With the experience of his previous life, Flender's first impression of a cesspool-like world such as that of pirates was naturally "rebellion."
Could only the Celestial Dragons rule the world? Absolutely not.
[Zephyr: Hahaha, that's right! Forming the Neo Marines? That suits me perfectly! Justice still flies over these seas today, so why can't I carry its banner? One day, I'll plant the flag of justice on the Red Line, in the holy land of Mary Geoise!]
Zephyr made no effort to hide his ambitions. Having grown increasingly disappointed in the Marines and the World Government, he had long wanted to start anew.
But when it came to the Marines, to which he had devoted nearly half his life, Zephyr ultimately could not bring himself to take that step.
Until recently, when Zephyr saw the future and saw that someone truly raised a sword against those in power, however immature and sudden it might have been.
[Zephyr: Dragon did well. Revolution—what this world needs is a sweeping revolution!]
Inside the Hogwarts Headmaster's Office, Dumbledore's gaze flickered as he watched Zephyr's undiminished edge. He wanted to say something, but a stifling gloom lingered in his heart. In the end, he could only let out a long sigh and remain silent.
Grindelwald...
[Samuel Oak: Well, that's certainly true. Zephyr's world really does need its order rebuilt and set back on the right track.]
Professor Oak greatly agreed with Zephyr. After all, he had personally witnessed the Pokémon world gradually go from instability to harmony and order.
It was necessary to clear away the old powers of the past.
[Flender: It's good that you have that intention, Zephyr. The situation in your world truly is turbulent, but this sort of thing cannot be rushed. Take Dragon, for example. Acting on impulse and settling grudges feels great, but building up a force requires patience. There's an old saying from my hometown—"Stockpile grain, build high walls, and bide your time before claiming the throne." That explains why. In short, it's good that you have this plan, Zephyr. I support you, but you mustn't act too hastily.]
After Zephyr completely fell into darkness in the future, he had planned to blow up the entire New World with just several Pacifista replicas and two disciples.
Without a doubt, rather than carrying out his justice, Zephyr at that time had been more intent on turning all the anger accumulated in his heart into revenge.
He had been heading toward his death.
[Zephyr: Haha, I know. I won't make that mistake again. Don't underestimate this old man—I was once a Marine Admiral, after all. Until I have absolute confidence and sufficient talent, territory, resources, and everything else, I'll remain in the Marines and prepare slowly.] [Flender: That's more like it.]
As they continued chatting, both Flender and Professor Oak were quite interested in Zephyr's "rebellion." Only Dumbledore kept his mouth shut.
Flender noticed this and, after thinking it over, understood what was going on.
This legend of the Wizarding World, Hogwarts's old headmaster, was still trapped in the past.
There was nothing Flender could really say about that. After all, everyone's experiences were different. If the chance arose, he could offer some help.
After all, in Flender's view, that magical world would also clash with the modern world in the future, and Dumbledore would have no choice but to step forward then.
It was always better to prepare for the future.
After closing the Chat Group, Zephyr came ashore. The gentle sea breeze brushed across his face, stirring his gaze.
Blue skies and white clouds stretched overhead, the scenery seeming as though it had been washed clean with water. A country road filled with the scent of earth lay beneath his feet, neat wooden fences lining both sides. Houses were scattered about like building blocks, while several large windmills lazily turned their blades. Peace and tranquility washed over him.
"Hey, Zephyr, this is my hometown, Foosha Village. What do you think? Doesn't it look great?"
Ignoring the bruise around his eye, Garp pointed ahead and spoke excitedly. He hoped his old friend would like this place as much as he did.
Zephyr nodded in approval. Without a doubt, this place could be called a paradise in these seas.
The two strolled along as they chatted, followed by Marines from the Dog-head Ship. Their capes of justice fluttered behind them as they blended seamlessly into the village, just as they always had.
Quite a few people passed by along the way. The moment they saw Garp, they immediately came over to greet him.
"Garp! Garp's back!"
"Vice Admiral Garp, back to rest again?"
"How about a drink at Makino's tonight? Hahaha, of course, you're paying."
The villagers of Foosha Village all knew Garp. They called him by name, occasionally addressing him as Vice Admiral, though most of the time they simply teased him.
Garp laughed heartily and responded to each of them, but when it came to paying for drinks, he refused to budge.
"Idiots, this old man needs to drink too! Pay for your own drinks!"
"What a cheapskate, Garp."
The villagers laughed, but they did not take it to heart. After chatting for a few more moments, they gradually dispersed.
During that time, Garp briefly introduced Zephyr as well. Learning that he was Garp's old comrade, the villagers were extremely welcoming toward Zephyr. They even ignored Garp outright and invited Zephyr to drink with them.
Garp was so angry that he cursed several times, but the villagers ultimately only dispersed amid laughter.
Zephyr kept smiling along the way, and the words that came to mind most often were—This is wonderful.
That was until they reached a tavern called PARTYS BAR, where laughter and cheerful voices could be heard from outside.
"Come on, Uta! You can't let Luffy beat you!"
"No, no, Luffy will definitely win! That kid has a huge appetite!"
"Hahaha, place your bets! Those who think Uta will win, stand on the left. Those who think Luffy will win, stand on the right."
"..."
Upon hearing that, Garp, who had been smiling all the way, froze in confusion for a moment. Only then did the villagers passing nearby suddenly realize something.
Weren't Shanks and his group pirates?
Garp's expression instantly darkened. He gently pushed open the tavern door, his blazing eyes fixed on the interior.
In the most conspicuous spot in the tavern, a little girl with red-and-white hair was competing with his own foolish black-haired boy, both desperately stuffing themselves with noodles.
The members of the Red Hair Pirates surrounded them. Garp knew every one of them. They clapped excitedly, betting on which of the two kids would win.
Among them, Captain Shanks was shrieking around like a monkey, cheering for Uta and Luffy at the same time, wanting both sides to win.
Seeing this, Garp took a deep breath and shouted:
"Hey! Luffy, you absolutely cannot lose! If you lose to that little girl, Grandpa will give you a loving iron fist!"
"Urgh!"
Hearing that familiar voice, Luffy suddenly turned around. The instant he saw Garp, he panicked and choked on the spot, desperately pounding his chest to catch his breath.
Seeing this, Uta immediately began stuffing noodles into her mouth even faster. Only after she had cleared her plate did she raise it like a trophy and proudly display it to everyone.
"Oh! Uta won!"
"Haha, as expected, Luffy's still the little brother."
"You lost, you lost! Luffy, you really are hopeless~"
The Red-Haired Pirates let out a chorus of mocking cheers, making Luffy choke even harder as his face turned bright red.
Shanks smiled and was just about to step forward to help Luffy when someone moved faster than him.
Zephyr patted Luffy on the back. The perfectly controlled force immediately sent the noodles in his mouth sliding down.
Freed at last, Luffy took two deep breaths. He looked at Uta unwillingly, then immediately turned toward Zephyr behind him.
"Thank you, purple-haired uncle."
"You're welcome."
Zephyr ruffled Luffy's head, quite satisfied with this little fellow who had not yet gone astray.
Then he turned and looked at Shanks, whose face had become solemn. Zephyr smiled.
"I never expected to meet you here, Shanks."
Before you continue