Yoriichi Tsugikuni had no doubts about the explanation Issho gave. Although he claimed it was merely instinct that led him to believe Issho wasn't someone who killed the innocent, only Yoriichi himself knew—that wasn't instinct. That was foresight.

Still, while Yoriichi trusted Issho, no one else would take that explanation at face value. A man had already died by Issho's hand. Could it really be left to Issho's word alone?

Kyros didn't want to believe it either. A man like Issho, who struck with ruthless precision, didn't seem to fit the image of someone "good." But Kyros seemed to forget that the superior officer he now followed was exactly the same.

There was never a rule that said kind people couldn't strike with severity.

In this world, people like Zephyr, the type who were kind to everyone without exception, were extremely rare.

"You expect us to believe you based solely on your word?"

"You're coming back with us to the Navy. I'll personally question the locals and find out what really happened."

"If the truth is as you say, then the Navy won't hold you accountable."

"But remember, each nation has its own laws. You killed someone in the Principality of Verdant Crest. How they choose to handle you is up to their judicial system."

"At the very least, don't think you're walking away just like that."

Kyros was firm. Whether Issho was lying or not, there was no way Kyros would let him go.

Because that was his justice.

Issho heard those firm words. Though he had originally resisted going back with Yoriichi and the others, he now fell silent.

Though blind, Issho's heart was not. He could feel the conviction within Kyros.

If the Navy could act justly, Issho didn't mind stepping onto their ship. What worried him was whether the Navy might be swayed by the Principality's influence.

Issho wasn't foolish. He had already guessed from the civilians' gasps that the men he killed were people of some status. If he really let the Principality try him, the outcome was obvious—execution.

Issho was a kind and righteous man, but not a fool.

Let himself be sentenced to death? Not a chance.

But with these Marines… maybe there was room for trust. That was Issho's first instinct.

"Alright."

"I'll go with you."

"There were quite a few witnesses. I don't mind staying for a bit."

Yoriichi was surprised that Issho had given in. If their positions were reversed—if he were the one in Issho's place—he likely wouldn't have backed down.

If I killed someone, then I killed them. I wasn't wrong. If you want to investigate, then go investigate. But don't think about restricting me.

That's what people mean when they say, 'the righteous use strength to break the law.'

Issho's reaction not only surprised Yoriichi, it made him like him even more.

"Mr. Issho, you truly are different."

"Are you sure you don't want to consider joining the Navy?"

"We really need someone like you."

Yoriichi looked at Issho with admiration and extended the invitation once again. Before Issho could speak, Kyros sighed and said,

"Yoriichi, my Rear Admiral."

"He's a murder suspect. We can't just let him join the Navy before the investigation is finished."

Yoriichi glanced at Kyros and replied casually,

"Then go complete the investigation."

"You handle it. Do it quickly."

"And besides, weren't you also once a murderer?"

"This world is filled with helplessness and circumstance. I don't mind the past."

"What I care about is whether the people joining the Navy have their own sense of justice."

Yoriichi waved his hand, unconcerned. His words made Kyros pause, then laugh at himself. After serving in the Navy for so long, Kyros had nearly forgotten he was once a killer too.

It was Yoriichi and Kuzan who had brought him out of Dressrosa.

As Yoriichi said, this world is full of pain and helplessness. You can't define everything so simply.

"Alright. I'll ask the nearby residents."

Kyros nodded to a few subordinates and quickly left the street to find eyewitnesses.

Yoriichi then invited Issho onto his ship and offered him tea inside the cabin.

While waiting for Kyros to return, Yoriichi asked Issho about his past, including the scar on his face.

Issho was born in a small country in the New World. When he was young, the nation was attacked by pirates. The entire kingdom was destroyed, and his family perished in the chaos.

The scar on his face came later, during his quest for revenge.

That pirate crew was eventually eliminated by Issho, but in the process, he was permanently scarred and lost his sight.

After avenging his family, Issho lost his purpose. He began wandering the world. Whenever he encountered injustice, he would step in, driven by his sense of righteousness.

When he ran out of money, he'd go to casinos to earn some travel funds. He had no interest in wealth. Even gambling was just for the thrill. No matter how much he won, he only took what he needed.

But if he encountered hosts who couldn't handle losing, Issho would take what he was owed and send the filth where it belonged.

His reluctance to join the Navy also stemmed from his experiences. Years of wandering exposed him to countless atrocities. His impression of the Navy was far from positive.

Issho understood that every organization had its share of filth, but first impressions matter. He didn't want to join.

Especially not as a low-ranking soldier. That would mean going with the flow. And Issho wasn't naive enough to think a foot soldier could defy the current.

Over the years, Issho's strength had grown terrifying through constant battle. The [Gravity-Gravity Fruit], a Paramecia-type, was something he had eaten by chance, and he had already mastered it to an extraordinary level.

Though only in his early thirties, Issho had already reached the peak of his strength.

This blind swordsman truly had the aura of a "Zatoichi."

For some reason, when speaking with Yoriichi, Issho felt comfortable opening up. Perhaps it was because, deep down, they were the same kind of person.

From their conversation, Yoriichi understood why Issho refused his invitation. Issho feared losing his freedom.

Rather than join the Navy and be swept away by the system, he preferred wandering the world and doing what he believed was right.

As for why he would one day join the Navy, that too made sense. A Navy Admiral had far more autonomy than a recruit. Though restricted in some ways, the power of an Admiral could also be used to do far more good.

In fact, Issho would later play a crucial role in abolishing the Warlord system. His contribution could not be ignored.

"Issho, you're the man I've been looking for!"

"When I return to the Navy, I'll be promoted to Vice Admiral!"

"I can't give you a high position right away, but trust me on this—if you work with me, Yoriichi Tsugikuni, you'll still be able to act according to your own beliefs."

"As a Vice Admiral, I can make that happen."

"So come on, Issho. Join the Navy. With your strength, you can help so many more people."

"The Navy needs someone like you. The world needs someone like you."

As the conversation reached its end, Yoriichi once again extended the invitation. His words were bold, elevating Issho onto a pedestal.

Having been invited multiple times by a Vice Admiral, Issho could feel the genuine sincerity in Yoriichi's offer. His heart began to waver.

Just as Issho was about to accept Yoriichi's invitation...

The cabin door was suddenly pushed open.

Kyros entered with a dark expression. He glanced at Issho, then turned to Yoriichi and reported,

"Vice Admiral Yoriichi, the investigation is complete."

"All the eyewitnesses gave the same story. He attacked suddenly and killed Viscount Wenblay and his men."

"The army of the Principality of Verdant Crest is now conducting a full-scale search for him."

Kyros's words made Issho fall silent.

Yoriichi raised an eyebrow at the report. He looked at Issho, then back at Kyros, and furrowed his brow.

Kyros wouldn't lie.

And Yoriichi was certain of Issho's character. With the insight he had, there was no doubt—he knew what kind of man Issho was.

Given all that, there could only be one conclusion.

"All saying the same thing, huh…"

"It must be exhausting to live in a country like that. The people of the Principality of Verdant Crest… they suffer."

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100 P.S = 1 Extra Chapter

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