"Like hell we're close!"
Simon protested weakly and held out his hand to Loa. Loa got the message and passed him the Den Den Mushi.
"Hello, Simon speaking. Mingde, what's this about Kureha wanting to take me on as her apprentice?"
"Oh, Simon's there too!"
In West Town, Mingde watched Kureha comfort Chopper and shrugged. "I don't know the details. She asked whether you were a Sniper, then said she wanted to take you on as an apprentice."
"But Simon!" Mingde's eyes lit up, and he lowered his voice. "I'm telling you, Kureha is seriously skilled. You can't use guns with heavy recoil because of your constitution, right? Take my advice: learn her Flying Knife Technique, and you'll be unstoppable at sea!"
"Even if you say that, I can't decide right now!" Simon frowned and rubbed his temple with his free hand. "How about this? You're heading back now, right? I'll talk to her myself when you get here."
"Uh, all right. That works too. I'll hang up, then!" Mingde ended the call. Seeing Kureha signal for him not to say any more, he asked, "What's wrong, Dr. Kureha? You're more than qualified to teach Simon!"
"No, no. I wouldn't presume to take on a role as sacred as teacher. Besides, you Elite Camp people already have teachers, don't you?" Kureha took a swig of liquor and smiled. "I just think he has talent and want to pass my Flying Knife Technique on to him. I'm not trying to become his teacher."
Mingde thought of Kuzan, whom Loa always called his teacher despite Kuzan never admitting it, and nodded as though he understood. "All right, I get it."
Then, skipping over a subject he did not understand at all, he stood and called to the soldiers, "Everyone, get ready! We're