The New Navy's Second-in-Command!
"Marine Guerrilla Unit?"
Storm was no stranger to the term "guerrillas."
Because he was originally a member of the Sword Unit.
To be precise...
Rear Admiral Storm is now the second-in-command of the Sword Unit!
When Aokiji invited Storm to join the Sword Unit, he said that the Sword Unit was "a guerrilla force that can move freely."
What Storm didn't expect was that Zephyr would also invite him to join another "Marine Guerrilla Unit" at this time.
In fact.
If Storm hadn't gifted Zephyr the "Clay Arm" today...
Zephyr will indeed form his own "Marine Guerrilla Unit" two years later to travel the seas and hunt pirates.
This former Admiral did not begin to leave the navy and act independently in 1523 of the Grand Line Era.
26 years ago, Zephyr's family was killed by pirates.
At that time, he had already begun to consider leaving the Navy and hunting pirates.
However, due to the strong dissuasion of the other naval commanders at the time.
Zephyr then stayed in the Navy and began to teach and train new naval recruits as the chief instructor.
Until three years ago, Zephyr's Rookie Training Camp was attacked by Edward Weevil.
That major setback made him consider leaving the navy again.
Five years later, the World Government invited Edward Weevil to become the new Shichibukai.
That's when Zephyr officially left the Navy—but that's not entirely accurate.
Strictly speaking...
In 1523 of the Grand Line Era, Zephyr had become completely disillusioned with the World Government and the Marine Headquarters. He abandoned his previous allies and stances and chose to form the "NEO Marines".
Between 1520 and 1523, Zephyr was active on the high seas as the highest-ranking officer of the "Marine Guerrilla Unit".
Storm's actions today, namely his "handing over" move, have only spurred the premature birth of the "Marine Guerrilla Unit."
"Professor Zephyr, have you forgotten that I'm still a member of the Sword Unit!"
"Of course I haven't forgotten."
Zephyr said in a deep voice as he adjusted to his Clay Newbie Arm.
"In fact, it's precisely because of your status Blade Unit Member that I invited you to join my Marine Guerrilla Unit!"
Zephyr's original plan was to wait until the naval scientists had finished building his Mechanical Arm, and then leave the navy with a group of marines to hunt pirates as a "guerrilla force".
But that will present a problem.
That is, apart from Zephyr himself, there were no other outstanding naval personnel in that "Marine Guerrilla Unit" who could stand alone.
You need to know.
Zephyr's health condition is quite worrying.
In his normal state, Zephyr can indeed unleash combat power at the level of Admiral.
But Zephyr is sick!
And he was very sick!
Once the disease takes hold, Zephyr will have difficulty even protecting himself, let alone maintaining his fighting ability.
In that situation, don't expect Zephyr to be able to protect the rest of the Marine Guerrilla Unit.
He even needed Marine Guerrilla Unit to protect him...
Regarding the "senior officers" of the Marine Guerrilla Unit.
Zephyr has already scouted three men, all of whom are marines he personally trained.
Shuzo, Ain, Binz.
The former is a martial arts expert and is currently Zephyr's right-hand man in the Rookie Training Camp.
The latter two are Devil Fruit User; the former possesses the [Return-Return Fruit], and the latter possesses the [Shove-Shove Fruit].
It is worth mentioning.
Ain and Binz were both survivors of the attack three years ago, and the only two survivors of that year's Rookie Training Camp.
As things stand at the moment.
Shuzo, Ain, and Binz are all relatively... mediocre in terms of strength.
Having taught students for decades, Zephyr could clearly see the potential and upper limit of the three of Shuzo.
If we use the bounty amount of pirates as an analogy...
The upper limit for these three is estimated to be around 500 million Beli.
This is only the ideal scenario.
The current three people.
Shuzo in physical techniques, is quite capable.
Ain and Binz probably don't even have the ability to deal with Supernovas...
Zephyr's expectation for the "Pirate Guerrilla Team" is that he can lead this team into the New World and wipe out the trash and scum New World.
But the entire "guerrilla force"
Apart from Zephyr himself.
The other three "senior officers" struggled even to deal with pirates with bounties exceeding 100 million Beli.
Pirates living in the New World with bounties exceeding 100 million are as numerous as carp crossing a river.
How can we fight like this?
We can't put all the fighting pressure on Zephyr alone, can we?
Not to mention that Zephyr himself has quite a few flaws!
But now...
Storm's appearance gave Zephyr another direction to consider.
First of all, Storm is a purebred Gunko, with impeccable revolutionary credentials;
Secondly, Storm came from the Sword Unit and was very familiar with the tactics of "guerrilla warfare";
Finally, Storm himself is strong enough to easily defeat two Shichibukai!
If such a navy could be brought into the Marine Guerrilla Unit, Zephyr's own pressure would be greatly reduced.
"Marine Guerrilla Unit?"
Storm pondered for a moment, then asked.
"If I choose to join, do I have to leave the Sword Unit?"
Why do you want to withdraw?
Zephyr shook his head, directly denying it.
"My guerrilla unit is a separate organization, so you can also serve as Blade Unit Member at the same time."
"Furthermore, I also know the significance and objectives of the Sword Unit... The Sword Unit and the guerrillas are essentially the same in nature."
They all obey orders but not decrees!
Storm nodded; he understood.
Before Storm could give a final answer.
Zephyr continued speaking to himself.
"I'm still leading this year's Rookie Training Camp. In any case, one must see things through to the end."
"Even if the guerrilla force is established, it will probably be a year from now."
"Storm, I can give you a year to think about whether you want to join the guerrillas."
Zephyr gazed at Storm and spoke earnestly.
"I hope you can seriously consider this issue."
"No need to think about it seriously, I can actually give you an answer right now, Professor Zephyr."
Storm shook his head and said directly.
"I can join this 'guerrilla force,' but as you know, my current status is rather special, and it's not appropriate for me to appear alongside the navy."
"Of course! Of course!"
Zephyr nodded repeatedly.
"You are now Shichibukai... In that case, it's settled!"
"After this year's Rookie Training Camp is over, I will begin preparations for the guerrilla operation, and I will contact you then."
"Good."
Storm responded solemnly.
The reason he chose to accept Zephyr's invitation.
It wasn't just because he deeply respected his teacher Zephyr.
Furthermore, Zephyr's "Marine Guerrilla Unit" will likely evolve into another organization in the future.
"NEO Marines," or "New Marines."
Just like Crocodile said before.
The navy is the true king of this sea.
However, it is an organization under the World Government.
The Navy isn't always able to uphold its "justice"!
Even Storm couldn't see into the very distant future.
But one thing he was certain of was that his "harmonious" relationship with the World Government wouldn't last forever.
However, if Storm clashes with the World Government...
The navy will undoubtedly become a huge obstacle between him and the World Government!
At that time.
Zephyr's "Marine Guerrilla Unit," or more accurately, the "NEO Marines," could then come in handy...
Now joining the Marine Guerrilla Unit.
He'll be the second-in-command of the New Marines in the future!
This can be seen as Storm taking precautions!
Zephyr hadn't expected that his casual invitation to Storm would actually be met with such an immediate response.
The Marine Guerrilla Unit had not yet been established.
Zephyr invited a junior colleague who was outstanding in terms of ideas, ability, and reputation.
As for Storm's "radical justice"...
Zephyr, who "doesn't kill," might still find it displeasing.
Zephyr just wants him to "go all out"!
With his right hand restored and Storm recruited, two happy events occurred one after the other, making Zephyr's steps much lighter.
Zephyr strode over to the still-sleeping Edward Weevil, raised his newly created right hand, and simultaneously enveloped it in [Armament Haki].
Intentional Punch!
Bang!
A dull thud was heard.
Zephyr's heavy punch landed directly on the head of the sleeping Edward Weevil.
The latter was jolted awake by the sudden, heavy blow, and jumped up in a daze, a huge bulge growing on his head at a visible speed.
"Ouch, that hurts!"
Edward Weevil clutched his throbbing head, tears welling in his eyes, and cried out for Buckingham Stussy.
"Mommy! Mommy!"
Zephyr stood before Edward Weevil, looking at the large man who was crying uncontrollably like a child, and a strange, subtle emotion welled up within him.
"Don't cry!"
Zephyr clenched his fist, stepped forward, and said in a firm and powerful voice.
"Pirates!"
Edward Weevil had no idea who the purple-haired, muscular man in front of him was, even though he was the one who had chopped off the man's arm.
The constant, excruciating pain emanating from the top of his head filled Edward Weevil with fear; all he wanted was to get away from this terrifying-looking, purple-haired giant as quickly as possible.
"Mommy! Mommy!"
Edward Weevil ran and shouted.
He could barely speak clearly, only calling out "Mom's" name.
Zephyr's brows furrowed tightly, a subtle emotion brewing within him.
[Shave]!
Zephyr vanished from his spot in an instant, appearing directly in front of Edward Weevil as if by teleportation.
He swung his right hand, and delivered another blow—
Intentional Punch!
Bang!
Zephyr's fist struck Edward Weevil hard in the abdomen, sending him flying high into the air before crashing back down onto the ground of Long Ring Long Land, creating a deep crater.
First, he was forcibly woken up by someone, and then he was hit in the stomach.
Edward Weevil also had a headache and a stomachache.
Unable to call for his mother, he simply gave up resisting, covered his head with his hands, curled up deep in the pit, and adopted a posture of accepting whatever beatings or scoldings he might receive.
However, Edward Weevil continued shouting at this point.
"Mommy... Mommy... Where are you... I'm in so much pain..."
Zephyr stood at the edge of the pit, looking down at the big, silly guy who only knew how to cover his head, cry, and call for his mother, and felt an overwhelming sadness in his heart.
Was his life ruined by such a fool?
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Besides.