บท 44: Chapter 44: Vice-Captain
"Hey, hey, hey, enough you two!" Lin Yan shouted, his voice filled with disbelief. "If you keep competing like this, do you really want to tear this place apart?" He had imagined that when the two seasoned fighters met, there would be some initial taunting followed by a grand showdown. However, the reality was more intense than he expected. The stone table nearby was now nothing more than dust, a testament to their immense strength.
"Indeed, it was a monumental battle," Lin Yan thought to himself, as it became clear the competition couldn't continue. Whitebeard, ever the peacemaker, suggested a different kind of contest. "Let's settle who is stronger or weaker by drinking, how about that?" His proposal was met with a sneer from Zephyr, who coldly mocked, "With you looking like that, you still want to drink? Are you complaining that your life is too long?"
"Funny, I do indeed despise how long I've lived!" Whitebeard retorted sharply. "What's the matter, are you scared? If you're scared, just admit defeat. We have a rule in the Whitebeard Pirates: lose and give up half, stop embarrassing yourself here!" This was a sore point for Whitebeard, as Marco and Jozu had imposed a drinking ban on him for health reasons, making him miserable as he spent his days plotting to get just a bit of alcohol.
Now, determined to match drinks with Zephyr and satisfy his own craving for alcohol, Whitebeard began making oblique and sarcastic remarks. "Hehe, don't think I can't see through your little schemes," he chuckled. Zephyr, sitting in his chair with his legs crossed and a smile at the corner of his mouth, hit Whitebeard's weak spot, "What if I don't drink?" Whitebeard, faced with Zephyr's defiance, couldn't help but grit his teeth in frustration. "Damn, this guy is really something!" he thought.
Unable to indulge in a drink, Whitebeard's irritation grew, and soon the two were openly clashing. "You snap at me, I snap back at you," the old rivals exchanged barbs, filling the hall with the sound of their swearing. Lin Yan rubbed his temples in exasperation. "Two old fools!" he muttered. After a long day of work, coming back to this chaos was the last thing he needed. His headache was severe. It was clear they had had too much energy. It was time to find something for them to do!
Lin Yan, seeing the need to redirect their energies, made his plans quietly. The next day, early in the morning, as the sun was just rising, he made a significant announcement. "From today onwards, Zephyr will be the vice-captain of our 17th division!" The responsibility for all the division's affairs was now Zephyr's. While most of the crew members, who were Zephyr's students, reacted with composed joy, Zephyr himself furrowed his brow in deep thought.
How long had he been with the 17th division? Just a day or two? And already, Lin Yan was appointing him as vice-captain. Despite Zephyr's former stature as an admiral, he recognized that his strength was no longer what it had been, and in the world of pirates, strength was paramount. Neither One Smile nor Aramaki had been made vice-captains. What made him worthy of this position? Zephyr voiced his doubts, "Perhaps this position isn't right for me!" He immediately refused.
"Are you worried about Issho and Aramaki?" Lin Yan cut right to the heart of the matter, seeing through Zephyr's concerns. He continued, assuring him that he had discussed the matter with Aramaki, who had no great desire for the position. "As for Issho, his blindness is a drawback for him, clearly unsuitable for the busy official duties. Moreover, you have experience as an admiral. In this respect, not to mention our 17th division, even the entire Whitebeard pirate crew couldn't find someone to match you!" Lin Yan's words highlighted Zephyr's qualifications and the respect he commanded.
After hearing Lin Yan's reasoning, Zephyr slightly closed his eyes, understanding the intentions behind the appointment. He hesitated still, but Lin Yan was firm, "Stop hesitating, from now on, you are the vice-captain of the Whitebeard pirate crew's 17th division! I'd like to see who dares to object!" Lin Yan said emphatically, patting Zephyr on the shoulder.
Zephyr, looking at Lin Yan, felt deeply moved. It wasn't long ago that he had been abandoned by the navy, knowing all too well the feeling of helplessness. Now, seeing how much Lin Yan valued him, offering him the position of vice-captain despite everything else, he was touched. In Lin Yan's detailed approach, he saw trust, respect, and even his future. No matter what the outcome, Zephyr had only one thought at that moment: he was in the right place. "Leave it to me, I won't disappoint you!" Zephyr clenched his fist and spoke resolutely.
Thus, Zephyr naturally assumed the role of vice-captain under Lin Yan. As vice-captain, naturally, he had to fulfill the duties of a vice-captain. Thus, the pile of official duties that had accumulated in Lin Yan's office now fell on Zephyr's shoulders. And Lin Yan? He sneakily ran off to the back mountain to go fishing. Yes, fishing. Since the last ordeal, he had realized how crucial the role of vice-captain was. While fishing, Lin Yan relaxed on his little stool, legs crossed, basking in the sunlight. Life couldn't be more comfortable, truly delightful! This was also why he was so eager to delegate Zephyr to the role.
As Lin Yan sat fishing, relaxed and content in the sunlight, he mused on the importance of the vice-captain's role, pleased with his decision to delegate. Life was delightful indeed. Unbeknownst to him, Lin Yan's decisions were about to stir further reactions.
Recently, Ain had transformed into Lin Yan's personal secretary, often accompanying him and observing his laid-back demeanor. "Captain, you're too bad, turning the teacher into your labor force!" she remarked grumpily, clearly seeing through Lin Yan's schemes. Lin Yan defended his actions with a righteous tone, "What do you know? This is making the best use of things. Your teacher Zephyr has these capabilities, and if I don't let him show them, wouldn't that be burying such talent?"
Meanwhile, Lin Yan waved his hand, pointing at his own back, "Fishing for a long time, my shoulders are a bit sore, give me a shoulder rub!" Ain pursed her lips, reluctantly placing her delicate hands on Lin Yan's shoulders and began to massage him gently. Recently, since she has been following Lin Yan, Ain also prepared herself a fishing rod, sitting beside Lin Yan, attempting to engage in his bland fishing lifestyle. Unfortunately, Ain couldn't adapt to the monotony.
So, she occupied herself with tasks like massaging Lin Yan's back, pinching his legs, serving tea, and pouring water. However, because of their prolonged contact, Ain suddenly realized something peculiar—after several days of fishing, Lin Yan seemed to have never caught any fish or shrimp. There was no gain at all. Her beautiful eyes showed a hint of confusion.
"What exactly is the captain fishing for? Fishing for loneliness?" Ain wondered, slightly perplexed. Just then, Lin Yan asked, "By the way, where's today's newspaper?" In addition to her other tasks, delivering the newspaper to Lin Yan was also one of Ain's daily duties. "Here's today's newspaper!" Ain responded, having already prepared it.
Taking the newspaper, Lin Yan couldn't help but sigh, feeling grateful for having such a capable secretary. Quickly, his attention was captured by the content of the newspaper. [Supernovas Arrive at the Sabaody Archipelago, the Age of Villainy Converges!] Reading the headline, Lin Yan paused and put down his activities: "All eleven supernovas have gathered, huh?" Reflecting on his encounters with each supernova, Lin Yan stroked his chin and mused, "Is it Kizaru's turn to make a move now?"
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