The sky was clear and blue.
Whitebeard and Kaizen both lay on the ground, looking up at the sky with contentment.
"It feels like I've suddenly returned to my carefree days!"
Kaizen smiled openly and murmured happily.
"Boy, you should set sail, find a crew that belongs to you, and then face me on this sea."
Whitebeard said enthusiastically, eager for the challenge.
"Ha! What's your hobby?" Kaizen asked with a grin.
"Facing strong opponents is what's interesting," Whitebeard stated frankly.
"Hahahaha!" Kaizen laughed heartily.
"I'm telling you, brother, you'll definitely make a name for yourself on this ocean."
Whitebeard had high hopes for Kaizen.
"I just want to lay low for a while. When the world forgets me, I'll return to this island and live peacefully."
Kaizen closed his eyes, envisioning a peaceful life.
"Brother, take my advice. You've already stepped into the conflict between pirates and Marines. It won't be easy to escape."
Whitebeard said earnestly.
"How will you know if you don't try?" Kaizen replied with a smile.
Others were striving hard, but he was trying to escape it all.
It's hard to say whether he's a coward or someone who sees the truth of things.
"You're unpredictable, brother. With your ability, you could change the world, yet you choose to live unnoticed."
Whitebeard couldn't figure it out.
"Everyone has their own personality. I don't like noise, only peace and quiet."
Kaizen said calmly, as if he had seen through everything. His detached mentality was admirable and mysterious.
"Alright! That's all I'll say. I don't want to nag."
Whitebeard said calmly.
"Thank you." Kaizen responded politely.
"I guess you won't stay on the ship. You're not interested in the pirate's path, and now you're wanted by the Marines. Have you thought about what to do next?"
Whitebeard asked.
"I'll wander around, mainly avoiding the Marines, and explore the world. Someday, the world will forget me."
Kaizen said confidently.
"Forgetting is a long process. Are you ready?"
"Uh-huh."
They listened to the waves, gazing at the sky, as if the world had been left behind.
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters, Mariejois.
In a luxurious room, five men in suits were gathered.
Their expressions were serious, as if in mourning.
These were the Five Elders, the closest aides to Im-sama, the direct leaders of the Marine Headquarters and Admirals.
The Buster Call on Ohara and the public execution of Gol D. Roger were orders directly issued by them.
They served the Celestial Dragons, making decisions for their benefit, controlling the Marines, and covering up their actions as justice.
They were the most detestable scum.
In the world of pirates, everything is relative. It's hard to define good and evil.
"Zephyr's plan failed, and Marine's last facade was torn apart."
The Five Elders began, their tone grave, the atmosphere tense.
"Things are becoming difficult to control. Those of the D. Clan are troublesome."
"I heard it was a young man who stopped Zephyr. It's not a good sign for such powerful figures to oppose the Marines."
"We must not let them grow arrogant."
"We also need new blood. There are too many old faces in the Marines. It's time for change."
"Zephyr's three students, Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino, are promising."
"What about Zephyr?"
"He should retire early."
"It's decided. Admiral Zephyr's position will be eliminated and he'll be demoted to Vice Admiral."
"He won't accept being at the same level as his students."
"He has no choice. He should be grateful we're not dismissing him entirely."
"Alright, it's settled."
"The Shichibukai plan should proceed. Using pirates to fight pirates is ironic."
"Do you have a candidate for the first Shichibukai?"
"This young man, with his strength and current influence, is at the center of attention."
The Five Elders picked up a newspaper showing Kaizen's formidable figure.
At Marine Headquarters, in the hospital.
Former Admiral Zephyr lay in bed, anger on his face.
"Why!" Zephyr shouted angrily.
"Calm down, Zephyr. This is a direct order from the Five Elders."
Next to Zephyr stood Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
Sengoku leaned against the wall, arms crossed, looking at Zephyr with a stern and concerned expression.
"I have no issue with my demotion, but the Shichibukai plan to recruit heinous pirates is nonsense."
Zephyr covered his face with his remaining hand, his hatred clear.
Pirates are evil, and must be eradicated. Marines should never compromise.
This was Zephyr's justice: to eliminate pirates completely.
"Zephyr, you're too rigid. Solving issues requires more than brute force, sometimes strategy is needed."
Sengoku reasoned calmly.
"To deal with pirates, you must eliminate them, or they'll return. Pirates can't be trusted! Are the Five Elders foolish enough to place hope in pirates?"
Zephyr grew increasingly agitated.
"Enough, Zephyr. Watch your words. You're still a Marine. Don't forget your position!"
Sengoku's expression turned cold, ready to act if necessary.
This brought Zephyr back from the brink of collapse.
Neither spoke for a while.
"I resign!"
Finally, Zephyr uttered these words.