Store Up Grain, Build High Walls, Bide Your Time Before Claiming the Throne

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!

The name of justice still flies over these seas. Why can't I carry it myself?

One day, I will plant the banner of justice upon the Red Line, in the holy land of Mary Geoise!]

Zephyr made no effort to hide his ambitions. As he grew increasingly disappointed with the Marines and the World Government, he had long wanted to start anew.

But when faced with the Marines, to which he had devoted nearly half his life, Zephyr ultimately could not bring himself to take that step.

Until not long ago, when Zephyr saw the future and saw that someone really did raise a sword against the powerful and privileged, however immature and sudden it might have been.

[Zephyr: That kid Dragon did well. Revolution—what this world needs is a grand, earth-shaking revolution!]

Inside the Hogwarts Headmaster's Office, Dumbledore's eyes flickered as he watched the still-sharp Zephyr. He wanted to say something, but a knot of gloom weighed on his heart. In the end, he could only sigh softly and remain silent.

Grindelwald...

[Samuel Oak: Well, that is indeed true. Zephyr's world truly needs 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 change from instability into harmony and order.

It was necessary to clear away the old powers and dignitaries of the past.

[Flender: It's good that you have that resolve, Zephyr. The situation in your world really is turbulent, but this sort of thing cannot be rushed.

Take Dragon, for example. Settling scores freely may feel satisfying, but building up a force requires patience. There's an old saying from my hometown: "Store up grain, build high walls, and bide your time before claiming the throne." That saying explains it well.

In short, it's good that you have this plan, Zephyr. I support you, but you mustn't act too hastily.]

After Zephyr completely went dark in the future, he took several Pacifista replicas and two disciples, then prepared to blow up the entire New World.

Without question, the Zephyr of that time was less concerned with carrying out his justice than with turning all the rage he had accumulated within into revenge.

He was headed straight for death.

[Zephyr: Haha, I know. I won't make that kind of mistake from the future again. Don't underestimate this old man. I was once a Marine Admiral, after all.

Until I have absolute confidence, and enough 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, Flender and Professor Oak were both very interested in Zephyr's "rebellion." Only Dumbledore kept his mouth shut.

Flender noticed this and, after thinking it over, understood why.

This legend of the Wizarding World, the old headmaster of Hogwarts, was still trapped in the past.

Flender could not really say much about it. Everyone had different experiences, and he could only offer some help if the opportunity arose.

After all, in Flender's view, the magical world would also clash with the modern world in the future. When that happened, Dumbledore would have no choice but to step forward again.

It was always good to prepare for the future.

After closing the Chat Group, Zephyr disembarked. The gentle sea breeze brushed against his face, stirring his gaze.

Blue skies and white clouds stretched overhead, the scenery seeming freshly washed by clear water. A country path filled with the scent of earth lay beneath his feet, neat wooden fences lined both sides, and houses were scattered about like building blocks. Several large windmills lazily turned their blades, and tranquility washed over him.

"Hey, Zephyr, this is my hometown, Foosha Village. What do you think? Doesn't it look great?"

Garp pointed ahead, speaking enthusiastically despite the bruise around his eye. He hoped his old friend would like this place as much as he did.

Zephyr nodded in approval. Without a doubt, this place counted as a paradise hidden away upon these seas.

The two strolled and chatted, followed by Marines from the Dog-head Ship. Their justice capes fluttered behind them as they blended naturally 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 for a rest again?"

"Want to have 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 addressed him as Vice Admiral, but more often teased him.

Garp laughed heartily and responded to each of them, but he absolutely would not yield on the subject of drinks.

"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 a little longer, they dispersed one by one.

During that time, Garp briefly introduced Zephyr as well. Once the villagers learned he was Garp's old comrade, they were just as warm toward Zephyr. They even skipped over Garp entirely and invited Zephyr to join them for drinks.

Garp was so angry that he cursed several times, but the villagers ultimately just dispersed amid laughter.

Zephyr wore a smile the entire way. The thought that came to his mind most often was—This is wonderful.

They did not stop until they reached a tavern named PARTYS BAR, where laughter and cheerful voices could already be heard from outside.

"Come on, Uta! You can't let Luffy beat you!"

"No, no, Luffy will definitely win! That kid has quite the appetite!"

"Hahaha, place your bets, 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 those words, Garp, who had been smiling all the way, went blank for a moment. The villagers passing by finally realized it as well.

Shanks and his group seemed to be pirates?

Garp's face darkened at once. Then he gently pushed open the tavern door and stared intensely inside.

At the most prominent spot in the tavern, a little girl with half-red, half-white hair was competing with his own black-haired foolish boy, both desperately stuffing down the noodles before them.

The members of the Red Hair Pirates surrounded them. Garp knew every one of them. They clapped excitedly and bet on which of the two brats would win.

Their captain, Shanks, was especially wild, yelling like a monkey as he cheered for Uta and Luffy alike, 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 abruptly turned around. When he saw Garp, he panicked and choked on the spot, desperately beating his chest in an attempt to catch his breath.

Seeing this, Uta immediately began cramming noodles into her mouth even faster. Only after she had cleared her plate did she raise it like a trophy and proudly show it off to everyone around her.

"Oh! Uta won!"

"Haha, Luffy really is still the little brother."

"I lost, I lost. Luffy, you really are hopeless~"

The Red Hair Pirates burst into mocking cheers, making Luffy struggle even harder as his face turned bright red.

Shanks smiled at the sight and was just about to step forward to help Luffy, but someone moved faster than him.

Zephyr slapped Luffy on the back. The perfectly measured force immediately sent the noodles in his mouth sliding down.

Freed at last, Luffy took two quick breaths, looked at Uta with unwillingness, then immediately turned to Zephyr behind him.

"Thank you, purple-haired uncle."

"You're welcome."

Zephyr rubbed Luffy's head, quite pleased with the little fellow, who had not gone astray yet.

Then he turned and looked at the solemn-faced Shanks, a smile appearing on Zephyr's face.

"I never expected to meet you here, Red-Haired Shanks."