<h4>Chapter 50: Retirement</h4>


    In the middle of the Sea Circle Calendar year 1497,rgely unnoticed by the world, a new organization called Happy Street began to emerge and expand within the underworld. Meanwhile, Umit had essentially taken control of the shipping business in Mariejois.


    This small ripple, like a butterfly pping its wings, might seem insignificant now, but could lead to major changes in the future.


    Inside the grand pce of Mariejois, udius sat leisurely in a rocking chair, engrossed in a book. His butler, Nia, entered the study holding an ount ledger.


    Hearing the door open, udius nced up and smiled at Nia.


    Nia returned the smile and said, "I saw Crocodile storming out earlier. Did he upset you again, Your Highness?"


    "Me? No, not at all. I''m far too generous for that. It''s just that he lost to me again during our morning training, and instead of closing the gap between us, it seems to have widened. He''s been sulking all day."


    udius chuckled softly.


    Nia, clearly not surprised, shrugged. "Crocodile might be skilled, but how could hepare to you, Your Highness? Of course he lost."


    "Working for free, is he? He should be ashamed," Nia continued with a snicker. "You''ve fed him, given him drink, even let him study Zephyr''s teachings without charge, and he still dares to challenge you. If he loses, it''s only what he deserves."


    udius smiled again. "Young talents need proper nurturing. Let him struggle now. One day, he might grow into someone worth my attention."


    Changing the topic, Nia ced the ledger on udius'' desk. "Your Highness, this is Umit''s ount book for the year. As per our agreement, he''s given us 30% of his profits. That''s about four billion Berries."


    "Not bad," udius nodded, though he didn''t bother looking at the ledger. He trusted Niapletely when it came to finances.


    Though Umit had aligned himself with udius, udius never fully trusted the man. Umit was ambitious, and udius sensed that deep down. So, he didn''t bring Umit into CP-X or any of his inner circles. Instead, he just demanded 30% of Umit''s business profits annually no negotiation.


    udius had noticed Umit''s reluctance, but as a powerful Celestial Dragon, and with the backing of the Five Elders, udius could shut down Umit''s business with a mere word. Umit had no choice but toply.


    "Any issues with the ount?" udius asked.


    "No discrepancies. The numbers check out," Nia replied.


    "Good. Split it in half. Send one half to Stussy, and keep the rest for emergencies. Umit might be obedient now, but we can''t be too sure about the future."


    Nia then asked, "Would you prefer to rece him? After all, someone like him can be swapped out any time."


    udius shook his head. "Not yet. He''spetent enough for now. Once his business growsrge enough, and I find someone more reliable, I''ll take both him and his empire in one stroke."


    Seeing that udius had no further ns for Umit at the moment, Nia moved on. "There''s news from the Sabaody Archipgo Roger''s crew has been spotted there again."


    "Roger, huh?" udius mused, a smile ying on his lips. "This might be thest time they enter the New World."


    By mid-1497, udius knew that in about a year and a half, Roger would find the final ind, Raftel, and be the Pirate King a title that would threaten the World Government. Afterward, Roger would disband his crew, marry in South Blue, and then, with his health failing, surrender to the Marines. His execution in East Blue''s Loguetown would mark the start of the Great Pirate Era.


    "Did Garp catch them?" udius asked.


    "No, unfortunately. Garp is currently in the New World. Roger''s crew has been spotted in a tavern in thewless area," Nia replied.


    "A tavern? Could it be Shakky''s Rip-off Bar?" udius asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Nia was surprised. "How did you know, Your Highness?"


    udius chuckled. "That ce is a little famous for more than just its drinks. Some people fall in love there, you know?"


    If memory served, that tavern was where Silvers Rayleigh and Shakky started their romance. Rayleigh wouldter retire in Sabaody and live there with Shakky.


    Nia smiled, though a bit confused. "I get the feeling you''re always particrly interested in news about Roger''s crew, Your Highness. Why is that?"


    udiusughed heartily. "Roger was the first pirate bold enough to invite me aboard his ship. Besides, I''ve got a feeling that they''ll do something truly world-shaking soon."


    "Regardless, Your Highness, you should prepare. Zephyr will be arriving shortly to see you," Nia informed him.


    "See me? Why?"


    "I heard there was an attack on Marineford''s residential area by a group of pirates. Zephyr''s family was caught up in it."


    Marineford, the headquarters of the Navy, housed not only Marine officers but also their families. Recently, a group of pirates had the audacity to attack the living quarters, causing a huge scandal and embarrassing the Navy.


    Zephyr''s family was one of the targets, but udius had made arrangements years ago to station CP-0 operatives in Marineford. Thanks to their protection, Zephyr''s family was unharmed.


    Zephyr, having discovered that udius had secretly protected his family, was nowing to thank him personally.


    After putting the pieces together, udius nodded thoughtfully. "Zephyr''s visit is timely. I had something I wanted to ask him anyway, particrly about the Marine Science Unit."


    "The Science Unit? Why are you interested in them, Your Highness?" Nia asked, curious.


    udius smirked. "Well, as head of CP-X, I rank the same as the leaders of the CP organizations, the Fleet Admiral of the Marines, and others. I''m not directly under any militarymand, but cooperation is only natural. Marine''s science division might have some interesting projects, don''t you think? At the very least, I''m curious to see if there''s anything that could enhance the power of the Marsh-Marsh Fruit."


    Not long after, Zephyr arrived at the gates of the pce. Nia went out to greet him, and soon he was escorted to udius.


    udius hadn''t seen Zephyr in some time, but upon seeing him, he smiled warmly. "Zephyr, it''s been a while."


    Zephyr strode over quickly and grabbed udius by the arm, his expression sincere. "Your Highness, thank you. If it weren''t for you, I don''t know what might have happened to my family."


    udius waved him off casually. "No need for thanks, Zephyr. I barely remember making those arrangements."


    "Even so, Your Highness, you saved their lives. I owe you a great debt," Zephyr said, his tone serious.


    After exchanging more pleasantries, the two sat down. udius, always quick with a jest, said, "Zephyr, I must say, you''ve been a bit negligent this time. Isn''t today rather important?"


    Zephyr blinked, confused. "Important? Is today a special day?"


    udius stared at him. "You don''t know? Roger''s crew is in Sabaody Archipgo right now. Aren''t you nning to capture them?"


    Zephyr chuckled, shaking his head. "Ah, Your Highness, you''re not aware. I''ve already resigned from my position in the Marines."


    "Resigned?" udius was genuinely surprised. "You''re leaving the Navy?"


    "Not entirely. I''m stepping down from the position of Admiral. Recent events have made me reflect deeply. I''m no longer suited for the responsibilities of an Admiral, especially in these turbulent times. I think it''s better for me to retire from active duty and focus on training the next generation of Marines," Zephyr exined with a calm smile.