After the battle at the Sabaody Archipelago, River once again had plenty of free time.
Everything that needed handling had been handled, and every problem that needed solving had been solved. All that remained each day was fishing and chatting with Zephyr.
He watched his retired teacher guide his students and played chess with him.
"This is Ain."
"He's Binz."
"And Shuzo."
Pointing to the varied group of students nearby, Zephyr introduced them with a smile.
"They're some of the more outstanding students I've been teaching lately."
River smiled as he looked at the Marines.
Ain was a pretty, blue-haired woman and a Return-Return Fruit user. Her current rank was lieutenant commander.
"Admiral River, my teacher has mentioned you to me many times."
"He said you were the best student he ever taught."
Noticing River's gaze, Ain spoke with a smile, a hint of eagerness in her eyes.
"You're excellent yourself, Miss Ain."
River smiled, then turned to the man beside her.
"I'm Binz, Admiral River!"
Dressed in a strange outfit, Binz introduced himself with a grin, his eyes full of reverence.
He had often heard tales of Admiral Daytime Tiger lately and understood just how powerful the man was.
Even the Pirate King's first mate, Dark King Rayleigh, had been defeated and killed by him. That alone showed how ruthless he was.
"My name's Shuzo."
The dark-faced man smiled when River looked his way.
"They're all fine students, Teacher."
After looking over all three, River withdrew his gaze and praised them.
"They're still a long way from you."
Despite his words, it was clear that River's praise made Zephyr very happy.
Of course, River knew how loyal these three students were-especially to Zephyr, rather than to the Marines.
If they hadn't been in a movie, they would have been