124 The Beginning of Vengeance

For three days, ever since Zephyr had been fitted with his prosthetic limb, Xuan Ye had stayed by his side. But today, he had to say goodbye. After waiting for so long, it was time to reclaim what was owed to them.

In the navy villa, the home that was once lively and warm had become desolate and cold ever since his master’s wife and young Star had passed away.

Silence hung in the air. On the sofa, Zephyr and the others were submerged in grief. Xuan Ye couldn't help but let memories of being pampered by his master's wife flood his mind. Even the usually restless monkey sat quietly on the sofa, its spirit utterly crushed.

"Master, I intend to leave," Xuan Ye finally broke the oppressive silence, unable to endure the heartache any longer.

"Go, then. Do not worry about me," Zephyr said, looking up with a hint of apology. "Be careful. If revenge is impossible, then let it go. I do not wish to lose anyone else."

"Master, that is absolutely impossible. Those bastards must pay a bitter price. Even if I have to stop at nothing, I will make their lives a living hell." Xuan Ye stood up, his face filled with malice. He would never forgive those people; he would make them pay ten, a hundred, a thousand times over.

"Do as you will. But you must promise me you will take care of yourself, that you will stay alive." Zephyr stood up and gripped Xuan Ye’s shoulder firmly, his expression grave.

"Master, rest assured. I won't be reckless again," Xuan Ye promised, his face solemn. "I will survive." Because for the sake of Xiao Xi, for her, and for everyone who cared about him, he could not afford to die.

"I believe in you," Zephyr said with a faint smile.

"Squeak... I will watch over him," the monkey chirped, thumping its chest.

"Xiao Jin, I cannot take you with me this time," Xuan Ye said, turning to the monkey.

"Squeak... Why?" the monkey asked, looking indignant.

"You aren't strong enough." Without sugarcoating it, Xuan Ye exposed the monkey’s vulnerability. "I am not taking anyone this time."

"Squeak... While you were gone, Master gave me and Pacas special training. I am much stronger than before!" The monkey was anxious, hoping Zephyr would speak up for it.

"No. This trip might involve a confrontation with the Whitebeard Pirates. I can move in and out freely on my own; even if I can't win, my strength allows me to escape at any time." Xuan Ye refused without room for negotiation.

"Squeak... I won't be a burden. I want to avenge the mistress and young Star too!" the monkey insisted angrily.

"That is still a no. Wait until you get stronger." Rebutting once more, Xuan Ye looked at Zephyr. "Master, I don't know how long I'll be gone. During this time, please do your best to further improve the strength of Xiao Jin and the others."

"Rest assured," Zephyr nodded, already beginning to think about how he would train them.

"Squeak... Hmph!" Xiao Jin sulked, sitting alone on the sofa.

"Xiao Jin, leaving you behind is a necessity. If you don't want to be left behind again in the future, you must become stronger. You can't be lazy like before," Xuan Ye said earnestly, looking at the sulking monkey.

"Master, I leave them to you. If possible, please help train my fifty subordinates as well. I won't go to say goodbye to them." With that, Xuan Ye addressed Zephyr one last time.

"Go! Be careful." Zephyr looked at him with immense gratification. To have such a disciple in this life was enough.

Finally, Xuan Ye gave Zephyr a tight embrace.

"Aren't you going to give me one?" After releasing Zephyr, Xuan Ye smiled at the sullen-looking monkey.

"Squeak... Hmph... Don't go and get yourself killed." The monkey stood up and hugged Xuan Ye tightly, cursing.

"Train hard, my brother!"

With that, Xuan Ye departed. He planned to visit his master's wife and junior brother first, then report to Sengoku before setting off.

Stepping outside, Xuan Ye was momentarily stunned to see Aokiji and Pacas standing by the door, clearly waiting for him.

"Why are you two here?" Xuan Ye closed the door and looked at them.

"Vice Admiral, the boat is already docked at the harbor. Are you leaving? Can you take me with you?" Pacas asked excitedly, looking at Xuan Ye with anticipation.

"No. I am going alone this time. You stay here and train hard. Strive to become stronger; my expectations for you are that of an Admiral." Xuan Ye smiled and patted Pacas on the shoulder.

"Yes! I will not let you down, Vice Admiral!" Pacas’s expression was heavy. He swore to himself that he would train harder to be of service to his superior.

"Perfect, I was intending to look for you anyway." After speaking with Pacas, Xuan Ye turned his gaze toward Aokiji.

"Looking for me? Is this a farewell?" Aokiji punched him lightly on the shoulder.

"No, I have a favor to ask," Xuan Ye said, shrugging.

"Speak."

"Help me investigate Master's recent trip." Xuan Ye’s expression turned dark and vicious.

"You mean..." Aokiji frowned.

"Someone in the Navy wanted to harm Master; they poisoned him. Help me investigate. No matter who it is, I hope you won't hide it from me." As he looked at Aokiji, Xuan Ye’s heart was filled with murderous intent.

"Understood." Aokiji’s face turned serious and grim.

"Thank you." Xuan Ye breathed a sigh of relief. "That’s it, then. I’m going to the cemetery to see them, then I’m off. Use the Den Den Mushi if anything comes up."

"Understood. Take care."

After saying his goodbyes, Xuan Ye headed straight to the cemetery. He stood before the three graves for a long time.

*Everything owed to me, I will reclaim, every last bit. All of you, just wait.*

He left three bouquets of flowers. Shortly after, Xuan Ye appeared in Sengoku’s office. Seeing Xuan Ye, Sengoku’s expression soured.

"So, what are you here for?" Sengoku put down his documents, adjusted his glasses, and sighed with a grimace.

"I am leaving for revenge," Xuan Ye stated his purpose without reservation.

"For how long?" Sengoku’s tone was heavy. He didn't even attempt to stop him, knowing it was both impossible and futile.

"I don't know. Everyone involved will die!"

His voice was bone-chilling. The icy killing intent made Sengoku’s eyes flicker. It seemed this man would not stop until he saw it through to the end.

Sengoku frowned, a thought crossing his mind: *Perhaps the Navy does need someone as unrestrained as him.*

"I understand. But remember, you are a Marine. Do not cross certain lines," Sengoku instinctively warned.

"We shall see. If they are involved, I don't care who they are—they must die!" Xuan Ye’s face was twisted, his demeanor as cold as snow.

"Get out!" Sengoku said impatiently, his head throbbing at the sight of him.

Without a word, Xuan Ye left the room, transformed into a flash of fire, and appeared at the harbor.