Binz, standing nearby, asked curiously: "What kind of business is this? How can we cooperate? Can we make money? You know, it takes a lot of money to maintain a fleet!"
"What else could it be? Of course, selling wine."
Ian said matter-of-factly, but seeing that Binz and Zephyr were about to say something, he continued: "Just hear me out first. Don't worry, funding for a mere fleet? Wine profits can definitely cover that."
"As for how to sell it, the Sibia Village is planning to expand its market. Besides the areas accessible by merchant ships, we will need to deliver the goods ourselves."
Looking at the two men staring at him with frowns on their faces, Ian spoke his mind directly.
"You can rely on your fleet to deliver the goods to other areas. After all, the areas your fleet is heading to are chaotic, and ordinary merchant ships wouldn't dare to go there. And the Sibia Village will give you a discount on the wine you sell. You can earn a small profit from the difference."
That's right, selling wine to earn funds. You know, in this sea... Fine wine is a huge seller!
"I believe this is enough for you to maintain a fleet, and if your business grows, you can even expand it."
As he finished speaking, Zephyr, Binz, and Ain fell silent.
They knew that Sibia Green Grape Wine was a hot commodity right now.
Especially with Zephyr's promotion, countless people began placing orders.
And with so many orders... It also attracted a lot of interest from other people on the sea.
If they could sell this wine throughout the entire sea, no, just even the rest of the West Blue, it would be enough to sustain their fleet, and even have some to spare.
After all, their fleet didn't have many people. But... Seeing instructor Zephyr frown and look troubled, Ian knew exactly what the old man was worried about.
"Don't worry, I won't interfere in your fleet's affairs. How to operate it, how to recruit, and even how to train are all your business."
Ian said bluntly. "Don't worry about me interfering in the operations like the World Government does. You are responsible for all matters concerning your fleet, and your justice is your own business."
"I believe you've guessed my situation."
However, Zephyr didn't immediately agree to Ian's words. He looked at Ian with a serious expression and said: "Especially your proposal... This is no joke! Don't you just want a peaceful life with a wife and children? Aren't you worried about the World Government noticing you?"
Funding a naval fleet? Doesn't this guy know what he's talking about?
As soon as these words fell, everyone fell silent.
Besides Binz, who was scratching his head, Ain also frowned, seemingly understanding the meaning of Zephyr's words, and looked at Ian with concern.
But facing the three people's gazes, Ian didn't care.
Instead, he looked directly at instructor Zephyr, who was staring at him, with a helpless expression on his face. "Does it matter whether I'm worried or not right now?"
"Hahaha!"
Zephyr, who had been staring at Ian, suddenly burst into laughter at Ian's helpless tone. He looked at Ian meaningfully: "It seems you understand too!"
Since Crocodile can find this place, it's only a matter of time before the World Government discovers it.
"I thought you were just a kid who only knows how to drown in a woman's arms!"
Hearing instructor Zephyr's personal attack, Ian rolled his eyes.
If he had been addicted to pleasure, he wouldn't have trained so hard every day. Besides… If he had a golden finger, he would've already stirred up the whole sea by now; the New World might even have a fifth Emperor of the sea already!
"So, what's your decision?"
"I have one last question, and I hope you can answer it."
Zephyr suddenly put on a serious expression and asked: "What do you... Think of history?"
"History?"
Ian looked surprised, seemingly surprised that instructor Zephyr would bring this up.
But without hesitation, he said: "There's nothing wrong with studying history. It's just that Ohara is too weak. But history..."
He smiled. "What does it have to do with me now?"
Zephyr: "...?!"
Zephyr was stunned by Ian's words. He seemed surprised that the boy would answer like that, and he burst into laughter. "Hahaha, that's a really cunning answer, kid."
He looked at Ian again, his lips curled in a carefree grin.
"Then I'll cooperate with you, kid!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Ian's face also broke into a smile upon hearing Zephyr's response, but before he could say anything else.
"So will I!"
Suddenly, a loud voice echoed from within the door, instantly capturing the attention of all four.
Then, with a creak, the door swung open, and Garp, seemingly freshly awake, yawned and walked over to Ian, patted Ian's shoulder firmly, and said through gritted teeth: "I'll take a share of this deal too! You have got such a great deal, and you didn't even tell me about it? If it weren't for Zephyr coming over, you would probably still be hiding it!"
Despite the force, Ian, bathed in the sun, didn't feel anything, but he still said helplessly: "You're going to build your own fleet too?"
"Why would I build that?"
Garp picked his nose and pursed his lips in disdain. "I'm not a stubborn old man like Zephyr, who would have to go into Impel Down for no reason!"
Before Ian could say anything, Zephyr, who had overheard Garp's rant, suddenly darkened.
Why would he go to Impel Down?!
He was still a marine, merely seeking to enforce his own sense of justice.
"What nonsense are you talking about?!"
"Hahaha, nothing, nothing. I retract what I said!"
Faced with Zephyr's wrath, Garp immediately retracted his words. He then ignored Zephyr's glare and, looking at Ian, said cheerfully: "I was just trying to make some money. That old bastard, Sengoku, deducted a year's salary from me and won't reimburse me for cannonballs! Speaking of which, this is partly your fault, kid!"
"That's reimbursement? You included vacation trips and snack shopping! Of course, the headquarters wouldn't approve it! And I still haven't settled the score with you for reporting me!"
But Zephyr didn't give him any face and directly exposed Garp's corruption.
"Hahaha, is that so? How could I not remember that?"
Garp brushed off Zephyr's anger and continued cheerfully: "Anyway, let's not talk about that. Kid, how about it?"
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