**Chapter 27: What else is there to say? I'll become your disciple then.**
The symbol of Justice.
Spoken from Zephyr's mouth, these few words carried immense weight.
Who could become a symbol of Justice?
No need to say more—at the very least, an Admiral, or even perhaps...
"A Fleet Admiral?"
At least Smoker, at this moment, felt solemn and somewhat conflicted.
"In Instructor Zephyr's eyes, Loy, this guy, actually possessed talent to that degree?"
He exhaled a puff of smoke, sighing inwardly as he looked at his good friend.
Then, he saw Loy winking and making faces at him.
'Bro, didn't you train with Admiral Zephyr? What does he mean by 'true essence'? Is it powerful?'
What annoyed Smoker was that, after spending so many years with Loy, he could actually discern the meaning behind those winks and facial expressions.
"..."
So, he puffed on his cigar for a long time, unable to utter a single word.
This kind of guy becoming a Fleet Admiral of the Marines in the future?
'Then the Marines would really be finished, wouldn't they? This entire great sea would be finished.'
While Smoker grumbled inwardly, he also felt somewhat confused.
Because he had indeed practiced martial arts with Zephyr—to be precise, countless people in the Marines had practiced martial arts with Zephyr.
He also considered his own training quite good, having made rapid progress in martial arts.
But he had never heard Zephyr or any senior mention anything about 'true essence'.
"You stingy fellow, you won't even reveal something like this?"
Meanwhile, Loy, who hadn't gotten a clear answer from Smoker, secretly made a mental note against him.
Afterward, he looked at Zephyr.
As Smoker and Bins' eyes widened instantly, he said softly, "I apologize, Admiral Zephyr—I don't wish to leave the Escort Unit."
Becoming Zephyr's disciple and learning Zephyr's true martial arts was, of course, a very tempting offer.
But without a doubt, for Loy, Devil Fruit abilities were everything.
As for martial arts, it would be great if he could learn them—he also yearned to become stronger.
But if it meant abandoning the Escort Unit's unique 'safety,' 'stability,' and 'Devil Fruit acquisition channels' for it...
Then Loy naturally wouldn't accept.
"Why?!"
At this moment, Bins was also unable to accept it.
As one of Zephyr's closest disciples now, he vaguely knew about Zephyr's 'martial arts essence.'
And he also knew that Zephyr had been searching for a suitable successor for a very long time.
"Lieutenant Colonel Loy, you should consider carefully before answering—"
But just as Bins was about to speak, Zephyr gently raised a hand to stop him.
Then, this former Admiral looked at Loy—he also really wanted to know Loy's reason for refusing.
"If you're worried about Bilos agreeing, I'll personally talk to him."
"If you're reluctant to part with your current subordinates and comrades, I can transfer all of them here."
"If you desire a higher position, with your talent and abilities, I would certainly recommend you to Sengoku to become an Admiral within twenty years."
He spoke in a deep voice, having almost anticipated all of Loy's potential reasons.
But it was obvious.
"It's not for those reasons, Admiral Zephyr."
Loy shook his head.
Of course, he knew that at this moment, he definitely couldn't say things like, 'I need Devil Fruit abilities, so the Escort Unit is perfect for me,' or 'Can you arrange for me to go to Impel Down for advanced training?'
So after a moment of thought, he began his dignified performance.
"I'm not leaving for the sake of the Escort Unit itself!"
He looked at Zephyr.
"You should be aware of the Escort Unit's position within the Marines; the atmosphere within the unit is indeed relatively lax."
"But I believe that—after arresting criminals, escorting them back to receive Justice's judgment is the most crucial step."
His voice was resonant and powerful: "Only through the judgment of fairness and law can Justice be truly manifested."
By this point, Loy felt that his words flowed more and more smoothly.
"Therefore, I want to stay in the Escort Unit, and sooner or later, I will ascend to the position of the Escort Unit's leader, to change the current state of the Escort Unit in my own way—this is far more valuable than arresting criminals or my personal power and status!"
As his words fell, silence enveloped the scene.
Bins looked at Loy in disbelief, yet also with a hint of respect.
He hadn't expected Loy to possess such ambition.
He had just witnessed Loy's strength, but such a person was actually willing to remain in this low-ranking, slow-to-promote department for the sake of changing the Escort Unit.
For a moment, Bins felt that his attitude towards Loy just now had been too rash.
"..."
Smoker, at this moment, was also somewhat shaken, but at the same time, felt inexplicably awkward.
Mainly, whenever he thought of Loy normally guzzling cola, he found it difficult to connect Loy's words with his actual actions.
But the most crucial person was still Zephyr.
At this moment, this former Marine Admiral couldn't help but be moved.
Because Loy's words had truly struck a chord deep within this former Admiral.
One must know that Zephyr's life was, of course, magnificent and legendary, but at the same time, it could also be described as tragic.
His wife and children were killed by Pirates, his disciples were killed by Pirates, and his arm was also severed by a Pirate.
Yet, it should be known that throughout his countless battles, Zephyr had never truly personally killed even a single Pirate—which is why, besides his moniker 'Black Arm,' he also had another epithet: 'Unkilling Zephyr.'
The reason for not killing was, of course, not because he didn't hate Pirates.
Rather, it was exactly as Loy had said.
Zephyr firmly believed that evil must undergo legal judgment to truly manifest Justice.
Killing Pirates with overwhelming power was merely suppressing violence with violence.
So now, Loy's words had undoubtedly struck him deeply.
Loy's declaration, 'willing to abandon power and status to ensure evil receives judgment,' moved him.
"That old Bilos, he really picked up a treasure."
He sighed inwardly like so.
Then, he looked at Loy, whose eyes were filled with 'resolve.'
"Good kid, I underestimated you."
He sighed, but his heart had made a decision.
"Since that's the case, I've also changed my mind."
"You can stay in the Escort Unit. I won't force you to join my faction."
"In the future, I can even recommend you to Sengoku for the position of leader of the Escort Unit—how does that sound to you?"
He said in a deep voice.
For a moment, even Loy was genuinely surprised.
How much did this old man favor him, to cooperate with him to such an extent?
However, after only a moment of surprise, Loy recovered.
"If that's the case, then I am willing to become your disciple."
You've said all that, so what else is there to say? I'll become your disciple then.
(end of chapter)