247. It’s a blessing not to see things

Atlas descended gracefully, his form turned see-through, and he strolled casually along the bustling street with an admiring look.

Pleasure District stands out as a renowned amusement avenue by the sea. It boasts a variety of facilities beyond your imagination, and its prosperity is unmatched.

Whether you're from the New World or anywhere else, you've likely heard of it.

After all, whether you're a pirate or a Marine, there's no rule against entering for fun. It's safe to say that this place attracts a diverse crowd, with people of all sorts.

Throughout the entire street, the main attraction for big earnings is the casino. People from all walks of life gather here, including formidable pirates armed to the teeth.

However, no pirate dares to carry out any significant acts of thievery or robbery in this place.

It's not because they've suddenly developed a sense of conscience, but rather because the last person who dared to attempt it was tossed into the sea as fish food, leaving not a trace of their body behind.

Among a bunch of intimidating pirates, the one that stands out the most is a middle-aged man.

A massive gaming table takes center stage, featuring a seductive female dealer seated provocatively in a three-point pose. Surrounding her are a group of burly men with eager expressions, and the middle-aged man appears the strongest among them.

This man, with neat short black hair and a trim black beard framing his mouth, stands out. His closed eyes bear two 'X'-shaped scars stretching from his forehead to his face. He's tall, dressed in lavender attire – a combination of kimono and a black-and-purple belt cinched around his waist. In his hand, he holds a slender cane sword. (T/N: He appears)

Indeed, this is a blind man, engaging in the thrill of gambling.

In Atlas' perception, this man's presence was like the bright moon overshadowing the stars, completely outshining everyone else in the casino.

Blind Hero Issho!

The future Admiral Fujitora!

Atlas wore a surprised expression. He hadn't expected to encounter a high-ranking figure here, let alone him.

But upon reflection, it makes sense. Despite being a warrior for justice, he also has a penchant for gambling. So, it's not entirely surprising to find him in such an entertainment venue.

Crash!

The intense rattling of the dice echoed, stirring up excitement among the gamblers around the table. Their breaths grew heavier involuntarily.

Boom!

After a vigorous shake, the dice finally came to a complete stop.

"Dear guests, place your bets on big or small, make your choice and let it ride!"

The female dealer maintained a gentle smile, unfazed by the pirates who were ogling her.

"Big, big! I'm going all in on big for sure!"

"That's true, it's happened a few times already. I've missed out many times. If I put my entire net worth on it this time, I won't miss out again!"

"Deal! Whoever lends me some money will surely see a return this time, and I'll pay you back double!"

The gamblers around appeared to be getting worked up, running around and shouting.

"Hey! Blind man over there, it's your turn to place your bet!"

Observing that Issho on the other side seemed to persist, a keen-eyed gambler immediately shouted.

He had a clear view of it all.

This guy had already amassed a considerable amount from other gambling tables. If he could score big from this blind man, it would be a jackpot.

"Oh? Is it my turn already?"

Issho shifted his closed eyes left and right, as if he could sense the thoughts of the other gamblers. He then confidently pushed the chips in front of him forward.

"Since everyone is going for the big bet, let me try my luck with the small side."

"Hahahaha! What a gutsy old guy. Your bravery alone qualifies you as a seasoned gambler."

The pirate grinned as he opened the dice box.

--Silence!

Upon seeing the numbers on the dice, the surrounding gamblers were plunged into a peculiar trance.

One, two, one!

Small!!

This blind man actually guessed it right.

But...

In that case, wouldn't all their money now belong to the blind man?

"What's the matter, everyone? Can anyone tell me whether the number is higher or lower?"

Issho appeared completely oblivious to the tension in the surroundings and asked calmly.

"Hmph, hahaha! No worries, the result is big. Old man, you lose!"

Suddenly, a burst of laughter erupted from the mouth of a tall and conspicuous man with his eyes hanging upside down.

The dealer at the center of the gaming table seemed to want to say something. However, upon seeing a group of people led by the pirate who had just spoken slowly reaching for the weapons on their waists, even licking their chapped lips while staring fiercely at her, the meaning became self-evident.

"Really? What a shame."

With a smile, he suddenly opened his pure white pupils, turned slowly in a circle, and sighed with regret.

"I thought I had a chance to win this time. What a pity!"

"Hahaha! Indeed, winning and losing at the gambling table are part of the game. Old man, just shake it off!"

It was the same pirate as before, wearing undisguised pride on his face.

"Yes, yes, for us gamblers, there are winners and losers!"

"Hahahaha, absolutely, we got lucky this time and managed to beat you once by chance!"

"If we play another round, maybe we can win it all back this time!"

The surrounding pirates were cheering, and some were already savoring the idea of squeezing another bit of fortune from Issho.

"No, I don't have any extra money, so I won't disturb your enjoyment!"

Issho slowly closed his eyes, shook his head, and declined with a composed expression.

Although he enjoys gambling, it's not an obsession. It's just a small embellishment in life.

Da da da--!

After saying that, he turned around with a smile and strolled towards the casino door with his sword in hand.

All the chips for today have been lost, and there's no point in lingering here.

"Why did you let those pirates mock you? With your haki, you should have sensed it, right?"

Suddenly, a young voice reached Issho's ears as he just stepped out of the casino gate.

"Haha~~"

Issho didn't seem surprised at all. He chuckled lightly and raised his hand, pointing at his blind eyes.

"Before I went blind, there was already too much filth in the world to be seen."

"From where I stand, not being able to see is a blessing. There are too many dirty and despicable people in the world that one can't bear to look at!"

"Oh? So, did you blind your eyes yourself?"

"Have you ever witnessed justice triumph over evil in the world, Mr. Issho?"

Atlas still hasn't revealed his figure. He believes that, based on Issho's haki, it doesn't make much difference whether he reveals himself or not."

Oh? Do you know me?"

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