One Month, Aokiji's Condition

"..."

Aokiji gave a somewhat noncommittal smirk.

Although, given his personality, he certainly wouldn't directly agree with Zephyr's statement.

However, his silence at this moment also signifies that Aokiji has tacitly agreed.

If Lin Yan's strength continues to rise so rapidly...

As Zephyr said.

Given time, they will surely become someone we must look up to!

Thinking of this, even Aokiji felt a great deal of pressure.

Seeing Aokiji's expression shift between light and dark, Lin Yan chuckled and spoke.

"How about it, Kuzan? We've sparred so many times these past few days, and you haven't won a single time. Why don't you consider joining me?"

Lin Yan looked at Aokiji with a smile.

It has been almost a month since they first 'coincidentally' encountered Aokiji on Saiken Island.

Almost every morning, Lin Yan would exercise here with Aokiji.

The result was as expected.

Aokiji has never won!

After each morning exercise, Lin Yan would, as always, express her desire to recruit Aokiji.

As the saying goes, constant dripping wears away a stone.

In order to bring this Admiral- level powerhouse under his command, Lin Yan was prepared for a protracted battle.

Anyway, the Hundred-Beard Pirates are still recuperating.

The Navy also suffered significant losses, roughly on par with the Whitebeard Pirates.

The previous ransom incident caused the other two Four Emperors crews to suffer heavy losses.

The New World today is a rare period of peace.

In light of this, Lin Yan declared that she had plenty of time to waste here with Aokiji!

As long as we can recruit Aokiji.

Let alone a month.

It's worth it even after a year!

"Didn't I already say that?"

Unfortunately, Aokiji's attitude remained as cold as ever when Lin Yan tried to recruit him.

"Unless you can offer me something that will impress me, don't even think about it."

They remain as stubborn as ever.

As if she had known this would be the outcome, Lin Yan shrugged helplessly.

"What a stubborn guy... Zephyr, why don't you try to persuade him again?"

"If I said it would work, Kuzan wouldn't have kept refusing you."

Upon hearing this Zephyr couldn't help but shake his head with a wry smile.

Despite being Aokiji's teacher, I can't say I've been completely useless these past few days.

However, it can only be said that its uses are limited.

at best.

Zephyr's appearance merely gave Lin Yan an opportunity to persuade Aokiji.

However, how to do it specifically is up to Lin Yan herself.

"Tsk, I thought so too."

Seeing Zephyr so readily shirk responsibility, Lin Yan couldn't help but click her tongue.

Realizing that it was impossible to persuade Aokiji in a short time, Lin Yan couldn't help but purse her lips.

"That's true, but Kuzan, you have to give me a chance to prove myself, right? Otherwise, we can't just keep hanging around here, can we?"

Lin Yan spoke with a hint of helplessness.

Given Aokiji's stubbornness, he didn't believe that these sparring matches alone would win Aokiji over.

Despite the old saying that the best way for men to understand each other is through fists.

However, Aokiji is clearly not that type.

"Yeah, Kuzan, things can't go on like this forever. How about this, why don't you make a deal with Lin, like I did back then?"

Zephyr also frowned and spoke.

He understood his student quite well.

Aokiji may appear lazy on the surface, but he has an extraordinary tenacity when it comes to things he believes in.

Even with me here, persuading him would be fraught with difficulties.

But that's not all.

Just like Lin Yan said, the three of them can't stay on Saiken Island forever, can they?

"..."

Upon hearing this, Aokiji fell silent for a moment.

During this time, as they were locked in a stalemate, he gained a considerable understanding of Lin Yan and Zephyr.

It was as if Zephyr had already told him that the reason Lin Yan was able to get Zephyr to follow her was because of Whitebeard Jr..

It was because of this incident that Zephyr made up his mind to start following Lin Yan.

From this perspective, Lin Yan is indeed bold and decisive.

Besides, we really can't keep dragging this on indefinitely.

After thinking it over, Aokiji finally relented.

Give me a month.

Aokiji looked at Lin Yan seriously and said.

"I'll decide on my terms within a month. If you can prove it to me, I'm open to working with you!"

Upon hearing this, Zephyr and Lin Yan both showed expressions of relief.

This smelly, hard thing is like a rock in a latrine.

They finally relented!

Lin Yan was also somewhat pleased.

It's been a month!

Finally, they got a definite answer from Aokiji.

Although conditions still apply.

However, as long as Aokiji is willing to agree, it's not a problem for Lin Yan.

So what if we make a huge scene again!

Minor issue!

Therefore, Lin Yan directly extended a hand towards Aokiji.

"A gentleman's word is his bond?"

This time, unlike before, he wasn't cold. A faint smile appeared on Aokiji's face, and he reached out to shake hands with him.

"A swift horse, a whip!"

The atmosphere among the three of them finally relaxed completely.

"Let's go, our morning exercise should be almost over. The hot springs on Saiken Island are quite nice, I'll head over there first."

Having received Aokiji's promise, Lin Yan was in high spirits and stretched lazily.

To be honest, there are some benefits to wasting time with Aokiji here. Meow Meow said...

At least the hot springs on Saiken Island satisfied Lin Yan.

They've been working tirelessly for the Marineford War all along.

For Lin Yan, it was a rare moment of relaxation and comfort.

"Relaxing yourself is not a good thing, Lin."

Aokiji snorted, but didn't say anything more, and walked past Lin Yan on his own.

Zephyr also laughed heartily.

"Lin, don't mind him. This kid's arrogant attitude has been going on for a long time."

With that, Zephyr decided to follow Lin Yan and Aokiji.

However, after taking only a few steps, Lin Yan suddenly stopped, a smile of interest appearing on her face.

"This is really interesting..."

As if sensing something, Lin Yan's eyes sharpened, and she turned her head to look in a certain direction.

Zephyr's expression instantly darkened.

"Lin, this feeling is..."

"While it was somewhat unexpected, given that guy's personality, it's not entirely unreasonable, is it?"

Lin Yan shook her head and smiled softly.

"I was wondering why those people had been so quiet lately; so this was what they were planning."

With a mocking smile on her face, Lin Yan turned to look at Aokiji.

"It seems an old friend of yours has arrived. Aren't you going to see him?"

"..."

For a fleeting moment, Aokiji's expression turned extremely ugly.

But soon, Aokiji's expression returned to calm.

"Walk!"