Chapter 32: Chapter 32: Zephyr’s Intentions
"This guy really is a coward."
Peveton laughed gloatingly. He had a great relationship with Jon, so naturally, he didn't like Vetus either.
"But in just six months, this guy managed to get promoted to lieutenant. That's quite impressive."
When Vetus graduated, he was a Navy ensign, just like Jon. Now, six months later, he had already risen a rank, which was a decent pace.
"You've been promoted to ensign yourself. You're no worse than him," Jon said with a smile.
Peveton added, "Still, Jon, you should be careful. Vetus is a petty guy. After the way you taunted him, he'll definitely try to cause trouble for you once we leave the headquarters."
Jon scoffed, "Do you think I'm afraid of him? Even if he turns into a wolf-dog, I can still beat him down."
Vetus wasn't weak, but Jon had never been intimidated by him. Back at the academy, Jon wasn't afraid, and now, after growing significantly in his Devil Fruit abilities, he was even more confident.
After more than ten minutes, Vice Admiral Noville finally arrived. The previously scattered crowd quickly formed into lines.
Most of the group belonged to the same unit, with only a few temporary additions, including Jon, Peveton, and Vetus—young soldiers brought in for this mission.
Officially, they were there to assist. Realistically, they were there to earn merit, as this mission seemed much less dangerous than fighting pirates.
Noville was the same rear admiral who had brought Jon from the South Blue. Now, he was Vice Admiral Noville.
"All personnel, board the ship immediately and prepare to set sail."
This time, Jon and the others boarded a large warship. Since hundreds of people were involved in the search for the archaeologists, they needed a large crew. Though the mission seemed low-risk, without precise intelligence, it was like searching for a needle in a haystack.
This was Jon's first deployment since graduating. After boarding the warship, he felt a bit lost. Watching everyone else busy with their tasks, he had no idea what he was supposed to do. He thought about finding Peveton, but Peveton was already off inspecting the ship with his superior.
Jon stood there, bewildered. Just as he was unsure what to do, Noville approached him.
"What are you daydreaming about? Come with me."
"Oh, yes, sir."
Jon snapped out of it and immediately followed Noville. The vice admiral led him to a spacious room in the ship's cabin.
"Jon Lyons, you're quite the celebrity now."
Noville sat in a chair, smiling as he looked at Jon. "I remember when I brought you from the South Blue over a year ago, you were still so inexperienced. And now, in just over a year, you've become famous at the headquarters."
Recalling Peveton's earlier explanation, Jon understood why he was considered famous. Embarrassed, he replied, "I wouldn't call myself a celebrity. Honestly, I have you to thank, Vice Admiral. If I hadn't followed you to the headquarters, I wouldn't be where I am today."
Noville waved his hand dismissively. "I can't take credit for that. Where you are now is thanks to your own efforts and the guidance of Admiral Zephyr and Vice Admiral Tsuru. I had nothing to do with it."
Jon smiled politely and asked, "Vice Admiral, what should I be doing?"
Noville replied, "What do you want to do?"
Jon was taken aback. "I don't know, sir. But seeing everyone else busy, I feel like I should be doing something too."
"Your sense of responsibility is admirable."
Noville chuckled and then explained, "You're not like the others. While your rank may be low, you're here as a representative of the Staff Department. As someone under Vice Admiral Tsuru's command, you don't need to concern yourself with minor tasks."
Jon realized what he meant. Though his rank was low, his position carried significant weight because he represented the Staff Department. He hadn't expected the Navy to operate with such distinctions.
Then again, it made sense. After all, Navy Headquarters was both a military and political entity.
"I understand Vice Admiral Tsuru's intentions. She sent you here to gain experience. I'll assign you a team, provide you with sufficient intelligence, and leave it to you to capture the targets. Whether you succeed will depend on your abilities."
Because of his previous connection with Jon and his ties to Zephyr and Tsuru, Noville decided to give Jon special consideration.
Jon didn't decline. As an ensign, he needed achievements to rise through the ranks. Opportunities like this didn't come often, so he wasn't about to pass it up.
"Thank you, Vice Admiral Noville."
"Alright. Do you want me to assign your team, or would you like to choose your own people?"
"Vice Admiral, I know Peveton. As for the rest, I'll leave it to you."
"Very well. I'll assign fifty men to you."
After a moment's thought, Noville decided that fifty soldiers would be an appropriate number for Jon to command.
"Vice Admiral, where are we heading?" Jon asked curiously.
Noville snorted. "Who knows? Jon, don't think this is an easy mission. In reality, we're at the mercy of others. The CP agents claim they'll provide intelligence, but so far, they've given us nothing concrete. We're just heading to a designated location to wait for their instructions before proceeding."
When mentioning CP, Noville's displeasure was evident. Although both were arms of the World Government, the Navy and Cipher Pol didn't have a harmonious relationship. Most Navy officers avoided working with CP unless absolutely necessary.
"Vice Admiral, does the Navy not get along with CP?" Jon cautiously inquired.
"Hmph."
Noville let out a cold snort. "What right do they have to compare themselves to us? We're the ones maintaining peace across the seas, while they're just a pack of lapdogs, serving only… cough, cough."
Mid-rant, Noville suddenly stopped and feigned a cough, lowering his voice. "Kid, I'm telling you this because I like you. Stay away from those CP guys—they're nothing but trouble."
If it had been anyone else, Noville wouldn't have said so much.
But since Jon was favored by both Zephyr and Tsuru, Noville saw him as a future pillar of the Navy and decided to give him some advice as a gesture of goodwill.
"Understood," Jon said earnestly.
Jon knew plenty about CP as well.
Just as Noville described, CP0 through CP9 served the Celestial Dragons, prioritizing their interests above all else.
Calling them lapdogs might sound harsh, but it was undeniably accurate.
"You're dismissed."
Jon left the room and went to find Peveton. With Noville's approval, he immediately transferred Peveton to his command.
"Jon, you really get me. Following you is way better than working under someone else."
Peveton, who had been volunteering to work in the kitchen as a chef, was overjoyed to be assigned under Jon. After all, he had only joined the mission to ride on others' coattails and earn merit without doing too much work.
Jon smiled wryly. "I owe this to the Staff Department and Vice Admiral Tsuru. That's the only reason Vice Admiral Noville gave me this opportunity to lead a team."
Peveton replied, "The Staff Department's influence is incredible. You have no idea how highly regarded Vice Admiral Tsuru is at headquarters. She's second only to the admirals, and her Staff Department is deeply trusted by the Fleet Admiral. No officer would dare disrespect her."
Jon remained silent. He finally understood Zephyr's intentions. Among all the students in their class, Zephyr had shown him the most favor by assigning him to the Staff Department. Not only was it safe, but it also provided him with a strong backing.
In the past six months, Jon hadn't realized the significance of this arrangement because he hadn't left the headquarters. But Noville's attitude made it clear that his position was more about the Staff Department than himself.
"Zephyr-sensei, you've done so much for me. I'll repay you someday, no matter what."
Zephyr's thoughtful arrangements deeply moved Jon. He resolved to change Zephyr's tragic fate in the future.
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