"Ha ha!"
Hearing Zephyr's helpless voice, Gawain smiled and waved his hand.
"It was just a joke, Professor Zephyr, please don't mind. It's fine to chat with you, but asking me to actually shout something like that..."
Honestly, most people wouldn't have the nerve to do that.
As he spoke, Gawain gently shook his injured hand, ignoring the pain. But the sight of him bleeding so profusely was not suitable to continue.
So he raised his injured hand to Zephyr.
"Professor Zephyr, how about we talk somewhere else?"
Where is the hospital at Marine Headquarters? Could you take me for a walk so I can get my hand treated quickly?
"By the way, are these two behind you your students, Ain and Binz?"
As he spoke, Gawain nodded slightly to the two people who looked utterly astonished.
"I hope my appearance frightened you at our first meeting; I hope you won't take it to heart."
"How dare we!!!"
Hearing Gawain's words, Binz, who had a lewd appearance and seemed like Japan ninja living a comfortable life, quickly shook his head.
Then he suddenly knelt heavily on the ground.
"I am Binz, Devil Fruit User, and for now... for now I am only a lieutenant in the Navy. Greetings, Saint Gawain!"
At the same time, Ain, who was next to Binz, bent her long legs and knelt on one knee in front of Gawain, gently bowing her head and saying.
"I am Ain, Devil Fruit User, and a worthless disciple of Zephyr. I greet Saint Gawain."
As soon as she finished speaking, Ain swallowed hard and looked up at Gawain.
She glanced at it once and quickly looked away. Why did even Celestial Dragon like Saint Gawain dislike wearing a shirt?
That makes sense, the weather is so hot, I was even sweating a little myself...
Beside him, Gawain smiled and narrowed his eyes as he looked at the two kneeling figures.
"Don't be shy, get up quickly. Could you please give me directions and take me and Professor Zephyr to the naval hospital?"
By the way, Professor Zephyr, your right hand...?
As he spoke, Gawain reached out towards Zephyr's mechanical right hand.
Seeing Gawain's outstretched hand, Zephyr impatiently pushed his right hand forward as well.
"It's just a substitute, but are you sure you want to use it?"
"This thing is not something a power user can touch!"
"Oh, is it made of Seastone?"
As Gawain responded to Zephyr's words, he gently patted Zephyr's Seastone mechanical arm.
"Yes, it feels the same as when I'm in contact with seawater. It's not that I've completely lost my abilities, but rather that I've lost the strength to use them!"
Gawain gave a brief evaluation.
Indeed, just as he said, neither Seastone nor the Seastone Factor contained in seawater has any purpose in causing ability users to lose their abilities.
Once a Devil Fruit user eats Devil Fruit, nothing can erase their power except death.
Even Seastone's function is limited to allowing contact with the bodies of Logia and to weakening their abilities!
Just like in the original anime, when Luffy grabbed Zephyr was drifting at sea, he accidentally grabbed Seastone's right hand, which was made of Zephyr, and Luffy immediately collapsed.
Even so, his right hand remained in a stretched rubber state.
In addition, when Aokiji was talking to them in the hot spring, Luffy also lay in the bathtub with his arms outstretched, while Aokiji used his ability to condense his ice legs as soon as he got out of the water.
This shows that the Seastone Factor can only completely deplete the abilities of those with superpowers.
It will not cause the user to lose their ability.
Gawain, who was holding the Seastone, felt the same way. He could feel that, apart from his hand which was in close contact with the Seastone, the rest of his body could still turn into Inazuma after touching the Seastone.
However, even raising his hand became difficult for him after coming into contact with Seastone.
After experiencing exhaustion, Gawain released Zephyr's mechanical arm.
"Old man, let's talk as we walk. I'm sure you know what I mean by making a special trip here, so I won't beat around the bush."
I would like to request that you serve as the head instructor of my Dark Bird Group!
Upon hearing this, Zephyr immediately raised his hand to say something.
However, Gawain, despite feeling exhausted, held Zephyr's hand.
"You would never agree so readily, so your answer is so decisive that it must be a refusal!"
Don't say that so soon, haha.
Professor Zephyr, why don't you listen to what I have to say? What if some of the conditions I propose happen to appeal to you?
So please listen to me first, shall we?
At this point, Gawain waved for Ain and Binz to lead the way.
Seeing this, the two of them could only nod and then led Gawain toward the hospital.
As they walked, Gawain continued speaking to Zephyr, whose face remained grim.
"I know, the reason you don't want to board my ship, sir, is probably because of the navy you can't bear to part with."
However, I noticed that the way you looked at the Marine Headquarters around you didn't seem particularly satisfied.
Therefore, while you deeply love Marine Headquarters, you also harbor considerable dissatisfaction with it.
It may be harsh to say this, but you must admit, this place is no longer suitable for you!
At this point, Gawain pointed to the young marines passing by, whom even Zephyr didn't recognize.
Logically speaking, given the fame of former Admiral Zephyr, every naval officer on patrol should have recognized him.
But along their journey, not a single person had saluted Zephyr.
Of course, Gawain looked rather disheveled, so few of the ordinary marines could recognize Gawain.
So, they actually managed to walk safely into the Marine Headquarters with their old, young, and wounded crew, without being noticed by any passing marines.
At the same time, Gawain pointed to the passing marines and continued speaking softly to Zephyr.
"Hey, Professor Zephyr, the Navy currently has three Admiral, all the Vice Admiral, and the vast majority of captains and lieutenants."
Those people are all your disciples.
The elder, Borsalino, is your first disciple.
Whether it's the young Ain and Binz in front of us, or the recently emerging user of the Moku Moku no Mi.
At least within the Navy, you truly have students all over the world.
But..."
At this point, Gawain couldn't help but think of Zephyr's original life.
If Gawain had not come into this world, then Zephyr would have established the so-called Neo Marines three years after forming the naval Guerrilla.
Ultimately, they decided to demonstrate and prove their justice by destroying the New World.
His end was marked by his second disciple personally ordering his departure from this world, his eldest disciple personally carrying out the burial, and his third disciple personally burying him.
For a teacher, such an ending is not tragic. Being able to teach his students something before he died, Zephyr's teaching career was without regret.
But as a naval officer, or as an Admiral...
Zephyr's life is truly tragic...
The most tragic thing is not Zephyr's death, after all, everyone must die, some deaths Mount Tai, some are lighter than a feather.
A person like Zephyr deserves a spectacular death, but in the original storyline, if Zephyr hadn't caused a world-destroying incident...
He might never be mentioned by young people on the high seas again until he dies!
Just think about it; Koby, who was standing next to Garp at the time, is a good example of this.
Having been personally trained by Garp and becoming Rear Admiral in just two years after joining the Navy, Koby can already be considered an elite among the Navy's new generation.
But then Zephyr stole the Dyna Stone, intending to destroy the New World.
Even a promising young officer Koby didn't know who Zephyr was!
If Garp hadn't explained, Marines like Koby wouldn't even know that Zephyr had once held the rank of Admiral.
In other words, at least for now, this Zephyr doesn't seem to want to destroy the New World...
After a glorious half-life, followed by a wasted half-life, he finally met an unknown and insignificant end.
Thinking this, Gawain looked at Zephyr with a hint of sadness and regret that was hard to detect.
Meanwhile, Zephyr shook his head dismissively at Gawain's words.
"But what? Hmph, I've seen too many self-important brats like you, Saint Gawain!"
The "but" you mentioned is simply saying that I've lived a miserable life, isn't it?
And when you tried to stop me before, did you also think that I would only ever say no?
At this point, Zephyr grinned, revealing a disdainful expression.
"Hmph, a young man like you is at the most confident stage, and it is precisely at this most confident time that you have achieved great success!"
So, even though we only exchanged a few words, you kept using those kinds of words that you thought were appropriate.
But I must tell you, the only thing you think you're certain of is yourself. Anyone or anything else could become an unexpected surprise beyond your expectations!
Just like when you interrupted me before, do you really know what I wanted to say to you?
No, you don't know!
As soon as he finished speaking, Zephyr gave Gawain a sidelong smirk.
"Before today, when Sakazuki and I mentioned your invitation..."
I absolutely have no intention of agreeing!
But today, after I got this hand implanted, I finally called Sakazuki and told him I was willing to meet with him!
Just like I didn't expect you to come so quickly!
You didn't guess my plans either.
I want to make a deal with you!
Zephyr then raised his mechanical right hand towards Gawain.
"With this new team, I'm finally not the disabled person I was for the past four years anymore, haha!"
Therefore, I want to break out of my current predicament and actually do something!
I will hunt down the pirates with special abilities on this vast sea. I will also gather money and manpower to establish a new navy that embodies my will!
By myself alone, even in two or three years, I might not be able to gather dozens or hundreds of boats!
But if I can gain your support, then you, the God of Wealth on the Grand Line, can easily grant my wish!
So, what I wanted to say to you before wasn't a rejection!
I need to talk to you, Gawain!
If you are willing to provide me with some financial assistance, I will, in my spare time, impart all the knowledge and skills I have acquired throughout my life to you!
And you, are you willing to give me the answer I want?
"Ha ha!!!"
Upon hearing Zephyr's words, Gawain burst out laughing. As he laughed, he reached out and patted Zephyr's normal arm.
"Zephyr- sensei, are you joking? Your idea of... establishing a Neo Marines..."
Before you say that, why don't you carefully consider my past actions?
Look at the people I've recruited, and the things I've done—don't you think I'm building a new World Government?
So, hahaha, the reason I invited you to join my team is precisely to have you Teuchi my future army!
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain looked ahead at Ain and Binz, who had suddenly stopped in their tracks and whose legs were trembling.
How could these two possibly have imagined that they would actually hear Gawain utter such... treasonous words inside Marine Headquarters?!
Seeing the utter astonishment in their eyes, Gawain smiled and waved his hand.
"Why are you so shocked? Just take it as me bragging."
Haven't you two ever heard anyone boast before in your lives?
Keep leading the way, haha.
"Speaking of which, I'll soon be Zephyr's disciple, so shouldn't I call you senior brothers and sisters, Ain and Binz?"
"No, no, no... I wouldn't dare!!!"
"How is that possible?!"
Immediately, Ain and Binz, who were already nervous, became even more nervous, and they quickly waved their hands at Gawain.
"How dare we be your senior brothers!"
"Wait, Saint Gawain, that's not what he meant. He meant that we're not worthy to be your senior sisters!"
Well, faced with Gawain's teasing, the two of them were so nervous that they could barely speak.
However, this also allowed them to successfully forget Gawain's outrageous remarks.
So he followed them, continuing towards the hospital.
Zephyr took a deep breath.
No wonder I couldn't help but admire you the moment I saw you!
It's not just the scars and training marks on your body that have shown me that even among the Celestial Dragon, there are people as disciplined and demanding as you!
It's not just because you rushed to my side the moment you received my message, which made me deeply appreciate your respect for me!
The reason I admire you is because you harbor the same unconventional ideas as I do!
I just remembered that you said there was dissatisfaction in my eyes when I looked at the Marine Headquarters.
But when I look into your eyes, I also feel a hidden discontent in your gaze as you look at the whole world, haha!!!
As soon as he finished speaking, Zephyr reached out his left hand and patted Gawain's shoulder heavily.
"I cannot agree to your request directly yet, although to some extent I would not mind having the Neo Marines I wish to create affiliated with your new regime!"
But in any case, I need to at least get to know your personality and the core of your entire faction!
Your ship is ultimately carrying too many people that I despise!
The Shichibukai, including Devil Fruit users, and even the legendary pirate Rayleigh!
I don't like them at all!!!
Even if they are now under your control, to the point that the Navy and the World Government have almost stripped them of their pirate status.
But I won't believe they've truly shed their pirate identity and become a force against pirates just because I've heard rumors!
In short, I originally intended to steal a warship and sail it to the Reverse Mountain to meet you, since your route leads directly to Reverse Mountain.
But since you've made the effort to come see me and shown me such exceptional respect, it's understandable.
Since that's the case, then I'll teach you for a few months first, and then decide everything else!
As for now..."
As Zephyr spoke, he glanced at Gawain's right hand.
"Your current condition could affect your future. Even if you have a subordinate like Bartholomew Kuma, you can't ignore injuries that damage your tendons and ligaments!"
Four and a half years ago, I was attacked by that Flamingo. It took advantage of my first asthma attack and cut off my right hand!
Even if it were reattached afterward, the nerves in my right hand would have suffered irreversible damage!
With my example before you, do you still dare not cherish your body, Saint Gawain?!
"Etc!!!"
Hearing Zephyr's words, Gawain was stunned. He stared blankly at Zephyr and asked him a question.
"Professor Zephyr, what did you just say?"
You said the person who cut off your right hand was Doflamingo?
"And what about Weevil.? Shouldn't it have been Weevil did it?"
"What Weevil?"
Zephyr was also stunned. He frowned and asked Gawain.
"What are you talking about? Who is Weevil., Marco the Phoenix?"
Today was still very busy. My grandfather hasn't been feeling well lately, and my uncle, who drives a truck, went on a long trip last Friday and couldn't be there to take care of him.
So my mom and I took turns keeping her company.
The hospital environment isn't great, and the summer weather is incredibly busy, so I'm writing very slowly. I only managed to squeeze out four or five thousand words by evening...
I'll get a good night's sleep tonight, get back to normal tomorrow, and start catching up on the three chapters I owe this weekend.
Love you all.