"Hurry up, sir! What is it? We'll agree to anything we can do!"
Vic is now his lifeline, and he'll grant any request. He'd even agree to have his granddaughter, who can recognize a person by their scent. It just so happens that his granddaughter is of marriageable age, and in this era, marrying such a powerful man is her good fortune.
"That means that before the land recovers, the royal family has to provide food for the people. Without land to grow food and without money, the people cannot survive."
The useful leaves from the Smoke Flower that grow later can be harvested and sold to officers at the Marine Base, or exchanged for food.
Tobacco leaves are the material for making top-grade cigars, and they are quite valuable. They can be traded through the Marine Base. As for the Smoke Flower petals, it's best to destroy them all; they are harmful. Will Your Majesty agree to this?"
Vic was thinking of commoners, not the reward the old king had envisioned, such as a princess.
"That's only right, and I will do it. But is the officer here really as easy to talk to as you say?"
Although the old king was disappointed that Vic didn't want his granddaughter, he truly admired Vic, who always thought of the common people at the bottom of society. However, he was afraid that after the Marine Base was built, things would turn out the same as before, with the navy leading the way in oppressing the civilians and Smoke Flower becoming rampant again.
"Don't worry about that. My teacher's students are all over the navy, and many have become high-ranking officers. Just have Teacher Zephyr put in a word and send one of his students over."
Teacher Zephyr instructed them that they wouldn't dare to act recklessly. He said he'd give them a Den Den Mushi) to contact their teacher directly; if there are any problems, just call and see who dares to mess around!
Vic had already started thinking about how to solve these problems when Rebecca asked him for help with the country. Now, all he needs to do is find one of Zephyr's former disciples to be the base leader, and the problem can be solved smoothly.
"That's wonderful! My country is saved, and the common people are saved too. Thank you so much, sir."
Hearing Vic's thoughts, the old king was finally relieved and bowed deeply to Vic. He was filled with mixed emotions and could not calm down for a long time. Both of them were members of organizations under the World Government, but one was a murderer who walked in the darkness, while the other was a savior who dispelled the darkness like light. He had never seen anyone who could do what Vic had done before.
"Alright, I won't stand on ceremony. Let's not spread this conversation around, not even among our family. You know Ohara, right? If the news leaks out, that'll have consequences. Let's go, my teacher will be here soon."
Vic tugged at the old king's arm and explained the seriousness of the situation.
"Yes, yes, I understand. Let's go then!"
The old king was a smart man; he understood the implications. When he heard from Vic that his teacher had arrived, he wanted to reach a consensus as soon as possible, as the Marine Base was extremely important.
When Vic and the old king returned to the crowd, they saw Zephyr had arrived. He was pulling Rebecca aside and asking her something, but Rebecca kept shaking her head in a pitiful and aggrieved manner. It was clear that Zephyr also somewhat helpless.
Barnett stopped treating Wendy, and the two stood to the side with their heads down like schoolchildren being punished.
Vic immediately understood that Zephyr wanted to know what had happened but no one had told him the truth. So Vic quickly stepped forward, and with Rebecca looking relieved, he pulled Zephyr's arm aside and whispered the whole story, including that the gang was sent by the World Government.
" Vic, I've noticed you're a real troublemaker. You're always causing trouble wherever you go. I'll have to clean up your mess again this time. Did you manage to keep these things from everyone else?"
Zephyr smiled wryly after hearing Vic's story; his fears had indeed come true.
"Of course not. I know this is a serious matter, so they killed him to cover it up. He's definitely not a good person."
I just warned the old king, but he already knew who these people were; he was just pretending not to. Teacher, you also know about this island and deliberately didn't go ashore, right? Teacher is so cunning!
Vic could only manage a wry smile. By now, he could easily guess that Zephyr had known about the island's situation all along. His decision not to go ashore was to give both sides some breathing room and avoid the awkward situation of coming face-to-face with the World Government.
"I can't help it. The higher you stand, the more you see, and the farther you can see. You can clearly see where the darkness is and where a terrible event is happening."
However, because you're in a high position, you're constantly being watched by others, and your every move is observed, making it difficult to do anything!
Vic, I still want to thank you privately. Thank you for everything you've done for this island. I support your ideas; now it's up to the ship's doctor to say.
Zephyr also had his reasons. There were things he could see but couldn't do. It wouldn't matter if it affected him personally, since he was already all alone. However, his position might cause a huge upheaval within the Navy, and the World Government wouldn't allow uncontrolled thugs to run rampant.
"Hehe! That's good. Find a more honest and reliable student to come over, so you won't be too embarrassed to answer the old king's call later!"
Teacher, no need to thank me. I also disapprove of their behavior.
"Humans" are thinking beings with aspirations and the ability to resonate with others. How can such "humans" be treated like pigs or dogs? Does strength allow one to do whatever one wants? There will inevitably be an even stronger force to punish them!" Vic also sighed.
"Well said! The benevolent are invincible, and humility allows us to climb even higher peaks!"
Zephyr was overjoyed. Vic really suited his taste. The old Aokiji was half a match, but the Aokiji after Ohara was a full match.
"Hey, is this Sengoku? I have something to tell you. It's very important and urgent."
Knowing the situation was urgent, Zephyr immediately took out a Den Den Mushi and called Sengoku, while Vic stood next to Zephyr, openly eavesdropping.
"It's Garp, it's Garp. You can talk to me about anything, hahaha!" Garp's cheerful voice came through the phone.
"You bastard Garp, give me back my Den Den Mushi! You bastard, not only did you steal my senbei, but you also answered my Den Den Mushi without permission! This is classified information! How dare a Vice Admiral listen to this? Get out of here!"
Then Sengoku's shouting and cursing came through the phone again. Zephyr and Vic both had black lines on their faces. Zephyr didn't say anything, intending to wait for the other party to return to normal before speaking.
" Sengoku, don't be so stingy. I'll treat you to tea next time. Why can't I listen to Zephyr's call? Stop it, Zephyr has something important to say. If you keep this up, I might hit you! Hahaha!"
"You're the one causing trouble, aren't you? You didn't answer my calls and nothing happened, but don't come into my office without permission next time! Zephyr, is there something important you need to say?"
Sengoku is also a master of changing his expression; one second he's yelling at Garp, and the next he can calmly return a phone call. He's definitely someone who could become a future Fleet Admiral.
" Vic has messed up badly. This training is probably going to be canceled. Vic and the others will likely be sent to Enies Lobby for trial. If they're taken away, this year's Elite Camp is finished!"
Zephyr dropped a bombshell right from the start, never missing a beat.