Chapter 144: Recruiting Fujitora! The Empress Arrives!

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...

Noir hesitated. His words could potentially alter Issho's future.

Issho, destined to become a Marine Admiral, possessed top-tier combat prowess. If he joined Noir's crew, their lack of high-level fighters would be resolved.

However, rushing things might backfire and cause Issho to resent him.

So, Noir decided on honesty, laying out his thoughts plainly. "The Marines are a powerful organization, but ultimately, they are subordinate to the World Government. Their resources, their very core, are provided by the Government."

"Because of this, they face limitations in what they can truly accomplish."

"I know many Marines. Despite being their enemy due to our differing stances, I admire their unwavering convictions and their personal sense of justice."

Issho pondered for a moment. "So you're saying there are many honorable individuals within the Marines?"

Noir nodded, then added, "Everything has two sides. Just as there are occasionally good people among pirates, there are bound to be some bad folks in the Marines as well."

"Most of the corrupt Marines are found in the Four Blues branches. There are far fewer at Marine Headquarters."

Issho seemed to have a revelation. He bowed his head slightly. "I am enlightened by your words."

Noir wasn't afraid of Issho running off to join the Marines after this conversation.

In the original story, Issho only considered joining the Marines after the Marineford War, when external pirate activity surged, and his skills as an unknown master swordsman were needed.

Coincidentally, after the Marineford War, a power struggle for the Fleet Admiral position erupted within the Marines, and the World Military Draft propelled Issho to a position of high authority.

But now, having met Noir and heard his perspective, Issho gained an early understanding of the inner workings of the Marines.

He would realize that to truly uphold his justice, he needed significant power, at least the rank of Admiral.

However, with the current stability within the Marines, there was no opportunity for him to rise quickly.

And with Noir, a transmigrator, altering the course of history, the events of the Marineford War and the subsequent power struggle were uncertain...

"Based on your opinion, should I join the Marines?" Issho asked, his gaze fixed on Noir.

Noir coughed. "I have a better suggestion."

"Join my pirate crew."

Issho was momentarily stunned, then burst into hearty laughter. "You just praised the Marines' internal atmosphere, and now you're trying to recruit me into a pirate crew?"

Noir shook his head. "The higher-ups in the Marines may be righteous, but they are also individuals driven by power. Are you confident you can climb to that level within the Marines?"

Issho's laughter subsided as he considered Noir's words.

At his core, Issho was a free-spirited wanderer with a strong sense of justice. He wasn't well-versed in power struggles and bureaucratic maneuvering.

Seeing Issho's hesitation, Noir continued. "So, what kind of person do you think I am?"

Issho looked at Noir, his expression serious.

"Though you bear the title of 'pirate,' I see a man of compassion, one who cares for his subordinates and is willing to risk his life to save slaves. A true chivalrous spirit."

"And as an enemy, you speak highly of the Marines without reservation. You are a man of honor."

The unexpected praise made Noir blush. He coughed again. "So, my pirate crew is, as I said, among the minority of pirates."

"The Underworld Pirates are mostly comprised of those who have suffered greatly, lost their families, and been enslaved. They may have committed crimes in the past, but now our only enemies are the Celestial Dragons. Our primary goal is to live freely and without worry."

"Joining my crew won't compromise your justice. In fact, it will allow you to witness a different kind of justice, one you might not have seen before."

Issho hesitated for a long moment. "Could you give me some time to consider your offer?"

Noir breathed a sigh of relief. Issho's willingness to consider the offer was a positive sign.

Though Issho appeared to be a carefree wanderer, his strong convictions meant he would eventually join an organization, though which one remained unknown.

Noir had done his best to persuade him. Now, it was up to fate.

Unlike Enel, who could be swayed with a bit of force and some food, Issho was a different breed.

Putting aside the question of whether Noir could even defeat him in combat, even if he succeeded, Issho's personality wouldn't allow him to submit easily.

...

While Noir was attempting to recruit Issho, the situation outside the Underworld River had changed drastically.

Countless Marines had surrounded the shores of Sabaody Archipelago. Warships and Marines in blue uniforms stretched as far as the eye could see.

Leading the charge was their old friend, Uncle Kizaru...

However, Kizaru's expression was far from relaxed. He had encountered someone even older than himself.

Former Marine Admiral "Black Arm" Zephyr, the mentor of the current three Admirals.

Unfortunately, Kizaru had the worst relationship with Zephyr among all his students.

As one of the first students Zephyr trained after retiring from the front lines, Kizaru should have held deep respect for his former teacher.

But reality was different.

When Zephyr became an instructor, he had just retired from his "no-kill" Admiral phase, still in the midst of transitioning towards his hatred for pirates after his family was murdered.

Therefore, the young Akainu and Aokiji were influenced by Zephyr's ideology. Akainu developed an absolute hatred for pirates, while Aokiji adopted a more nuanced perspective, judging good and evil on a case-by-case basis.

But Kizaru was different. He was the oldest of the three Admirals and had already formed his own philosophy, often disagreeing with Zephyr's views.

Combined with their differing opinions on training methods, their relationship had become increasingly strained.

Zephyr, clutching his right arm, glared at Kizaru with a grim expression. "You're still clinging to your ideals."

Kizaru replied with a hint of impatience, "Oh, are you going to lecture me again?"

Zephyr raised his newly installed experimental arm, a Dyna Stone grinder. His voice was raspy. "Never mind. I can't control you."

Looking at Zephyr's aging body, Kizaru sighed, but still turned away without speaking.

Vice Admiral Strawberry rushed to support Zephyr, but Zephyr pushed him aside, assuring him he was fine.

Upon receiving news of Noir's activities, Sengoku hadn't dared to take any chances. He'd immediately dispatched both Kizaru and Zephyr.

He had also summoned every available Vice Admiral, including the Admiral candidates, Gion (Momousagi) and Tokikake (Chaton).

Sengoku didn't believe that Noir could escape from so many powerful Marines.

Zephyr's gaze swept across the coastline, his expression suddenly hardening. He pointed towards the distance. "Isn't that a pirate flag?"

Kizaru followed his gaze. Two enormous sea serpents pulled a massive crimson ship. The dark red flag displayed a symbol of nine intertwined snakes.

Empress Boa Hancock? What was a Warlord doing here?

...

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