“Recently, another new member is joining the Royal Shichibukai…”
Zephyr's tone carried a hint of lament.
He stood in front of the building, gently tapping the wall with his fingers, as if contemplating something.
Following ‘Crocodile’ Crocodile, another pirate had accepted the Navy's invitation, causing a mix of complex emotions to surge within him.
Jin An stood aside, raising his eyebrows slightly, clearly curious about the news.
“Oh? Is that so?”
His gaze turned to Zephyr, a hint of inquiry flashing in his eyes.
At least Crocodile seriously hunted pirates after becoming a Shichibukai, but what kind of character is this newcomer?
Zephyr frowned slightly and said indifferently:
“'Lizard King' Hana Fuda, this guy's strength is passable.”
He crossed his arms over his chest, clearly not having a good impression of this newly joined Shichibukai.
“He did so many bad things before, but as soon as he received the Navy's invitation, he joined eagerly. Who knows what his purpose is.”
Zephyr sighed, looking somewhat melancholic, with a hint of helplessness in his eyes.
“The World Government proposed the Shichibukai system to strengthen high-end combat power while limiting the Navy's development. It can only be said to be brilliant…”
After all, although the Royal Shichibukai can be conscripted by the Navy, they are essentially still pirates. The Navy would never be of one mind with pirates. This increases combat power without allowing the Navy's strength to expand excessively.
Jin An looked at Zephyr's expression, feeling a bit heavy in his heart, but he decided to change to a lighter topic.
He asked with a half-joking smile:
“Teacher Zephyr, if I ever leave the Navy, what would you think of me?”
Zephyr was taken aback, turned to look at Jin An, the seriousness in his eyes was obvious.
He carefully observed Jin An's face, trying to find a trace of a clue from his expression.
After thinking for a moment, Zephyr slowly said:
“With the current performance of the Navy in various aspects, I can't think of any reason for you to leave, but I would probably respect your choice.”
Zephyr smiled freely, patted Jin An's shoulder, and said with a smile:
“If that day ever comes, call me to leave together.”
His words carried a hint of teasing and trust in Jin An.
Afterward, Zephyr turned and walked into the distance, his back looking somewhat lonely, but his steps remained firm.
Zephyr took two steps, as if remembering something, stopped, turned his head, and reminded Jin An:
“There's one more thing I need to tell you, Sengoku should be looking for you later. Prepare yourself mentally.”
His words revealed a hint of seriousness, but his eyes carried a trace of concern.
Although Zephyr received the news, only Jin An would know if it was good or bad.
Jin An watched Zephyr's back gradually disappear into the distance, his mind was like a jumbled mess, completely unable to sort out his thoughts.
He had been doing too many things recently, and most of them were incompatible with his identity as a Marine.
Although he was careful to cover his tracks before each action, he couldn't help but feel doubtful.
His mind kept flashing with those “outrageous” things he had done. Jin An couldn't figure out which one Sengoku was looking for him about.
Was it his spending money to provide assistance to those armed forces hidden in the Four Seas, or those scholars he had secretly protected?
For a time, questions flooded his mind like a tide.
But on second thought, Jin An's thoughts changed a bit. Perhaps Sengoku was not looking for him because of those “bad things.”
He was a good young man who often helped others, and his advantages were too numerous to count.
After all, he had also done a lot of good things, such as successfully intercepting several batches of pirate smuggled goods and rescuing some kidnapped villagers.
Maybe, Sengoku was really looking for him for something good.
“Forget it, instead of waiting for Sengoku to come, it's better to take the initiative.”
Jin An muttered to himself, while looking at the towering office building in the distance, his heart gradually firming.
He straightened his collar, raised his head, and walked towards the office building with firm and powerful steps.
He walked into the gate of the Marine Headquarters, his footsteps echoing on the white marble floor, like a low melody.
The Marines who saw Jin An coming all saluted him. Jin An responded with a smile, but the tension in his heart did not dissipate.
The closer he got, the faster his heart beat.
Finally, he stood in front of Sengoku's office door, took a deep breath, and raised his hand to knock on the door.
“Come in.”
Sengoku's steady voice came from inside the door.
Jin An pushed the door open and entered. Sengoku was sitting behind his desk, his eyes under his glasses sharp and steady.
Seeing Jin An coming in, he put down the documents in his hand and smiled slightly:
“Jin An, you're here.”
Seeing the happy expression on Sengoku's face, Jin An knew that he was safe this time.
He smiled and greeted Sengoku,
“Long time no see, Fleet Admiral Sengoku.”
Sengoku's eyes narrowed slightly, his voice carrying a strong sense of oppression:
“Who gave you the courage to be so flippant in front of me!”
His voice was like the cold wind of November, and the temperature in the entire office seemed to have dropped several degrees.
“Now the entire Marine Headquarters knows you have money, so having money is amazing!”
“Killing so many pirates is amazing! If it weren't for Onigumo reporting it, I would still be kept in the dark!”
“In the end, I still have to clean up your mess!”
Sengoku seemed to feel that scolding while sitting was not enough, so he stood up directly, walked to Jin An, and began to scold him.
Sengoku's voice was full of anger,
“The things you did on the Sabaody Archipelago really gave our Navy a good reputation!”
“You have so much money, why don't you contribute more to the Navy!”
Jin An stood straight, maintaining his silence, feeling that Sengoku's scolding seemed to carry some sourness, but he didn't dare to interrupt.
Sengoku glared at him fiercely, took a sip of tea, and continued to scold:
“You kid, your wings are hardened now, you even dare to threaten the Celestial Dragons. Although I think you did a good job, can you not show your face next time? The Five Elders are almost pointing at my nose and scolding me.”
Jin An silently wiped the saliva off his face, looking somewhat disgusted.
Seeing this, Sengoku became even more exasperated and roared:
“Okay, okay, you're even disgusted with me, next time you go and talk to the Five Elders yourself.”
Jin An knew that Sengoku was doing it for his own good, but he couldn't help but feel helpless.
He took a deep breath and tried to answer calmly:
“Marshal, I didn't do anything to harm the Celestial Dragons. If they were scared, it can only be said that those two guys were too spineless.”
“Killing those pirates is just killing them. I even hoped they would come and seek revenge on me, but I haven't seen a single person in so long. I'm so disappointed.”
Sengoku snorted coldly,
“There are too many secrets in this world. It's not your one-man show. Every step must be taken carefully.”
Jin An nodded, “I understand. Next time I will be more careful and won't make things difficult for you, Marshal.”
Sengoku's expression softened slightly, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes.
He patted Jin An on the shoulder, his tone also softened a bit,
“You kid, sometimes you're too impulsive, but I know your heart is not bad. But, next time before you act, discuss it with me more.”
Jin An felt a warmth in his heart and replied seriously: “I will, Fleet Admiral Sengoku.”
Sengoku nodded slightly, “Alright, this matter is over for now, but remember, next time, don't make me worry so much.”
Jin An smiled and said respectfully: “Yes, Marshal.”
“But if I encounter those pirates who are looking for death, I can't help it if they run into the muzzle of my gun.”
...
