202 202. Undercurrents

Issho's words woke up everyone. They stared dumbfounded at what just happened.

Momonga wasn't your average marine. He was a vice admiral, and one who ranks among the top as well. For him to lose so miserably... Issho's strength was evident.

Akainu snorted and left without a single comment.

The one's in charge of Issho's appointment as a captain under Leo was relieved when they saw Akainu leave. They were worried this would turn into another fight between the two.

"Let's go."

Leo said to Issho and led him out.

The papers were already submitted and the test was done. It was only a matter of time before Issho officially becomes a marine.

The warship sailed slowly through the sea and reached Leo's island.

When he stepped out Snow swooped down from above and landed on his shoulder. She happily let out a hum and rubbed her head against his cheeks.

"You have a great friend."

Issho smiled and said.

"Snow, this is Issho. Issho, Snow."

Leo simply introduced them. Snow's pearl blue eyes sized up Issho for a moment.

Though Issho's eyes were blind he looked straight at Snow and smiled politely.

When they got home Leo saw Shinobu dragging Zoro through the ground. His skin had a weird purple colour and he was foaming from his mouth.

Leo's footsteps slightly paused when he saw Zoro's condition. He sighed and shook his head.

"Oh, you are back. Wait a moment, I will make lunch."

Shinobu smiled at Leo and Issho before dragging Zoro to her laboratory.

"That must be your companion."

Issho said.

Leo nodded, "Yeah. She is a great cook and an even better doctor."

"So that man will be fine?"

Leo's mouth twitched, "He won't die under her watch."

Leo led him inside and got him some tea.

"Issho, that man you saw is a pirate."

Leo said as he sat down.

Issho was about to take a sip when he heard Leo, his hands paused for a moment and continued.

After several seconds he asked, "Why would you help a pirate?"

Leo didn't answer his question and said, "Your kenbunshoku haki is extremely powerful, why do you think I would do so?"

Issho took another sip and suddenly smiled, "I understand."

Leo swirled the cup in his hand and said, "Their bunch are pirates, but they are far too kind to be called that. If we want to make changes, we need to stop judging people like them because of their title."

Issho calmly sipped his tea.

When they were finished Shinobu walked in and went straight to the kitchen.

"This is Issho, he will be a captain under me from now on."

Issho got up and slightly bowed, "It's nice to meet you."

Shinobu put on an apron and smiled, "Nice to meet you as well."

She then got busy with making lunch. After half an hour several dishes were neatly placed on the table.

"Your craftsmanship is excellent."

Issho praised after having a bite.

Shinobu smiled and Leo raised his chin slightly.

As they were having a hearty meal the door to the house was opened and Zoro staggered in. His skin still had an unnatural colour to it, but he looked better than before.

When he saw Leo his eyes lit up hope.

"You are finally back."

He dragged his body to the table and grabbed some of the roasted meat and stuffed it down his throat.

Leo looked at Shinobu and asked, "You nearly broke him."

Shinobu shrugged, "I fight that way. I am not a brute like you, I am a feeble lady."

Zoro choked on his food and nearly spat out everything on Issho.

Feeble lady?! Feeble lady, my ass!

The kind of torture he went through this past month would have killed or made anyone else mad. It was through sheer willpower he was able to pull through.

Day after day he was poisoned. It was pure torture.

Leo placed a piece of meat in his mouth and slowly chewed as he said, "Well, that round of training should have strengthened your poison resistance. Get some rest, I am back on from tomorrow onwards."

Zoro paused for a moment and continued to eat.

...

New World, Dressrosa.

Doflamingo was deep in thought as he looked out through the window.

"Ne, Doffy, are you sure you want to stir up that guy?"

Trebol asked him with slight hesitation.

Doflamingo's mouth curled up into an evil smile, "Fufufufu, that monster nearly killed me that day, if I don't show him atleast this much courtesy, won't our family's name be thrown into the mud?"

Trebol thought for a moment and nodded, "Alright. Which of us should lead this attack?"

"Have Diamante go. He should be very interested in revenge."

"Hehe, that's true."

Trebol laughed eerily as he left the room.

Doflamingo picked up a bottle from the table and chugged it down.

Fufufufu, vice admiral Leo, let's see what you think of my present.

...

"I'll be gone for a week."

Shinobu said to Leo. She then pointed to the fridge, "I have packed several dishes and placed them inside, it should get you through the week."

Leo walked her to the ship. Mace, Flare, Dali, Violet and Issho were waiting for them.

"Have a safe journey."

He waved them off.

On the ship Mace placed a map infront of Shinobu. He circled three islands and said, "Ma'am, according to the description you gave us and comparing it with our data, these three islands should have what you are looking for."

Shinobu studied the map. The three islands were quite some distance from each other.

She turned to Issho and asked, "Can we get back in one week?"

Issho showed a calm smile, "Hoho, madam, it's not a problem."

He tapped his wooden cane on the deck of ship.

Suddenly the ship started tremble. The crew were startled and grabbed onto whatever they could to stay on their feet.

The ship slowly started to rise from the sea. It levitated several meters above the water and started to move forward.

Mace and the rest were dumbfounded.

"Captain Issho has devil fruit powers?!"

Shinobu smiled and said, "Thank you for your help, Issho."

Issho scratched his head and said, "It's nothing worth mentioning, madam."