Chapter 62

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As soon as Dak entered the room, he saw Growlithe attempting to dig a hole to escape, with Dedenne frantically pulling at Growlithe's tail.

"Stop right there, you little rebel!" Dak glared, releasing his Conqueror's Haki in an instant. The Conqueror's Haki was precisely controlled to intimidate without causing any physical damage, and its area of effect was limited to this small vicinity, unnoticed by those outside.

Under the influence of Conqueror's Haki, Growlithe indeed no longer dared to run off, understanding that further mischief would anger Dak, possibly leading to no treats later.

So, it hurriedly lay down, flipped over to expose its belly, and wagged its big tail.

Just as Dak was about to deal with Growlithe, a tall figure next to the dog swung an arm in an attempt to grab.

"A pirate?"

This was Zephyr's first impression of Dak. It was rare for someone within the Navy to possess Conqueror's Haki; currently, 'The Embodiment of Justice' Sengoku was the only known Navy individual to have it.

In Zephyr's mind, other bearers of Conqueror's Haki were typically pirates.

His move was measured, aimed to capture not to kill, considering Dak might not be a pirate.

But regardless, the elite Navy school was part of the Marine base's restricted area, not accessible to just anyone. Zephyr was sure he had no recollection of Dak being associated with the Navy.

Capture first, ask questions later.

"Darkrai."

Dak, however, recognized Zephyr at first glance.

Yet, he remained unfazed, standing still. The next moment, a shadowy figure leapt from Dak's shadow to stand in front of Zephyr.

The two's hands met, and a momentary struggle ensued, surprisingly evenly matched.

Dak silently assessed the strength of both Zephyr and Darkrai, noting Zephyr, despite being over sixty, hadn't weakened to the state of losing an arm ten years later. He still maintained the level of a Navy Admiral.

Darkrai's strength also seemed to match that of a Navy Admiral, which surprised Dak slightly.

After all, Darkrai's role was somewhat like a 'mage', whose close combat abilities certainly wouldn't compare to Sceptile's, but it still managed to contend with Zephyr.

This indicated a full level.

Once Darkrai learned both types of Haki, its strength would surely increase further.

"A Pokémon?"

Zephyr frowned, his gaze filled with surprise and inquiry. Though he hadn't exerted his full strength, who could say the creature before him had?

Staring at Darkrai for a while, Zephyr then belatedly remembered the discussion between Sengoku and Tsuru from a few days ago about the mysterious creatures with immense potential — Pokémon, including Darkrai, known for its Haki and peculiar form.

"Return, Darkrai. It seems Admiral Zephyr has no intention of fighting."

Noticing Zephyr had ceased his actions, Dak recalled Darkrai back into his shadow, continuing to provide covert protection.

Zephyr merely watched this, his brow furrowed. Once the creature vanished into the shadow, his Observation Haki could no longer sense its presence, as if it had completely disappeared.

This was a unique experience.

Zephyr was well aware the creature was right before him, yet he could not detect it.

"Is this... a Pokémon?"

"Are you... the owner of that breeding house?"

Zephyr paused his movements, scrutinizing the young man before him with a look of evaluation.

Having Conqueror's Haki...

Those with such Haki were rarely simple characters.

Zephyr couldn't let his guard down around Dak, as every bearer of Conqueror's Haki undoubtedly harbored firm ambitions and goals, a truth in its own right.

Even someone like Newgate, whose dedication to his family could be considered 'imperial', wasn't an exception.

"Pleasure to meet you, Admiral Zephyr. I've long admired your name."

Dak momentarily set Growlithe aside and stepped forward to extend his hand to Zephyr, offering a gesture of goodwill.

Zephyr was the only one in the entire Navy to receive such a friendly gesture from Dak upon their first meeting.

The reason was simple: Zephyr's sense of justice might not be perfect, but it was the most moving to Dak.

If there was anyone whose justice aligned most closely with Dak's vision, it would be 'Fujitora', with his 'justice full of compassion', valuing civilian lives and detesting injustice.

Yet, the impression Zephyr left on Dak was too profound. The tragic and heroic Zephyr from Film Z, who had dedicated nearly his entire life to justice and the Navy, only to be sent off by his three most proud disciples, struck a chord with Dak.

(PS: Zephyr is my favorite character in the entire Navy, and Film Z is my favorite movie.)

"How did you get here? Did Sengoku let you in?"

Zephyr glanced down, then extended his hand for a shake, though his brow remained furrowed.

"Because of this guy here," Dak said, lifting Growlithe, who was pretending to be a simple dog on the ground, then added bluntly, "To be frank, letting him run here is a lapse on your Navy's part. Your disciples couldn't keep an eye on him, allowing him to escape. I came chasing after him, so naturally, Marshal Sengoku wouldn't object."

"My disciples?"

Zephyr raised an eyebrow, confident in the students who had trained under him.

Even if he had to admit someone as annoying as Borsalino was talented.

"Yes, Colonel Smoker and Colonel Hina were in charge of watching him. They're your students, aren't they?"

Dak's smile revealed a hint of schadenfreude, anticipating Smoker and Hina possibly being dragged back by Zephyr for retraining.

"He's also a Pokémon?"

Zephyr's cheek twitched.

Indeed, he had already begun contemplating dragging those two disciples back for a thorough reeducation. He wanted to see if they had regressed over the years, unable to even keep an eye on a dog.

"Yes, his name is Growlithe, a baby just half a month old."

Dak nodded, emphasizing Growlithe's age.

"Growlithe, a good name. Since you've found him, you can leave now."

Zephyr looked down at Growlithe, then turned to pick up the plate Growlithe had finished eating from, planning to leave.

Dak had no intention of letting Zephyr leave just yet.

Having already encountered him, Dak wanted to discuss the matters he had negotiated with Sengoku in the marshal's office.

He was concerned Sengoku might use "creative language" when informing Zephyr of these matters.

However, before he could call Zephyr back, Growlithe broke free from Dak's grasp and rushed up to hug Zephyr's leg.

"Woof!"

"Oh?"

Dak raised an eyebrow, a flicker of intrigue passing through his eyes.

(End of Chapter)