NOVEL NEXT Chapter 159: 159: Zenkichi vs. Zephyr
Zenkichi's figure suddenly appeared on the Navy warship, his eyes calm, wearing a faint smile as he looked toward Zephyr and the others.
Zephyr stared at Zenkichi like he was facing a formidable enemy. His Haki surged, fully activated—ready to counter any sudden attack.
As a former admiral of the Navy, Zephyr's standing remained high. With access to intelligence from both the Navy and the World Government, he had read a lot about Zenkichi.
He had once doubted Zenkichi's strength when reading the reports, but now, that doubt was fading fast.
If Zenkichi really had the strength to defeat someone like Garp, then his power was truly terrifying.
Whether it was Whitebeard—the world's strongest man—or Kaido—the strongest creature alive—they might not be his match.
Zenkichi looked at the former admiral with a relaxed tone and said,
"Former Navy Admiral—Black Arm Zephyr, your strength seems to have waned."
"With your current ability, you're barely qualified to carry that rank."
Zephyr's expression didn't change. After the tragic loss of his family, his soul had taken a blow. Over the years, he had indeed neglected his training somewhat—but he still had confidence in his strength.
No matter what, he believed he was more than worthy of being called an admiral.
Seeing Zenkichi look down on him so casually, Zephyr's comrade felt his temper flare. But he held himself back. As an officer of the Navy, Zephyr would not attack recklessly just because of wounded pride.
He stared at Zenkichi and said in a steady tone,
"Zenkichi, what are you here for? If it's a fight you want, I'm not afraid."
Zenkichi smiled.
"Don't be so tense. I don't intend to harm you."
"When I killed the Celestial Dragons, didn't I spare the navy soldiers on that ship?"
"Believe me—I have no hostility toward the Navy. If I did, you wouldn't be alive right now."
Zephyr scoffed, his expression dim.
"You didn't harm them, true. But they still died. When a Celestial Dragon dies, the guards are buried with them."
"That's the fate of those tasked with their protection."
Zenkichi gave him a strange look.
"You're putting that blame on me? If that's how you see things, you're hopeless."
"Die clinging to your servitude, then."
His gaze swept over Zephyr and the soldiers with cold disdain.
There was silence.
After a long moment, Zephyr spoke again.
"Then tell me your purpose."
Zenkichi smiled, his tone intrigued.
"It's not often I run into a former admiral. I'd like to test myself."
"Don't worry—I won't kill you. And I won't touch those new cadets either."
A sharp aura surged from Zephyr as he coldly answered,
"Is that why you're here? Fine. As you wish."
He was visibly angry. This man had clearly underestimated him.
"In that case, I'll fight seriously."
With a quick movement, Zephyr charged forward, his Haki-coated fist slamming toward Zenkichi.
Zenkichi raised his palm and caught the punch, then smiled.
"Not bad. Your Armament Haki is strong."
"But that alone isn't enough for a naval admiral. Now dance—show me what you're really capable of."
Zephyr sneered.
"You'll see it."
Stronger Armament Haki gathered in his fists, and he struck with a fierce Finger Gun technique.
Zenkichi's fist clenched, a pale halo shimmering around it. He countered the blow, punching directly into Zephyr's strike.
A violent shockwave exploded between them, forcing Zephyr to stumble backward.
"Is that all?"
Zenkichi let out a slow sigh. Zephyr's Taijutsu offered little surprise.
Even when he fought Garp, Zenkichi hadn't gone all out. Now it seemed there would have been no surprises even if he had.
"The battle ends here."
He raised a hand casually. Zephyr still looked ready to fight, but Zenkichi simply vanished with a blur.
"...He's gone?"
Zephyr's face darkened, disappointment heavy in his expression.
He used to be one of the strongest on the seas. When had he become so... humiliated?
To be spared by a wanted man—that was a blow to his pride.
"Zenkichi is a threat to the World Government. I need to report this immediately."
He ordered the warship to return and headed to his quarters.
Taking out a Den Den Mushi, Zephyr contacted Sengoku to make his report.
"Nani?!"
"You encountered Zenkichi—with the cadets? Did you fight him?"
Sengoku's voice was urgent.
Zephyr spoke with a weary tone.
"Yes, we fought."
Sengoku continued,
"What's his actual strength? Garp said he couldn't beat him, but he didn't go into detail."
"One strike decided their fight. That might be a bluff—what about yours?"
Zephyr's voice was heavy.
"It wasn't a bluff. When I fought him, I couldn't do anything. He overpowered me easily."
"I lost. Even giving everything I had wouldn't have mattered."
"He's definitely a threat on the level of a Pirate Emperor. His threat level may rival that of Whitebeard."
Whitebeard—the man currently recognized as the strongest pirate alive. Even an admiral wouldn't dare face him alone.
And yet, in Zephyr's eyes, if Zenkichi and Whitebeard clashed, the result would still be unpredictable.
Sengoku went quiet, then muttered,
"Is that so? That's valuable information. We might be able to use it."
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