Kai carefully returned his sword to its sheath. He remained calm, knowing he had accomplished what needed to be done. The hostages, realizing they were free, were horrified when they saw the pirates beheaded and Kai covered in blood. They instinctively stepped back in fear.
Kai sensed their fear, and inside, something in him broke, but he said nothing and walked toward the ship. The civilians didn't know what to say, but when they saw Momongo approaching, they began thanking him and the other Marines. Momongo said nothing, but inside, he felt contempt for them. Kai had saved their lives, yet instead of gratitude, they feared him. He simply nodded in acknowledgment.
Once the Marines finished their work, they began returning to the ship. The other Marines, who might have laughed at Kai before, now looked at him with fear. They said nothing and left him alone.
Momongo gave orders, directing the ship back to the main base. As the ship sailed, the sky darkened. Momongo approached Kai and said, "You did very well today, Kai. Don't be upset by the reactions of the civilians—you saved them all."
Kai said nothing. Momongo continued, "I think it's time we consider giving you a rank in the Marines." Kai simply nodded, understanding that he needed to be alone. Momongo left.
Kai, feeling through his haki that no one was nearby, removed his bloodied blindfold and let the cold wind hit his face.
In his mind, Kai thought, What has happened to me? I've killed people before, but killing these pirates… it doesn't feel right.
When the ship reached the base and Kai stepped off, he sensed someone watching him. Opening his haki, he realized it was Sakazuki and walked toward him.
Sakazuki saw Kai approaching, covered in blood, and asked, "How did the mission go, Kai?"
Kai recounted everything—how he had killed the pirates, saved the civilians, and what he had felt.
Sakazuki asked, "And what are you feeling now?"
Kai answered, "I don't know what to say, Sakazuki-san. Before, when I killed the mafia, I felt nothing. But now… after killing these pirates, I feel regret."
Sakazuki nodded, turning to the sea. "Kai, you know, when you killed the mafia, you only had to control your emotions—anger and hatred. But when you killed these pirates, you had no emotional guide, and that's why you feel this. Consider this a lesson: never let emotions control you. Remember, what you kill are mistakes of nature. Doing what is right doesn't depend on what others say. As the law of the strong says: only the strongest survive, and only the strongest are right.
"Alright, let's go. I have a training session for you."