99.Old Warhorse, New Resolve

It was foreseeable that the Shichibukai system would influence the future direction of this world.

Kong's original intention was to hear the suggestions and ideas of the many military officers stationed at the front lines who had long been fighting pirates.

Collective wisdom often led to more comprehensive considerations, far better than a few old men hiding in their offices, isolated in their own views.

Zephyr had remained silent since entering the meeting room. His heart was filled with pain and torment.He clearly understood that as a high-ranking officer of the Navy Headquarters, a former Fleet Admiral, and the most outstanding Marine instructor,

at this moment, he should offer his own advice and opinions on this issue, then throw out a brick to draw jade, allowing these young naval elites to gradually expand their thinking and express their own views.

But he couldn't do it. He felt as though his mouth had been sealed shut by a thousand catties of force!

The image of his wife holding their child, entrusting him with her words before he left home, still echoed in his ears: "Look, Daddy is going to catch the bad guys again. You must take care of yourself while you're away from us for so long, Zephyr."

But the innocent eyes of his child and the tender voice of his wife were frozen in that instant—the moment they collapsed into pools of blood, their bodies mangled beyond recognition.

And the once-famous Black Arm Admiral could only helplessly cradle the stiff, cold bodies of his family, kneeling on the ground and wailing. He cried until his tears ran dry and his voice grew hoarse.

Like an eternal nightmare, it trapped him in the shattered remains of his home.

Sengoku's wisdom, Garp's bravery, Zephyr's compassion—these three strongest generals of the Navy Headquarters in those days.

Beyond their immense combat strength, what was even more terrifying was their unparalleled willpower, unyielding and indomitable.

Zephyr made his choice. Even after retiring to the rear lines, he wasn't defeated by the suffering that befell him.

After a brief period of confusion, he poured all his energy into training excellent young Marines.

Among the first batch of students, the one with the most bloodlust was Sakazuki—a child whose ideals were completely opposite to his own.

The one least in sync with him was Borsalino, a brat who always liked to leave things ambiguous and relied on the power of the Glint-Glint Fruit to wander around.

But this was the first warmth he felt after losing his family.

Day by day, as he interacted with them, Zephyr found their unique strengths, guiding them, helping them develop their own abilities, teaching them the Six Powers and Haki.

These problem children always brought him both the hardships and joys of fatherhood through their playful squabbles.

Zephyr watched them grow, gradually becoming generals capable of standing on their own.

Next, this instructor who tailored his teaching to each student welcomed more trainees—second batch, third batch…

He treated them like his own children, strict when they made mistakes, encouraging when they were down, and pointing them in the right direction when they were confused.

Thus, when he heard about the amnesty for pirates from Kong, Zephyr suddenly erupted in anger!

What did justice mean to the Five Elder Stars?

All the lives lost by him and the Navy over the years—what did they amount to in the eyes of those politicians?

His family, comrades, and the children he taught sacrificed their blood on the front lines, yet the Five Elder Stars told the Navy that for greater future benefits, they must make concessions!

Even if the plan worked perfectly, and the Shichibukai played an irreplaceable role in suppressing pirates in the first half of the Grand Line, in Zephyr's eyes, this was a betrayal and sellout of the loyal soldiers by the World Government's higher-ups!

But the Navy Headquarters had no choice but to submit. This was the first time Zephyr felt lost.

Even after his wife and child were brutally murdered by pirates, he never doubted his beliefs. He told himself that upholding justice and protecting the weak required necessary sacrifices on the path to becoming true partners of justice.

But now, he didn't know who the Navy should fight for. He was lost in the heavy weight of the word "justice."

Silently, he raised his head. He looked at the disciples he had taught. In the past, he could easily point out their strengths and weaknesses. But now, in front of them, he couldn't find the words he wanted to say.

He could recount the growth of these children over the years. At one time, he was the beacon in their lives.

Now, he couldn't articulate the confusion in his heart.

Borsalino, Kuzan, Sakazuki—these former children gradually developed their own insights and interpretations of justice.

Zephyr shifted his gaze to the younger generation of the Navy, feeling a mix of emotions—admiration, envy, but above all, the pride of an elder.

The voices of his family from years ago still echoed in his ears. With empty eyes, Zephyr stared at the now unfamiliar word "justice" and muttered bitterly, smiling: "I am here, but where are you?"

No matter how they interpreted their own sense of justice, at least these three youngsters were steadfastly moving forward. Don't be lost, don't end up like your teacher...

Borsalino, the brat he least got along with, possessed a sharp mind no less agile than Sengoku's.

Among the three, his way of handling matters was the most tactful—he avoided giving others leverage while deeply understanding political dynamics. Rather than being suited to be a soldier, he was more fit to be a politician.

This was probably why Zephyr subconsciously disliked him, but he was also the one among the younger generation with the broadest strategic thinking.

In the earlier small meeting, he pinpointed the greatest drawback the Shichibukai system posed to the Navy. Zephyr estimated that even he himself couldn't have thought it through as thoroughly as Borsalino did in such a short time.

Kuzan, the youngest of the three, was usually absent-minded but never hesitated when it came to major issues.

He was the least soldier-like among them, but in a way, he was the one most deeply influenced by the older generation's "wisdom, courage, and compassion."

Because of his non-confrontational nature, compared to his two senior classmates, he still lacked some sharpness so far.

Sakazuki, on the other hand, was almost the complete opposite of Kuzan. Sharp, brimming with killing intent.

This brat was a god of death on the battlefield, utterly decisive and ruthless. In daily life, according to Zephyr's understanding, he was a rigid perfectionist.

Among the three, he was the most soldier-like, not only possessing a broad strategic vision but also having the clearest understanding of what it meant to be a soldier.

His statement, "Being a soldier doesn't necessarily mean you're a true soldier; a real soldier…" earned Zephyr much praise from Kong.

... Wait, Zephyr, who had just been mentally evaluating them, suddenly froze. The passage he had proudly recited to Kong back then exploded in his mind: "A true soldier, with a heart full of justice, defends the safety and interests of the nation and its people with unwavering resolve."

...

...

Sengoku was about to continue elaborating on the flaws of the Shichibukai system, breaking it down into several key points for discussion, when he suddenly noticed his comrade, who had been silently sitting on the couch, looking at him with hollow and confused eyes.

"Zephyr…" Sengoku gritted his teeth, almost slapping himself in the face. This old comrade was actually the most qualified person to stand before them and refuse to carry out this mission, but he didn't.

This veteran, who had been brothers with them since they joined the Navy together, was enduring pain that neither Sengoku nor Garp had ever experienced. Implementing the Shichibukai system meant almost destroying everything Zephyr had done for justice.

For the sake of protecting the weak, Zephyr, who embodied "compassion," had sacrificed too much—his beloved family, and one by one, the graduates of the military academy who fell on the front lines against pirates. (PS: This was before the ship massacre and arm amputation.)

"What the hell have I done…" Kong stared at Zephyr muttering to himself. He knew that this was forcing the Navy to rub salt into their brother's wounds!

Sakazuki, sitting next to Zephyr, naturally noticed his mentor's abnormality. For Zephyr, the Shichibukai system wasn't the end of hardship—it was the beginning of another torment.

And he, Sakazuki, would change this damned fate!

Casually stretching, Sakazuki placed an arm on Zephyr's shoulder and said firmly: "I'm here, Teacher. We all are."

"We're all here, Teacher," Kuzan smiled gently, turning his head.

"Old man Zephyr, we're here," Borsalino tilted his head.

Behind them, voices calling out "Teacher Zephyr" rang out one after another.

"A true soldier, with a heart full of justice, protects the lives and interests of the people." Zephyr suddenly spoke, turning to look at Sakazuki.

The Vice Admiral only then noticed that his teacher's somewhat cloudy eyes seemed misty, and a tear slowly trickled down from the corner of his wrinkled eye.

"Not bad. I still have those innocent people to protect! I still have my family."

He closed his eyes slightly, and Zephyr answered someone, though it wasn't clear who: "I promise to take good care of myself. After all, I'm Z, a partner of justice!"

Zephyr suddenly stood up, standing shoulder to shoulder with Sengoku.

The Buddha-like figure deeply looked at his old friend. The previous emptiness and confusion in his eyes seemed to have vanished without a trace, just like when they first met—overflowing with strong confidence.

Zephyr turned to face the generals seated throughout the conference room. To him, this meeting was a rare opportunity for these naval youths to improve their strategic awareness and analytical thinking.

These young Rear Admirals and Vice Admirals were brave, and their tactical skills weren't lacking, but they were missing strategic thinking.

Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan had relatively advanced strategic awareness. Strong figures like Jonathan were commendable on the tactical level, but ultimately, they were too cautious, lacking adaptability in broader planning.

Suddenly, he laughed heartily: "Let me give you another lesson! Focus on the main contradictions and begin the analysis!"

"The selection of the Shichibukai is only a secondary issue. What the Navy must solve is the problem of plundering by the pardoned Shichibukai!"

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