NEO Navy Fleet, flagship.
On the deck, Zephyr, with purple hair and sunglasses, was maintaining his prosthetic arm—a killing weapon known as the "Crusher."
He hummed an unknown tune under his breath, looking rather at ease.
At that moment, hurried footsteps sounded from behind, followed by a crisp, pleasant voice.
"Teacher Z~"
"...Oh, Ain." Zephyr kept his eyes focused on his work and casually asked, "What is it?"
The newcomer had smooth sea-blue wavy long hair, wearing a purple vest and brown ultra-short shorts, her cloak fluttering in the wind.
It was Zephyr's deputy—Ain. Standing respectfully behind him, she said, "A suspicious ship has been spotted ahead..."
After a brief pause, she added, "Based on our observations, they may be an adventurer crew!"
"Oh? Adventurers?" Zephyr stopped what he was doing, a flash of recognition appearing behind his lenses. "That brat known as the Thunder God..."
"Yes, Teacher Z."
"Hmm..." Slightly raising his head, Zephyr's lips slowly curled into a grin, revealing a row of white teeth as laughter escaped him.
"I've heard about you for a long time, brat. Let's meet at last~"
"Teacher?"
Seeing her teacher suddenly in a good mood, a trace of surprise flashed in Ain's eyes.
Is it because of that Thunder God? As far as she knew, they had no prior connection.
While she was still thinking, Zephyr waved his hand and said,
"Make the arrangements~"
"Yes!"
Snapping back to attention, Ain saluted immediately and hurried off.
Meanwhile, aboard the Gale.
"Spill it! Who exactly is this Z you mentioned?"
Nami raised her brows and grabbed Leno's arm, interrogating him, convinced he definitely knew something again.
Robin, Nojiko, and the others nearby also turned their gazes toward him, waiting for an explanation.
"Well~ it's a long story. I'll explain later." Facing their puzzled looks, Leno waved his hand with a smile and said, "They're sending flag signals. Let's head over first..."
"Tch~ acting mysterious again!"
Nami wrinkled her nose and twisted his waist hard, but didn't press further. She turned her gaze forward instead.
Now wasn't the time for that—they needed to see what the other side wanted first.
As the distance closed, everyone realized the leading ship was even larger than they had imagined.
The hull was black, wrapped in iron plating, giving it a heavy and solid presence.
At the bow was embedded a gigantic long blade, its edge gleaming coldly, radiating an aura of iron-blooded killing intent.
As they approached, two figures appeared along the opposing ship's railing, looking down from above.
Leno glanced up and immediately recognized them—their features were far too distinctive.
Binz, carrying a long blade and dressed in a yellow patterned ninja outfit, and Shuzo, wearing red belly armor with arms divided into three segments.
Moments later, accompanied by clacking sounds, rows of stairs extended toward them.
Then a booming voice rang out.
"We invite the Captain of the Adventurers, the Thunder God!"
"Leno..."
Seeing the display on the other side, Nojiko subconsciously grabbed Leno's hand, worry evident in her eyes.
They were clearly inviting only one person aboard, and no one knew what awaited him up there. What if...
The others also looked over with concern. Leno was the backbone of the crew—they didn't want him taking unnecessary risks.
Seeing the worried expressions around him, Leno felt warmth in his heart. He gave them a reassuring look and said with a smile,
"Don't worry. They're not bad people!"
As he spoke, he pulled out a large wine flask from his inventory, carrying it in his hand as he walked toward the stairs.
After all, this counted as paying a visit—couldn't show up empty-handed.
"Buzz~"
As Leno's footsteps echoed closer, an invisible wave slowly spread outward.
The many soldiers standing guard along the railing suddenly rolled their eyes back and collapsed, instantly causing an uproar.
"Hey, what's wrong with you?"
"What happened?"
"Answer me!"
"..."
"Conqueror's Haki!"
Feeling the hairs on his arms stand on end, Shuzo stared at Leno in shock.
Damn, this young guy...
Hearing about him was one thing—meeting him in person was even more impressive!
He had never encountered Haki of this level before.
Beside him, Binz glanced at the fallen crew members on the deck, then at Leno's steady steps.
His face turned slightly pale, his throat bobbing unconsciously as cold sweat soaked through his headscarf.
This ridiculously young guy was terrifying!
"Don't panic! They're just unconscious!"
Looking at the chaotic and noisy crew around him, black lines filled Shuzo's forehead. This was too embarrassing!
Leno arrived carrying the wine flask, looking toward the towering figure seated ahead.
Despite his aged face, the muscle lines on his body were like those carved by blades and axes, full of power, giving off intense pressure and visual impact.
"My apologies, Admiral Zephyr!"
"Hahahaha..." Zephyr laughed heartily, his eyes filled with appreciation as he scolded with a smile,
"You troublesome brat, giving this old man a show of force right from the start!"
After a pause, he corrected himself. "Also, I've abandoned that name. Now I'm called Z!"
"Yes, yes, whatever makes you happy, old man~" Leno stepped forward and handed him the wine flask, teasing casually. "I didn't prepare your favorite sherry. You won't blame me, right?"
"Hahahaha..." Zephyr grabbed the flask and took several large gulps, letting out a long satisfied breath.
"Good lad, this drink tastes great—strong enough!"
"I say, old man, aren't you being a bit too realistic? Before the wine I was a troublesome brat, and after the wine I'm a good lad?"
Leno spread his hands helplessly, looking speechless at the old man beside him.
"Pfft~"
Ain, standing behind Zephyr, had been worried about her teacher's condition, but Leno's words made her laugh out loud.
Noticing Leno looking her way, she quickly suppressed her laughter and turned her face aside.
"Oh? Isn't that Ain? Interested in joining my ship and traveling the world together?"
"Not interested."
Hearing Leno's teasing tone, Ain rolled her eyes and rejected him without hesitation.
Everyone in the world knew this guy was a massive pervert. She'd have to be crazy to throw herself at him.
Besides, the New Navy's dream hadn't been achieved yet—there was no time to think about anything else.
"You brat, coming here without even bringing a proper gift!"
Zephyr set down the flask, still unsatisfied, and casually asked, "Got any more alcohol?"
"I know you're filthy rich, kid. You must have plenty of stock."
"I do..." Leno looked at Zephyr and said hesitantly, "But with your condition..."
Behind him, Ain couldn't help but speak up as well. "Teacher, you should drink less..."
...
...
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