Chapter 47: Fatherly Advice
"When you go to the New World, you must be cautious," Zephyr said, his voice low and serious. "The New World is not as safe as you think. And it's not as dangerous as you think either—because the dangers there are beyond anything you can imagine."
That evening, the two sat at the dinner table in Zephyr's quarters for a long talk. It was mostly Zephyr giving advice.
Since taking Satoru as his apprentice, Zephyr had come to see him as a son. Satoru was so capable and independent that Zephyr never had the usual troubles of raising a child. He never got to feel like a typical father. But his feelings for Satoru were real. They were fatherly.
When Zephyr's own son had died, he had been about the same age Satoru was when they first met.
If Garp knew what Zephyr was thinking, he'd be thrilled. He'd already become a father-figure to Roger's son. Now, without even trying, he'd become one to Zephyr's son, too. If he knew he'd someday become a father to Whitebeard's son as well, he'd probably go brag to Whitebeard right now.
"I'll be careful," Satoru promised.
"There are many people in the New World who can threaten you right now. Only a few are worth your full attention.
"First is the man called the 'Strongest in the World,' the one with the power to destroy everything—Edward Newgate, Whitebeard. His Tremor-Tremor Fruit is incredibly powerful. Even if I fought him now, my chances of winning would be less than one in ten.
"Second is the captain of the Beast Pirates, Kaido of the Beasts. His strength is monstrous. Back when he was with the Rocks Pirates, I fought him. He wasn't my match then. But I could see even then that his body was a monster. He has terrifying recovery power. And it's said he's eaten a Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit. The current Admirals have all clashed with Kaido. None have been able to put him down for good.
"Third is the captain of the Big Mom Pirates, Charlotte Linlin. That old witch is at least as strong as Kaido, maybe stronger. Be extremely careful if you meet her. She has the Soul-Soul Fruit. I don't know if that power would work on you, but don't test it.
"Fourth is a pirate crew that's risen to fame in recent years—the Red-Haired Pirates. Their captain, Red-Haired Shanks. Our intelligence says he was once an apprentice on Gol D. Roger's ship.
"Our Admirals haven't fought him directly, so his full strength is unknown. But he invaded the territories of both the Beast Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates in the New World... and came out unscathed. That alone tells you Shanks has power on the level of Kaido and Big Mom.
"The first three have all mastered Advanced Conqueror's Haki infusion. This Shanks most likely has it too."
A fight between someone with that power and someone without it was a one-sided beatdown.
Zephyr talked for a long time. Satoru didn't mind. He listened quietly. He knew Zephyr meant well. It showed how much the old man cared.
Zephyr named a few more figures, but they were lesser threats compared to the main four. He wasn't sure if they had Advanced Conqueror's Haki.
Satoru noticed something. Except for the Red-Haired Pirates, all the top players Zephyr mentioned were former members of the Rocks Pirates. Whitebeard was the only one of the three who was still truly active. The others were holed up in corners of the New World, semi-retired, not looking for fights.
"I'll remember, Master," Satoru said. "I'll be very careful if I meet any of them."
"Good. I know what you're like. You're not the impulsive type.
"But remember this: the moment you take command of the G-8 base, every Marine there is under your authority. Even if they question your orders, they dare not disobey. A soldier's duty is to obey. Their lives are in your hands from that moment on.
"So think carefully about every order you give."
For the rest of the evening, Zephyr shared stories from his time as a commander and principles for life and leadership. He was truly worried about Satoru going to the New World.
It was very late when Zephyr finally let Satoru go to rest.
Early the next morning, Satoru boarded Admiral Kizaru's warship, bound for the New World. Kizaru was heading there to deal with a pirate crew, so he offered Satoru a ride.
"Thank you for the ride, Admiral Kizaru," Satoru said.
"No trouble at all~" Kizaru drawled. "If we run into any pirates on the way, you can help deal with them. That's no trouble for me."
The comment showed just how lazy Kizaru could be. He was asking a subordinate—even a Rear Admiral—to handle his problems.
"Then if we meet any pirates," Satoru replied with a smile, "I'll be sure to help."
After that, Satoru looked for Chris on the warship. Chris had already spotted him. It was hard to miss someone standing next to an Admiral.
"Satoru!" Chris said, walking over. "Were you assigned to Admiral Kizaru's ship too?" He sounded excited. It was always better to have a friend in a new place.
"No," Satoru said. "I'm going to a Marine base in the New World. I'm just catching a ride."
"Oh." Chris's voice dipped with disappointment.
"But you be careful over there," Chris said, his tone turning serious. "I know you're strong, but no one in the New World is a pushover."
Satoru had heard this warning from Zephyr many times now. But he never got tired of people caring about him.
"Don't worry. I know," Satoru said. Then he grinned. "Instead of worrying about me, worry about yourself. After all, you're way weaker than I am."
"You—!" Chris laughed and gave Satoru a playful shove. It was how brothers joked with each other.
The warship cut through the calm sea, heading for the turbulent waters of the New World. Satoru watched the horizon, his white hair fluttering in the salt breeze. His next chapter was about to begin in the world's most dangerous sea.
(End of Chapter)
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