chapter-33 Pirate Guerrilla

The first step Zefa took was to form the "Pirate Guerrilla," a force dedicated to hunting down pirates, breaking his long-held vow of not killing. Later, he was pushed even further when he discovered that Edward Weevil, the pirate responsible for killing his students and cutting off his arm, had joined the Shichibukai under the Navy's recruitment.

At that moment, Zefa fell into complete despair or perhaps a desperate form of resistance. He defected from the Navy and created the "NEO Navy" in the New World, with the sole mission of eradicating all pirates.

In the end, at the age of 74, Zefa died at the hands of his former student, Kizaru, and was buried by Kuzan on the island where he fought his final battle.

"Wait a second!"

Loya suddenly felt a chill run down his spine, as if he had just had a brilliant deduction like Conan.

The current year was 1516 of the Haiyuan calendar. Zefa's death occurred two years after the "War on the Top," meaning that event should take place in 1522. Zefa was 74 years old when he died, which means he is currently 68!

Zefa formed the "Pirate Guerrilla" to hunt pirates when he was 70. That event would happen two years from now. Up to this point, Zefa had suffered numerous hardships but was still dedicated to training new recruits at the boot camp. So, what caused such a dramatic change in him two years later, making him choose the path of revenge? Perhaps the lack of his mechanical shredder arm played a role.

That could be part of the reason, but Loya had a bold hypothesis. Maybe Zefa's decision to form a guerrilla force was driven by something more: a deep sense of hopelessness. Perhaps he had become disillusioned by the recruits in recent years, losing faith that they could ever grow strong enough to exact revenge.

Think about it: Zefa had once taught three admirals and numerous vice admirals. But now, with the subpar recruits at the boot camp, even Loya, who had minimal experience, could comfortably guarantee a career as a low-ranking officer. At best, he would manage to become a branch lieutenant, a far cry from true greatness.

The so-called "backbone" of the Navy had become mediocre. Depending on these students to take down Edward Weevil was nothing but a pipe dream. So, if that was the case...

Loya swallowed the ice cube and leaned against the igloo wall next to Kuzan. Casually, he remarked, "Yeah, General Zefa is 68 this year."

"Teacher Kuzan, do you think General Zefa will ever seek revenge on that pirate?"

A month earlier, Loya had feigned curiosity and asked Kuzan about Zefa's prosthetic limb, so Kuzan wasn't surprised by the question.

Kuzan narrowed his eyes, glancing at Loya with a piercing look, and said in a deep, serious tone, "Listen, Loya. Whatever Teacher Zefa chooses to do, it's his decision alone. No one has the right to interfere."

Loya felt his scalp tingle under Kuzan's intense gaze, and his heart clenched. "Understood, Teacher Kuzan..."

The chilling, murderous aura dissipated quickly, but it had been enough. Loya was perceptive, and Kuzan was no fool either. They both understood each other all too well.

Loya sighed internally. So Kuzan has already sensed something and is warning me to stay out of it. If that's the case, then why won't you stop him yourself, Mr. Kuzan?

The two stood there silently. After a long pause, Kuzan got up to leave. "Oh, by the way, kid. After the assessment, the recruits will get a week off. You'll need to be ready to face challenges from the whole battalion, so make sure to train hard. I'll be heading to the East Blue, so don't slack off."

"Yes, Teacher Kuzan~"

Loya waved goodbye. But just as Kuzan was leaving, Loya's eyes widened, and he yelled, "Hey! General Aokiji! Aren't you going to consider compensating me for demolishing my house? Even if you don't pay for it, you could at least fix it!"

Kuzan turned around, sighed, and said, "...Ice Age!"

Whoosh!

Ice crystals flew everywhere, and Loya's house was magically repaired—solid as ever.