"What do you think?"
"..."
Hearing Zephyr's words, Ian narrowed his eyes. He had to admit, this guy's offer was truly tempting!
Not only was he advertising himself, but he even brought in the Hero of the Marines.
You have to know that these two veterans hold a significant position within Marine Headquarters.
With their advertising, it's safe to say that the sale of Sibia Village green grape wine throughout the Marines is virtually unimpeded.
As for a promise from the Chief Instructor at the Marine Headquarters, that was even more valuable.
Even though Zephyr was later wanted by Marine Headquarters and even hunted by his former students, that was simply because he wanted to destroy the New World.
If he hadn't, he would still be the Chief Instructor of the Marine Headquarters, teaching countless elites.
After all, to exact revenge on the pirates, Zephyr founded the Neo Marines, operating independently from the Marine Headquarters, and Marine Headquarters had no choice but to accept it.
Needless to say, besides their strength, those two held authority second only to the Fleet Admiral himself.
In some cases, and to some marines, Zephyr's name carried even more weight than the Fleet Admiral's name.
He pondered for a moment, then smiled at Zephyr, who was beaming and waiting for his response.
But before Zephyr could relax at seeing that smile, Ian's expression suddenly hardened. Without hesitation, he said: "I refuse."
"You agree? No, what did you just say?"
Upon hearing Ian's response, Zephyr's satisfied smile suddenly froze. He stared at Ian in bewilderment. "Refuse? You actually refused? Why?"
"No reason, I simply wanted to spend time with my wife."
Ian waved his hand, expressionless. "If there's nothing else, I'll go train."
But this answer made the bewildered Zephyr's face darken.
To hell with spending time with your wife!
It's just a short trip, not like you're leaving forever!
Honestly, if his right arm weren't still injured, and if this kid didn't have such ridiculous stamina, he'd have already given him a good beating!
But seeing Ian really turning to leave, Zephyr's mouth twitched, and he quickly called out: "Wait, wait, the terms are negotiable! You can't seriously make a sick man run all over the place, can you?"
However, no matter what he said, Ian, carrying his one-handed axe, slowly walked towards the back of the mountain.
This forced Zephyr to quickly state another condition. "Your Armament Haki has reached the coating stage, right? I can get you Garp's personal Armament Haki training method. You know, Garp's coating technique is no joke."
As soon as he finished speaking, Zephyr's eyes flashed with joy as he saw Ian pause in front of him.
But before he could rejoice, the guy took another step and continued forward.
Zephyr: "…"
This kid!!!
"What exactly do you want, kid?"
Zephyr said with a scowl. "What about the Armament Haki's Emission training method? I can get that for you, too."
Then his tone softened, as if trying to appeal emotionally: "I've been very kind to you! Can you really bear to see a disabled man like me run so far? Tell me, what exactly do you want?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Ian stopped and turned to look at Zephyr. Then he said seriously: "Of course, I'm very grateful for your guidance."
Zephyr: "..."
Zephyr's mouth twitched, and he said unhappily: "Tell me, what else do you want?"
"Besides what you have already said."
Ian stated his demands without hesitation. "I also want your two students, Ain and Binz, to agree to one request."
"...?"
That's it?
Zephyr was stunned, as if puzzled by Ian's request.
You have to understand that Binz and Ain are only his students, and their strength isn't as strong as Ian's.
What would he need them for?
If Ian wanted something, it would make more sense to ask him directly; Ain and Binz would never refuse their teacher's orders.
But even so, Zephyr felt he couldn't make decisions on his students' behalf.
"This..."
Zephyr's face was hesitant. "Even though I'm the teacher of those two children, I can't just..."
Before he could finish his words, a calm voice suddenly rang out.
"I can agree to that. As long as you accept this mission, Binz and I will each promise you one request that doesn't go against justice."
And right after that came another distressed voice.
"Hey, hey, hey, Ain, why did you agree on this for me? What if this guy wants me to run naked on the boat?"
"..."
Hearing those words, Ian and Zephyr turned their heads together and looked at the two people walking over.
Especially when Ian saw Binz complaining unhappily, his face darkened slightly.
Who wants you to run naked?
Zephyr's face froze involuntarily, and he said with a complicated expression: "Ain, Binz, you..."
"Zephyr-sensei, this is my decision."
Ain shook her head at Zephyr, then looked at Ian. "Well, now you agree, right?"
"Fine!!"
Seeing the two's expressions, Binz could only helplessly spread his hands and said: "I also promise you a request that doesn't violate justice. I hope you're not going to make me run naked!"
However, just as the two waited for Ian's response...
"Not enough!"
Ian still refused to agree.
"..."
The three of them frowned and looked at Ian, about to say something, when…
"This mission will also be led by me."
Ian swept his gaze over the two and said directly: "You both have to follow my orders."
As soon as he finished speaking, before the frowning Ain could say anything, Binz barked: "Hey, you're really going too far! You're a retired Marine, and Ain and I have been awarded the rank of captain by headquarters, and you expect us to obey your orders."
But before Binz could finish his complaint…
"I agree!"
Ain's voice echoed from the side.
"..."
Binz was instantly dumbfounded, and even Ian and Zephyr looked stunned.
"Ain, why did you agree?"
Binz looked at Ain, bewildered. "This guy's already retired, and you actually agreed to follow his orders?"
"Yes, I agree."
Ain said calmly. Then, looking at Ian, she said: "Is this okay?"
"..."
Looking at Ain, who showed no hesitation, Ian fell silent for a moment before smiling: "Of course! When do we leave? Tomorrow? I still need to make some preparations."
"Sure."
Hearing Ian didn't refuse this time, Ain's pretty face finally broke into a satisfied smile.
Then, turning to Zephyr-sensei, she said: "Zephyr-sensei, I'll go down and prepare too."
With that, she turned and left, leaving Zephyr, who was stunned.
Zephyr narrowed his eyes and stroked his chin as he watched his student leave.
"Why did Ain agree to everything?"
Binz said with a look of resentment. "And she even agreed for me."
But just as he finished speaking...
"It's settled. Go prepare yourselves for me."
Zephyr punched Binz on the head, then looked at Ian with narrowed eyes. "Kid, what are you planning to have Ain promise you?"
"Not just Ain, it's Binz and Ain!"
"I know. So, what are you going to ask them to promise to you?"
"What promise?"
What else could it be?
From the beginning, he had only one request: the Neo Marines!
Ignoring Zephyr's meaningful expression, Ian flashed a bright smile and said: "I haven't thought about it yet!"