Soon after, Jin's ship finally docked safely on the shore of the small island.
A gentle sea breeze wafted through the air, filled with the moist scent of salt. The distant sky was low, with heavy clouds, as if foreshadowing an important clash to come.
Jin stood on the deck, his eyes fixed on the edge of the island, where a dense forest lay. Deep within the forest, in almost concealed locations, he could sense that familiar presence.
It was Sengoku, Garp, and Tsuru.
These people had once been the backbone of the Navy. Although they had now left the Navy system, they still possessed an undeniable aura and deterrent force.
"Are you ready?"
Tian Yue Shi walked to Jin's side, her gaze also directed towards the island, her tone carrying a hint of reassurance.
"If they are hostile, we can still retreat in time."
Jin nodded gently, his eyes showing no tension, but rather a hint of determination and calmness.
He took a small bottle from his pocket, took a sip of water, and said in a low voice:
"In any case, we have to talk face to face and solve the problem."
Then, he stepped off the ship's side and walked towards the shore.
The waves lapped at his feet, bringing a chill. Each step he took was firm, as if nothing ahead could shake him.
Not far away, Sengoku, Garp, Tsuru, and others were already waiting on the island's shore.
Sengoku stood at the forefront, still with a dignified appearance. Despite his serious injuries, his aura was still not to be underestimated.
Garp leaned against a large tree, a faint smile on his lips, casually holding a long staff in his hand, occasionally tapping it lightly on the ground, like a fearless old soldier.
Tsuru stood behind the two, her brow slightly furrowed, her eyes wary, but unable to hide her concern for Jin.
Jin stopped a few meters away from them.
The atmosphere in front of him was not as tense as he had imagined. On the contrary, there was a relaxing atmosphere.
Sengoku didn't speak directly, but nodded slightly, signaling Jin to speak.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku,"
Jin spoke first, his voice steady and clear, with a hint of respect,
"Vice Admiral Garp, Staff Officer Tsuru, it's a pleasure to see you."
A trace of surprise flashed in Sengoku's eyes, but then he revealed a wry smile.
"Jin, I didn't expect us to meet under these circumstances.
Actually, when I saw the news of you leaving the Navy, I kept thinking that it was regrettable that a young man like you would come to this point."
"Things are complicated, Fleet Admiral Sengoku."
Jin smiled slightly, his gaze moving away from Sengoku's face and looking around the environment,
"Now, the Navy is no longer the Navy of the past, and you are no longer the high-ranking Navy officials of the past."
"Yeah,"
Garp interjected, his smile with a hint of banter,
"We old folks have been abandoned by this world.
The Navy has been changing, but our hearts have not changed.
Long time no see, how have you been recently?"
She knew that although this young man was once a member of the Navy, even one of its high-ranking commanders, even if the other party left the Navy at this moment, the momentum of development was still undiminished.
She knew that Jin's purpose was to resolve conflicts, not simply to confront.
"I believe Jin won't make a choice easily,"
Tsuru finally spoke, her voice gentle and firm,
"We don't fully know your thoughts, but judging from some of your previous actions, you are not simply a rebel.
Your goal is more complicated than we imagined."
Jin's eyes lit up slightly, and he turned to Tsuru.
"You see through things very clearly."
He chuckled softly,
"But the problem is, we don't want to be simply opposed.
The World Government's power has gradually infiltrated everywhere, and the corruption within the Navy is almost inevitable.
And we all need to find a new way out."
Sengoku was silent for a while, then suddenly raised his head and looked deeply at Jin,
"Are you saying, continue to cooperate?"
Jin nodded gently.
"Whether we are the Navy or the New Navy, the ultimate enemy is the World Government.
If we can join forces, perhaps we can change the landscape of this sea."
Garp smiled and patted Jin on the shoulder.
"Okay, Jin.
Cooperation is always better than continuing to confront.
At least, we can rely on each other."
Sengoku frowned, seemingly in thought.
He looked at Jin with a complicated expression,
"Do you really intend to cooperate?
We have left the Navy, but that doesn't mean we can casually join any camp."
"I understand."
Jin nodded, his eyes with a hint of sincerity,
"However, if we continue to stalemate, our enemies will become stronger and stronger.
Instead of fighting alone, it is better to unite and bring a real challenge to the World Government."
The atmosphere gradually relaxed. Although nothing was decided immediately, at least the seeds of cooperation had quietly sprouted in the air of this island.
After careful consideration, Sengoku, Garp, Tsuru, and Jin reached a preliminary consensus.
Although they once stood on different positions, the current situation has made them understand that continuing to cooperate, and even deepen the relationship of cooperation, is the only way out.
"If that's the case,"
Sengoku's eyes were firm, and his tone revealed a bit of steadiness,
"Let's start here.
Continue to cooperate, but not in depth, otherwise we may all be swallowed by those dark hands of the World Government."
Garp then clapped his hands, his relaxed tone with a hint of humor,
"Anyway, we old folks don't expect to live much longer.
Instead of being an isolated island, it is better to unite and fight those bigger enemies."
Tsuru didn't speak, but her slight nodding motion had already indicated her position.
She has always been a cautious and rational person, and the ability to make such a decision shows that the thoughts in her heart have been basically determined.
Jin couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Although he had long known that Sengoku and others' thinking was not static, this cooperation was undoubtedly an important turning point.
When facing the increasingly powerful dark forces of the World Government, being able to unite into a powerful force may bring new hope.
He gently put down the burden in his heart, his eyes calm, but a surge of indescribable impulse and excitement welled up in his heart.
Because, all of this, may really be able to change the pattern of the world.
"If that's the case,"
Jin raised his head, looked at Sengoku, and his tone gradually became decisive,
"I will fully support you in the upcoming actions.
We have no time to delay any longer.
There are too many dark hands in the World Government, and the power of each of us is limited. Only by uniting can we have real hope."
Sengoku took a deep look at him, a trace of appreciation flashing in his eyes.
"I know you are not a person who makes empty talk, Jin.
You have always been a man of action.
If the Navy and the New Navy cooperate in depth, our strength will be greatly enhanced."
Garp smiled and patted Jin on the shoulder.
"Okay, since everyone is willing to cooperate, then there is nothing to hesitate about.
Anyway, we old bones don't want to see the Navy continue to degenerate.
It's time to bring some movement to this world."
Tsuru's brow relaxed slightly, and she finally showed a smile.
"If that's the case, let's start acting."
...
