Lin Yan Was Dumbfounded

The Grand Line, Sabaody Archipelago.

Zephyr's expression was somewhat complicated as he gazed wistfully at Lin Yan, who looked satisfied.

"Hey Lin... aren't we here to recruit Aokiji? Why do you look so unhurried?"

After hesitating for a long time, Zephyr finally couldn't help but speak up.

Although he didn't really believe Lin Yan could succeed, he knew that this attempt to recruit Aokiji was an extremely dangerous operation.

In the worst-case scenario, the two would not only have to face at least one master of the rank of Three Admirals.

There's even a possibility of being surrounded by the navy!

Therefore, Zephyr was mentally prepared for a tough battle before setting off.

But what's going on now?

Is the man in front of me, so contentedly enjoying his meal, really the same person who confidently declared he would take Aokiji as his disciple?

"What's the rush? The time isn't right yet."

Seeing Zephyr's frustrated expression, Lin Yan swallowed the food in her mouth and laughed.

"The time has come, and Zephyr, you'll definitely need to lend a hand. Don't look so gloomy there; the food here is quite good, why don't you try some?"

"I'll pass."

Zephyr shook his head with a wry smile.

Although, as Lin Yan said, the food in the Sabaody Archipelago was quite good, he had no appetite for it right now.

It's good enough if you can even prepare for battle!

Perhaps only Lin Yan, standing before him, could enjoy the food without any restraint.

Zephyr was somewhat envious of this carefree attitude.

"Your mindset is wrong. The sky isn't going to fall. You should just eat and sleep as usual. Hmm? Looks like today's newspaper has arrived..."

Seeing Zephyr's polite and apologetic expression.

Lin Yan smiled, about to say something, when her expression suddenly froze, and she abruptly turned to look out the window.

Outside the window, a seagull is flying this way, carrying a newspaper in its beak.

Lin Yan put down the food in her hand and casually picked up the newspaper to read.

"Let me see... huh?"

However, that originally gentle smile instantly turned blank.

"What's wrong?"

Zephyr, who had been sitting opposite him, naturally noticed this and couldn't help but frown.

However, Lin Yan did not react.

Could something serious have happened?!

Zephyr paused, realizing it was the first time he'd seen such a bewildered expression on Lin Yan's Lin Yan. He couldn't help but snatch the newspaper from her hand.

The newspaper's content was very simple.

But it really is Big News Morgans!

Aokiji has returned to Marine Headquarters.

But Akainu was nowhere to be seen!

Combining this with the rumors that had been circulating... Zephyr narrowed his eyes and couldn't help but stroke his chin.

"Looks like Kuzan won."

When he said this, Zephyr's expression was rather strange.

Aokiji and Akainu were both his students.

As a teacher, Zephyr knew these two people extremely well.

If we're judging solely by raw strength, Akainu should be stronger than Aokiji.

But then I thought about it again and felt relieved.

It's worth noting that during the Marineford War, Akainu lost an arm to Lin Yan, which greatly weakened him, so it's understandable that he lost to Aokiji.

A look of satisfaction appeared on Zephyr's face.

"It seems Kuzan will be the next Fleet Admiral, which is good news for us. However, Lin, your plans are probably going to fall through."

Zephyr spoke to Lin Yan with a hint of schadenfreude.

Isn't that right?

Now that Aokiji has basically become the next Fleet Admiral, how could he possibly join the Whitebeard Pirates?

Lin Yan's plan can be said to have failed.

But this is for the best.

Compared to Akainu, Aokiji has a calmer personality and is at least easier to understand. His victory over Akainu and becoming the Fleet Admiral did not do any harm to the Whitebeard Pirates.

A calm and strong person is always easier to deal with than a mad dog with power in its hands.

Thinking of this, Zephyr was in a great mood.

Even the appetite that had disappeared has returned.

Zephyr laughed as he picked up a piece of steak, eating and drinking heartily while smiling at Lin Yan.

"Lin, don't be too disappointed. Our chances of recruiting Kuzan were slim to begin with. The current outcome is still better than Sakazuki becoming the Fleet Admiral, so don't dwell on it."

"..."

However, Lin Yan did not respond at all.

Everyone else was dumbfounded.

This isn't what we agreed on!

In the original storyline, Aokiji should have lost to Akainu, but now Aokiji has actually won?

If not, then there is still some self-restraint.

Lin Yan was about to flip the table!

I should have known better than to cut off Akainu's arm; that's Aokiji's arm!

It just ran away right before my eyes!

The cooked duck flew away, which is an example of something going wrong.

Lin Yan's heart was bleeding!

However, Zephyr on the other side was clearly unaware of Lin Yan's scheme. He simply assumed that the other party was disappointed because he hadn't had a chance, and smiled gloatingly before burying his head and continuing to enjoy his food.

Meanwhile, the World Government.

"Everyone, what are your thoughts on this matter?"

The Five Elders gathered again, but compared to the relaxed atmosphere before, the expressions on everyone's faces now appeared somewhat somber.

Aokiji won!

If they don't take action now, Aokiji will be the next Fleet Admiral.

This is not what the Five Elders wanted to see.

"Hmph! Truly a piece of trash! The Marine Admiral has really gone downhill in recent years."

One of the Five Elders, who was quite obese, sneered.

Whether it was the defeat at Marineford War or Akainu's loss to Aokiji, the Five Elders were extremely dissatisfied.

He's nothing but a dog kept by the World Government!

They've disappointed them time and time again!

However, the matter still needs to be resolved.

"Gentlemen, we're not here to argue, but to discuss a solution. What do you all think about making Aokiji the Fleet Admiral?"

One of the Five Elders tapped his cane and shouted coldly.

The meeting room fell silent for a moment, then the other four immediately shook their heads.

"No, Aokiji's personality is difficult to control. If he becomes the Fleet Admiral, there's no guarantee he won't secretly disobey our orders. Do you all remember Ohara?"

"..."

The air grew cold again upon hearing this.

Yes, how could they not remember?

They had originally issued Buster Call against Ohara.

Everyone should have died!

As a result Nico Robin, the Devil Child, managed to escape outside.

The prime suspect is undoubtedly Aokiji!

"Hmph, and we can't forget that Aokiji's letter of recommendation came from Sengoku. It's hard to say they're not in cahoots. We need to keep the navy firmly under our control, and I don't agree to him becoming Fleet Admiral!"