Chapter 64: Zephyr Visit
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As the news of Byakuya's plan to establish a pirate ranking list spread, most pirates initially dismissed it, believing that a list created by the Marines held no credibility.
Only a few pirates, adopting a "wait and see" attitude, participated, resulting in a slight increase in their bounty amounts.
While it did help boost their notoriety, the allure wasn't strong enough, and participation remained minimal.
However, when pirates heard that the top spots on the ranking list could potentially lead to becoming a Warlord of the Sea, their attitudes shifted dramatically.
Not only did they eagerly participate, but they also became increasingly ruthless in their fights, often resulting in fatalities in the arena.
This development quickly reached Sengoku's ears.
Upon learning of Byakuya's idea, Sengoku found it very reasonable and acknowledged that such a scheme could indeed bring tangible benefits to the Marines.
Consequently, after consulting with the World Government, they made some adjustments to the bounty posters.
In addition to the bounty amount, they added a line of small text:
"Ranked #* on the Pirate Ranking List, belonging to the [Pirate Crew Name]."
This move further stimulated the pirates' competitive nature. Conflicts became more intense, and soon, every pirate on the seas knew about the Marine's pirate ranking list.
The initiative also brought some attention to Byakuya, who had proposed the idea. The news even reached the Four Emperors in the New World.
Since the Four Emperors' crews were not included in the ranking list, the reaction was not significant.
To the Four Emperors' crews, achieving the top rank on the pirate list meant little. Encountering them would still lead to inevitable defeat, so they paid it no mind.
However, when the news reached Red-Haired Shanks and Ben Beckman, they had a different take on it.
After pondering for a while, Beckman said, "The Marines are intensifying the conflicts among pirates with this move."
Shanks, looking in the direction of the Sabaody Archipelago, murmured, "Yes, with this ranking list, many pirates will fight to the death for higher ranks, while the Marines sit back and benefit. It's a clever strategy."
"I wonder what this sea will become in the future..."
....
"Rear Admiral Byakuya, Instructor Zephyr is here!" Quake announced excitedly as he pushed open the door. Hearing this, Byakuya immediately stood up from his chair.
"Master? Why would he suddenly come to Sabaody?"
"I'm not sure either. The soldiers stationed at the dock reported seeing Instructor Zephyr's battleship approaching."
"Let's go! We need to welcome Master."
Most of Byakuya's subordinates were former trainees from the camp, so they were quite excited to hear about Zephyr's arrival.
As for Byakuya, his relationship with Zephyr was even deeper. During his six months in the training camp, Zephyr had treated him almost like a son.
Byakuya not only felt a strong mentor-student bond but also regarded Zephyr as a father figure. Hence, he was determined to welcome him personally.
When the group hurried to the dock, Zephyr had not yet arrived, but they didn't mind waiting. They started chatting by the dockside, eagerly anticipating his arrival.
Byakuya instructed Fergus, "Today, make sure the soldiers on the island strictly enforce the law. No violations are allowed."
Fergus nodded, "Don't worry, Rear Admiral Byakuya. I've already taken care of it."
Smoker, standing nearby, confidently added, "Byakuya, after the last execution incident, no one on Sabaody Archipelago dares to break the rules anymore."
Byakuya was aware of this. His previous harsh measures had indeed deterred many.
However, with Instructor Zephyr arriving today, he didn't want anything to go wrong in front of his mentor.
The sight of Byakuya and his group at the dock drew considerable attention. Although abiding by Byakuya's rules ensured no trouble, his reputation still instilled fear.
Following the live broadcast of the mass execution, Byakuya had become synonymous with brutality and bloodshed in the Sabaody Archipelago.
Someone trembled, "Even Byakuya, the Blood Butcher, is at the dock. Something big must be happening."
Another person replied gravely, "Not just Byakuya. Almost all Marine officers on the island are here. If something's going down, a lot of heads are going to roll."
News of Byakuya's presence at the dock spread like wildfire across the Sabaody Archipelago.
Everyone assumed another massacre was imminent, recalling the chilling execution of over a thousand people. The bustling streets emptied in no time.
Shop owners closed up, abandoning their businesses.
Pirates who had come to buy food and water, upon hearing the news, paid their fees hastily and, under the astonished gaze of Marine soldiers, rushed back to their ships, setting sail immediately to distance themselves from Sabaody.
In less than an hour, the surrounding islands appeared deserted, as if devoid of any life.
Zephyr didn't keep Byakuya waiting long. He arrived at the dock shortly.
Seeing Byakuya there to greet him warmed Zephyr's heart, making him think his student was worthwhile.
But Byakuya's first words made Zephyr reconsider, "Master Zephyr, it's been so long since you visited your student."
"You must have brought a gift for your greatest student, right?" Byakuya extended his hands, asking for a gift.
Zephyr's face darkened as he looked at Byakuya's mischievous grin, thinking to himself, maybe I should just expel him from the academy.
Seeing Zephyr's face turn darkened, Byakuya retracted his hands and sighed, "I guessed you might not have brought a gift. Never mind if you didn't."
But before Zephyr could smile, Byakuya continued, "Smoker, note this down: July 17th, afternoon, Master Zephyr owes his disciple Byakuya a gift."
Smoker felt awkward, thinking, I also graduated from the Marine training camp. How am I supposed to note this down?
Noticing that Zephyr was on the verge of returning to the ship, Byakuya quickly said,
"Master Zephyr, I was just joking. Did you take it seriously? You're getting more stingy as you age."
Zephyr looked at Byakuya, feeling an urge to slap him. Why did I ever think of visiting this troublesome student?
The students following Zephyr, who had often heard him praise Byakuya's exceptional talent and use him as an example in classes, were shocked to see this side of their senior.
Their worldviews were completely overturned.
<End Chapter>
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