15. Inazuma

Kaito slowly extended his hand out of the cell, which was then grasped by Inazuma. Inazuma's eyes softened as he said, "It's been quite a while, huh?"

"Ten years, I guess," Kaito replied, his voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and sorrow. He continued, "How's the army treating you?"

"Good," Inazuma responded with a nod.

"What are you doing here? I had no idea you were locked down in here too," Kaito asked.

"I'm not locked down. We just have a hidden base here," Inazuma explained, glancing around to ensure their conversation remained private.

Inazuma's gaze shifted to Ryota, who had been silently observing and listening to their conversation. "Don't worry about him. He's a good kid," Kaito assured.

Inazuma raised a hand to stop him. "I know. He's the fifth prince of the Kingdom of Light and yet another victim of the Celestial Dragons. I'm sorry for what happened to your family," he said, his tone filled with genuine sympathy.

Ryota didn't say anything, merely nodding his head in acknowledgment. He had if course recognised the scissor man who had helped Luffy escape from the Impel Down. Though he had no idea that Kaito was related to Inazuma.

Kaito turned back to Inazuma. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here for you," Inazuma replied. "Come with me. I will take you to our base."

"In return for joining the Revolutionary Army?" Kaito asked, his voice cautious but curious.

Inazuma shook his head. "Don't worry about that. You don't have to join if you don't want to. I have already taken permission to bring you there. When we get the chance, we'll get out of Impel Down."

Kaito went silent for a while, pondering the offer. Finally, he spoke, his voice steady and resolved. "To be honest, I'm thinking about joining the army."

Inazuma's eyes widened in shock at Kaito's sudden statement. He knew how stubborn his friend could be and hadn't expected this change of heart. Though he didn't rejoice, as he understood the depths of pain and struggle Kaito must have endured to arrive at such a decision. Inazuma refrained from mentioning the incident, knowing his friend didn't need anyone's pity.

After a few moments, Inazuma spoke, his voice gentle but firm. "Kaito, you know you don't have to make any decisions now. Just come with me, and we'll figure things out together."

Kaito nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "Alright. But I have one condition."

Inazuma raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

"I want to bring Ryota with us. He doesn't deserve to be in this hellhole," Kaito said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

A frown appeared on the usually indifferent face of Inazuma. Sighing a bit, he said, "Why do you always ask for the things that are impossible for me to do?"

Kaito frowned at his reaction too. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice tinged with frustration.

Inazuma looked directly into Kaito's eyes, his expression serious. "Currently, there are many eyes on this kid. Even Magellan is keeping an eye on him. Plus, the Celestial Dragon that wants him dead is pretty high up in the hierarchy and is said to be connected to one of the Elders. If Ryota disappears now, Magellan or even an Admiral will be sent to check how this kid got away, which might expose our hidden base. We can't risk that."

Kaito's face hardened as he processed Inazuma's words. He glanced at Ryota, who was still silently observing the exchange, his young face marked with an expression that was a mix of hope and fear. Kaito knew he couldn't abandon the boy. The memories of his own past, the losses he had suffered, and the promise he had made to protect those who couldn't protect themselves weighed heavily on his heart.

"Inazuma, I understand the risks," Kaito said slowly, his voice steady. "But I can't leave him here. He's just a kid, and he's already been through too much. If we don't help him, no one will."

Inazuma sighed again, running a hand through his hair. "I get that, Kaito. I really do. But this isn't just about you or Ryota. It's about the entire Revolutionary Army. If we get discovered, if our base is compromised, it won't just be our lives on the line. Hundreds, maybe thousands of people will be affected."

Kaito clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. "So what are you suggesting? That we just leave him here to die?"

Inazuma sighed heavily, acknowledging the unwavering resolve in Kaito's eyes. "Taking him with us right now would be impossible. But there is a chance once he's being sent to the Holy Land. There won't be any strong marines to guard him, only a rear admiral and a few lieutenants. We can help him escape from there."

Kaito considered this carefully, weighing the risks and the potential outcomes. After a few moments, he nodded. "Well, till then I will stay here with Ryota. Once he's saved, I will join the Revolutionary Army."

Inazuma sighed again, a mix of frustration and admiration in his expression. "You are just as stubborn as before."

Just as Kaito was about to retort, Ryota suddenly spoke up, his voice carrying a mix of gratitude and concern. "Old man, why are you sweating so much? Just go with him. You have already done so much for me, even though we were strangers just a few days ago. I am old enough to look after myself."

Ryota's words were heartfelt and sincere, a testament to the deep bond that had formed between him and Kaito in such a short time. However, Kaito interrupted him sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Don't tell me what to do, kid. I will do whatever I want. I am staying here, and it has nothing to do with you."

Inazuma couldn't help but shake his head, a small smile playing on his lips despite the seriousness of the situation. He looked back at Ryota, his voice gentle but firm. "Don't try to argue with him, kid. Once he makes a decision, he won't change it, even if it kills him."

Ryota clicked his tongue in frustration, muttering, "Annoying old man," under his breath. But despite his words, the way he tried to hide his smile revealed the truth: he was happy with Kaito's decision to stay.

Inazuma looked between the two of them, his heart heavy with the weight of the situation. "Alright," he said finally. "We'll wait for the right moment. But Kaito, promise me you'll stay safe. Both of you."

Kaito nodded solemnly. "I promise."

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