The 20th floor.
Ding~
The elevator doors opened, and Aeridar and Fujitora stepped out.
"Aeridar-sama!" The four large men and two beautiful attendants guarding the elevator respectfully greeted him.
"Hoh hoh hoh... Go fetch the best green tea. Brew it and bring it to my room!" Aeridar instructed an attendant as he walked past.
Inside the spacious, luxurious room, Fujitora sat on a soft leather sofa, enjoying the fragrant aroma of the tea.
"What a truly extravagant life!" Fujitora sighed in contentment. He then picked up the cup from the coffee table and took a slow sip. A warm, fragrant wave of tea filled his entire body, making him feel cozy and relaxed.
"Excellent tea!" he blurted out.
"Hoh hoh hoh... This is Suiun Tea from the South Blue, a tribute reserved for the World Government and the Celestial Dragons," Aeridar said, a wide grin showing his white teeth. "You can't buy it on the market. You might see it at a large auction, but even then, a single ounce costs ten times its weight in gold."
Fujitora was silent for a moment. "What are you trying to say? What is the meaning of this?"
"Hoh hoh hoh... Don't mind me. There's no special meaning," Aeridar said, shrugging with a casual smile. "Do you like it? I'll give you a pound before you leave."
"I think I'll pass. I'm just a simple citizen. As good as it is, it's not for me," Fujitora said after a brief pause.
"Is that because you've seen the darkness of the world...? Fujitora, what do you think of my country?" Aeridar's eyes narrowed as he took a sip of tea, enjoying the warmth spreading through his body. He spoke with a hint of something more.
Fujitora was quiet again, and then he slowly uttered two words: "It's good."
"Before I took over this country, the common people didn't have a good life. They were oppressed by the royalty and nobles, and taxes went up every year. They were bullied by gangs and pirates, forced to pay protection money just to have a stall, and thugs would 'borrow' money from them on the streets," Aeridar said with a hint of mockery.
"It is a blessing to be unable to see. The world is full of so many filthy and despicable people," Fujitora said, lowering his head and clutching his teacup.
"But that's just how the world works. It's the same in most countries. The powerful are the masters. Kind-hearted common folk get oppressed and bullied because they're at the very bottom of society." Aeridar shrugged, scoffing. "Even low-level thugs are a step above them. If you don't want to be bullied, you either become a thug, a gangster, a pirate, or a Marine. Weakness is the original sin!"
"Is that why you called me here? To tell me this?" Fujitora's grip tightened on his teacup.
"Ever since I took over this country, I've wiped out all the gangs. Those thugs are now working in the mines. They have three square meals a day and a decent wage," Aeridar chuckled softly. "Hoh hoh hoh... I've also brought the nobles together to do business and completely reformed the laws. The common people at the bottom are living good lives, far better than before. At the very least, a nobleman can't get away with murder just by paying a fine anymore. Of course, some of them never even paid the fine before."
"What is your point?" Fujitora's brow furrowed, his hand stroking the hilt of the staff sword resting beside him.
"No point, really. Just a bit of bragging," Aeridar said, the corners of his mouth curving into a smile. He leaned back comfortably on the sofa. "I heard that the Marines and the World Government have approached you about a position as a Vice Admiral at Headquarters. Is that right?"
"You're very well-informed. As expected of the ruler of a neutral zone," Fujitora said, not bothering to hide or deny it. He opened his eyes, which were only the whites, as if looking directly at Aeridar.
"Hoh hoh hoh..." Aeridar let out a strange laugh. "Just a bit of gossip."
"I am but a simple citizen. I am not worthy of the high position of a Marine Vice Admiral. I'm sure I've disappointed those important people," Fujitora said, his tone serious. "I know my own limits. A man who is still lost can't truly pursue 'Justice.' Besides, I still haven't figured out what my own 'Justice' is."
"Fujitora-san, might makes right. While the position of a Vice Admiral is good for a normal person, if you truly want to change things, you must become an Admiral!" Aeridar said, staring intently at him. Saying this showed how highly Aeridar thought of the man. The position of Marine Admiral wasn't an easy one to get. One of the mandatory requirements was to have monstrous, overwhelming strength.
And this man clearly had that kind of power. This man was Fujitora, the future Admiral who would be scouted and fast-tracked by the World Government and the Marines during the "World Military Draft." It was his gambling addiction that had led Aeridar to recognize him in his own casino.
Faced with such a powerful "wild" monster, Aeridar was naturally tempted. Unfortunately, after a few conversations, he realized that Fujitora would never become a pirate. The Marines or the Revolutionary Army were the only places that would suit him.
"I thought you wanted to recruit me. It seems I think too highly of myself, heh heh heh..." Fujitora laughed at himself.
"Hoh hoh hoh... A monster as strong as you, a huge fighting force like this, who wouldn't want you?" Aeridar retorted, then added with a sigh of regret, "But our paths are different. We're not meant to work together. The only places that will accept you are the Marines or the Revolutionary Army. You have only those two choices."
"Heh heh heh... Aeridar-san, we've only met a few times, yet you seem to know me so well. I'm truly honored," Fujitora said, taking a sip of tea and grinning.
"Come on, you're a tough one. I can't believe you're a hidden tiger," Aeridar said, waving his hand dismissively.
"Hahahaha... Don't say that!" Fujitora burst into laughter. At this point, Fujitora understood Aeridar's intentions: he was just trying to feel him out. However, for now, Fujitora remained neutral.
"I'll use this tea as a toast and congratulate you in advance. May you find your own 'Justice,' Fujitora-san!" Aeridar raised his teacup with a mischievous smile. "No... I've seen the future. I should say, 'Future Admiral!'"
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