"In that case!"
Zephyr took a deep breath. "Then let me be the one to change it all!"
Even if he couldn't change everything completely, he could still become a spark—a flicker of fire that brings something different to this world.
Maybe, one day, those tiny sparks would ignite into a wildfire that consumes everything.
Zephyr's eyes burned with resolve. The despair that once clung to him had completely vanished.
Instead, the pain he had endured became fuel for his determination.
The crushing defeat at Ian's hands, which had once shaken his belief, now solidified his will.
He had finally found something worth doing again. Finally gathered his courage. Finally strengthened his conviction.
"Zephyr... sensei..."
A faint voice came from the hospital bed.
Zephyr's resolute expression was instantly replaced by surprise and joy. He rushed to the bedside.
"Gion? You're awake?!"
Vice Admiral Gion, who had been beaten within an inch of her life by Ian and had brushed past death's door, slowly opened her eyes.
Her pale face regained a hint of color as she spoke weakly, "Am I... still alive?"
"Of course you're still alive!"
Zephyr felt a sting in his nose, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank goodness... You're alive!"
This disciple of his—she didn't die after all.
She survived.
Thank God. Truly... thank God!
"Zephyr-sensei…"
Gion struggled to turn her head and look at him, her voice barely audible. "I… I heard… what you just said."
"I thought I was dreaming."
Zephyr paused for a moment, then raised his hand to wipe his eyes. "How embarrassing… You heard me complaining, huh? Then just pretend you didn't hear it, Gion. Just treat it like a dream."
"No…"
Gion slowly shook her head with effort. "Zephyr-sensei… I want to go with you…"
Zephyr's eyes widened. "Gion… what did you say?"
Vice Admiral Gion only smiled faintly.
"Back then, Kuzan-san told me to observe more… but after seeing so much for so long, I think maybe… maybe it's time I take a look at what's beyond the Navy."
She had always paid attention to the actions of the World Government, especially the deeds of the Celestial Dragons.
What could she say? Every time she witnessed the Celestial Dragons' atrocities, it felt like a direct blow to her sense of justice.
"…I see."
Zephyr gave a slow nod. "For now, get some rest. I won't disturb you anymore."
As he spoke, he opened the door of the hospital room and stepped outside.
Outside, Kuzan was leaning against the wall, waiting silently.
Zephyr pulled the door closed behind him, his eyes meeting his former student's.
"..."
Kuzan said nothing.
Zephyr remained silent as well.
A long silence passed between them.
"…Let's wait a little longer," Zephyr finally said. "At least until Gion recovers from her injuries."
Aokiji finally spoke, "You can also go to the Science Unit and get your arm replaced. Take me along with you."
He shook his bare left upper arm. "I'm planning to ask the doctor to fit me with a prosthetic too."
"Kuzan..."
Zephyr pursed his lips, then said seriously, "How about you come with me instead..."
But Aokiji shook his head calmly. "Zephyr-sensei, I want to go find someone."
"I want to ask him what he was thinking back then."
Zephyr nodded gently.
He could feel that this once proud disciple had lost faith in the Navy.
Or rather, ever since the Ohara incident years ago, Kuzan had been disappointed with the Navy.
The passionate Kuzan from back then no longer existed. In his place was this lazy, indifferent Aokiji.
But now, it seemed he was ready to change.
Silent currents were already stirring within the Navy.
Meanwhile, Ian had already rushed back to Hive Island.
Before they even arrived, news had spread across the seas that a man named Edward Weevil had become the new Shichibukai.
"Hahaha, this just got interesting!"
Ian laughed heartily, holding the newspaper. "I'm really looking forward to what happens next."
Zephyr's original life path was to betray the Navy after Weevil became a Shichibukai.
Now, with his arm severed, his disciple killed, and Weevil rising as the new Shichibukai—
All three conditions had been met.
What choice would Zephyr make next?
Ian was extremely curious.
It was worth mentioning that Vergo benefited from this incident.
His actions were completely different from the G-5 base Navy officers who chose to keep the secret.
The World Government truly recognized his loyalty.
As a result, Lieutenant Commander Vergo was suddenly promoted to Rear Admiral, effectively skipping three to four years of rank.
Although this made his position in G-5 somewhat delicate, everyone else was being scolded by their superiors, and only he was promoted. Anyone who wasn't an idiot knew exactly why.
But, what harm was there in that?
Loyalty — this was the World Government's fundamental requirement for the Navy.
As long as the government still trusted his loyalty, Vergo would actually be valued.
Of course, Weevil becoming one of the new Seven Warlords of the Sea still caused some waves out on the seas.
"That bastard actually became a Warlord!"
From the Whitebeard Pirates, Vista ground his teeth, "Shamelessly calling himself the son of 'Pops'! One day, we'll make him regret it!"
"It doesn't matter," Whitebeard was unfazed, laughing heartily, "Kurararara! You guys are my true family!"
He never had any relationships with women, so how could he have a biological son?
On Onigashima.
"Mwahahaha!"
Queen, stealing some time from his busy schedule to read the newspaper, laughed loudly, "That kid actually became the new Warlord of the Sea?"
"I really do feel a sense of accomplishment!"
That kid was their creation!
After Ian returned to Hive Island, he summoned Tesoro.
He showed him the Vampire Fruit.
But Tesoro waved him off repeatedly, "Better not, Lord Ian. This fruit is too precious. It'd be a waste to give it to me."
"Don't underestimate yourself, Tesoro,"
Ian said with a smile, "You have great potential."
"It's not that I underestimate myself, Lord Ian. It's just that I'm too busy every day with affairs. I can't find time to train properly and develop this Devil Fruit's full power."
Tesoro apologized sincerely, "Thank you for your kindness, but I really don't think I'm suitable."
"Is that so?"
Ian didn't push further.
Tesoro was already so loyal — what else could he say?
He would keep the fruit for now, to see if Tesoro would change his mind later, or if there might be someone better suited.
After resting for over a month on Hive Island,
One day after that,
An explosive piece of news spread around the entire world.
The Navy Headquarters' Chief Instructor, former Admiral, Black Arm Zephyr, had defected from the Navy!
**********
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