Chapter 126: Chance Encounter with Vice Admiral Tsuru
"Hello, Admiral Zephyr, your voice does sound quite familiar," Rodney said with a smile.
Jiraiya was a teacher and now Zephyr, too? Did teachers just naturally have this kind of voice?
"Haha, is that so? I've heard about you, young man. Tsuru here says you're quite the impressive youngster," Zephyr replied.
"Is that right?"
Rodney was slightly taken aback. He asked, "Vice Admiral Tsuru, are you both headed back to Marine Headquarters?"
"Yes, my business here has come to a standstill, and Zephyr is returning for a debriefing, although I think it's unnecessary. We could have discussed it over a Den Den Mushi," Tsuru said.
"No big deal, Tsuru. It's been a while since I've gone back to see old friends," Zephyr waved his hand, patted Rodney on the shoulder, and brightened his eyes.
"Young man, you've kept yourself in good shape."
"Just so-so. I was practically flattened by Vice Admiral Garp when I was at Marineford. I nearly got killed," Rodney reminisced about that old man's fists, shivering involuntarily. He subconsciously touched his forehead, and the place where Garp had punched him seemed to be throbbing now.
"That Garp guy never holds back," Tsuru shook her head.
Zephyr chimed in, "I've heard about that battle. Holding your own against Garp for that long is already impressive, young man. You've done well."
Zephyr knew about Garp's martial arts skills, and they were different from his own, given his no longer peak physical condition.
Garp seemed to have maintained his strength from his younger days. As a man who had become a Marine hero with Haki and martial arts, Rodney lasting that long against him was something to be proud of.
"Thank you, Admiral Zephyr. You were also a martial artist who became an Admiral, and, well, you're a renowned teacher in this world," Rodney said.
Zephyr had trained many outstanding Marines, much like Jiraiya. They were both great teachers.
"Alright, Rodney, is your entry into the New World aimed at a particular pirate?" Tsuru asked.
Rodney nodded and said, "Yes, I have my eye on Griffin B. Avland of Avland Pirates. I'm interested in his territory; I want to turn that place into my own domain."
"Are you planning to establish a base?"
Tsuru saw through his intentions, but only to the second layer, whereas Rodney was on the fifth.
"Yes, it's not sustainable to keep drifting on the seas forever. Besides, Avland is just a short distance from Dressrosa. I also have some thoughts about that guy, Doflamingo."
Tsuru was speechless. "Are you planning to pick a fight with all the Shichibukai at this rate?"
She didn't seem too concerned; after all, the Shichibukai mainly were a group of pirates, albeit recognized as legal pirates by the World Government.
"Hehehe, what's the problem? I'm in the New World now. If the World Government wants to mess with me, they can try. Doflamingo has too many underlings; I can't deal with him alone right now. So, I need some time to develop and gather strength," Rodney replied openly.
In front of Tsuru, a wise old woman, he didn't feel the need to hide much. She would probably deduce most of his actions during their conversation. For now, as long as he didn't reveal his true plans, it was fine.
Tsuru gave him a meaningful look and asked, "So, do you intend to go to Avland?"
"No, I need to obtain a Log Pose pointing to Avland first, so I'm heading to Dressrosa."
"Dressrosa? You want to see Doflamingo?"
"Yes, before that, I need to go to Punk Hazard."
Tsuru: ???? Where exactly are you going?
Zephyr asked, "Punk Hazard is a forbidden place jointly prohibited by the World Government and the Marines, and it's already abandoned due to the toxic gas outbreak that occurred a year ago."
Punk Hazard used to be a Marine research facility where the legendary scientist, Dr. Vegapunk, had conducted research. However, a year ago, a sudden toxic gas outbreak turned it into a forbidden and abandoned area. The Marines had no choice but to abandon the research facility since no one could enter it with the toxic gas lingering.
The main culprit behind the incident, the Marine scientist M. Caesar Clown, was apprehended, but the latest news suggested that he had escaped, and his current whereabouts were unknown.
"I know that, but I have a reason to go. If you two insist on stopping me, I'll still go," Rodney's expression was solemn. His words made the two of them fall silent. Tsuru asked, "So, can you tell me why? It must be more than just dealing with some scumbag, right?"
"A person who must die. I can only say that his death would benefit the World Government as well. It could strike at Doflamingo indirectly. That's all I can say. Also, Tsuru, don't think about going there yourself. Phoenix will have erased all traces about himself, making it difficult to find any leads."
Doflamingo was cunning and extremely difficult to deal with, especially after years of mental chess games with Tsuru. Rodney's words made her understand that even if they had a connection with him, finding leads would still be a formidable challenge.
After some contemplation, she said, "In that case, I'll give you the Eternal Pose pointing to Punk Hazard."