Chapitre 116: Chapter 116: Lying in Wait
"Hot... hot spring...?"
Hearing Lin Yan's suggestion, even Zephyr was taken aback.
Is this really the time to be thinking about soaking in a hot spring?!
Given Lin Yan's history of miracles, Zephyr managed to restrain his frustration.
Aren't we here to recruit Kuzan?
Is this really the right moment to be concerned with hot springs?
Zephyr's expression turned increasingly puzzled as he stared at Lin Yan.
"Lin, are you serious?"
Zephyr asked with a face full of skepticism.
"I didn't know you liked hot springs."
"After a long journey, it's nice to relax a bit. Besides, who knows, we might just meet a special guest in the hot spring?"
Lin Yan replied casually, his deep eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Here, take a look at this."
Lin Yan tossed the newspaper he was holding to Zephyr.
Zephyr caught it hesitantly, and then his eyes widened in shock.
"Kuzan has resigned?! Could the special guest you mentioned be..."
Zephyr felt a sudden chill.
He had seen Lin Yan's "I know everything" look before, but this time it felt different—it made his skin crawl!
And for good reason.
First, Lin Yan mentioned recruiting Kuzan out of nowhere while they were with the Whitebeard Pirates, then he waited leisurely in the Sabaody Archipelago, and now he suggested going to Seiken Island.
It seemed as though Lin Yan had a complete plan from the start!
What's more terrifying is that everything happening now aligns perfectly with Lin Yan's actions!
But where did he get this information?
After all, Zephyr had been with Lin Yan the entire time recently.
If not step-by-step, they were at least together most of the time.
Zephyr could confirm that Lin Yan hadn't gone off to gather information on his own!
So how does he explain all this?
Zephyr's eyes gradually turned to look at Lin Yan in horror. Could it be that the man before him could foresee the future?!
"Don't look at me like that, it's not what you think. I just knew a few things in advance. After all, I traveled a lot on the sea before I met you and joined the Whitebeard Pirates."
Seeing Zephyr's increasingly horrified expression, Lin Yan merely pouted and gave a vague explanation.
After all, there was no way to explain it!
How could he tell Zephyr?
That he'd read the storyline?
That he knew after Kuzan resigned, Luffy and the others would next meet Kuzan in Seiken Island's hot spring two years later?
Even if he said it, Zephyr wouldn't believe him.
He'd probably be treated as a monster.
So Lin Yan simply dismissed it casually.
"I see... I understand now."
Hearing Lin Yan's nonchalant explanation, Zephyr's expression finally relaxed.
Though it still felt a bit off, Lin Yan's explanation was barely acceptable.
So Zephyr didn't hesitate any longer and turned back to the cabin, steering the fishing boat towards Seiken Island.
Two weeks passed in a flash.
One day, as Zephyr and Lin Yan were sitting in the hot spring as usual, Zephyr finally couldn't hold back.
"Lin... is there a chance that your prediction might be wrong?"
Zephyr asked cautiously, looking at Lin Yan.
He wasn't doubting the man before him.
But they'd been soaking in the hot spring on Seiken Island for two weeks!
Who could stand that?!
Though they say frequent hot springs are good for health.
But not like this!
Not to mention, there hadn't been any news about Aokiji in the recent newspapers.
The two of them waiting here seemed somewhat inappropriate.
Despite his trust in the man before him, Zephyr couldn't help but be a little suspicious.
"So, as I've said, Zephyr, you're not some old man who needs to nag all day, right? Besides, it's only been a short while."
Lin Yan looked at Zephyr with amusement.
"Shouldn't we show some patience when waiting for a powerhouse like Kuzan? Otherwise, we'd seem insincere."
"I just don't know where you get your confidence from..."
Seeing Lin Yan's carefree demeanor, Zephyr couldn't help but purse his lips.
But despite his doubts, he didn't continue to speak.
Trusting Lin Yan was one thing.
And the hot springs here were quite good...
What Zephyr didn't know was that while he decided to trust Lin Yan and wait, Lin Yan himself was feeling a bit anxious.
Why hasn't he come yet?!
It's been two weeks!
Isn't Kuzan supposed to be here recuperating and then coincidentally meet Luffy two years later in the hot spring?
Could it be because he's not injured?
So there's no need for recuperation?
Obviously, Lin Yan's mind wasn't as calm as Zephyr thought.
The atmosphere between them gradually fell into silence.
Then at some point, Lin Yan, who was inwardly anxious, suddenly jolted, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He looked up sharply towards the entrance of the hot spring.
"Finally here!"
At the same time, outside the hot spring entrance.
"Phew..."
Kuzan stretched his shoulders a bit, letting out a sigh of satisfaction.
It had been almost two weeks since he resigned as an Admiral!
To avoid the world's scrutiny, he had been keeping a low profile these days.
Finally, now that the heat had died down, Kuzan wanted to find a quiet place to rest for a while.
Seiken Island was his choice!
As a vacation spot, it was excellent—quiet, with great hot springs, perfect for his current state.
And he needed some time to think about his next steps.
Thinking of this, Kuzan's face couldn't help but relax a bit.
After resigning from the Admiral's position, he no longer had to deal with busy affairs and finally had the chance to ponder the path he wanted to take.
Although it was hard to say there were no regrets.
Kuzan exhaled deeply again, a relaxed expression on his face, holding a wash basin in his left hand and opening the door in front of him with his right.
The next second, the air froze.
Kuzan stared wide-eyed at the scene before him, so shocked that even when the wash basin fell to the ground with a clang, he didn't notice.
Lin Yan, however, started laughing.
"Should I call it a coincidence, Aokiji ... or should I call you Kuzan now?"
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone