The unease in Fujitora's heart finally settled.
Because after the Konoha Pirates exposed that there was someone even stronger standing behind them, many people on the sea felt ill at ease, and even the Sea Emperors and the Five Elders were no exception.
Many people still haven't even figured it out…
Those truly rational had long realized that the fate of the world was held in one person's hand.
Fujitora…
As the first person to surmise Akihara Kagura's true identity, Fujitora would naturally want to ask about the fate of the world, to ask about Akihara Kagura's attitude toward the world.
This exchange of words between Fujitora and Akihara Kagura also let Fujitora understand how this mastermind currently viewed this sea:
Even though the world had already rotted, overflowing with far too much sin and filth, the existence of a few people like Fujitora meant that this sea had not yet reached the point of being beyond salvation.
"Is there anything you require me to do?"
Fujitora bent slightly at the waist, adopting a humble posture.
"Just follow your own heart."
Akihara Kagura waved his hand, unconcerned with Fujitora's attitude, and simply continued, "Speaking of which, the Navy higher-ups seem to have misunderstood, thinking you were sent by the Konoha Pirates. They neither dare to expel you from the Navy nor dare to harm you, they just want to pry from your mouth information about the person behind the Konoha Pirates…"
"I understand."
The corners of Fujitora's mouth curved in a faint smile, as if he'd grasped something. He chuckled lightly and said, "Different identities allow one to do more things. If I were a member of the Konoha Pirates, my actions might be a bit more convenient…"
"Then from today onward, you may call yourself a member of the Konoha Pirates."
Akihara Kagura lifted his palm and clapped it onto Fujitora's arm from behind, leaving a black leaf-shaped mark on his body.
"..."
Fujitora subconsciously raised his own hand, feeling the new power that had appeared within him. This was a power that made both soul and body leap for joy!
This is…
The power of that group of monsters from the Konoha Pirates?
It was precisely because of this power, this power that fit the body even better than a Devil Fruit or Haki, that the Konoha Pirates could stand above everyone else on this sea!
Compared to this power…
An even greater gain came from Akihara Kagura's recognition!
This meant that from now on Fujitora could act while bearing the name of the Konoha Pirates, bearing Akihara Kagura's orders, bearing the will of both Akihara Kagura and the Goddess of Rabbit!
At this moment…
Fujitora knew what he had gained!
He had received a gift from the gods, enough to give him a more rightful title and identity, a stronger power, and a sturdier backing, giving him greater confidence to change this world steeped in suffering!
"I've yet to render even the slightest merit; I am truly ashamed."
Suppressing the excitement in his heart, Fujitora slowly lowered his head and bowed respectfully toward Akihara Kagura. "All I can do is offer my wish that the life my lord spends in the Navy be beautiful and pleasant…"
"Go do what you want to do."
Akihara Kagura waved a hand at Fujitora, signaling him to attend to his own affairs, and finally added one last instruction: "Before you leave, Marshal Sengoku will probably summon you. My impression of this Navy Admiral is actually not bad."
"Is that so?"
Fujitora showed a hint of surprise, his face full of emotion and relief. "That could not be more fortunate. The justice of the world has also won my lord's favor."
This was…
The greatest fortune.
Because the Navy ultimately still represented justice, Fujitora had chosen to join the Navy during the great world conscription, in order to carry out the justice in his heart upon the sea.
Compared to Fujitora…
The rulers of this sea, however, regarded justice as nothing more than a lapdog.
Mary Geoise.
Within Pangu City in the Central Holy Land.
Saint Saturn sat on the sofa, his brows tightly furrowed. Standing beside him, Saint Nusjuro, who had been polishing his long blade, also looked rather grim.
"That group of monsters from Konoha…"
"There's actually someone even stronger standing behind them…"
"And that person even set foot on the Final Island of the Grand Line earlier than Gol D. Roger, prematurely releasing the sealed Goddess of Rabbit inside…"
"The Goddess of Rabbit may not even exist…"
Saint Saturn turned to glance at his colleague and said in a low voice, "Didn't we already ask Lord Imu? There is fundamentally no such Goddess of Rabbit in this world. All that history was fabricated lies, meant only to deceive those lowborn wretches…"
"But…"
Saint Nusjuro stopped what he was doing, his gaze sharpening as he looked toward Saint Saturn. "Saint Saturn, could it be that Lord Imu… has also begun to feel fear?"
"!!!"
Saint Saturn's heart jolted.
Theoretically speaking, this wasn't impossible at all!
Who could say whether the King of Heavenly Celestial Dragon they had always revered was, in fact, also terrified of the Goddess of Rabbit, terrified of them learning the truth, and thus had always insisted to them that there was no such Goddess of Rabbit?
"That group of monsters from the Konoha Pirates has no need to lie…"
Saint Nusjuro pressed his hand onto his sword and said in a low voice, "Let's set aside the matter of the Goddess of Rabbit for now. Just the person standing behind the Konoha Pirates, supporting their unbridled actions—shouldn't the all-knowing Lord Imu at least know something about them?"
"That person…"
"Must also be someone of a very long-lived race…"