"You actually don't object?" Zephyr's doubt blurted out.
It wasn't that Zephyr was unaware of Benz's thoughts; in fact, many Marine Soldiers in the "Pirate Guerrilla Force" felt the same way as Benz, wanting to stay in Elmar to continue building their new home.
Taro thought to himself, 'If I objected, would you even listen, old man?'
He wore a smile, "Not only do I not object, but on the contrary, I will support your actions."
Seeing everyone's surprise, Taro continued, "However, you must promise me to only operate on the seven routes of the first half of the Grand Line."
Zephyr frowned upon hearing this, "I intend to head to the New World!"
Taro leaned in close to Zephyr, took hold of Zephyr's large hand, and said with a hint of pleading,
"Teacher, I am now the commander of the Sabaody Archipelago, which is the end of the first half of the Grand Line. I don't have a single powerful person under me right now; it's very difficult."
"Please help me out by wiping out pirates in the Grand Line first, okay?"
Taro knew it was unrealistic to ask Zephyr to give up hunting pirates, so he could only settle for the next best thing: stabilizing Zephyr first, or at least keeping him within a range where he could look out for him.
"You want me to go to Sabaody?" Zephyr frowned and shook his head, "I won't go there."
Taro waved his hand, "No, just staying in the first half of the Grand Line is enough."
He knew about the conflict between Zephyr and Marineford, so he naturally understood that Zephyr wouldn't be willing to stay so close to Marine Headquarters.
Zephyr's brow remained furrowed, "The Marines have several fortress bases in the first half like G-2, G-4, and G-6. If I operate extensively in their jurisdictions, I'm afraid..."
Taro consoled him, "Teacher, the Marines suffered heavy losses in the Marineford War, and their control over the seas has been infinitely weakened. If you're willing to help at a time like this, Marineford will be more than happy!"
As he spoke, he winked at Hina. Hina understood and chimed in, "That's indeed the case, please don't worry!"
Marine manpower was severely lacking, and the struggle for the position of Fleet Admiral between Aokiji and Akainu was about to break out. Marineford had no time to worry about Zephyr right now.
Furthermore, after Akainu took over as Fleet Admiral, Marineford would swap locations with Base G1 in the New World.
This was a very clear signal.
On one hand, it was because Marineford was heavily damaged and was no longer suitable to serve as Marine Headquarters.
On the other hand, Akainu's future focus would be on the New World. The balance of the Four Emperors had been broken, Blackbeard was rising strongly, and new pirate forces were surging into the New World, ready to move.
All of this would leave Akainu overwhelmed. Before the World Conscription ended, this new Fleet Admiral would have neither the energy nor the ability to manage Zephyr's actions.
Zephyr thought for a moment, glanced at Ain and Benz sitting below, and finally nodded.
"Fine, I agree to your suggestion. However, I won't stay in the first half forever."
Taro looked delighted, "No problem! At most a year. Once the situation stabilizes, you can go wherever you want!"
A year was just about enough. Taro would eventually go to the New World himself; by the time Zephyr went then, he could still look out for him. Steady!
Since the matter was settled, Zephyr no longer hesitated and stood up directly.
"Then I'll prepare. We set out tonight!"
Taro couldn't think of any other way to stop him, so he nodded.
"Teacher, I still have a warship at Nanohana. Take them with you and help me train them a bit while you're at it!"
"Afterward, just have them return directly to Sabaody."
In the two years following the Marineford War, no particularly powerful pirates appeared in the four seas, so the first half should be relatively safe. Taro felt much more at ease.
Taro pulled out a den den mushi and called the operator on the warship.
Zephyr looked at Benz and Ain, thought quietly for a moment, and said to the two of them, "This time, you don't need to follow me. Follow Taro's instructions instead!"
Benz was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly, while Ain hesitated for a moment.
"It's fine, Ain. I'll be alright," Zephyr said with a wave of his hand.
Taro hung up the den den mushi and also looked at Ain, "Don't worry, I'll accompany Teacher Zephyr."
Zephyr looked at Taro in surprise, "Hmm?"
"Teacher, it's been a while since you've taught me. I must stay by your side and learn well!" Taro said with a smile.
Zephyr frowned, "I don't have much left to teach you now."
"Uh, just let me follow you!" Taro looked up at Zephyr, his eyes flickering slightly.
Zephyr's heart stirred, sensing that Taro seemed to have something to say to him, so he no longer objected.
At the Elmar docks, Betty stepped off the bow of the ship.
When she was on the ship, she had noticed that this emerging town was somewhat different from any town in any country she had ever visited.
Neatness! Order! And the smiles on the faces of the commoners!
With her overcoat draped over her Marine uniform, Betty stopped a burly stevedore at the dock.
"You are doing such heavy work, why are you still able to smile?"
The man sized Betty up for a moment, "An outsider?"
Seeing Betty's brow furrow, he continued:
"This is the Elmal District. Everyone has job opportunities, and as long as you work, you'll be paid in full. Furthermore, for families with household registration, all school-aged children can go to school for free and learn to read and write!"
"household registration? What is that?" Betty pressed.
The burly man became a bit impatient, but he remained polite.
"My work isn't finished yet. If you want to know, lady, do you see that shed over there? You can go there and take a look!"
The burly man carried his cargo away. Filled with doubt, Betty walked toward the shed, which had a banner hanging from it.
"District Government Human Resources Service Management Center (Temporary) —— Elmal District Administration Hall"
"Here for work? Do you have household registration? What skills do you have?" A young man saw Betty and came forward to greet her.
"No, I wanted to ask..."
"Oh? Just looking for information?" The young man was a clerk from the Administration Hall. He encountered many people like Betty who came from other towns every day, but he remained very patient.
"household registration is Elmar's proof of identity. Only with Elmar household registration can you enjoy the corresponding welfare benefits, such as free schooling for children, housing allocation, job placement, and so on."
As the clerk explained, Betty's expression became more and more astonished.
"By doing this, don't the kingdom's nobles and officials have any objections?"
"Huh?" The young clerk seemed not to have expected such a question. He was stunned for a moment, then waved his hand and laughed.
"No, this is a Special District, personally approved by His Majesty the King Nefeltari Cobra. The nobility here is just an honorary title with no exercisable power!"
"Even Princess Vivi, her power mainly comes from being the Minister of Education in the Administration Hall."
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