[Ding, congratulations to the host for touching the corpse of World. More More Fruit ability acquired. Armament Haki acquired...]
"Phew."
Without waiting for another system prompt, Kaelen slowly exhaled, releasing the tension from his body.
World had been a merciless pirate, but Kaelen couldn't ignore the man's original intent. When he first set out to sea, it was never about conquest or bloodshed. It was about freedom—being with his brother, living a life where no one could ever bully them again. That was happiness.
But somewhere along the way, that dream was twisted.
It wasn't just World who changed. It was the world—corrupted under the heel of the Celestial Dragons and the rule of the World Government. Maybe it wasn't right or wrong. Maybe it was just inevitable.
"He lost his way," Kaelen muttered, staring at the horizon. "What about me? Will I stay true to my path?"
He searched within himself but found no answer. Back when he was a mercenary, every day could've been his last. He had grown used to the uncertainty. He never had time for dreams. Only survival.
"Whatever. I live in the moment. That's all I've ever known."
He shook the thoughts away and let a familiar, gentle smile return to his face. Things like purpose and destiny were too abstract for someone like him.
---
Meanwhile, Hancock had just rescued Sandersonia and now slowly approached Kaelen, her cheeks flushed with a rare, shy redness.
"Ahem, well... thank you," she said softly.
Sandersonia blinked in shock. Did she just say thank you—like that? She stared at her sister in disbelief. That timid, bashful tone... this wasn't the Hancock she knew.
"Yeah, you're welcome, Hancock," Kaelen replied with a calm smile, noting her flustered demeanor.
The way she looked right now—awkward, vulnerable—was completely different from her usual confident self. She could be sharp or soft, commanding or sweet. It suited her either way.
He knows my name… Hancock's mind wandered. Could it be... he cares?
She drifted into a daze, a soft smile forming unconsciously.
Robin, standing nearby, glanced at Kaelen and raised a brow, as if to say, What kind of mess have you started?
Kaelen noticed the look and chuckled silently. He decided it was better to pretend he didn't see anything.
---
Just then, two new figures arrived—Hawkeye Mihawk and Admiral Fujitora.
The atmosphere turned tense in an instant. The sea breeze turned still, the very waves seemed to calm. Three powerful auras clashed in the air, pressing down with an overwhelming force.
"Admiral Fujitora... and the world's greatest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk."
"To have them both appear today... this is no small gathering."
Kaelen's voice broke the tension, his calm tone dissipating the pressure in the air. Many onlookers quietly exhaled, the suffocating feeling vanishing as if a heavy stone had been lifted from their chests.
The name "Kaelen Tsukishiro" now held weight—Reaper, they called him. Not even the World Government took him lightly.
"You flatter me, Kaelen-san," Fujitora replied, his voice steady, eyes closed as always. "This old man is nothing more than a simple marine soldier. I would not dare consider myself among the top."
He spoke with such humility that no one felt it was forced or fake. He truly believed it.
Kaelen studied him for a moment.
To blind yourself rather than witness the injustice of the world… that's something only a few would ever do. His resolve isn't just strong—it's terrifying.
"Fujitora-san," Kaelen said with quiet respect, "you may not see with your eyes, but in my opinion, you see more clearly than most on this sea."
"Good and evil, right and wrong… most people don't want to see the truth. What you hear isn't always real. What you see might be an illusion. But what you feel—what you truly feel—that's where the truth lies."
His voice was calm, but his words echoed with weight.
Fujitora's expression shifted subtly. He furrowed his brow, clearly moved by Kaelen's words. The Marines behind him exchanged uncertain glances. Even Mihawk seemed thoughtful.
After a moment of silence, Fujitora finally responded.
"Your perspective has already transcended the sea," he said, facing Kaelen's direction. "You look beyond the oceans—perhaps even beyond this entire world."
"This old man won't claim to know if you're right or wrong. All I can do is follow my own justice. And one day... I believe that justice will cleanse the filth of this world."
His voice rang out, firm and unwavering, filled with conviction.
The Marines behind him were visibly stirred, standing taller, fists clenched, eyes filled with resolve.
"Justice!"
"Justice!"
Their voices rang out together in chorus.
Hancock, Robin, and Mihawk all turned toward Fujitora with renewed interest. It was clear now—this wasn't just another Admiral. He was different. He stood apart from the likes of Akainu or Aokiji.
Today, the Navy had brought forth someone truly extraordinary.