Chapter 33: The First Crew Member

On the Sabaody Archipelago, the news of Whitebeard Jr.'s death at Marineford spread worldwide. Zephyr saw the headline. Without a doubt, this was Lin Yan's doing.

"He actually did it!" Zephyr muttered, lying on a chair, staring quietly at the blinds. Upon hearing of Whitebeard Jr.'s death, it felt like a heavy burden had been lifted, and he could finally breathe.

"Maybe resigning from the Navy was a wise choice," Zephyr thought. "At least I met you on the Sabaody Archipelago." Zephyr leaned against the wall and raised his head. He had left Marineford disillusioned with the Navy, and now such an earth-shattering event had occurred.

"Screech!" The door opened, and sunlight poured in, shining on Lin Yan, making him look dazzling.

"I'm here," Lin Yan said, entering.

"Sit," Zephyr responded, not shooing him away as before, but inviting him to sit. Nearby, Ain brought a chair for Lin Yan. She also gazed gently and spoke softly, "Thank you!"

The matter of Zephyr's severed arm was a sensitive one. Ain was one of the few survivors and could understand Zephyr's current mood and regret. Similarly, she was also very grateful to Lin Yan.

"Oh, where did the ferocity of the little tigress go?" Lin Yan asked with a smile.

Surprisingly, Ain didn't retort this time. She continued softly, "The events of that year have always been a thorn in the hearts of my teacher and me. Thank you for helping us!"

Hearing Ain's heavy words, Lin Yan responded, "It's nothing." He didn't intend to tease her further and nodded slightly.

"Lin Yan, you killed Edward Weevil, one of the Shichibukai, at Marine Headquarters, humiliating the navy! Aren't you afraid of their revenge?" Zephyr put down the book in his hand and asked Lin Yan.

"Afraid of being hated?" Lin Yan replied, "I think, rather than being hated, the navy just doesn't recognize talent! Who is Black Arm Zephyr? He laid a solid foundation for the navy, but they abandoned him just because of a Whitebeard junior. In this regard, the navy's vision is lacking!"

Lin Yan said.

Speaking of Whitebeard Junior, he vaguely recalled many memories. After the Marineford War, Whitebeard and Ace perished, and the Whitebeard Pirates suffered a 70% loss. However, greater danger loomed. Besides the pressure from the navy and the Blackbeard Pirates, Whitebeard Junior was also a key factor in the downfall of the Whitebeard Pirates.

This time, Lin Yan wielded his blade not only for Zephyr but also to protect the future of the Whitebeard Pirates.

Hearing this, Zephyr's head lowered further. Indeed, a lifetime of dedication was overshadowed in just a few days by Whitebeard Junior. How tragic.

"Since the navy lacks vision, there's someone before you who always hopes you'll join their team."

"How about it? Have you considered it? Join my pirate crew!" Lin Yan invited Zephyr again.

Zephyr's weathered face finally broke into a smile, and his wrinkles eased.

In fact, when Lin Yan offered to deal with Whitebeard Junior for him, Zephyr had already made up his mind. Under Lin Yan's expectant gaze, Zephyr's answer was simple: "Okay!"

"Teacher..." Ain's eyes welled up.

After laying down his burdens, Zephyr turned to Ain, "Ain, spread the word. The idea of creating Neo Marines is on hold for now. Neo Marines is a dangerous concept and will eventually be besieged and condemned. It's not a good thing."

"Moreover, if you want to leave, I won't stop you!"

Ain firmly shook her head, "No, I will always follow you!"

Thus, with Zephyr's agreement, Lin Yan successfully achieved his goal!

From that moment on, the former Marine Admiral, Black Arm Zephyr, became a member of Lin Yan's 17th division. However, Zephyr put forth several conditions: "Before joining, I have three stipulations. You have to agree to them!"

"You said that, so I'll add one more," Lin Yan interjected. "My addition is that I accept all your conditions!"

"That's... too rash!" Zephyr sighed.

"Hahaha!" Lin Yan laughed heartily. It was the happiest day since he established the 17th division.

"By the way, how many people are in your 17th division?" Ain asked curiously.

"You asked the right person!" Lin Yan proudly said, "Before Zephyr joined, it was just me!"

"One person..." Ain was speechless. What's with that pride on your face?

"A meal is eaten one bite at a time. Now, with Zephyr and you, it's three people!" Lin Yan replied.

When Zephyr left Marine Headquarters, several hundred people followed him out. They were Zephyr's students, who regarded him with great respect.

Now, hearing that Zephyr abandoned the idea of Neo Marines, they sought him out for answers.

Upon learning that Zephyr joined the 17th division, the students were puzzled. Didn't their teacher despise pirates? However, upon hearing that Edward Weevil, who recently topped the headlines, was killed by Lin Yan, especially under the navy's nose, the students were shocked. Facing the navy, he eliminated a Shichibukai!

The students knew their teacher's dilemma but lacked the strength to deal with Whitebeard Junior. However, for Lin Yan, recruiting their teacher meant eliminating the threat. His decisiveness and action were terrifying!

Is this the strength of the Whitebeard Pirates' 17th division commander?

The students' gazes toward Lin Yan became respectful.

Thus, following Zephyr's lead, they all joined the 17th division.

Why did they have any reason to disperse?

There were a full two hundred people on site.

All of them followed Zephyr and joined the Seventeenth Division!

"From now on, you are our squad leader!"