He obviously possesses unparalleled strength and the determination to reign supreme in the world, but unlike others, he does not harbor sinister ambitions.
This thought lingered in his mind, making him question:
"Does such a person truly exist in this world?"
After all, exploiting the weak is the foundation of the current world order!
"Hahahaha! That's right! I can truly feel that Your Excellency is not deceiving me!" A faint smile appeared on his face, replacing the uncertainty and hesitation from moments ago.
He was moved.
If it was truly possible to assist this man and build a world based on his ideals, then perhaps… this was the right choice.
With this thought, the wandering warrior lifted his head and spoke decisively:
"Thank you for your invitation. I am willing to join!"
"Captain Caesar!"
Fujitora—formerly a lone wanderer, searching for the justice in his heart—had finally found his path.
But what was justice, truly?
Was the Navy's justice absolute?
Did the World Government truly represent righteousness?
Were pirates inherently evil?
It was only now that he truly understood—justice is not absolute. It is shaped by perspectives, experiences, and ideals.
He did not know if the justice he pursued was the correct one.
But the vision Caesar painted—a world beyond corruption and oppression—was one that resonated with the depths of his heart.
It was the answer he had been searching for.
It was his life's purpose!
"Welcome!"
Seeing the blind warrior's unwavering resolve, Caesar was elated.
He rose from his seat and extended his right hand. Without hesitation, Fujitora followed suit, and the two shook hands firmly.
There was no need for more words.
Though the saying goes, "Those on different paths cannot walk together," this was not the case here. They were kindred spirits.
With the addition of this formidable man, the Caesar Pirates had gained yet another powerful general, further solidifying their strength.
Though Fujitora had yet to reach the level of an Emperor-class combatant, there was no doubt that he stood at the pinnacle of the Vice Admiral tier.
Among the crew, he far surpassed Brad in strength. Given time, there was no doubt that Fujitora would soon step into the realm of true admiral-level power.
And with Caesar's guidance, that breakthrough would come even faster.
Fujitora's addition signified that the Caesar Pirates had truly ascended to the ranks of the top pirate crews—unrivaled by most.
Even the Roger Pirates could not compare!
At their peak, only the legendary Rocks Pirates had ever stood above them.
But Caesar believed—no, he was certain—that his crew would one day surpass even the Rocks Pirates!
After their solemn handshake, they left the noodle shop together.
As the sky darkened, Caesar and Fujitora walked towards the harbor where the Rex was docked.
This was a true victory.
Fujitora's recruitment was of extraordinary significance.
It would not be long before the Caesar Pirates possessed a fighting force equivalent to four admirals—completely capable of rivaling the Navy of this era.
Of course, Caesar was not arrogant. He understood that even with such strength, a full-scale war against the World Government was unwise.
After all, the top combat power of admirals alone would not determine the outcome.
And the World Government had ruled for over 800 years—no one knew the full extent of their hidden forces.
For now, the priority was further strengthening their power.
---
Aboard the Rex
By nightfall, after a day of shopping and exploring, the crew gradually returned to the ship.
The women had scoured every shop on the island, bringing back a variety of goods—some for the children, some for their husbands, and some for themselves.
Their hands were full of bags, large and small.
The men, on the other hand, were far more relaxed.
Their entertainment mostly involved drinking and gambling, so most of them returned empty-handed—except for Yakesi and Amichael.
Yakesi had been busy with trade and business transactions, while Amichael had been purchasing books, research materials, and experimental components to compensate for two hundred years of inaction.
But just as they set foot on the deck, an unfamiliar presence entered their perception.
"When did a stranger board the ship?"
Among the women, Lily—who had returned first—frowned in confusion.
Soon, Regina, Kyle, and Weina also sensed the powerful aura.
The men remained composed. It wasn't unusual for new members to join a pirate crew.
But if someone had actually come aboard to steal from Caesar, then that person was exceptionally unlucky.
Moments later, they found the source of the presence in the dining hall.
There, alongside Caesar and Yakesi, sat a blind man in a purple kimono, chatting amicably with their captain.
---
Most of the veteran crew members had developed Haki over the years.
Even without seeing, they could feel the immense power radiating from the blind man.
His presence was second only to Caesar, Gnaly, and Barrett!
Although they were curious, none dared to interrupt.
Instead, they took their seats, waiting for Caesar's introduction.
Only the young children, unaware of the tension, gathered around Caesar and the blind warrior, staring at him curiously.
"Father, what happened to this uncle's eyes?"
"Uncle, does it hurt?"
The innocent voices of the children made Fujitora's expression soften even further.
He did not mind their words at all. Instead, he chuckled and replied warmly,
"Oh, uncle doesn't feel pain at all!"
"You're all so adorable—surely you will grow up to be fine men!"
"Heh, that's right! I'll become the strongest man in the world!"
Hearing the praise, young Lucius blushed slightly but spoke confidently.
"Hmph! I will be the strongest!"
Not to be outdone, his older brother Carlos shot him a competitive glare.
The two boys immediately began bickering.
But before they could continue, a clear and confident voice interrupted them.
"Hmph! Brother, you're both wrong! Father is the strongest man in the world!"
Little Alice—Caesar's youngest daughter—flew straight into his arms, pouting at her brothers.
Then, she proudly turned to her father and asked,
"Right, Father?"
"Yes, yes, my little angel is always right!"
Caesar chuckled, kissing Alice's forehead.
During their regular voyages, she could see her father every day.
But after a whole day of playing on the island without him, she had missed him dearly.
"I missed you too, my little angel!"
Caesar laughed heartily, lifting Alice into the air and showering her with affectionate kisses.
Fujitora observed this tender moment with a slight smile.
"What an innocent presence... Is this the captain's daughter?"
"Yes," Caesar said with pride. "Her name is Alice. My youngest daughter!"
Fujitora nodded, his smile deepening.
"Such a pure and holy aura… Captain, you are truly blessed!"
"But… did this child just fly?"
Caesar smirked.
There was no reason to hide it, so he answered proudly,
"Yes. My daughter ate the Mythical Zoan: Human-Human Fruit, Model: Angel!"
"The two clinging to my legs are my sons, Carlos and Lucas. They were born less than an hour apart."
Fujitora was astonished.
Even from the moment he boarded the ship, he had sensed the extraordinary presence of these children.
Now, hearing Caesar's explanation, he understood.
A rare Mythical Zoan… A future generation filled with potential…
Fujitora smiled softly.
Perhaps, after all these years of wandering, he had finally found a home.
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