"What exactly happened? The Elite Camp is of paramount importance; almost all of the Navy's top officers and strongest combatants have come from the Elite Camp."
Even the mid-level combatants are no exception; nothing can happen to the Elite Camp, and their training cannot be delayed. They are the best marines selected through rigorous processes each year, and this year's batch is especially important.
"And this is the first time we've trained like this, we haven't even seen any results yet, isn't it too hasty to end it like this?"
Sengoku was somewhat agitated by Zephyr's words, and upon hearing that the entire Elite Camp was in dire straits, he directly emphasized the importance of the Elite Camp. Garp, standing next to Sengoku, seemed to have quieted down because the matter involved Vic, waiting for Zephyr to continue.
"We've arrived in the Flower Kingdom today. You should all know this place. I don't really like it; I slept on the warship before even setting foot on the island."
Vic and the others didn't know the truth. They saw the island was special and wanted to go up and take a look. I already told them to go up, take a look, and come back quickly, and not to stay too long.
But once they got up there, they inadvertently discovered the secret of the Smoke Flower, which attracted the men posing as gangsters who came to silence them. However, because Vic and his group were too strong, they wiped out all the other couples on the island.
Zephyr made up a story to simplify the complex matter, omitting a great deal of detail.
"Hahaha, well done, Vic! Those scoundrels deserve to die! Vic's great! You guys better come back soon, I've been waiting at headquarters to reward him! Hahaha!"
Garp's voice rang out again from the other end, praising Vic's actions. Vic, however, was wondering what reward the old man could possibly offer him. Hadn't he spent all his money on food and drinks? Would he really have money for a prize?
"Shut up, Garp! If it weren't for your title as Hero of the Marines, you would have been court-martialed long ago!" Sengoku's roar came from the other end of the phone again.
"Hahaha, I never thought the title of Hero of the Marines would actually be of some use!" The Den Den Mushi laughed until tears streamed down its face.
" Zephyr, what you just said is indeed very serious, but the best way to handle this is to pretend you know nothing about it."
Vic and his crew were killing gangsters on the island; no World Government officials were involved. You should leave quickly; it won't be long before it returns to normal!
Sengoku's tone was somewhat somber. As the Resourceful General, he quickly came up with a countermeasure, and Garp's laughter also ceased.
"The king of this country just contacted me, saying that the island's guardian deity was killed by our people. He wants to join the World Government as Affiliated Nation, and the Heavenly Tribute is all ready, but he hopes to build a Marine Base on the island as soon as possible. I agreed..."
Zephyr explained the subsequent events. Although the joining ceremony hadn't been held with the World Government yet, building a base now was somewhat against the rules. (The joining ceremony required the king of the country to plant a sword on the steps in front of the Empty Throne during the Reverie.)
However, Sengoku agreed to send someone over immediately, out of respect for Zephyr and with Garp's persuasion. The base commander was chosen by Zephyr himself. With the major issues mostly resolved, the only remaining problem was the addiction of the citizens.
After finishing the phone call, Zephyr took Vic to the somewhat anxious old king and told him the outcome. The old king finally breathed a sigh of relief.
With the biggest hidden danger resolved, it was inevitable that Zephyr and Vic would be thanked properly, and everyone was invited to the palace as guests. However, Zephyr declined, saying he needed to return to the warship to have the ship's doctor analyze the Smoke Flower.
Zephyr felt very bad about the country, even somewhat guilty, believing that the navy also bore some responsibility for the country's current state.
Vic and the others returned to the warship with Zephyr. Although the matter was resolved, they were not in a good mood. The people here would have to endure the ravages of Smoke Flower and pollen for several more years, and it was uncertain whether the older people, like Konan's grandmother, would survive.
" Ethan! Is there any medicine that can treat or alleviate the symptoms of this Smoke Flower addiction?" Zephyr asked Ethan, the ship's doctor, on the warship.
"Sir, a cure is difficult, but there are indeed medications that can alleviate the symptoms. However, I don't have much of that kind of medicine with me; it can only ensure the survival of the old man we brought earlier."
To save more people, we need a large amount of medicine, primarily for the elderly. Once they recover, the medicine will be distributed to others!
Ethan was also deeply saddened. The entire island's inhabitants had been infected; it was horrifying. This was nothing short of a war tactic, a means of national annihilation!
"Then I'll tell the student who came to establish the Marine Base to bring more medicine. We can only take it slow now. Tomorrow you'll come with me to the island and tell the King your suggestions."
Zephyr was also helpless in the face of this situation. No matter how strong he was, there was no use for it. Afterwards, Zephyr asked about the name of the medicine and then called his student to explain the matter.
Vic and the others also went to the cabin to visit Konan and her grandmother. When they arrived, the old lady was asleep, and the stiff, painful expression on her face was gone, replaced by a look of relief. Konan's mood had also improved considerably, and she had stopped crying.
" Konan, things on the island have been mostly resolved. There will be Marine Base on the island in the future, so there won't be any security issues. You and Grandma can live a good life here from now on!" Rebecca comforted Konan, hugging her.
"Yes! Thank you all. If it weren't for you, this island would still be adrift in the sea of suffering, and it's hard to say when it would sink. It would definitely sink eventually, but you gave this island a foothold. You are national heroes. Thank you!"
Konan released Rebecca and bowed deeply to the group. She had nothing else to offer; this was all she could do.
" Vic always told me to follow my heart. After learning what happened on the island, my heart told me I had to help you. I was just acting according to my heart."
We are all the same. Your king has already expressed his gratitude. We are friends, so isn't it only right that we help you? Don't be so polite with me!
Rebecca's words came from the heart and were full of strength. With Rebecca's help, Konan straightened up and looked at the smiling men and women around her. Konan also showed her most beautiful smile and hugged Rebecca tightly.
" Konan! You... would you like to join the navy? That way we can travel the whole world!" Rebecca asked Konan with some anticipation.
"I... I can't join the navy right now. My grandmother is very old, and I want to stay and take care of her!"
"However, I can serve in the navy at the Marine Base on the island. We'll meet again someday!"
Konan didn't want to see Rebecca's disappointed face, but she had her own principles. She was an orphan who was adopted by her grandmother, and now that her grandmother was old, she wanted to take good care of her. However, seeing the expectation on Rebecca's face freeze as she spoke, Konan felt a little sorry for her and then said something else.
"Oh dear, it's my fault for not thinking things through. Being with Grandma is the most important thing. You don't need to worry about me. I just blurted it out without thinking. It's okay!"
Rebecca's eyes were red, and she turned to look at Vic. Vic smiled and walked over to gently stroke Rebecca's hair.