"Gran Tesoro? The world's largest casino?!"
Issho trembled upon hearing the new mission—if it weren't for his blindness, his eyes would surely have lit up.
"Such a formidable task is one I cannot shirk!"
Clutching his cane-sword tightly, Issho declared with righteous conviction, "With the Golden Emperor being so powerful, I will ensure that I keep a watchful eye on him in place of Vice Admiral Wright!"
"Uh... of course, Mr. Issho, you are undoubtedly up to the task," Wright replied, exchanging a subtle glance with Ain, who was trying to stifle a laugh. "However, this is only temporary."
"Once things in Gran Tesoro stabilize, there are other places that will require your expertise."
"Naturally!"
Issho nodded. While gambling was his personal pastime, he understood the difference between leisure and duty.
"Your strength and your exceptional Observation Haki will be invaluable for gathering intelligence—Gran Tesoro is one of the few places in the world where information converges."
"Furthermore," Wright continued, "Ain will accompany you to Gran Tesoro to assist with collating and organizing the intelligence."
"That's excellent! I was worried that I might get deceived because of my blindness, hahaha!" Issho scratched his head. "But what about the base? Will it be alright without us?"
"No problem—I've prepared a Lightforged Beacon for you. No matter which location requires support, you'll be able to respond swiftly."
After explaining the collaboration between Germa and Gran Tesoro, Wright rested his elbows on the table, falling silent for a moment before speaking again. "The involvement of Germa is something I only reveal to you now."
"In fact, the blueprints for the modifications to the Dawn were designed by them.
"Germa's goals align with ours, and now we have the added strength of Gran Tesoro.
"In the future, more like-minded individuals will join us.
"Initially, my goal was to eradicate all pirates in the world. But over time, I realized that pirates are an unending scourge—because the problem lies at the top of this world.
"So, to address the root cause of piracy and bring true order to the world, I must even rely on the power of those who were once our targets."
"Issho, Ain," Wright said, addressing them directly. "As a neutral observer and a rising elite of the Navy, what are your thoughts on this approach?"
"Vice Admiral Wright," Issho stepped forward, his tone solemn and deliberate. "Are you troubled by these decisions?"
"If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that killing pirates to stop piracy is never a long-term solution," Issho said with gravity. "That's why I've spent my time among the people, seeking answers, instead of joining the Navy earlier or becoming a bounty hunter drowning the seas in blood."
"Years of experiencing the world's truths, combined with the unique insights I've gained under your leadership, have only solidified my understanding."
Clenching his cane-sword tightly, Issho said through gritted teeth, "Unfortunately, as you said, the problem lies with the upper echelons of the world."
"Therefore, uniting every possible force is the only path to change the upper levels. World-class problems require world-class solutions!"
"The true power that can change the world," Issho continued with conviction, "is not one that suppresses everything single-handedly but one that can mobilize the world and leverage its strength to shift the tides!"
"Vice Admiral Wright, no matter whose power you borrow, as long as you remain true to your ideals, keeping that power firmly within your grasp and using it for your noble vision, you have my unwavering support!"
"Just like the Warlord system—if it can be completely controlled, it becomes an immense asset. But if left unchecked... it becomes a cancer."
"If sacrifices are necessary along the way, I am prepared to protect the innocent with all my might!"
Issho struck his cane-sword against the ground heavily. "Vice Admiral Wright, don't hesitate—a single person's strength is limited, but you have us by your side!"
"Mr. Issho..."
Wright gazed at the future admiral, his aura resolute, and bowed deeply. "Thank you for your guidance. My goal has never wavered!"
"Vice Admiral Wright..."
Ain stepped forward, her usually cheerful demeanor replaced by seriousness.
"As members of the Navy, the question of how to uphold justice has always been a hotly debated topic among new recruits."
"Each year, countless young people join the Navy with dreams of upholding justice, driven by passion."
"And each year, countless Navy officers come to question their understanding of justice."
"The longer one serves in the Navy, the more one realizes—many times, the Navy's actions conflict with what most people believe justice to be."
"Too often, the orders we receive involve covering up the truth, distorting facts, or even ignoring them—all for the sake of the World Government's image..."
Recalling the recent decision to invite the Warlords of the Sea, Ain bit her lip.
"The Navy today is not the shining beacon of justice we once aspired to serve. It has become a mere tool for the World Government's rule."
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku worked to strengthen the Navy to match the growing pirate threat. But if we don't change the Navy's stance, its growing strength will only fuel the World Government's tyranny!"
Lowering her head, Ain clenched her fists tightly before looking back up. "Vice Admiral Wright! Many young officers joined the Navy because of you. They admire your vision of justice and your courage to pursue your dreams!"
"Most people would find it impossible to even utter the words, let alone strive for them—world peace!"
"If the Navy's strength is insufficient, then do what you believe is right!"
Raising her voice, Ain declared, "I believe in you. And I believe countless others in the Navy share my faith in you!"
"The contributions you've made to the Navy—Zephyr-sensei has told me—are far greater than we could ever imagine!"
"If even you are unworthy of trust, then this world has no hope!"
"..."
Both Wright and Issho were momentarily stunned—Ain had such a clear understanding of the situation?
Wright quickly composed himself. After all, the state of the Navy was no secret.
"Thank you, Ain... I will prove with my actions that I will never betray the trust of those who believe in me!"
Wright solemnly vowed, "Thank you both for strengthening my resolve. I will do everything in my power to achieve—world peace!"
"Prepare to depart. Make sure you remember the key points about Gran Tesoro—it's still Tesoro's domain!"
"Understood!"
"Oh, and while you're there, pick up some of Tesoro's tea—it's truly exceptional!"
"..."
After Issho and Ain left, Wright sat quietly for a moment before grabbing his Nidai Kitetsu and teleporting back to Shimotsuki Village.
"Senior Brother! You're back already?"
Zoro greeted him eagerly, his eyes lighting up as he received the Nidai Kitetsu he had been yearning for. Drawing the blade, he began to carefully clean it.
"Yeah, just waiting for the right moment took some time. The fight itself didn't last long."
"..."
Zoro looked at Wright with awe—waiting for the enemy and then cutting them down effortlessly. So cool!
"In a little while, Kuina will graduate and officially join my command. Her strength will improve significantly by then."
Wright patted Zoro's shoulder. "If you don't join the Navy, don't regret it if she ends up surpassing you!"
"Hmph! I've improved a lot! Don't be surprised if I end up defeating her!"
"That's the spirit! I'll bring Kuina along next time, and you two can spar again!"
"Deal!"
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