The news that Smoker was taken away for investigation by the Navy's Criminal Investigation Class quickly spread among his fellow cadets.
Although other people in the Naval Academy did not know why the best person in their class was taken away for investigation, the young naval cadets who were sitting together and chatting on the training ground that afternoon guessed the reason, and everyone was in danger for a while.
"Are you saying that Smoker was taken away because he spread that 'rumor'?"
In the office of Zefa, the chief instructor of the Naval Academy, Hina and several naval cadets stood respectfully in front of the desk.
After learning that Smoker was captured, they came to find Zephyr. On the one hand, they had a good relationship with Smoker and wanted to find out Smoker's whereabouts and possible subsequent handling.
Another reason is that these young people want to seek Zefa's help and do not want this matter to affect their careers.
In the Naval Headquarters, even the sons and nephews of senior generals need to go through a tour of the Naval School after receiving training at the grassroots level.
Only young officers who graduate from the Naval Academy have a better path to advancement in the future. The Naval Academy isn't just a place to learn advanced management techniques and higher-level combat skills; it's also a place to broaden your horizons and expand your social circle.
Compared with those ordinary "soldiers" in the world, the advantages of cadets who graduated from the Naval Academy will be understood by those who understand.
In the Naval Academy, the most prestigious and powerful person is undoubtedly Zefa.
Although he only manages the small area of the Naval Academy, no one would doubt Zefa's influence in the navy.
Marshal Sengoku and hero Garp are Zephyr's contemporaries and old comrades. Today's three admirals of the navy are all Zephyr's disciples and the backbone of the navy. Those vice admirals and major generals of the headquarters have basically been trained in the naval academy under his command. Even the former admiral of the navy with a bounty of 5 billion berries is said to have been trained by Zephyr.
Hina and other young students knew very well that if there was anyone who could help Smoker, that person would definitely be Zephyr.
The instructors in the Naval Academy are basically only officers at the rank of colonel or even lieutenant colonel.
Those instructors simply have no ability to rescue people from the Naval Criminal Investigation Section. They may not even have a say in front of the department leaders. After all, their section chief has the rank of lieutenant general!
Smoker was taken away for investigation, and Zephyr only learned about this after the students told him.
After taking a close look at Hina and the other young men, Zefa showed a hint of anger between his brows.
"Teacher Zephyr, Smoker really doesn't have any other meaning."
"He just talks a little faster."
Hina, who had previously disagreed with Smoker on the training ground, actually protected Smoker and spoke well of him when facing Zephyr.
Of course, she didn't hide anything from Zephyr. When Zephyr asked, she told him exactly what had happened before, and also repeated some of the things Smoker had said before that she still remembered.
Listening to Hinata's report, the anger between Zefa's brows did not subside. Instead, he slammed his fist on the desk and cursed:
"You bastard!"
"What do those idiots in the Crime Investigation Division do all day long when they have nothing better to do?"
"If you have this spare time, why not go out to sea more often and inspect the naval branches around the world to see if there are any violations of law and discipline!"
"You actually reached out to our naval academy. Did you ask me?"
"Don't you take me seriously?!"
When Smoker was arrested, Zephyr was quite angry. He wasn't angry at Smoker for being so careless and talking nonsense. It was normal for young people to be immature. He was angry that the Naval Criminal Investigation Division had extended its tentacles to his naval academy and arrested his students without even asking for his opinion. This was something he could not accept.
Although Zefa has been relegated to the second line for many years, no one has ever acted wildly in his territory over the years!
Even if Zhan Guo wanted to assign these students to work in local areas, he needed his signature and approval before he could transfer them!
It was the first time that Hina and the others saw Zefa so angry. They secretly glanced at the sunken table top on the desk, then lowered their heads and kept silent.
Zefa is a kind and gentle man who always cares about the cadets, but he is also a serious person and is very strict in training the cadets. The naval cadets feel both respect and fear for Zefa.
The office fell silent, no one spoke.
Zefa pondered for a moment, then grabbed the Den Den Mushi and started making a call. After a busy tone, the call was connected.
"Asshole, did you send people to the Naval Academy to arrest people?!"
"Where are the people now?"
As soon as the call was connected, Zefa roared angrily.
On the other end of the phone, Zhan Guo had just picked up the receiver when he heard the roar of his old comrade. Brannew, who was standing in front of him and reporting on the "recent developments of the new navy of Thunder Island", also heard Zefa's roar, lowered his head silently, pretended not to hear it, and then quickly left the office.
"Arrest someone? What do you mean by arresting someone? I don't know."
"Who is it? Don't get excited first, just explain clearly."
Zhan Guo was confused by Zefa's yelling and asked curiously.
"you do not know?!"
"Smoker, that's my cadet from the Naval Academy, he was taken away by the Naval Criminal Investigation Division!"
"That's your direct department!"
"Without your approval, would they dare to arrest people here?"
Zefa's voice was quite loud. Hearing this, Zhan Guo was startled at first, then he lowered his eyelids and said, "I really don't know about this matter. I want to ask Tian Zheng."
"Wait for my news. I'll give you a reply once I've investigated thoroughly."
Obviously, Zhan Guo's answer did not satisfy Zefa. Zefa lowered his voice and replied in a deep voice: "No need, I will get the answer myself!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a busy tone came from the receiver in Zhan Guo's hand.
"What is Tianzheng planning to do?"
"You even filed a report when you arrested someone before, but this time you actually dared to arrest someone without my knowledge?"
Zhan Guo's heart sank, and he didn't stay in the office any longer. He just stood up and left his seat.
The Criminal Investigation Division of the Naval Headquarters is directly under the command of the Navy Marshal. Its function is to investigate illegal and disorderly activities within the Navy. Of course, this function is only apparent. This department also has another function, which is to investigate and monitor the CP of the World Government.
The World Government has stood in the world for 800 years. Its two strongest departments are the Navy and the CP.
How could it be possible that all the successive leaders of the Navy had been so obedient over the years? There had long been a rift between the Navy and the Communist Party.
As the Five Elders represent the highest power in the world, how could they allow their subordinates to grow indefinitely? The mutual checks and balances between the Navy and the Communist Party are essentially the work of the Five Elders.
The authority of the Criminal Investigation Division comes from the Navy Marshal. Zhan Guo uses this sword very cautiously. If Tian Zheng wants to arrest someone, he basically needs his consent.
"Smoking?"
Criminal Investigation Division, in Tianzheng Office.
Naval cadet Smoker was invited to have tea. On the sofa, Tian Zheng took out a box of cigarettes from his pocket, handed it to Smoker who was sitting upright, and asked softly.
"I don't smoke."
Shaking his head, Smoker looked up at the "leader" in front of him who was wearing a blue suit and sunglasses indoors, observing him carefully.
"Well, not smoking is a good habit. Actually, I didn't smoke before."
"I just started smoking recently."
"When the pressure is high, it is inevitable that some means are needed to relieve the pressure."
Tian Zheng said, took back the cigarette box, gently shook out a cigarette from it, and put it in his mouth. Just as he was about to light it for himself, he raised his head and asked Smoker:
"Mind if I have one?"
Hearing this, Smoker looked at Tian Zheng in surprise and shook his head: "As you wish."
"Thanks."
Tianzheng smiled while biting the cigarette, then lit it.
After taking a light puff, Tian Zheng leaned back on the sofa, looking at the ceiling with a look of enjoyment on his face. After a moment of hesitation, Tian Zheng continued, "Smoker, right?"
"Relax, I invited you here just to chat, don't be nervous."
"Well, do you know why I asked you to come?"
As he spoke, Tian Zheng lowered his head slightly and asked.
"I know."
"No matter how many times I have to say it, I'll always say that."
"I don't think there's anything wrong with General Tsugikoku Yoshiichi's behavior!"
"Don't Celestial Dragons ever make mistakes?"
"No matter how many times I ask you to say it, I will always answer this!"
Smoker put his hands behind his back and said bluntly, then closed his eyes, looking like a dead pig that was not afraid of boiling water.
We've already arrived at the Criminal Investigation Division's office, what else is there to hide?
lie?
Smoker simply disdains to do that kind of thing. What's more, he doesn't think he has done anything wrong. He is just telling the truth.
After the words fell, the office fell into silence. Tian Zheng had no intention of scolding Smoker. He lowered his eyes slightly, glanced at Smoker, and continued smoking.
A few minutes later, Tian Zheng finished smoking a cigarette and gently pressed the cigarette butt into the ashtray.
Smoker, having not heard the other party speak for a long time, slowly opened his eyes.
"You're right, even Celestial Dragons make mistakes."
"Tsugikoku Yuichi. Tsugikoku Yuichi's actions, in his own opinion, were also correct."
"In fact, in the eyes of many people, it is right."
"Um"
"I admit this, and then what?"
Tian Zheng crossed his arms in front of his chest, crossed his legs, and finally asked.
"And then? What then?"
Smoker frowned and asked in confusion.
"Thinking they are right, they kill their way to the Holy Land, and then what?"
"The pirates are still roaming around and looting. Many Celestial Dragons have been killed by them, and the slaves have indeed been freed, but this world is still the same."
"Oh, he's wanted, no longer an admiral."
"so."
"Has he changed anything?"
Tianzheng asked.
Hearing Tian Zheng's words, Smoker straightened his body and looked shocked.
Today was the first time he knew exactly what had happened in the Holy Land. If before it was just rumors and his own speculation, then when these words came out of Tian Zheng's mouth, they were undoubtedly the facts.
Lieutenant General Tianzheng
Rumor has it that he was one of the eyewitnesses to the incident.
However, after being shocked, Smoker also noticed the other party's question, and replied with a thoughtful look:
"I heard that he founded a new navy after leaving the navy."
"Even after leaving the navy, he's still upholding his own justice. Isn't that right?"
Before Smoker could finish, Tian Zheng interrupted and asked, "New navy?"
"Do you know how many years the World Government and the Navy have existed?"
“800 years!”
"New navy? According to the intelligence I received, his new navy only has about one or two thousand people in total. They control four islands. No, there are only two and a half left now. He has already withdrawn from Dressrosa. Fishman Island can only be counted as half."
"I'm not being harsh, but any pirate fleet in the New World with a bounty of over 500 million has more than anyone else."
"With this new navy, how can we defeat the World Government?"
"Or, in other words, how long will it take for him to overwhelm the Marine Headquarters and the World Government?"
"Give him a hundred years, can he do it?"
"Can he live for a hundred years? Without Tsugikuni Yoriichi, the New Navy would be wiped out from this world in a matter of minutes. Do you believe it?"
"Now I ask you the same question again, 'And then?'"
At this point, Smoker finally understood what Tian Zheng meant. The young man's mind raced at this moment. Feeling he had no way to refute it, he frowned and asked, "Then do nothing?"
Celestial Dragons
"Don't the mistakes of the Celestial Dragons need to be corrected?"
Hearing this, Tian Zheng suddenly laughed, stood up from the sofa, walked to Smoker's side, patted Smoker's shoulder gently, and said:
"Do you know what it means to be the admiral of the navy?"
"Do you know what Admiral means?"
"Do you know how old he was when he became an admiral?"
"He had better options, but he chose another path."
"You are different. You are still young. You can take a different path."
As he spoke, Tian Zheng left Smoker's side, went behind the desk, sat down on the chair, and said to Smoker not far away:
"You must be feeling very complicated right now, right?"
"There's a raging fire in your heart, and your mind must be trying hard to think of how to refute me."
"But these are no longer important."
"Because of some of your remarks, you may be sent abroad early."
"Your future path to success will also be filled with thorns."
"But I think you wouldn't care about this kind of thing, Smoker. No matter how strong a person is, there are limits to what he can do."
"I hope you will recall our conversation today during your future naval career."
"I'm not trying to attack you. I just want you to know how a mature navy should make choices."
“Only if you take the right path can your ideals and ambitions be realized.”
"If everything is alright, you can go."
Tianzheng pointed to the office door, but Smoker just sat on the sofa in a daze, not saying a word. Tianzheng didn't seem to want to urge him, and started processing the documents on his own.
"Bang!"
Suddenly, a loud bang sounded in the office, and the office door was kicked open by someone, and wood chips flew everywhere in an instant.
A tall figure walked quickly into the office, looked around, and his eyes fell on Smoker.
Behind the desk, Tian Zheng saw the person coming. Under his sunglasses, his eyes twitched slightly and he couldn't help but complain:
"Teacher Zefa, you could just push the door open and come in. Why did you have to break it down?"
"I'm not refusing to give it to you."
Seeing that Smoker was intact, Zefa turned a deaf ear to Tianzheng's complaints, walked to Smoker's side, grabbed Smoker's shoulder with one hand, and said in a deep voice:
"Come on, kid, I'm here to pick you up!"
"My students, no one dares to move without my permission!"
Smoker's eyes regained some focus. Looking at the figure in front of him, he suddenly felt the fog in front of him dissipate. He turned his head and said to Tian Zheng:
"Thank you. I'll keep your words in mind."
With that, Smoker stood up and turned to leave. Zephyr didn't know what Tianzheng had said to his student, but Smoker was finally safe and sound, so Zephyr didn't bother Tianzheng anymore and followed Smoker away.
Looking at the two people leaving, Tianzheng smiled faintly.
Not long after Zefa and Smoker left, Zhan Guo hurried over. Seeing Tian Zheng's messy office, his anger subsided a lot, but he still didn't forget his purpose and asked Tian Zheng:
"Why didn't you ask me about arresting students?"
In response to Marshal Zhan Guo's questioning, Tian Zheng simply smiled and replied, "I just invited him over for a chat."
"And you still don't trust me?"
"I turned down Admiral Tsugikoku Yoshida's invitation and returned to the Marine Headquarters~"
"By the way, Marshal, Spandine seems to be well-informed."
As they spoke, Tianzheng and Zhan Guo looked at each other from a distance. Although he didn't say it clearly, Zhan Guo reacted instantly and his face was suddenly covered with gloom.
New world.
A small warship with full sails was sailing quickly on the sea.
"What kind of person is that Vegapunk?"
This small warship was the one that carried Tsugumi Yuichiro and his group heading to Danjian Island. As the destination approached, Luo couldn't help but feel uneasy. He went to the deck, walked up to Tsugumi Yuichiro, and asked in a low voice.
"I don't know—"
“Never.”
"He's a brilliant scientist, right? His technology is at least 500 years ahead of the world!"
Ji Guoyuan replied with a smile that when most people in the world were still using single-shot flintlock rifles and reloading cannons, he had already used clones and laser weapons. It was still too conservative to say that he was five hundred years ahead of the world.
"Yeah?"
Hearing this, Luo looked at the sea with some anticipation, and his uneasy heart calmed down a little.
(End of this chapter)
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