To ensure there was enough alcohol, Zhang Da Ye had deliberately arranged for Gragas to deliver a batch of liquor.
Business at the tavern was excellent today, not just for him—bars and restaurants across the Sabaody Archipelago were thriving.
Many strangers clinked glasses and laughed together, brought together by the same news on the extra edition.
For them, the appointment of a new Navy Admiral meant an added layer of safety for their families. Anyone celebrating this news was considered a brother, at least for the day.
Of course, even brothers pay their own tabs.
The festive mood was infectious, lifting Zhang Da Ye's spirits—not because of the money earned.
Even Tom couldn't resist performing a piano piece, followed by a whimsical dance—recalling the time he dyed Jerry white, sold him, then bought him back, and finally dyed himself white.
Tom flailed his arms joyfully. No matter the near abduction or dying yesterday, today he played like nothing happened.
His performance naturally earned applause. Others attempted to imitate the dance, but their clumsy attempts were rather hilarious.
While Tom's dancing was cute, the clumsy adults flailing and kicking made Zhang Da Ye cringe. If they hadn't paid, he would have kicked them out one by one.
Artoria watched the chaos quietly, noting that the more joyous the people, the more frustrating the pirates must be.
The excitement lasted two to three days, then slowly subsided, returning to normal by the end of June.
Since Biznis left, no troublemakers appeared—possibly thanks to more active Navy patrols on the islands.
The news of the new Admiral was a morale boost. Navy patrols now extended beyond the usual 60-69 GR range, even causing rogue areas to behave temporarily.
Zhang Da Ye was relieved that no customers had fled without paying these days.
His own abilities had improved slightly. Though his magic grew slowly, it became easier to use. Punching through walls was now effortless; before, a full-power punch hurt his hand.
He tested it personally, repairing a wall with a hammer and planks while Tom supervised, occasionally offering technical advice, looking surprisingly stern.
On the night of June 30, a rare Navy visitor arrived—not to cause trouble, but sitting quietly in a corner drinking alone.
This Navy officer had pale yellow hair, a jagged beard, a dark blue suit, and light blue shirt. Likely a private visit, as he wore no Navy cloak.
Zhang Da Ye recognized him from newspapers: Rear Admiral Kadarou, the highest-ranked combatant on the island.
Until today, Zhang Da Ye thought local claims of Navy or World Government officials visiting the tavern were exaggerations.
After all, the Navy has its own mess halls, even Sengoku's favorite rice crackers are Navy-issued. They shouldn't lack alcohol and likely weren't allowed to drink freely.
Perhaps only exceptional figures like East Blue's Iron Fist Fendudi could casually go out drinking with companions, ordering fancy "Etrusburgstein" brews.
As closing time approached, patrons left. Yet this admiral waved for another bottle: "Boss, one more bottle!"
Zhang Da Ye set it down, noticing ten empty bottles, whispering, "Rear Admiral Kadarou, haven't you had enough?"
He had downed ten bottles in under two hours without appetizers, seemingly needing no restroom.
Kadarou gulped a few sips, visibly drunk: "Don't call me Rear Admiral… hic… I don't deserve it, and soon I won't be one!"
"Why? I read about your exploits in newspapers—defeating many pirates and serving under Admiral Kizaru. Shouldn't you be highly regarded?"
Zhang Da Ye knew of the local Navy commander. Kizaru would not forget a loyal subordinate; even if he wished to retire, his subordinates could handle the work.
"Heh…" Kadarou laughed self-deprecatingly, "Do you know why I was assigned to Sabaody?"
Zhang Da Ye shook his head, sensing that stationing at Sabaody might not be a desirable post.
Kadarou drank two more sips, then buried his face on the table, tearful: "I caused the deaths of ninety-seven of my crew!"
Half-drunk, people talk more. Usually, as a Rear Admiral he must maintain authority, never showing weakness. Today, he used the tavern's sparse crowd to vent.
"A few months ago, while patrolling, I received orders to monitor the Sun Pirates near here, recover slaves, or await reinforcements to crush them. The battle erupted, our ship sank, and ninety-seven crew perished. Only I survived in shame! If… if I had been more careful… stronger…"
The news only mentioned the Navy's clever ambush and the defeat of Tygers, with Kizaru capturing Arlong and learning of Tiger's death.
Sacrificing so much without result emboldened pirates and tarnished the Navy's image.
Perhaps this failure led to his reassignment from the G2 branch, unlike other Kizaru subordinates who were nearly all promoted.
Yet the World Government's concealment meant his position remained. So why claim he would soon cease being a Rear Admiral?
A?N: Kadarou is not original. He was referenced after Tiger's escape, and his assignment to Sabaody is like Smoker's demotion to the Grand Line's entrance after opposing superiors.
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