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Dak had never imagined whom Growlithe would eventually choose as its trainer.
Given its unpredictable nature, he thought it would likely choose someone akin to Luffy. Yet, surprisingly, Growlithe chose a man Dak deemed nearly impossible: Zephyr.
The non-killing admiral was once considered the gentlest person in the Navy, and even now, Zephyr's inherent kindness remained, allowing him to nurture students who deeply respected him.
However, most would describe Zephyr's life predominantly as 'serious', seemingly mismatched with Growlithe's temperament.
Yet, as the owner of the Mystery Hatchery House, Dak felt it was only right to respect Growlithe's own wishes and choices.
"What's he doing?" Zephyr, with Growlithe clinging to his leg, turned to Dak for an explanation.
"He's taken a liking to you and wants you to be his trainer."
"What's a trainer?"
"A partner, a family."
Dak's explanation rendered Zephyr silent.
Family?
Such a distant and profound term.
"Take him away."
Zephyr didn't respond to Growlithe's hopeful gesture. Grabbing Growlithe by the scruff of its neck, he handed it back to Dak and left alone.
"Whine~"
A look of dejection crossed Growlithe's face, its voice tinged with sadness. This was the first time Dak saw such an expression on the optimistic Growlithe.
"Don't be sad. It's a mutual choice process. If the other party is unwilling, there's nothing we can do."
Dak gently rubbed Growlithe's head. Despite the trouble Growlithe often caused, Dak still cared for him as one of his own nurtured Pokémon.
"Whimper~"
Growlithe lifted its paw onto Dak, looking at him with hopeful eyes, wishing Dak could find a way.
Dak couldn't fathom why Growlithe was so fixated on Zephyr. Growlithe's trait was "Justice Heart," but in the games, this trait merely increased its attack when hit by dark-type moves.
Could it be that, as Dak previously explained to Tsuru and Gion, Growlithe was influenced by its trait, feeling a strong affinity for those who embody justice?
Dak wasn't certain because this wasn't a game; the game mechanics might have altered effects in reality.
He only had this speculation.
"Arwoo."
Growlithe continued to paw at Dak's clothes, causing him some distress.
Growlithe seemed particularly stubborn about Zephyr, but Dak genuinely didn't know how to persuade Zephyr.
"Give me a moment; let me think."
Dak began to reassess his knowledge of Zephyr, suspecting Zephyr's rejection of Growlithe's voluntary followship was tied to his past.
Zephyr's life had three major turning points: his family being killed by pirates, his beloved students murdered by pirates and losing his arm, and his nemesis becoming a Warlord. The latter two hadn't happened yet, so the first must have deeply impacted Zephyr.
Zephyr's decision likely related to that incident.
"Family, huh."
Dak murmured, perhaps Newgate would be more adept in this aspect.
"Stay by his side for now. I'll discuss this with Marshal Sengoku."
Dak believed Sengoku wouldn't miss such an opportunity.
Without hesitation, he turned to ask Gion to convey this matter to Sengoku. Dak didn't go himself; anticipating the outcome, he felt no need to make the trip.
Then, he returned to the Navy school with Growlithe. By then, Zephyr had already begun training his students on the playground, where Dak could spot Ain and Binz among the somewhat unfamiliar faces.
"You're back? What for?"
Zephyr, ignoring Growlithe bouncing to his side, turned his attention to Dak. He remained wary of Dak and planned to inform Sengoku about Dak possessing Conqueror's Haki.
"I have an important matter to discuss."
Dak wasn't bothered by those concerns.
"What is it?"
"Here's the thing."
Dak shared the details of his discussion with Sengoku in the office, "Marshal Sengoku has agreed that from now on, you and your disciple Kuzan will be responsible for distributing Pokémon eggs."
"Why me?"
This task didn't bother Zephyr, who wasn't averse to trouble.
He was just curious why Dak would specifically request someone he hadn't met to undertake such an important task.
"Because in all of the Navy, I trust your sense of justice the most."
Dak, somewhat presumptuously, patted Zephyr's shoulder.
Sengoku might distribute Pokémon indiscriminately to powerful or potential Navy members without regard to their character for the sake of military strength.
But Zephyr was different.
At least at this point in time, his justice was trustworthy.
"Do you know me that well? I was fighting for justice on the seas before you were even born."
Zephyr's words were blunt, but undeniable.
"I've heard plenty about your past. In my view, sparing enemies is foolish, and I believe you wouldn't make such a decision now."
Dak's words struck a chord with Zephyr, reminding him of his past leniency that led to his family's tragedy.
Though Dak's words were harsh, Zephyr didn't get angry because they were true.
He had often blamed and loathed his former self. Looking back, he found his past self naively pitiful for showing mercy to pirates.
"More importantly, it's about Growlithe. Every Pokémon has its unique trait, and Growlithe's is 'Justice Heart.'"
Dak left it at that.
He didn't elaborate on what "Justice Heart" meant, letting Zephyr fill in the blanks. The less said, the better.
Zephyr looked down at Growlithe, failing to see the connection to 'justice.'
"Anyway, I trust in Pokémon's choices. The one they choose can't be wrong. That's why I think entrusting this to you is correct. Please ensure these children are handed to people who won't abandon them. I'm counting on you, Admiral Zephyr."
Dak took a step back and bowed slightly, earnestly entrusting this task to Zephyr.
"You don't have to tell me; I'd do it anyway."
Zephyr turned slightly, continuing to watch his students.
"And take care of Growlithe, please."
"?"
(End of Chapter)