The sea breeze brushed gently past, fresh air carrying a faint salty tang flowing into Tsugikuni Yoriichi's nose and clearing his mind.
Watching Tsugikuni Yoriichi's pensive expression, Zephyr knew that his disciple had taken his words to heart. It was just that...
"Sure enough, I don't think a title like Shichibukai suits someone like me!"
"Teacher Zephyr, I have no intention of becoming a Shichibukai, but I'll do my best to persuade the others to accept."
"At the very least, I think Fisher Tiger and Kyros need the title of Shichibukai."
Zephyr saw the confusion in Tsugikuni Yoriichi's eyes vanish. When that faint smile reappeared on Tsugikuni Yoriichi's face, Zephyr knew he had made up his mind. At this point, no one else's opinion would have any effect.
"Have you decided?"
"As long as it's a decision you made yourself, see it through."
Tsugikuni Yoriichi nodded slightly at that, then seemed to recall something and said, "Teacher Zephyr, if I don't accept the Shichibukai position, there should at least be one vacant spot, right?"
"I wonder whether the World Government or the Marines have any suitable backup candidates. I happen to have a pretty good candidate in mind."
A sharp gleam flashed through Tsugikuni Yoriichi's eyes as he asked with a smile.
Hearing this, Zephyr narrowed his eyes slightly and shook his head with a smile. "Choosing the Shichibukai was never an easy matter."
"Although I haven't paid much attention to this, being at Headquarters means I still hear some news."
"Say what you want to say."
Zephyr's words essentially told Tsugikuni Yoriichi that the World Government had no backup plan regarding the Shichibukai.
By coincidence, Issho, Mihawk, and the others were walking over from the distant beach. Not only were the two of them there; Abel, Kuma, and the