"It was Vegapunk's abandoned laboratory."
Seeing Zephyr's stunned expression, Ian didn't hide anything and directly said it.
Then he continued: "Since you already arranged everything, I'll go over later."
"I didn't expect that you could even find something like that, it's really surprising!"
Realizing what was going on, the worry in Zephyr's heart faded. "You scared the hell out of me. I thought you went and robbed Punk Hazard! Vegapunk's abandoned laboratory, huh? Not bad at all. For other scientists, that technology is probably decades ahead of their time."
"Who knows? Since I ran into it, I just moved it back."
Ian shrugged while speaking with a helpless tone: "The problem is, I haven't found a suitable scientist yet."
"With things like that in your hands, you're worried you can't find scientists? But you'd better be careful. Don't let the World Government find out. Vegapunk's laboratory is extremely important to them. Even if it's an abandoned one, they won't just allow it to spread into the sea."
Zephyr waved his hand cheerfully, then said, "By the way, Marine Headquarters plans to recommend you to the World Government as a candidate for Warlord. Sengoku keeps calling me these days, it's driving me crazy. What do you think?"
Even though he complained, Zephyr's face clearly showed that he was very happy.
Of course, he was happy.
Before, Sengoku's calls were annoying because he had just left Marine Headquarters, and he left in a humiliating state. That guy calling him was basically just to mock him.
But now... Hahahaha...
He held ten fleets in his hands.
How could Sengoku mock him now?
Any ridicule now could be returned tenfold later.
He was already itching to see Sengoku's shocked expression when he learned he had formed ten fleets.
Even after leaving Marine Headquarters, he could still carry out the justice in his heart.
"Becoming a Warlord, huh?"
When he heard Zephyr, Ian wasn't surprised. There were only a few people in the sea capable of becoming Warlords, and he and Kuma happened to be among them.
Warlords might seem kind of low-class, but on the sea, they were considered high-level forces.
Anyone who could become a Warlord was a powerhouse famous across the seas.
If he refused, the World Government would probably invite Kuma… Or...
Ian's eyes couldn't help but glance toward Zephyr.
"Kid, what's with that look?"
Zephyr noticed Ian's glance and laughed. "Are you asking for my opinion? Hahaha, don't worry about me. Compared to those detestable pirates, if you can become a Warlord, that's good too. And it'll benefit you as well."
Although he didn't care about Zephyr's opinion, what Zephyr said wasn't wrong.
Becoming a Warlord meant he could legally own territory.
Without permission, even the Marines couldn't enter the Warlord's territory.
That way, if Robin stayed on his territory, she wouldn't be easily found.
But that was only temporary; he couldn't hide forever.
If he wanted to live openly, in the end, he still had to rely on strength!
Ian raised his head, looked at Zephyr, and said, "Sure."
"Then I'll tell that to Sengoku later. But it probably won't make it in time for this year."
Zephyr chuckled. "Those old geezers will have to discuss it, so the decision will probably be made next year."
"Whatever. Whether it works out or not doesn't matter."
Ian waved casually. "If there's nothing else, can you leave? Don't interrupt our lovely family time."
"Hahahaha, this kid."
Zephyr didn't mind being chased out. He looked at Ian, Robin, and the child in his arms. But behind that smile was a trace of complexity.
He chose justice while Ian chose family.
But his own justice made him lose his family.
Where would this kid's family end up?
"Hey, hey."
Noticing Zephyr staring at him silently, Ian raised an eyebrow and waved a hand. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, just feeling emotional."
Zephyr came back to his senses. He lifted Aria up, and with every lift, the baby laughed happily, mouth wide open, as if she were flying in the air.
It made Zephyr's heart lighten. "I almost forgot."
He looked at Ian again.
"That Ancient Town you wanted me to find, I've already found it. When are you leaving?"
"You found it? That fast?"
"Hahaha, I found it by accident while selling wine."
Zephyr laughed loudly.
After handing the baby to Robin, he pulled out a piece of paper from his coat. "And I also found the ruins you mentioned and made a copy of the writing on them. Take a look. I don't know how you even know these things."
"Ruins?"
Robin was momentarily surprised, but then smiled. Holding the baby with one hand, she took the paper Zephyr handed over and unfolded it. When she saw what was on it, she frowned, her expression turning serious. "These are indeed ancient characters."
"I'll leave deciphering it to you two. And don't forget your promise, kid."
"Since you found it, after we decipher it, you can go in yourself."
Ian looked at Zephyr with an annoyed expression. "There's nothing dangerous inside!"
"That's different, hahaha. And you haven't been inside either, so how do you know it's safe? I'm old and I still have justice to uphold, I don't have time to mess around."
Zephyr laughed while heavily patting Ian's shoulder with his right hand; he even used Armament Haki, leaving Ian helpless.
"I won't bother your warm family life anymore. Need me to babysit? I'm pretty good with kids."
"No need!"
With loud laughter, Zephyr left with his students, leaving Ian looking helpless. "That old man!"
He raised his head and looked at Robin, who was seriously studying the paper, and said with equal seriousness: "You can look at it later, no rush. Next, we are going to—"
"Sorry, I almost forgot to tell you, dear. You won't be able to accompany us today."
Robin blinked playfully while speaking with a tone of regret. "Della came this morning and told me to remind you to go to Village Chief Martin later. The five permanent village chiefs are waiting for you. You've been gone for so long; they have a lot of matters for you to handle. And those machines that were delivered, they will need your arrangements too. So today, I can only stay with Aria."
These boring things… can't those old geezers handle them themselves?
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