CHAPTER 274 GIFT FOR ZEPHYR
The tripartite negotiations concluded perfectly. Fish-Man Island, NEO Navy, and the Revolutionary Army agreed to share critical intelligence and provide mutual support.
When the meeting ended, all three wore satisfied smiles. The reasoning was simple—Fish-Man Island and the Revolutionary Army combined already represented a revolutionary force. In this vast world, aside from the World Government, no other power could rival them.
Though Zephyr currently commanded limited forces—merely a group of inexperienced students—his personal strength remained formidable. With him added, their united power arguably matched the Navy's.
Not to mention Brett's Heptagon Alliance connections. Though not entirely reliable, they could still provide assistance. Their assembled forces had become tremendously impressive.
Once the Ancient Weapons arrived, they'd be ready to challenge the World Government directly.
Hope. Both Dragon and Zephyr saw hope.
Since everyone felt satisfied, naturally a celebratory banquet followed. Though the government knew of Zephyr's connection to Brett, the alliance with Dragon required secrecy. So the banquet occurred within Immigration Bureau headquarters—a small gathering with only Brett, Tesoro, Zephyr, and Dragon attending.
Fish-Man Island's distinctive cuisine delighted both Zephyr and Dragon. The four discussed upcoming operations while enjoying food and drink. The atmosphere remained harmonious throughout.
After eating their fill, Brett wiped his mouth and spoke seriously. "Zephyr, since we're all friends now, I have gifts for you."
"Gifts?" Zephyr seemed surprised. "Haven't you already given gifts?"
Indeed, gifts had been provided. Zephyr was currently destitute. Though he had personnel, building an army from scratch required tremendous difficulty—recruiting soldiers demanded money. Unless he was willing to plunder like pirates to accumulate wealth.
As previously discussed, as newly minted allies, Brett naturally offered Zephyr support. Fish-Man Island was quite prosperous—sponsoring an army posed no difficulty. Of course, such sponsorship would only continue until Zephyr established himself in the New World.
"Different. The previous gifts were for NEO Navy. This time, they're specifically for you, Zephyr," Brett smiled.
"For me?" Zephyr was genuinely curious. What gift would Brett give him?
"Tesoro," Brett looked toward his friend.
"Understood. They're already coming," Tesoro left the banquet hall.
Zephyr and Dragon exchanged glances, wondering what Brett planned.
Minutes later, Tesoro returned—but not alone. He brought someone else.
"This is—" Zephyr observed the small girl Tesoro literally held in his palm. "A Tontatta?"
Moreover, not just any Tontatta—this was the tribe's princess and a member of Tesoro's idol group All Stars, Dragon thought internally.
"It's up to you now, Mansherry," Tesoro smiled down at the small princess.
"Yes," the tiny princess nodded shyly. "I'll try my best!"
Zephyr looked questioningly at Brett.
"Princess Mansherry is a Devil Fruit user," Brett smiled.
"What ability?" Zephyr asked.
"Princess Mansherry possesses the Heal-Heal Fruit. She can cure any illness or injury," Tesoro explained.
Zephyr stiffened momentarily, then joy flooded his expression. "Brett, how did you know—"
"That's unimportant," Brett waved dismissively before Zephyr could finish. Who didn't know about his asthma triggered by strenuous activity? "In any case, Zephyr, please accept this gift."
Zephyr nodded solemnly. "Then I won't refuse."
If that damned asthma could be cured, his strength would recover tremendously. Missing one hand didn't matter—Shanks only had one arm too!
Zephyr grew ambitious again.
"Your turn to perform, Princess," Tesoro presented the small princess to Zephyr.
The princess sniffled. Then from her large eyes, tears flowed downward.
"Healing Tears."
Tears fell upon Zephyr's body, causing him to glow faintly.
"This is—!" Zephyr's eyes widened.
The oppression within his chest rapidly retreated. Unencumbered breathing returned—something he hadn't experienced in ages. Zephyr gasped deeply, breathing desperately, his chest heaving violently as he struggled to experience this obstruction-free respiration.
"Remarkable ability!" Dragon couldn't help but praise.
The strategic value of this power was immeasurable.
Brett chuckled quietly. This wasn't even Princess Mansherry's limit. She could even reverse time-like effects, regenerating Zephyr's severed arm completely. But doing so would shorten the princess's lifespan.
Brett couldn't accept letting the small princess sacrifice her life for his friend. Besides, even without regenerating Zephyr's arm, it didn't matter.
Because—
"If you feel good, prepare to receive the second gift, Zephyr," Brett smiled.
"There's a second one?" Zephyr was genuinely stunned. Was Brett being excessively generous?
"What will it be this time?" Dragon grew interested.
"Franky, come in," Brett called toward the door. He'd already heard—the person he awaited had arrived.
"Coming, coming!" The door opened as a man wearing swimming trunks with blue pompadour hair entered grinning, carrying an arm—a gray-black, metallic arm.
"Hahahaha! Who needs this SUPER arm?!" Franky's gaze swept the room, quickly focusing on Zephyr's hand. Among those present, only Zephyr was missing an arm.
"Mechanical prosthetic?" Zephyr examined the arm Franky carried with surprise. Fish-Man Island possessed such technology?
"Zephyr, you're missing an arm. That condition puts you at tremendous disadvantage campaigning in the New World," Brett smiled. "So install this arm. I specifically requested our island's premier weapons master to craft this mechanical arm for you."
"Made from Seastone as the base material."
Now Zephyr's eyes truly widened, unable to close.
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