As Zephyr emerged from the Fleet Admiral's Office and strode toward the port, numerous naval officers surrounded him.
Dozens of Rear Admiral and seven or eight Vice Admiral surrounded Zephyr.
Among them, the most conspicuous were the two elite Vice Admiral Doberman and Hōshō.
It's not that the others didn't want to come, it's just that everyone had their own tasks, and these were the only ones who could come.
"Teacher Zephyr, are you really leaving?"
Hōshō asked reluctantly.
"Teacher Zephyr, please stay! Let's hunt down pirates together."
Doberman's voice was somber as he came out to try and persuade the other party to stay.
The other major Rear Admiral and Vice Admiral all looked at Zephyr with longing.
"Forget it, the navy doesn't need this old man anymore. It's time to retire."
Zephyr spoke gently to his many disciples.
He didn't want his departure to affect his disciples.
Whatever his views on the navy, he should not have instilled them in his disciples.
They will have their own opinions on right and wrong.
"Teacher, I want to walk with you."
"Hōshō said in a low voice."
Although the others didn't speak, they were willing to follow Zephyr if he asked.
This is the prestige that Zephyr has earned after years of teaching in the Navy; he might not be able to command a huge following, but he's close.
Of course, Zephyr's prestige was one factor, Whitebeard Jr.. joining the Shichibukai was another.
"Nonsense! What are you doing following an old man like me!" Zephyr glared at him and said irritably, "You're all young, go do what you're supposed to do!"
He had no intention of poaching the navy's talent; he still had to give Sengoku some face.
Moreover, he himself has nowhere to go after leaving the navy, and dragging these disciples along will only delay their future.
Of course, if he does well in his career outside, it's not too late to bring the students over then.
He was a man of great loyalty and affection, and didn't want his disciples to suffer with him.
Seeing Zephyr's resolute expression, Hōshō knew the situation was hopeless and could only say sullenly, "I understand, Zephyr- sensei."
He genuinely wanted to leave with Zephyr; he was somewhat disillusioned with the current state of the Navy. Besides, Zephyr was over 70 years old, and he was worried about leaving him out there fighting pirates.
The others also hesitated to speak, clearly sharing the same thought.
Are Zephyr and his ilk truly heartless and ungrateful?
Seeing their mentor and father figure, Teacher Zephyr, treated this way, they were filled with resentment. Moreover, today it was Teacher Zephyr who was forced to leave, but tomorrow it might be them.
Zephyr saw what everyone was thinking and sighed, saying, "Don't act impulsively."
"Once I've established myself outside for a while, if you've calmed down and are still willing to follow me, I'll call you over."
That's what they said, but it was really just to comfort these disciples.
He will probably never let these disciples suffer with him in his lifetime.
"Teacher, we're here whenever you need us!"
Hōshō and Doberman led everyone in a sincere speech.
As long as Zephyr gives the order, they will leave without hesitation.
"The wind is really strong today; it blew seawater into my eyes."
Zephyr looked at his sincere disciples, his eyes slightly stinging.
The World Government's Navy is bad!
Greetings, sirs and officers of the Navy, who fight for justice!
His students are the best of the best!
Zephyr saluted his disciples, then turned and strode away.
Goodbye, Professor Zephyr!
Hōshō and Doberman led the crowd in bowing, remaining motionless for a long time.
In the shadows in the distance, Aokiji in a white suit and Kizaru in a golden suit stood side by side, watching Zephyr depart.
The usually lazy Aokiji was unusually serious.
Kizaru's pale yellow glasses also had a slightly translucent, reflective quality.
"Zephyr, what a kind person!"
Sengoku watched Zephyr's warship sail away, feeling a sense of relief mixed with deep remorse.
Even though it was the Navy that wronged Zephyr, he didn't incite any of his disciples to leave.
This old comrade-in-arms was still thinking of him even as he passed away.
Those damned Five Elders, they made me lose such a good comrade!
In his mind, Sengoku went through the family tree of the Five Elders, from his mother to his great-great-grandmother, without missing a single one.
Two days later,
A warship drifted aimlessly at sea, not knowing where it was headed.
"Professor Zephyr, where are we going next?"
Ain looked at Zephyr and asked.
Having left the navy, they naturally couldn't go back to their former bases.
"Let's just find an island to set up camp on first, and I'll think about the others later."
As Zephyr spoke, he fell into deep thought.
He left the navy and was somewhat lost for a time.
Will they continue hunting down Devil Fruit user pirates like before?
If that's the case, it seems pointless whether he leaves the Navy or not.
No, I have to accomplish something!
Since the navy is a sham of justice, then I'll create the navy of my imagination!
This idea had crossed his mind long ago. Now that he'd left the Navy, it was time to pick it up again.
"While hunting down pirates, we must also build a new navy, a navy of Absolute Justice!"
Zephyr spoke earnestly to Binz and Ain.
Hunting down naval forces is something we can't give up, and at the same time, trying to develop a new navy is a dream.
"Great, that's a good target!"
Ain's eyes sparkled with hope.
"This goal will definitely be achieved!"
Binz clenched his fist, full of energy.
Building an Absolute Justice navy from scratch sounds incredibly fulfilling.
"Youth is wonderful."
Looking at his two promising disciples, Zephyr sighed silently.
His goal was nothing more than an unrealistic fantasy.
Given his physical condition, which is almost entirely composed of old age, weakness, and illness, he probably won't be able to build a New Marines that surpasses the current navy before he dies.
However, if he were to actually build New Marines that surpasses the current navy, he would definitely call all his disciples over to broaden their horizons.
Zephyr couldn't help but let his imagination run wild.
What a beautiful sight that would be!
Suddenly, Ain's voice interrupted Zephyr's reverie, "Teacher, what should we name our New Marines?"
"Let's call him Neo Marines."
Zephyr instinctively uttered the name he had already thought of.
Neo Marines means a new navy, symbolizing a newly born navy like the rising sun.
"Teacher, it seems we already have this."
Ain said somewhat awkwardly.
The Neo Marines is the very force under the command of that infamous Godslayer.
With a host of powerful figures such as former Marine Admiral candidate Momomen Gion, former Shichibukai Pirate Empress Hancock, and Gecko Moria in command, the company is well-established.
Even without considering the strongest Godslayer, Luo Wen, the Neo Marines is not much weaker than the Four Emperors' crews, and is considered a top-tier force in the world.
If we include Godslayer Luo Wen, then it's even more extraordinary, a force of immense power even among the Four Emperors.
Because everyone agrees that Luo Wen alone can take on an entire Four Emperors crew.
"..."
Zephyr snapped out of his daze, feeling somewhat embarrassed.
The name he had thought of long ago had already been taken by someone else.
Moreover, the power that uses his name has become so strong that it is among the world's top forces.
What should we call our own power?
Neo Neo Marines (New Marines)?
If that's the case, his power is far inferior to that of Luo Wen.
It's more like a father and son now.
While Zephyr was pondering a name, Binz, who had been observing the sea, said, "A warship is approaching, and it's flying the Neo Marines's flag!"