Chương 121: Chapter 121: A Month, Kuzan’s Condition
"...."
Kuzan pressed his lips together, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
True to his nature, he wouldn't openly support Zephyr's words, but his silence spoke volumes—it was his way of acknowledging the truth.
If Lin Yan's power continued to grow at this rate, as Zephyr suggested, it wouldn't be long before Kuzan would find himself looking up to him.
The thought weighed heavily on Kuzan, though he wouldn't openly admit it.
Noticing the shift in Kuzan's expression, Lin Yan chuckled and spoke up.
"So, Kuzan, we've sparred countless times over the past month, and you haven't won even once. How about you just join me?"
Lin Yan smiled at Kuzan.
It had been a month since their first 'coincidental' encounter on Saiken Island. Almost every morning since then, Lin Yan had sparred with Kuzan.
The outcome was always the same—Kuzan never won.
And after each session, Lin Yan would persist in trying to recruit Kuzan.
As the saying goes, water wears away stone over time. Lin Yan was prepared for a long game to win over this Admiral-level powerhouse. After all, the Whitebeard Pirates were still recuperating, and the Navy had suffered significant losses, just like the Whitebeard Pirates. The recent ransom incident had also drained the other two Yonko groups. The New World was unusually peaceful at the moment, giving Lin Yan plenty of time to wear Kuzan down.
Recruiting Kuzan would be worth the effort, even if it took a year, let alone a month.
"I've already told you."
Unfortunately, Kuzan's attitude remained as cold as ever toward Lin Yan's invitation.
"Unless you can offer me something compelling, don't even think about it."
Stubborn as ever.
Seeing this predictable response, Lin Yan sighed helplessly.
"Such a stubborn guy... Zephyr, can't you try persuading him again?"
"If my words had any effect, Kuzan wouldn't have kept refusing you."
Zephyr chuckled bitterly.
Though he was Kuzan's mentor, his influence had been limited lately. At most, his presence had given Lin Yan the opportunity to convince Kuzan, but the real work had to be done by Lin Yan himself.
"Figures."
Seeing Zephyr's straightforward response, Lin Yan clicked his tongue in frustration. Realizing he couldn't persuade Kuzan in the short term, he resigned himself.
"But seriously, Kuzan, you've got to give me a chance to prove myself. We can't just keep dragging this out forever, can we?"
Lin Yan's tone was laced with exasperation.
Knowing how stubborn Kuzan could be, he doubted that sparring alone would win him over. While it's often said that men best understand each other through their fists, Kuzan clearly wasn't that type.
"Indeed, Kuzan, we can't just keep this up. How about you set a condition for Lin, like I did before?"
Zephyr frowned as he spoke. He knew his student well—Kuzan might seem laid-back, but he had extraordinary persistence for things he believed in. Even with Zephyr's influence, convincing him was no easy task. But as Lin Yan pointed out, they couldn't stay on Saiken Island forever.
"...."
Hearing this, Kuzan fell silent. Over the past month, he had learned more about Lin Yan and Zephyr. Zephyr had told him how Lin Yan had earned his loyalty by dealing with Whitebeard Jr., which convinced Zephyr to follow him.
It was clear that Lin Yan was a man of action. Besides, they couldn't just keep stalling.
After some thought, Kuzan finally relented.
"Give me a month."
Kuzan looked seriously at Lin Yan.
"In a month, I'll have thought of my condition. If you can meet it, I won't mind joining you!"
Upon hearing this, both Zephyr and Lin Yan visibly relaxed.
The stubborn man, as tough and unmoving as a stone in a latrine, had finally relented!
Lin Yan was genuinely pleased.
Finally, after a month, he had gotten a clear answer from Kuzan. Although there were still conditions, Kuzan's willingness to consider was a huge step forward for Lin Yan. If necessary, he'd cause a ruckus again—no problem!
With this in mind, Lin Yan extended his hand toward Kuzan.
"Deal?"
This time, instead of his usual cold demeanor, Kuzan's face softened with a faint smile as he shook Lin Yan's hand.
"Deal!"
The tension among the three finally dissipated.
"Alright, morning training should be about done. The hot springs on Saiken Island are nice, I'm heading over."
With Kuzan's agreement secured, Lin Yan was in high spirits. He stretched lazily, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation after all the chaos of the Marineford War.
"Relaxing isn't always a good thing, Lin."
Kuzan grunted, but didn't say much more as he walked past Lin Yan.
Zephyr chuckled, "Lin, don't mind him. That kid's arrogance isn't anything new."
With that, Zephyr prepared to follow Lin Yan and Kuzan. However, after just a few steps, Lin Yan suddenly halted, a smile of interest appearing on his face.
"Well, this is interesting..."
Sensing something, Lin Yan's eyes sharpened as he turned to look in a specific direction.
Zephyr's expression also turned serious.
"Lin, could it be..."
"Unexpected, yes, but knowing them, not surprising."
Lin Yan shook his head and laughed softly.
"I was wondering why those people had been so quiet lately—turns out this was their plan."
With a mocking smile, Lin Yan turned to Kuzan.
"Seems like an old friend of yours is here. Care to take a look?"
"...."
For a moment, Kuzan's expression turned grim, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Let's go!"
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