Inside the recruitment office of Sengoku and Zephyr.
"I wonder where Fujitora worked before?"
Zephyr poured him a cup of tea and asked calmly.
"Admiral Zephyr, you're too polite. I was just wandering around the Grand Line. Nothing noteworthy," he replied politely as he accepted the tea with a smile. "It was only by chance that I heard the declaration from Supreme Commander Caelan, and that's why I decided to join the Neo Navy."
"Haha, you're more clear-headed than we were," Zephyr chuckled, taking the initiative to get closer to him. "Back then, Sengoku and I, one was persuaded by Caelan, and the other was forced to return. Neither of us can compare to you."
Sengoku laughed cheerfully as well. "Indeed, I wasn't as discerning as you."
"You're both being too kind," Fujitora replied humbly. "I'm just a gambler. I hardly compare to you two."
That was just how he was—always polite to others. If someone treated him with respect, he would return it.
His Observation Haki also told him that Sengoku and Zephyr were sincere in their words, not simply being courteous.
After some pleasantries, Zephyr asked, "Fujitora, may I ask what other abilities you possess? And what kind of post would you like?"
"I specialize in swordsmanship and have some knowledge of Armament Haki and Observation Haki. I was fortunate enough to eat the Paramecia-type Gravity Fruit, so my strength is decent."
He listed his abilities one by one with a smile, then paused. "As for a post, I don't have any preferences. I'd be satisfied just guarding a region."
Zephyr and Sengoku exchanged a glance and immediately realized things weren't that simple.
Anyone proficient in swordsmanship was likely a great swordsman. Someone with even some mastery of Haki couldn't be ordinary. And on top of that, the Paramecia-type Gravity Fruit—without question, a top-tier ability.
Adding all that together, this calm, smiling man could easily have the power of an admiral.
"Fujitora, would you be willing to spar with me?" Zephyr asked kindly. "It's not that I doubt you. I just want to have a clearer understanding."
"No problem."
Fujitora nodded slightly, still smiling.
He had come to the Neo Navy to accomplish great things. Naturally, he needed to clearly demonstrate his strength.
Zephyr then led him to the training ground. The two sparred one-on-one while Sengoku observed from the side.
Fujitora wielded a staff-sword. Zephyr responded with close-quarters combat and naturally employed full use of Haki.
Before long, the spar ended.
Even though Fujitora only lightly used his Devil Fruit powers, Zephyr was still on the losing end.
"You're too modest. You've clearly mastered Observation Haki at the highest level, yet you call it 'some knowledge'?" Zephyr shook his head with a wry smile.
During their sparring, every one of his moves was predicted, and Fujitora countered effortlessly.
Obviously, Fujitora's Observation Haki had reached the level of foresight, completely suppressing him.
"Admiral Zephyr, your Armament Haki is unparalleled. I'm far beneath you."
Fujitora responded calmly with a smile.
Observation Haki was his specialty. If he couldn't use it well, then blinding his eyes would have been meaningless.
"It's natural for your Armament Haki to fall short of mine. If yours were stronger, then I'd have to be a vice admiral," Zephyr joked.
His Armament Haki was the strongest among the admirals. If even that was surpassed, something would be wrong.
That said, the Haki infused into Fujitora's staff-sword wasn't weak. Though not at Zephyr's level, it was far stronger than what elite vice admirals like Yamakaji and Doberman could manage.
"You two can stop with the modesty now." Sengoku interjected with a smile. "Fujitora, you're extremely powerful. I'll take you to see Supreme Commander Caelan. Is that alright?"
Now that Fujitora's admiral-level strength had been confirmed, reporting to Caelan was necessary.
Part of it was to share the good news, and part was to have Caelan personally decide his post.
In truth, appointments above the rank of captain required Caelan's signature. Sengoku and Zephyr only held advisory authority.
As for someone with admiral-level strength, they had no authority to decide at all.
"No problem."
Fujitora raised his head slightly and smiled. "In fact, I came specifically to meet Supreme Commander Caelan."
He was deeply intrigued by Caelan, who stood at the summit.
Though his Observation Haki was powerful, it wasn't so advanced that it allowed him to watch broadcasts while blind.
His knowledge of Caelan was limited to declarations made during the Battle of Marineford and what others had told him.
He still longed to see what the legendary Caelan looked like.
What kind of aura would Caelan radiate through his Observation Haki?
Soon after, Sengoku and Zephyr brought Fujitora to meet Caelan.
More precisely, they informed Caelan—who had once again entered vacation mode—that someone had come to see him.
"I'm glad to see you here."
Caelan looked at Fujitora and felt sincerely moved.
He hadn't expected Fujitora to come and enlist with him.
Everything had been progressing so smoothly that he'd almost forgotten about this character, who should have appeared two years later.
Then again, it made sense. The current Marine organization had become a cesspool, as he had exposed. If even someone like Fujitora could no longer smile, then remaining in seclusion was his only option.
"I'm glad to see you too, Supreme Commander Caelan."
Fujitora instinctively opened his eyes. Only the whites were visible, and all he saw was a sea of white. "Why can't I see you?"
With Observation Haki, all he could perceive was blinding golden light and an aura of overwhelming intensity.
He couldn't sense Caelan's emotions at all, nor could he get a clear grasp of his human form. All he saw was a glowing, humanoid figure of light.
This was completely different from what he had imagined. He thought he'd at least be able to sense Caelan's sense of justice.
Can't see him?
Your eyes are already blind, Fujitora. What are you trying to see?
Caelan was a little surprised, but then he understood.
It was probably because Fujitora's Observation Haki couldn't interpret the unique traits of his body.
"My physique is special. It can't be read through Observation Haki," Caelan explained.
His body fused three different, extremely powerful inheritances. It wasn't surprising that even Fujitora's advanced Haki would fail to process it properly.
"That's a shame."
Fujitora smiled and sighed.
He had wanted to see Caelan with his own eyes, but all he could perceive was a glowing silhouette.
"But it's not impossible for you to see me, if you'd like."
Caelan thought for a moment, then said, "I can restore your eyes. Would you be willing?"
"Of course I would."
Fujitora didn't hesitate for a second.
"Alright. Wait for me a moment."
Caelan turned and quickly returned to his room, where he found Mansherry napping on his bed.
As the user of the Heal-Heal Fruit, her tears could definitely restore Fujitora's eyes.
"Wake up, Mansherry."
Caelan gently poked the Barbie-sized little princess.
"I came to ask you to heal someone's injuries."
(To be continued.)