What a statement!
But Ian understood what Zephyr meant. Since they couldn't sell the real wine, the Sibia River Archipelago simply used the name of green grape wine to sell fake wine.
Even if they got caught, they could just say they learned brewing techniques from their time of oppression. Selling wine isn't illegal, is it?
What do you mean, the label looks the same?
They don't know!
Where is it the same?
What could the Marines say?
They couldn't arrest a group of people for selling fake wine, could they?
And they weren't even selling fake wine; at most, the trademark looked a little similar.
Of course, they might get beaten up by customers who bought the fake wine!
But this move still made Ian sigh in amazement. "Village Chief Martin... He's really a damn genius!"
He actually thought of such a method?
"Brother Martin really is a talented man!"
Facing Ian's words, Zephyr also nodded in strong agreement. Then, still smiling, he continued: "Or rather, all five of those village chiefs were talented! What a pity, I really do miss the days of drinking with them."
"So, are we doing it or not? Fake wine is being sold everywhere now. If we still want to do it, I think now is the right time. Otherwise, if we wait too long and our reputation gets ruined, by then the wine might not even sell for money."
"No, now is not the time."
However, contrary to Zephyr's suggestion, Ian instead shook his head. "The more counterfeit wine there is, the more valuable our wine becomes!"
Zephyr: "...?"
Before Zephyr could ask why, Ian pondered for a moment, then continued: "But you're right, we really do need to prepare first. Have the Sibia Village continue producing fake wine. No, have Grado give some hints to other places too, let them also make counterfeit wine, and spread the fake wine everywhere!"
Zephyr: "...?"
These words left Zephyr completely frozen in place. Then he frowned in confusion and asked, "Why? Isn't now the time to crack down on fake wine? What if those guys replace our green grape wine entirely? You know some of those counterfeit wines actually taste pretty good."
"We will crack them down, but there's no rush."
Ian shook his head and said, "Not only that, we also have to announce bounties on the black market, high prices for purchasing the genuine wine, and increase the bounty every once in a while. As for being replaced by fakes..."
He continued while smiling as he looked at Zephyr: "You don't need to worry about that."
At this point, taste was already irrelevant. Even if it were a bottle of horse urine, whoever drank it would still shout, Good wine!
For a product that wants to sell at a high price, sometimes taste and quality are the least important factors.
Of course, if taste and quality are also good, that's even better.
As for counterfeits becoming the real thing, there's nothing to worry about. The Sibia Village's success at that time was largely thanks to those two old men.
And now, those two old men... one was in his hands, and the other was at Marine Headquarters.
As for the Marine Headquarters side, there was even less to worry about.
Surely they wouldn't go sell wine, much less the enemy's wine. The Marines should still have at least that much dignity.
Therefore, there was no need to fear counterfeits replacing the real thing!
One could say Zephyr and Garp themselves were the symbols of genuine wine!
However… Ian rubbed his chin and pondered: "Where should we build the factory?"
It was impossible to place it on Ohara.
If they shipped out from here, the moment something was sent, Marine Headquarters would learn about it.
So, if they truly wanted to brew wine, they needed a place that wouldn't expose their base.
"Forget it, I'll think about it later."
Ian lifted his axe and stood up while looking at Zephyr in front of him. "It's getting late, I'll go train first."
After saying this, he picked up his axe and began walking toward his training grounds.
Then he suddenly remembered something. "Oh, right, Instructor Zephyr, no matter how much the Marine Headquarters tries to lower or erase it, I believe your achievements on the sea and in the Marines won't be wiped away so easily. After all, those are the marks left by your efforts and your justice."
After speaking, he said nothing more and continued onward, leaving Zephyr standing there in a daze.
Only after a moment did Zephyr finally snap back, then he shook his head with a smile. "This kid!"
But after just that small laugh, he no longer cared.
Just as he had said, since he had already made this choice, he would not dwell on it anymore.
Besides, there was something he had never said out loud: he had dedicated the first half of his life, even his justice and his life, to the Marine Headquarters.
As for the days ahead, he wanted to protect the children who had always followed him and live freely.
Zephyr slightly raised his head, looking at the moon already hanging high in the sky.
A small curve formed on his lips.
After who knows how long, he lazily moved his shoulders and chuckled: "Hopefully what you said is right! If my fleet can't be formed because I don't have enough money, I'll have Ain come ask you for money! Hahaha..."
...
On the other side, just as Zephyr had said, as events continued to unfold, the discontinued green grape wine did not disappear from the sea; instead, it only grew more popular.
Especially after hearing that the wine had already ceased production, the remaining bottles on the market skyrocketed to unbelievable prices.
Even in the black market, bounties were now being offered for green grape wine, and these bounties grew higher every day…
This strange development, of course, also reached Marine Headquarters.
Although it was merely a case of wine prices soaring, the influence of the rebel Zephyr and rebel Ian was far too great.
Therefore, during this period, any information related to them would be treated carefully.
Especially during Marine Headquarters' current anti-corruption campaign, everyone feared ending up like those earlier officers, who, because of carelessness, caused severe losses to the Marines and were then sent straight to military court without even a chance to appeal.
Who would dare be careless now?
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