CHAPTER 272: ZEPHYR'S TRANSFORMATION, TRIPARTITE NEGOTIATIONS
After their brief conversation concluded, Brett escorted Zephyr's group to the island's finest hotel for rest. Time had grown late—Brett departed for rescue in the deep night, and now dawn approached.
Just as Brett prepared to catch up on sleep, someone arrived eagerly.
"You actually persuaded that man, Brett?" Tesoro examined Brett with amazement, clicking his tongue. "Isn't Zephyr ridiculously stubborn?"
"Even the sturdiest fortress has weak points," Brett yawned lazily. "Fortunately, I found Zephyr's vulnerable spot and breached his defenses decisively."
"That phrasing is disgusting, bastard," Tesoro rolled his eyes, though excitement quickly surfaced in his grin. "Regardless, we've gained a new partner, right?"
This man's eagerness to overthrow the World Government and topple Celestial Dragons from their divine throne exceeded even Brett's.
"I've said this before," Brett smiled. "Though the World Government appears overwhelmingly powerful currently, we can recruit allies endlessly."
Too many in this world suffered hardship because of the World Government. Countless would fight against them.
"If the World Government represents the surface world—the open, legitimate order—then we must unite the world beyond that order, the world beneath the surface!"
We are this world's rebels! Those who will shatter existing order and construct a new future!
"I eagerly anticipate that day!" Tesoro's lips curved upward.
"By the way, Tesoro, attend a meeting with me afterward."
"Meeting? What meeting?"
"I've arranged for someone to visit. Since we all share the World Government as our target, it's time for proper discussion."
"Ah, that person. Indeed, you're right."
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Zephyr's group didn't rush to leave Fish-Man Island. He was curious about the new friend Brett mentioned introducing.
During these days, Brett toured him throughout the nation. Fish-Man Island's prosperity was no secret—newspapers covered it constantly. Though he'd heard reports, witnessing the island's current state firsthand was unprecedented.
Zephyr was profoundly shocked by this nation's prosperity and tranquility. He'd never seen such a flourishing country, such peaceful stability.
During those decades as a Marine, relentlessly pursuing pirates—wasn't it all to make every nation as prosperous and stable as this?
That was true justice.
Zephyr had visited Fish-Man Island previously, which made his shock even more profound. Brett had genuinely guided this nation toward a brilliant new future!
Could such a future embrace other nations across the seas?
Zephyr suddenly felt eager to try.
"Teacher Zephyr, is something wrong?" That evening, returning to the hotel, student Ain regarded him with puzzlement.
"Did something good happen? You've been smiling constantly."
Zephyr wore a broad smile—one Ain had never witnessed before.
"Just remembering something," Zephyr smiled, pushing his sunglasses from his nose back to his forehead.
Ain noticed: her teacher's eyes, sharpened by the Navy's betrayal, had softened again. Yet not merely gentle—within that gentle gaze resided tremendous power.
Zephyr felt better than ever. The flames of rage and hatred burning within him suddenly extinguished. Dreams long forgotten began radiating brilliance again.
Long ago, before his family's tragedy, before he'd resolved to nurture heroes—he'd dreamed of becoming a hero saving the world himself.
Now that dream returned. He wanted to try again, one final attempt in his twilight years—try to become the hero of salvation he'd once dreamed of being.
His body, weakened by illness and age, even felt strengthened by this renewed purpose.
Ain didn't fully understand, but naturally rejoiced at her teacher's transformation.
Brett also noticed Zephyr's change. Unlike Ain, he needn't ask what happened—he could hear the man's heart clearly.
Willpower was genuine power in this world. When someone possessed strong conviction, they grew powerful. Conversely, when belief collapsed, weakness followed. Crocodile and Gecko Moria vividly demonstrated this truth.
So afterward, I'll give Zephyr another gift, Brett decided.
Then one day, the man Brett awaited finally arrived at Fish-Man Island.
The man materialized in Brett's office on a gentle breeze.
"I never imagined you could recruit even Zephyr, Brett." His dark green cloak billowed in the wind he'd brought, hood flying back to reveal his smile.
"I didn't recruit him—the World Government pushed him to us," Brett replied.
The visitor—Brett's old friend, Revolutionary Army commander Dragon—nodded slightly. "Indeed. We'd all prefer peaceful, tranquil lives, but the World Government never gave us that opportunity."
"Come, Dragon. We should have a proper conversation."
Brett stood.
"Of course," Dragon nodded. "We should definitely talk properly."
Naturally, the more partners united toward overthrowing the World Government, the better.
Brett and Dragon proceeded to headquarters' conference room, sending for Zephyr and Tesoro.
When Zephyr saw Dragon, he was considerably startled.
"Brett, the new friend you mentioned introducing is this kid?"
"It's been a long time, Zephyr," Dragon bowed slightly in greeting.
Their relationship was familiar—Dragon's father was Zephyr's longtime friend. Zephyr had held Dragon as a child.
"If the enemy is the World Government, then Dragon and the Revolutionary Army are naturally our best partners," Brett said.
"Welcome to our camp, Zephyr," Dragon spoke solemnly.
Zephyr's arrival undoubtedly strengthened their forces tremendously.
"Hahahaha! In any case, let's all have a good conversation!" Tesoro, as semi-host, laughed and interjected. "After all, we're comrades now."
Comrades?
Zephyr fell briefly silent. His once-intimate companions now stood opposite him. But immediately, he'd gain new comrades? Though they were young.
"Very well," Zephyr nodded readily.
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