### Chapter 104: Zephyr is the Real Villain

Borsalino hesitated, rubbing the stubble on his chin. He felt like this was something he should do—life here was really quite good. It even gave him a reasonable excuse not to go back. But would Fleet Admiral Sengoku really allow it? Borsalino wavered at the thought.

“I can talk to Sengoku for you. Besides, you're just idling away in the Navy anyway,” Zephyr chimed in, hoping Borsalino would stay in Dressrosa. Although Zephyr wasn't too fond of Borsalino, he recognized the value in keeping him around. Borsalino's laid-back nature made him the perfect candidate to settle down in Dressrosa, a place seemingly made for lazy people like him. This might just be Borsalino's favorite place in the world.

But there was more to this than met the eye. Recently, Zephyr found himself in a dilemma. That bastard Uchiha Reijin had started arranging matches for him. Honestly, at his age, Zephyr had long abandoned such thoughts. His only goal now was to train a group of children who could carry on his ideals in the future. He had no interest in leaving descendants on the seas; it was a trivial matter to him. He had no desire to go through the pain of losing a wife and child again.

But Uchiha Reijin was too overbearing. He arranged a matchmaking session without Zephyr’s consent, bringing in four or five widows from the Uchiha clan, all in their thirties and forties, for Zephyr to choose from. Being the straightforward man he was, Zephyr was taken aback. This reminded him of similar situations in the Navy, particularly that time when Sengoku, that old fool, tried to push him into finding someone new. Sengoku thought it might help him get over his losses, but Zephyr had shut that idea down immediately, berating Sengoku harshly.

Afterward, Zephyr devoted himself fully to the Navy, serving tirelessly. But here in Dressrosa, that wasn't enough. This country seemed to place a special importance on population. From what Zephyr understood, the Uchiha clan's minimum requirement was three children. Even someone like Kakashi, who wasn't an Uchiha by blood, bore the same responsibility. And as for Reijin, the king and clan leader, he set the first example by marrying a former princess of Dressrosa. Lately, people had been sent to the palace to check if there was any movement in Viola’s womb, as Reijin was determined to lead by example.

What a bizarre place this was! Something was definitely off about this country. Yet, Reijin was also the Uchiha clan leader, burdened with the responsibility of continuing the Uchiha bloodline. Zephyr couldn't say much about that. Now, he was desperately seeking a way out. Conveniently, an alternative had presented itself: Borsalino. Keeping Borsalino in Dressrosa for a few months might do the trick. If he could find a way to ensure Borsalino fathered a child, Zephyr could finally relieve himself of this pressure. Reijin might even praise him for it and show him the Eight Gates technique. Yes, helping Dressrosa in this way should earn him some goodwill. Reijin surely wouldn’t keep pressuring an old man like him to father children, would he?

“Well, in that case, I’ll leave it to you and Fleet Admiral Sengoku to sort out,” Borsalino replied, giving Zephyr a curious look. Zephyr, once strict, now seemed much more flexible. Perhaps he had developed some affection for this country during his time here and wanted to protect it for a while longer.

Borsalino was surprised at how Zephyr had so effortlessly provided a solid reason for him to stay. It was a convincing argument, one that no one could easily refute. Any thoughts of a trap were dismissed by Borsalino. As the possessor of the world’s fastest Devil Fruit, there was no way he could be trapped here, not even by a small country like this, regardless of how strong its king might be. Yet, there was something odd in Zephyr’s gaze—like he was plotting something.

“Alright then! Elder Firestone, please arrange quarters for Admiral Kizaru and also for the stationed Navy forces,” Zephyr commanded Uchiha Firestone with a wave of his hand. Surely, having Borsalino here would get the Uchiha off his back.

“No problem!” Uchiha Firestone quickly nodded, leading Borsalino to his quarters. Borsalino also needed to report on what he had observed in Dressrosa, including the battle between the Uchiha clan and Totto Land, and how Zephyr’s arm had been miraculously restored. The secrets hidden in this country were too numerous to count.

After Borsalino left, Zephyr finally let out a genuine sigh of relief. His gaze drifted, feeling a bit guilty for setting up his disciple like this.

“Zephyr-sensei, that was really something! Who would’ve thought you'd come up with such a devious plan?” Kakashi suddenly spoke up, admiring Zephyr with a respectful gesture. He hadn’t expected Zephyr to drag his own disciple into the mix just to avoid getting remarried. Though Kakashi found the plan ingenious, he had no intention of following Zephyr's example. After all, what worked for Zephyr wouldn’t necessarily work for him.

---

He’s practically the last member of the Hatake clan.

Raijin gave him a strict order: he must have at least three children.

Otherwise, they’d drug him and toss him into a room full of women.

Facing the domineering presence of Uchiha Raijin, he had no options left.

But Zepyhr found another way.

But can Kizaru really cooperate? That’s the biggest issue here.

As an Admiral, would he leave his offspring in someone else’s hands?

It might cause quite an uproar.

And how could they get Kizaru to comply?

This is a crucial problem as well.

This isn’t something that can be easily solved.

"Don’t worry about it; I’ve got it all figured out," Zepyhr said seriously.

"Do you think this method will actually work? That bastard Uchiha Raijin won’t stop making me find a wife, will he?" Zepyhr asked hesitantly.

This was hitting him right where it hurt.

It was like treating a former Navy Admiral like a breeding pig.

Zepyhr couldn’t even face the Uchiha clan anymore.

He was starting to think about escaping from Dressrosa.

But he couldn’t!

He couldn’t part with the Eight Gates technique.

And then there were the students.

It was really a tough situation.

"I think it’s very effective. Uchiha Raijin just wants to strengthen the Uchiha clan."

"He wants the Uchiha bloodline spread across the seas, ensuring its continuation."

"That’s why he’s looking for strong people to marry into the clan. There’s no one more appealing than a Navy Admiral."

Kakashi nodded confidently. There wasn’t anyone more enticing than a Navy Admiral.

Raijin would probably be thrilled to hear this news, maybe for a long time.

But this guy is full of cunning!

He’d already moved all of Konoha when he left.

Now he’d found someone worth taking away.

There’s no way he’d just give up.

It feels like Zepyhr is about to fall into a trap.

Who knows how many more people will get caught in it?

"Cough, cough! That’s good then. I’m too old for this kind of hassle."

"Let’s do this: I’ll go see Shizune later to get some medicine."

"That way, we can ensure there won’t be any mistakes."

Zepyhr nodded seriously, as if this were the only way to make Kizaru behave.

The physical strength of a Navy Admiral is off the charts!

So he’d prepare a double dose, based on Kizaru’s body size.

To Zepyhr, this was as serious as a war.

"…"

Kakashi fell silent. It seemed that Zepyhr had truly become part of Dressrosa.

Not only had he learned a lot about being a ninja, but now he was even willing to resort to poisoning, something typically considered underhanded.

Circumstances can change people, but sometimes change is good.

At least now, Admiral Zepyhr would truly be one of them.

After some time, Dressrosa erupted in cheers.

Kakashi was already waiting for Ron at the palace.

Dressrosa had just secured its first victory, and it was against a pirate with a bounty of over three billion.

Their reputation had been solidified across the seas, making the people ecstatic.

After all, they lived in a powerful country; there was no need to worry about safety anymore.

And they had captured a prisoner: Charlotte Katakuri, one of Big Mom’s four generals.

No one expected them to capture an enemy, which only made their triumph feel even bigger.

"This was a good haul! I didn’t expect us to capture one of their top generals."

"What about the others? Didn’t we capture more of them?"

Kakashi watched as Raijin approached the palace and lazily greeted him.

In truth, with Raijin’s power, he didn’t need to walk around the port to get here.

But Uchiha Raijin did this to stabilize Dressrosa, a way of reassuring the people.

This approach worked well. Kakashi could already imagine the newspapers tomorrow reporting on Katakuri’s capture.

"The rest are of no use. But another one, Owen, managed to escape."

"That guy’s a coward and ran pretty fast."

Raijin casually explained.

Owen was rescued by his sister.

The mermaid hid in the sea, moving as fast as any ninja could in water.

Pursuing them was a lost cause, so Raijin gave up.

As for the others, they were just a bunch of weaklings.

Even if they were captured, they’d only be more mouths to feed.

They were of no use to Raijin, so he left them to their fate in the ocean.

"Then forget it," Kakashi said, shaking his head as he followed Raijin into the palace.

Katakuri was taken away, not handed over to the Navy.

Even if they did, it would be a hot potato.

They didn’t intend to burn all their bridges, just wanted to negotiate on equal terms with Big Mom’s crew.

If they pushed too hard, Raijin didn’t have the power to handle Charlotte Linlin.

She could very well destroy Dressrosa.

Even with the Navy there, it would be tough to defend.

"Lord Raijin, should we take the offensive next?" asked one of the Nara clan members.

The Nara clan was known for their sharp minds, which made them valuable to Raijin.

"No need to attack. Just send someone to Whole Cake Island to express our intentions."

"If that crazy woman agrees, then release Katakuri!"

"But I doubt she’ll agree."

Raijin smiled.

After all, the Big Mom Pirates had already been embarrassed enough.

Before, Raijin’s show of strength might have gotten her to agree.

But now that they’d fought, suddenly backing down would be humiliating.

Where would Charlotte Linlin’s pride go?

It would make her a laughingstock in the New World.

She had been beaten by a newcomer.

And if she suddenly sought peace, it would ruin her reputation.

When the time comes to choose the Yonko, Charlotte Linlin wouldn’t stand a chance.

Her peers had all become Yonko, and even a younger generation member might become one.

After all, reputation is everything on the seas.

"Understood!" The Nara clan member nodded.

It wasn’t like they were the ones risking their lives.

Sending ten or so wouldn’t matter.

With that, everyone left, leaving only Kakashi and Raijin in the grand hall.

This wasn’t a place for chatting, so Raijin took Kakashi to the poolside to bask in the sun.

After everyone else had gone, Violet brought them a bottle of red wine and poured them each a glass.

"If there’s something on your mind, just say it. Ever since you left the Ninja World, you’ve had trouble hiding your thoughts."

Raijin sipped his wine, glanced at Kakashi, and asked.

Kakashi’s face was full of the desire to share something, like he was holding back some news.

But it seemed to involve someone else, or how could it stir such a strong urge to share?

This guy definitely had something to vent about.

He was just waiting for Raijin to ask first.

---

“Cough, cough, is it that obvious?”

Kakashi coughed awkwardly, surprised that his expression was so easy to read.

Since it was out in the open, Kakashi decided not to hesitate any longer. He explained to Raijin everything that Zepyhr had done earlier. The whole sequence of events had amazed Kakashi so much that he needed to vent to someone. Besides, this was something beneficial for Dressrosa, so there was no need to keep it a secret.

Raijin would still have to clean up the mess Zepyhr left behind.

“There’s really something like this?”

Even Raijin couldn’t hide the surprise on his face. He didn’t expect Zepyhr to go to such lengths just to avoid getting married, even using his disciple to take the hit for him. This approach was truly something else.

“Looks like your plan to get Zepyhr married isn’t going to work out,” Kakashi chuckled, impressed by Zepyhr’s resourcefulness. “Zepyhr-sensei found a way out and avoided the trap.”

Kakashi admired Zepyhr’s cleverness. Zepyhr had paved a new path, one that others might try to follow in the future.

“Who said there’s no way?” Raijin shot Kakashi a sly grin. When it came to straightforward strategies, he couldn’t compare to Shikaku Nara. But when it came to schemes and tricks, especially ones that trapped others, Raijin had plenty up his sleeve. He could definitely keep Zepyhr tied down in Dressrosa, even if it meant dragging ten more Navy officers into the mess—eventually, Zepyhr would have to face it himself.

“???” Kakashi looked at Raijin, puzzled. What other way could he have to control Zepyhr?

“Once we’re sure that Zepyhr has rooted Kizaru in Dressrosa, tell him he has to fulfill his obligations. He needs to have at least three children. If Kizaru is willing, as long as he has three, that’s enough.”

“If that doesn’t happen, then Zepyhr will have to keep going on blind dates until he marries someone from the Uchiha clan.”

“Or… he can bring in some of his other students. Ideally, he should trick Aokiji into coming over.”

“If Aokiji comes, then we can have both Aokiji and Kizaru look for spouses.”

“With those two working together within the Navy, I think we could even manage to take down Akainu.”

“And maybe, I could even end up marrying Vice Admiral Momousagi,” Raijin said, a smile spreading across his face.

This was how to really hit someone where it hurts. Since Zepyhr was so afraid of getting married, Raijin would just keep pushing him in that direction. And Raijin didn’t need to use force—unlike Zepyhr’s underhanded methods of trying to leave someone with a child. Raijin’s approach was much gentler, simply wearing down the other side with endless matchmaking.

“Got it,” Kakashi said, his expression unchanged, though internally he was more determined than ever. He would definitely make sure to have three kids as soon as possible! He didn’t want to end up in Raijin’s sights. This guy was terrifying.

“I’m still too soft, not as ruthless as Zepyhr!” Raijin sighed.

If he had been more ruthless, who knows how many marriages he could have arranged in Dressrosa by now. When Shikaku returns, Raijin would have him formalize the childbirth regulations, drafting even more detailed rules. There would undoubtedly be more people coming to Dressrosa in the future, and Raijin wasn’t about to let them off easily.

“…”

Violet was also on the verge of speaking, but held back. It seemed like Uchiha Raijin had made the expansion of the Uchiha clan his obsession. In the coming years, there would likely be a massive wave of births within the Uchiha clan. If Raijin became more relentless, the importance of childbirth might become ingrained in the Uchiha clan’s very identity.

Since Raijin had taken the throne, Dressrosa had started to change.

Whole Cake Island? They’d soon have to take a back seat.

In another ten years, Raijin’s domain might truly be the real land of a thousand nations.

It was absolutely terrifying.

(End of Chapter)