Many years later, when Zephyr recalled this day, he found it absurd and comical. Even he could not explain why he had simply stayed in Dressrosa.
Perhaps it was because of his deep bond with his student, or perhaps he had seen new hope in this country. Or perhaps he truly felt that this was where justice lay.
He pondered many things and gave them a great deal of thought.
Pirates could never be wiped out through killing. Kill one, and more would spring up. But what if the world no longer offered fertile ground for pirates to thrive?
No more pirates would emerge, and no more vicious villains would wreak havoc at will. Wouldn't that make for a better world?
And so, on the third day after Zephyr entered the palace...
Inside a classroom at the Kingdom Military Academy, powerful kingdom officers with stern faces and high military ranks sat upright in the spacious room.
They were waiting for today's instructor. Naturally, transitioning from pirates to a regular military required extensive training and study.
Countless lessons throughout history had taught later generations just how important learning and expertise were.
Crocodile, Enel, and Golden Lion Shiki were all in this classroom. There were also others who had once been pirates but now held new positions.
Some had come because River forced them to, while others had volunteered. No one would refuse a change for the better, would they?
A moment later, the languid Aokiji walked in.
"Stand!"
At Golden Lion Shiki's commanding shout, every officer in the classroom rose to his feet.
"Good morning, instructor!"
Their voices rang out in unison.
Aokiji waved a hand. "I'm not your instructor today!"
"Oh? Then who is? You're the most qualified person in Dressrosa right now, Aokiji, you brat!"
Shiki raised an eyebrow