Chapter 37 Meeting
Alabasta Port City: Nahana.
Compared to the bustling capital, Arupana, Nahana seemed much calmer. The riots on the outskirts of Arupana hadn't affected this place at all. The people in Nahana went about their business as usual.
However, there were exceptions.
At a dock in Nahana's port, more than a dozen Marines found themselves surrounded by a group of unsavory characters.
These Marines had been sent by their captain to secure Vampire Gnar's pirate ship. However, upon arriving, they were blocked by these aggressive individuals.
"What do you want!?"
"We are Marines, here on orders to seize a pirate ship."
As Marine recruits, they lacked confidence facing these tough guys, and their trembling voices only emboldened the thugs.
"Hahaha..."
"Sorry, Marines, but I can't let you do that."
"The owners of these ships pay to keep them here."
"I advise you to leave immediately. Don't cause trouble!"
In a port city like Nahana, especially with the rise of the Age of Discovery, many ships docked here were pirates of unknown origin. The dock owner, daring to engage in such business, must have some confidence. However, in a direct confrontation with Marines, the dock boss would stay hidden, leaving the hired thugs to deal with any issues. If things went wrong, the bosses would shift the blame to these thugs and escape easily.
The Marine recruits, seeing they were vastly outnumbered and faced with hostile expressions, were unsure of what to do.
Suddenly, a loud sound shattered the air.
"What's that noise!?"
Everyone looked up instinctively.
"Bang..."
Before the Marines and thugs could process what was happening, a massive figure fell from the sky and landed amid them. The powerful impact knocked everyone off their feet and sent dust swirling into the air.
"Ahem..."
"What happened..."
"Where..."
Both the Marines and thugs, now enveloped in dust, looked at the imposing figure with fear. A voice then cut through the confusion.
"Is this Alabasta?"
Before the thugs could react, the Marines, now excited, recognized the voice.
"Ze... Teacher Zephyr..."
"It's Teacher Zephyr's voice..."
"Great!"
"Zephyr..."
The name "Zephyr" triggered a look of horror on the thugs' faces.
"No way!"
"Could it be him?"
"How is it possible for him to be here in Alabasta?"
...
Their fears were soon confirmed.
As the dust settled, the ground in the impact zone was cracked like a spider web, revealing a burly man clad in a Marine Admiral coat with the word 'Justice,' a purple suit, and short purple hair.
"Marine Admiral!"
"Black Arm Zephyr!"
"Ah! Run away!!!"
In an instant, the thugs, terrified, fled in all directions, screaming.
"Thud..."
With heavy, deliberate footsteps, Admiral Zephyr emerged from the crater. Ignoring the fleeing thugs, he approached the Marine recruits with a serious expression and asked in a deep voice:
"What's going on here?"
The Marine recruits, now attentive and respectful, saluted and responded eagerly.
"Reporting to Admiral Zephyr, Vampire Gnar has left Arupana, the capital of Alabasta. The exact location is unknown. We were ordered by Captain Ain to secure Vampire Gnar's pirate ship."
The Marine pointed to a large multi-masted sailboat with a vermilion background docked nearby.
"I understand. Leave five of you to continue the mission. The rest should quickly organize the evacuation of the city!"
The Marines, stunned, hesitated.
"Yes, Admiral Zephyr. Is there any trace of Vampire Gnar?"
As the question was asked, Zephyr's powerful Observation Haki swept across the city, giving him a clear view. He then looked towards the heart of the city and frowned.
"Where is he?!"
With the Marines no longer concealing their actions, chaos ensued.
Nahana plunged into panic.
In the streets, under Admiral Black Arm Zephyr's command, Marines acted swiftly.
"Hurry, pack your valuables and leave!"
"We are Marines from the headquarters!"
"If you don't want to die, get out of here!"
Some residents, still confused, looked out the window and saw the chaos on the streets, the Marines urging people to evacuate, and the imposing figure exuding a terrifying presence.
"What's happening?"
"What's going on?"
"Who is that man?"
Soon, their questions were answered.
"That's Admiral Black Arm Zephyr!"
"What!!!"
"Why is a Marine Admiral here?"
"Run away quickly. I heard there are pirates here, and the Admiral has been dispatched. If you don't want to die, evacuate immediately."
"What, damn it, I just bought my house."
"Forget the house. Get to the coast quickly. Marine warships will be waiting there…"
Throughout Nahana, the streets were filled with voices of dissatisfaction and reluctance as people hurriedly moved their belongings to the port, desperate to escape.
Meanwhile, Gnar, the cause of all this turmoil, was eating in a restaurant deep within the town. Contrary to the outside chaos, the restaurant was empty and quiet, with tables laden with various foods.
At that moment, the restaurant door opened, and a burly figure walked in with heavy steps.
As Gnar enjoyed his meal, he looked up at the man standing in the doorway, exuding an overwhelming presence.
Neither spoke; they simply stared at each other.
After what felt like an eternity, a familiar figure burst in.
Seeing the teacher at the door, she was about to greet him when she spotted Gnar sitting at the table. She gasped in surprise.
"Vampire Gnar!!!"
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