Chapter 92: Are the Five Elders Really That Good at Passing the Buck?

Sabaody Archipelago, Shakky's Rip-off Bar.

Shakky's bar, typically a quiet spot with a decent flow of customers, had been unusually empty in the three days following the end of the Summit War. A "Closed" sign hung at the entrance, signaling something was amiss.

The reason for this was clear.

Three days ago, Lin Yan, the commander of the seventeenth division of the Whitebeard Pirates, had arrived severely injured.

"When... will Lin wake up?"

Rayleigh's face was etched with worry as he looked at the barely breathing Lin Yan lying on the sickbed.

"Sigh, he's been unconscious for three days already! We've used up all the medicine in the bar!"

Next to him, Shakky rubbed her chin, her eyes filled with deep concern.

The wounds on Lin Yan's body had been bandaged, and the bleeding had stopped. Both Rayleigh and Shakky had years of sailing experience and knew basic treatment methods. Lin Yan's wounds were fully treated, and fortunately, there were no major issues. However, his mental exhaustion kept him in a coma.

But even so, remaining unconscious for three straight days, even with mental fatigue, was unusual.

They weren't doctors, and in this situation, they were at a loss.

"We need to go out and buy more medicine, which will further strain our already thin wallets."

"I don't care. When he wakes up, I'm going to make him pay for it," Shakky said with a bitter smile while looking at her deflated wallet, making a determined statement.

"You... is that really necessary?" Rayleigh covered his forehead with a smile, glancing at Shakky. Was she really so money-minded?

"You don't handle finances, so you know nothing!" Shakky glared at Rayleigh.

"Yes, yes, I know nothing," Rayleigh didn't argue with her.

As the two were about to continue tending to Lin Yan, he finally showed signs of waking up.

"Hey, Madam, I'm not even awake yet, and you're already thinking of making me pay? Is there any justice?"

Lin Yan slightly opened his eyes and said.

Three days of sleep had left his body stiff and aching, proving that no matter how strong one's physique, lying still was not advisable.

"Oh? You're awake?" Shakky looked surprised.

"Yes, thank you for taking care of me all these days!" Lin Yan said with a touch of gratitude.

After the Summit War, he used the last of his strength to send himself into the Kamui space, allowing him to reach the Sabaody Archipelago near Marineford. He arrived at Shakky's bar.

Seeing the nearly exhausted Lin Yan, Shakky's expression changed. She looked around and then immediately brought Lin Yan inside. After hanging up the "Closed" sign, Rayleigh returned upon hearing the news. Under their care, Lin Yan managed to recover.

"Stop thanking me. This care isn't free; you've used up all my stored medicine!" Shakky spoke with a money-minded tone.

"If the Madam wants payment, how could I refuse? I will repay you with a grand gift when I have the chance!" Lin Yan hadn't known Shakky for more than a few months, but she had helped him so diligently. By all means, he should repay her generously.

"Alright, alright, just kidding! I can afford the medicine, just focus on recovering for now." Shakky was only joking. Although she liked to overcharge strangers, she was generous to friends.

"By the way, how's the situation at sea recently?"

Lin Yan had been unconscious and knew nothing about the outside world.

"I knew you'd ask this once you woke up. Here, these are the newspapers from the past three days. I've sorted them out for you. Start from the first one and read through them." Shakky grabbed a stack of newspapers from the table and handed them to Lin Yan.

"Already sorted? You're so thoughtful, Madam!" Lin Yan was surprised.

"Women should be attentive, don't you think?" Shakky said proudly.

"Yes, indeed! If you were a few decades younger, I might have pursued you. Such a considerate woman is rare!" Lin Yan remarked.

"Hmph, of course!" Shakky was delighted, a rare smile appearing on her face. She glanced at Rayleigh and muttered, "It's a pity that some people don't appreciate it, no reaction at all for so many years!"

Lin Yan smiled knowingly. Rayleigh scratched his head awkwardly.

Watching Lin Yan and Shakky play their roles, he smiled bitterly. Really? I'm just standing here, doing nothing, and I still get blamed? Is it necessary to mock me like this? You two are ruthless!

Lin Yan smiled and began reading the newspapers carefully. The recent news mainly reported that the Whitebeard Pirates had won a decisive victory, establishing their position as emperors of the New World. Meanwhile, the Navy, due to their defeat at Marineford, faced widespread criticism. Besides losing their absolute dominance at sea, public confidence in them had also plummeted.

More importantly, the news of their defeat had reached Mariejois. Upon hearing this, the Five Elders were furious! The Navy initiated the war but ended up in such a state. The face of the Navy was utterly lost by Sengoku. To prevent further deterioration and to stop public backlash, the Five Elders immediately placed all the blame on Fleet Admiral Sengoku! Sengoku became the Navy's scapegoat, a target of public criticism and complaints. He was made the designated fall guy for the Summit War's defeat!

"Sengoku..." Lin Yan sighed as he read the newspaper. He didn't particularly dislike the Fleet Admiral. Their confrontation during the war was merely due to differing stances! And after the battle, Lin Yan had witnessed the Fleet Admiral's prowess. Just to prevent the Navy's disgrace, Sengoku took all the blame upon himself.

Lin Yan shook his head. The Five Elders were really something. Were they all made of stainless steel? So good at passing the buck?

Lin Yan now understood why Zephyr was so determined to leave the Navy! These old guys, for their own interests, anyone could be their pawn. First Zephyr, then Sengoku. Who would be next?

A figure appeared in Lin Yan's mind—Sakazuki!