Chapter 397: Chasing That Glimmer of Hope

Zefa's mood was too complicated to express in words. He lay on his back on a lounge chair on the deck of the warship, closed his eyes and let the sunlight shine on his face, as if he wanted to find a little comfort and answer from this moment of tranquility.

His expression was calm, but the deep wrinkles between his brows revealed the heaviness of his heart.

While feeling the warmth of the sun, he was lost in thought, as if pondering the gains and losses in his life.

"Are you back?" Zefa's voice was faint, with a hint of imperceptible fatigue, as if it was just a casual question, but it hid a deeper meaning.

Jin An walked up to him and smiled, trying to ease the dull atmosphere. "Why does Mr. Zefa look so unhappy?"

Zefa did not answer immediately. He was silent for a moment, then slowly opened his eyes, a look of confusion and helplessness in his eyes. "I don't know if I can see peace return to this ocean in my lifetime."

Jin An noticed the slightly old ring on Zefa's finger, and his heart moved. It was a gift from him to the other party.

He understood that Zefa had always been committed to bringing peace and stability to civilians, and for this reason he had joined the navy decades ago and dedicated most of his life to the navy.

"You will definitely see it," Jin An said softly, with a hint of determination in his eyes, as if he was comforting or encouraging himself.

Zefa slowly stood up and looked at the endless sea in the distance. The sea breeze blew gently, bringing a salty and humid smell.

His eyes revealed a mixture of deep sadness and hope.

"If Whitebeard could control his sons, and the navy could catch those pirates, maybe this world would be a better place."

Although his tone was filled with dissatisfaction, it revealed a kind of helpless recognition, as if he was admitting his powerlessness in the face of the current situation.

He used to be the backbone of the navy and had hunted down countless pirates, but now he was beginning to doubt whether the beliefs he held on to could be fulfilled, which made him feel painful.

Jin An nodded in agreement, but a complicated emotion emerged in his heart.

His impression of the Whitebeard Pirates was indeed better than that of other pirate groups, but he could not forget the scene in the original work where Ace destroyed a warship casually.

In Jinan's memory, even a pirate like Ace, who was considered to have good character, would still attack the navy without hesitation.

So, what about the other pirates?

Has their violence and ambition long since gone beyond Whitebeard's control?

Pirates who enjoy killing and robbing are everywhere in this world.

"But I believe that the day when peace comes will not be too far away." Jin An said softly. Although his words were full of hope, he still could not completely erase the uncertainty in his heart.

Zefa did not respond, but just stood there quietly, letting the sea breeze blow his white hair.

His gaze was deep and distant, as if he could see through the layers of waves and see the peaceful world he once longed for.

But he knew that the road was still long and difficult, and no one could predict whether he would be able to see that day in his lifetime.

However, in this moment of silence, both of them felt the other's determination and belief.

Even if the road ahead is full of thorns, they will continue to move forward, for the peace they desire in their hearts, and to prevent this ocean from being dyed red by blood and hatred again.

"You met those big pirates on the sixth floor." Zefa's voice was low and slow, with a deliberate calmness, as if he had already anticipated Jin'an's answer.

Jin An nodded, recalling the creepy atmosphere he felt in the oppressive darkness on the sixth floor of Impel Down.

Those imprisoned pirates seemed fearless on the surface, even a bit sarcastic and arrogant. The ambition and desire revealed in their eyes made Jin An unforgettable to this day.

Zefa's gaze was cast into the distance, as if he wanted to see the truth hidden deep in this world through the vast horizon.

“Is it possible that we can’t see the fear of Impel Down in the eyes of those people? On the contrary, they are excited about the arrival of newcomers.” His tone was mixed with a hint of helplessness and sadness that could not be concealed.

Jinan nodded again, his heart full of recognition for Zefa.

"Yes, I've been there twice, and I still see ambition in those people's eyes." His words were calm, but the gleam in his eyes revealed his inner turmoil.

Those imprisoned pirates never gave up their ambitions and desires even when they were imprisoned in the depths of the world's most secure prisons.

The light in their eyes was as hot as flames, burning Jinan's heart.

Zefa sighed, and in that sigh was an indescribable heaviness and helplessness.

"This is the crux of this world. Those people are full of ambitions for One Piece and the treasure behind it, but they don't care so much about the rule of the World Government."

His voice echoed in the air, as if announcing the endless cycle and unbreakable shackles of this world.

Jinan felt the sadness and deep thought in Zefa's tone. He knew that what Zefa was talking about was not just the big pirates in the city, but the reality of the entire world.

Everyone here, whether pirates, sailors, or even ordinary civilians, are more or less attracted by the illusory Raftel. That unknown treasure land is like a hook that has hooked everyone's heart and soul.

"It's just like what Mr. Zefa said. The people in this world..." Jin An whispered, as if talking to himself, "In my opinion, they can be described as 'insane'. Surviving here and leading a better life seem to be completely inferior to the illusory Raftel."

There was a hint of sadness and confusion in his words, as if he could not understand why these people were willing to abandon everything in reality and even sacrifice their lives for an illusory dream.

Zefa's gaze became deeper. He was silent for a moment, as if thinking about Jin'an's words.

"This is the reality we face." Zefa finally spoke, his voice calm and firm, "No matter how hard we try, no matter how we try to make this world a better place, the ambitions and desires in those people's hearts will always drive them to pursue that unknown land, even if that is a road of no return."

A complex emotion surged in Jin'an's heart, including helplessness towards this world and deep admiration for Zefa.

Although Zefa sees through all of this, he still fights for peace and justice, and still hopes to see the world return to peace.

"But even so, we can't give up." Jin An said with a hint of determination in his tone. He looked at Zefa, as if seeking resonance. "We must continue to work hard. Even if there is only a glimmer of hope, we must fight for it. Because if even we give up, then there will really be no hope for this world."

Zefa looked at Jinan, a hint of relief and some more complicated emotions flashed in his eyes.

He nodded slightly, and although he didn't say anything else, Jin An knew that his words had resonated in Zefa's heart.

The two stood on the deck, quietly looking at the distant horizon. The sea breeze blew gently, bringing a salty and humid smell.

Beneath the sparkling sea, there are countless unknown dangers and challenges hidden, but in their hearts, desire and hope are still burning.

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