The office instantly fell into a dead silence.
Aokiji stared blankly at his former mentor, it took over ten seconds for him to recover from his speechless shock.
"Return to Marinfanto... "
Aokiji repeated, a cold sweat trickled down his forehead, "If the deployment could be successfully achieved, the World Government would indeed pay a price close to destruction."
"But teacher, have you ever considered that there are still hundreds of thousands of civilians around Marinfanto and Mary Geoise..."
"I don't want to either! But what can be done, Kuzan! Compared to the rebirth of the whole world, isn't this cost worth accepting?!"
Zephyr said fiercely, "Do you still think I'm too extreme now? Clearly, I've restrained myself a lot! Hey, Kuzan, do you even know what End point is?!"
"End point?"
Aokiji frowned, racking his brain without remembering what it was, shaking his head.
"It's a lake, to be precise, three magma lakes located in the New World."
A calm voice came from outside the door.
Aokiji looked up, a young woman with sea-blue long hair and a quiet demeanor came directly to stand behind Zephyr.
He recognized the newcomer.
The most trusted disciple of Zephyr, also one of the rare survivors of the massacred recruit ship years ago.
Ayn, the Fruit Ability User of the Backtrack Fruit.
"When the magma lakes connect, it will trigger extreme geological activity, causing the entire region to erupt, destroying the New World in an instant."
Ayn nodded to Aokiji as a polite greeting, then continued calmly:
"Even the seas near the New World won't be spared, including two Windless Zones, naturally including the Red Earth Continent and Mary Geoise."
"Very well explained, Ayn."
Zephyr grinned broadly, "Using Explosive Rock to detonate all the End points, that was my original plan, Kuzan! It's actually easier than 'returning to Marinfanto'!"
"Then why did you change your mind?"
"Hmph, can't it be because I'm happy?"
Zephyr glared at Aokiji, "If you insist on a reason, let the surviving civilians in the New World thank Shano. If it weren't for that kid's Endgame, indeed different from those pirates, making this murky New World have more human likeness, I wouldn't have..."
He snorted, crossed his legs, and was too lazy to continue.
Surprise flashed in Aokiji's eyes.
"So, even though you've built the Neo Navy yourself, you do recognize Endgame?"
He hesitated, but couldn't help asking:
"Why not just join Endgame, or maintain independence and ally with Endgame to change this world? Is there no choice but to take this irreversible path?"
"Shut up!"
Zephyr slammed the table, shouting angrily, "When did you become that kid's man, Kuzan? Dare to sway me?!"
"Don't misunderstand, teacher, I have no association with Shano."
Aokiji rubbed his brow in frustration, "I just think, since the goal is the same, why not choose a more prudent way? Endgame does have hope of succeeding, doesn't it?"
"Moreover, if it truly could be achieved, wouldn't you want to live to see the New World and the New Era created by Shano?"
Zephyr stared at Aokiji, saying nothing for a moment.
The atmosphere in the office froze to the extreme.
Ayn carefully observed the expressions of the two, hesitating as if wanting to say something, but ultimately held back.
Finally.
Zephyr coldly snorted, crossing his arms, turning away: "Enough of this mind manipulation! My Neo Navy doesn't need anyone's support!"
"Do you think I am anyone? Even without Shano, without Endgame, I can end this rotten world myself! Since we can't agree, we shall meet again later, lest our talk erodes mentor-student bond. Ayn, show him out!"
"Yes, teacher."
Aokiji gazed at Zephyr's back, sighed, knowing his words couldn't persuade this stubborn old man.
So he stood up, slightly bowed:
"I understand, Zephyr-sensei, please take care of yourself."
See you later.
But, will there really be another day to meet?
Aokiji silently put on his sunglasses, took one last look at Zephyr, then left the office with Ayn.
Zephyr remained motionless, keeping the same stance.
Until the footsteps sounded again, Ayn returned after showing the guest out, only then did Zephyr turn his head, rubbing his neck and muttering:
"Seriously, made my neck numb..."
Ayn was speechless.
"Teacher." She looked at Zephyr, thought for a moment and still spoke up, "Why did you deliberately drive away brother Kuzan?"
"Hmm?"
Zephyr looked at Ayn in surprise, then couldn't help grinning, laughing heartily, "You've really grown up, Ayn! How is it even you couldn't be fooled anymore!"
"Don't underestimate people! You old geezer!" Ayn said angrily.
"What?"
Zephyr bent over to take out a bottle of Shirley wine from the cabinet, leaning on the sofa, he tilted his head back and drank directly, "You also think Kuzan makes sense?"
"To be honest, teacher, I've been confused for a long time."
Ayn nodded, "Why do you actually have goodwill towards Endgame, but refuse to collaborate with them and insist on taking a more extreme route?"