteen years old this year, Gion is only fourteen, while the average age of this year's Special Training Camp participants is over twenty."

Zephyr's attitude was very serious, and he said solemnly, "So I'm considering having them study at school for another year, and then enter the Special Training Camp in the next batch."

"That way, when they graduate from the Special Training Camp, they'll be seventeen or sixteen years old, and after another year or two with their respective Vice Admiral, they'll be adults."

Vidal listened silently and nodded. Indeed, Teacher Zephyr had considered everything very carefully. However, wouldn't the third Special Training Camp run into Kuzan?

"Alright, I'll do as you say. Anyway, I'm leaving Bullet in your hands."

"That sounds nice," Zephyr suddenly sneered, "But didn't you still hand this physical prodigy over to that bastard Garp?"

"What, am I worse Garp?"

Vidal, caught off guard by the sudden attack, quickly explained, "How could that be? Who in the entire ocean doesn't know your name, 'Black Arm'?"

"I'm only thinking that you not only have to manage the entire Navy Academy every day, but also train the Special Training Camp cadets every year. Where would you find the time to take on another disciple?"

Upon hearing this, Zephyr thought about it and realized it was indeed true, especially since he had already stepped down from his position Admiral.

Even if we take Bullet as our disciple, we can't take him out to gain experience!

"Hmph, even if what you say makes sense."

"Back then, let alone Garp, even when I was promoted to Sengoku, Garp was only a Vice Admiral Admiral. As for Garp, that kid was still a Rear Admiral!" Zephyr said, raising his voice.

"If it weren't for his achievements in the Battle of God Valley, given his troublemaking nature, he might not even be a lieutenant Vice Admiral now."

Vidal could only smile wryly and remain silent in response to these remarks, after all, these were big shots, and he had no right to comment on them.

However, what Zephyr said to Garp made some sense; that Vice Admiral Garp was somewhat like a super-enhanced version of Smoker.

Not only do they hate forming cliques and flattering superiors, but they also frequently disobey orders on a whim and have no restraint when it comes to their words.

If it weren't for his genuine strength, the support of Sengoku and Tsuru, and the fact that Kong the Kong wasn't a stingy Fleet Admiral, he would have had a very hard time getting ahead.

"Alright, I've finished telling you my business. Now tell me the purpose of your visit." Zephyr picked up the teacup in front of him and took a sip.

"Teacher, I've been accepted as a disciple by Master Sengoku!"

"What?!"

Zephyr almost spat out the tea he was drinking, but thankfully his willpower was strong enough to force it down, though the surprise in his eyes was undeniable.

Why would the Sengoku accept Vidal as a disciple?

No, that's not the point. He actually took on disciples Sengoku?

Seeing Vidal nod in confirmation with an air of honor, Zephyr slowly put down his teacup and said meaningfully, "You've got a bright future ahead of you, kid!"

The entire Sengoku command knew perfectly well that Sengoku was likely to become the next Fleet Admiral —no, he was almost certainly going to be one of them. After all, there was simply no better candidate than him.

Of course, if he hadn't Zephyr, he might have had a chance to compete a few years later, but it's pointless to talk about it now.

As a disciple of the Sengoku, Vidal's future is something to ponder.

Vidal smiled at this, after all, silence was the best response in such matters, and after a moment he spoke with a laugh.

"Also, Master Sengoku has granted me permission to have my own warship, and I've come here today to ask for your help."

"I remember you just graduated a little over three months ago, right?" Zephyr looked at Vidal speechlessly. Was this kid moving too fast?

Let's not even talk about how long it usually takes for an ordinary person to go from graduating from the Navy Academy to becoming Colonel.

Even monsters like Sakazuki and Borsalino would need at least a year or two to lead a warship on their own.

So, the way things were handled Sengoku was not very logical, but you can't say it was against the rules, since he was Admiral and had that much authority.

Vidal was indeed Colonel, meeting the basic requirements for leading a warship.

It's been almost four months.

"Teacher Sengoku didn't have time to guide me, so he told me to go out and grind military merits on my own," Vidal explained simply.

"The reason I came here is actually to find a group of recent graduates to serve as my personal guards, preferably those who fought against Bullet before. Seven hundred of them would be enough."

"That's no problem." Zephyr nodded and said, "Tell me the warship's number and the assembly time."

"Once I've finished selecting the people, I'll notify them to report for duty."

As for whether the selected graduates are willing or not, there's no point in even thinking about it. They have absolutely no choice. After all, this is a military academy, and they are soldiers who just need to obey orders.

Vidal thought for a moment and replied, "The number is 404. The assembly time is set for 10:00 AM on the first of next month. We'll have some curry with them on the warship then."

Eating curry rice is a tradition at the Marine Headquarters; some officers even gather together on a set date to compare the taste of the curry rice on their respective warships.

"It's a pity I don't know any good chefs around here."

"I can't help with that. I have absolutely no interest in such verbal sparring." With that, Zephyr asked, "Is there anything else?"

"Well, I've gained another seven-year-old son, does that count?" Vidal laughed. "I'll show him to you sometime, since he'll be attending Navy Elementary School soon."

Zephyr opened his mouth in surprise. What kind of hobby did this kid have, collecting children everywhere?

This reminded him of his former son, and he was overcome with grief. Vidal keenly noticed the sorrow in Zephyr's eyes.

He quickly apologized, feeling guilty, "I'm sorry, teacher, I shouldn't have brought that up!"

"It's none of your business. If you have nothing else to do, get out of here. I have work to do!" Zephyr said expressionlessly, dismissing him.

Left with no other choice, Vidal stood up. Just as he opened the door to leave, he heard Zephyr's voice behind him.

I'll visit your home the day after tomorrow to meet your sons.

Vidal was overjoyed, knowing that this was Zephyr's way of telling him that he wasn't angry with him.

"It's an honor to have you at the Forest family!"