"What?! Jake and Whitebeard's group are heading for the first half of the Grand Line?! What's going on?!"
Hearing Sengoku's words, Zephyr's expression twisted with disbelief as he roared at him.
Faced with Zephyr's outburst, Sengoku sighed helplessly.
"Zephyr, what the hell are you yelling about? The Whitebeard Pirates' movements are extremely unusual and Jake, who's still on their ship, is definitely involved."
"But that doesn't mean Jake is traveling with them, does it? Do you have any idea how much damage such claims could do to Jake's future?"
"A future Marine Admiral—or even Fleet Admiral—having once gone on an adventure with the world's strongest pirate crew? Do you realize how negatively this could affect Jake?"
Zephyr was visibly agitated as he vented at Sengoku, who clutched his head in frustration before shouting back.
"That's why I've only called you and Borsalino here to hear this news. If I wanted to make this public, there would be more than just the two of you present—at the very least, Sakazuki and Kuzan would be here too."
"How strange~ What about Vice Admiral Garp? Why isn't he here?"
At this, Sengoku sighed and replied.
"That bastard is on vacation in Windmill Village and refuses to come. Never mind him—what do you two think about this matter?"
Hearing Sengoku's question, Kizaru continued playing dumb.
"Isn't it just the Whitebeard Pirates' own voyage? What's there for me to think about?"
Annoyed by Kizaru's evasive answer, Sengoku retorted sharply.
"Don't give me that vague nonsense right now! I'm asking you—do you think Whitebeard's unusual course change might be related to Jake? Or more directly, do you think Jake might defect from the Marines and join the Whitebeard Pirates?"
At Sengoku's words, Zephyr exploded.
He shouted at him.
"Hey! What the hell are you saying?! Jake is an outstanding Marine and my dearest student! I know his character better than anyone! Even if you became Whitebeard's son, that brat Jake would never become Whitebeard's son!"
Zephyr's outburst left both Kizaru and Sengoku stunned.
Kizaru couldn't hold back and burst out laughing, while Sengoku stared at Zephyr with a dark expression before clearing his throat.
"I understand your relationship with Jake, but this concerns the Marine's future. I expect you to discuss this with me rationally!"
Seeing Sengoku's stern face, Zephyr realized he'd overreacted.
He glared at Kizaru, who was still stifling laughter and snapped.
"Is this funny, Borsalino?! How's your hand-to-hand combat and swordsmanship training been lately?! After we're done here with Sengoku, meet me at the training grounds—I'll personally check whether you've been following my teachings!"
"Huh? Zephyr-sensei, I graduated so long ago. Isn't this unnecessary?"
"So once you graduate, you're no longer my student—is that what you're saying?!"
Trapped by Zephyr's words, Kizaru could only swallow his protests.
Ever since Jake had largely restored Zephyr's health, the former admiral had regained the energy to discipline his former students—especially Kuzan, the laziest and latest graduate, who'd been receiving the most reprimands lately.
Hastily changing the subject, Kizaru said to Sengoku.
"Well, Fleet Admiral Sengoku, if you're asking me, my opinion aligns with Zephyr-sensei."
"Oh?! So you also think I'll become Whitebeard's son?!"
Hearing Sengoku's deliberately provocative remark, Kizaru broke into a cold sweat.
The old man before him was his superior and the workload awaiting him depended entirely on this very person.
If he were to offend him, the days ahead would likely be even busier than Sakazuki's—a result Kizaru couldn't accept even in death.
Even though he knew Sengoku was venting his frustration on him, Kizaru couldn't argue back.
He could only immediately laugh and explain.
"No, no, Sengoku-san, what I mean is that Jake would never betray the Marines. I know that guy somewhat, after all. Based on his personality, he'd rather die than join the Whitebeard Pirates. He dislikes the rough, nomadic life of Pirates and Jake thinks they're all just a bunch of good-for-nothing scoundrels who steal the fruits of others' labor."
"You don't understand that man Whitebeard. Even as an adversary, I must admit his magnanimity and charm are among the grandest in this world!"
Zephyr nodded in agreement with Sengoku's words.
But this very acknowledgment meant Jake might truly be swayed by Whitebeard's charisma and join the Whitebeard Pirates.
The mere thought of Jake appearing in the newspapers with Whitebeard's insignia tattooed on his back made everyone's vision darken.
At that moment, Zephyr's private Den Den Mushi suddenly rang.
Only a handful of people knew this number—Jake being one of them.
Under the intense gazes of Sengoku and Kizaru, Zephyr pulled out the Den Den Mushi and answered the call in front of them.
"Brrr brrr, this is Jake. Can you hear me, Zephyr-sensei?"
Hearing the voice on the line, Kizaru and Sengoku perked up, their eyes locked onto the Den Den Mushi.
Zephyr, however, remained calm as he replied.
"I can hear you, Jake. Are you on Whitebeard's ship now? Care to explain why Whitebeard suddenly sailed the Moby Dick into the first half of the Grand Line?"
"Yeah, I asked them to go there. After finishing our adventure on Sky Island, I'll be able to return to Marine Headquarters. I've mostly healed Whitebeard's injuries. Our target this time is the legendary City of Gold on Sky Island. Once we secure the treasure, I'll bring a substantial amount of military funding back to Marine Headquarters! Please explain to Fleet Admiral Sengoku—I will never become a pirate!"
As Jake's voice trailed off, two additional voices chimed in from the other end.
"Me too! Monet won't become a pirate either!"
"Gurarararara! Zephyr, you've really taken in two remarkable students, haven't you?"
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I release a new whitebeard scientist fic : One Piece : Scientist of Whitebeard Pirates
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