Recruiting Aokiji, Zephyr Stunned

"Uh, this really doesn't make sense to me."

Zephyr was stunned, completely taken aback by Lin Yan's unexpected words.

"Weren't we resting and recuperating lately? Is something about to happen again?"

"No, not at all... By the way, have you read today's newspaper?"

Lin Yan asked with a light laugh.

Upon hearing this, Zephyr's face instantly darkened.

"Of course I saw it. The Sakazuki and Kuzan thing?"

"It's so easy to talk to smart people!"

Seeing that Zephyr instantly realized the crux of the problem, Lin Yan couldn't help but break into a hearty smile.

Sometimes, being a boss and having capable subordinates is something to be proud of.

What's your opinion on this?

"I don't have any extra opinions, but if I had to choose, I'd still hope Kuzan wins. Sakazuki is too dangerous for us."

Zephyr gently shook his head.

He is now a member of the Whitebeard Pirates, and if Akainu becomes the Fleet Admiral this time, it will definitely not be a good thing for the Whitebeard Pirates.

Hearing Zephyr say that, Lin Yan smiled approvingly.

Those in positions of authority fulfill their responsibilities and are well aware of which camp they belong to.

Zephyr is a sensible person.

So Lin Yan simply opened up and made things clear.

"To be honest, I'm planning to recruit Aokiji to our team, and I need your help with this trip. After all, you're Aokiji's teacher, so you should be able to be of great assistance."

"..."

Zephyr was dumbfounded!

Recruiting Aokiji?

Impossible! Absolutely impossible!

You should know that Zephyr used to be Aokiji's teacher.

What teacher doesn't understand their student? No matter what Aokiji is like, there's absolutely no way he would join a pirate crew; he doesn't have the same painful experience as me.

The former Aokiji was a young man filled with justice and aspiring to change the Navy.

How could I possibly associate with pirates?

If it weren't for the sheer number of incredible things Lin Yan had accomplished, Zephyr would have suspected he'd lost his mind.

Even so, Zephyr still looked at Lin Yan with great hesitation.

"Lin, stop daydreaming. I can't guarantee anything else, but Kuzan definitely won't join a pirate crew. Even if I went, I'd probably just get humiliated."

Zephyr shook his head helplessly.

However, Lin Yan clearly held a completely different view on this.

A meaningful smile appeared on Lin Yan's face, and she smiled at Zephyr with narrowed eyes.

"Just in case, why don't you just say whether you have time or not?"

"... I think it's a million times impossible."

Zephyr was helpless, but since it was Lin Yan's suggestion, he didn't want to refuse. After pondering for a moment, he could only nod.

"Alright, I won't mind going with you. To be honest, all these documents have been making me dizzy lately, so getting some fresh air is a good thing."

Zephyr readily agreed.

Even though he didn't think Lin Yan could recruit Aokiji.

In response to this...

Lin Yan simply gave a meaningful smile.

He believed in the final outcome.

It will definitely surprise Zephyr...

Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

"Sakazuki, what do you mean by this?"

On the training field, Aokiji stared coldly at Akainu opposite him. Lately, Akainu had become increasingly outrageous; now he even dared to bring people here to ambush him?

The two have completely broken off relations.

Aokiji would never allow Akainu to become Fleet Admiral; that would be a disaster for everyone.

Akainu clearly won't step down.

The atmosphere within the navy has become increasingly tense recently.

Seeing Akainu's menacing demeanor, Aokiji knew he couldn't afford to delay any longer.

The position of Fleet Admiral must be decided as soon as possible!

"In that case, let's use the simplest method."

Aokiji looked at Akainu coldly.

"Let's find a place where we can settle our score, a battle to the death. The victor will be the Fleet Admiral, and the loser will be silenced. What do you say?"

"That suits me perfectly!"

Upon hearing Aokiji's words, Sakazuki immediately grinned, revealing a fierce smile on his face.

This is the moment he's been waiting for!

To be honest, he's tired of all the backstabbing and infighting; he'd rather settle things with his fists!

At this point, the struggle for the position of Fleet Admiral has finally reached its final moment.

This was also the most crucial moment.

The forces of ice and fire surged up instantly, then clashed head-on without giving an inch.

Neither Akainu nor Aokiji had any intention of backing down.

The surrounding sailors' expressions changed drastically, and many of them turned and ran, busy spreading the news to newspapers.

News about the fight between Akainu and Aokiji has recently become incredibly valuable.

First come, first served!

Then what happened next was a natural progression.

As soon as the newspapers spread the news, the world's attention was instantly focused.

Everyone wants to know.

Who will be the final winner in the battle between Aokiji and Akainu?

Lin Yan, who had been following this matter closely, naturally received the news immediately. Looking at the photos of Akainu and Aokiji confronting each other in the newspaper in her hand, Lin Yan smiled and casually tossed the newspaper aside.

He turned to look at Zephyr, whose face was grave.

"The opportunity has come, Zephyr, come with me!"

"Why..."

However, compared to the expectant smile on Lin Yan's face, Zephyr sighed with a rather complicated expression.

Once upon a time, Akainu and Aokiji were both his students.

Life is indeed unpredictable.

I originally thought I would be a navy officer for life, and could only be a navy officer.

But as time passed, he found himself becoming the pirate he once hated most.

The same applies to Aokiji and Akainu.

Former companions, though not particularly close, have now become bitter enemies.

Zephyr was filled with complex emotions.

"Don't overthink it. It's all about timing and fate. Since you can't change much, just follow your heart."

Then, just as Zephyr was lost in his own thoughts, Lin Yan reached out and gently patted his shoulder.

Since there exists a past and sorrows that cannot be changed no matter what.

Then you should simply listen to your own heart.

I just want to have a clear conscience!

"... That's true, sorry, I was being a bit sentimental just now."

Hearing Lin Yan's words, which were calm yet powerful, Zephyr laughed heartily, all the complex expressions on his face disappearing.

What am I struggling with?

Now that you've decided to follow, just keep going!

Even if this time the opponent is perhaps one of his former students.

Yes, until this moment.

Zephyr didn't quite believe that Lin Yan could successfully recruit Aokiji.

Because he knows his students too well.

But since I've chosen to follow this man, there are some things I have to do.

Zephyr closed his eyes and steadied himself.

"I'm fine now, let's go!!"