A Conversation with Issho

"To think... you can influence the trajectory of fate, are you a god?" Compared to the ignorance of the underlings, the shock of the ball landing at the boundary between black and white was undoubtedly greater.

Because, according to his Observation Haki, the man beside him did not use any special ability to change the trajectory of the ball. Instead, from the beginning, the ball had been moving according to the trajectory he had set, as if it was actively moving towards his words. His every word and action could cause the surrounding things to change silently, as if an invisible hand was controlling fate.

Even if the man beside him destroyed the island beneath their feet with a single blow, he wouldn't be too surprised. After all, he himself was a monster with terrifying power capable of destroying the world. Moreover, through his Observation Haki, he already knew that the aura of the person beside him was as deep and obscure as a black hole, practically a demonic dragon lurking among humans.

However, this ability to manipulate the threads of fate still deeply shocked him.

"Gods? The gods of this world are essentially just people with great power or boundless authority. Aren't people like you and me gods in the eyes of ordinary people? And what about those Celestial Dragons who live in the Holy Land Mary Geoise and claim to be descendants of gods? Do you really think they can represent gods?"

Roy tapped the table lightly with his right index finger. The eerie rhythm seemed to strike the hearts of everyone present, causing their hearts to pound, their blood to rush, their breathing to become labored, and their faces to turn almost purple. One by one, they had no choice but to flee for their lives. In just a moment, the noisy casino became empty, leaving only Roy and Yixiao.

Yi Xiao ignored the fleeing gamblers and seriously considered Roy's question. He shook his head and said, "If God can only bring suffering and calamity to this world, then this world does not need God."

Fortunately, there was no one else in the casino besides him and Roy; otherwise, if such shocking words were to spread, they would almost be considered blatant treason.

"So, someone like this uncle, who clearly possesses unparalleled strength, remains unknown on this vast ocean. Is it because he wants to uphold the justice in his heart, but is unwilling to serve the false justice of the World Government'?"

"While the World Government may not necessarily represent justice, Shichibukai like Roy seems to be far removed from the so-called justice."

"Oh? I didn't expect you to recognize me already, uncle?"

"I am not some reclusive person who has come from the deep mountains and forests. If I have never even heard of the name of Nightmare among the Shichibukai, I would be too ignorant. Moreover, such a vibrant and powerful aura can only Roy on this sea."

"It seems that Uncle has only closed his eyes, not his heart." Roy raised an eyebrow slightly. Whether it was his understanding of Issho or his remarkable performance in the World Military Draft five years later, it was clear that Issho was not indifferent to the situation on the sea. Perhaps the idea of abolishing the Shichibukai had already taken root in his heart.

"Phew, I'm saved." A gambler breathed in the fresh air, never wanting to experience that suffocating feeling again in his life.

"Is that guy a Devil Fruit user?" The pirate who had previously smiled deceitfully was now filled with grief and indignation. He had left all his money inside and hadn't had time to bring it out. But just thinking about the feeling of his heart about to burst made him afraid to take another step towards the casino. He could only grumble, "A mere table-banging Devil Fruit user dares to run wild on our Donquixote Family's territory. He's really asking for trouble."

"Hey boss, is there really Table-Tapping Fruit?" one of the underlings couldn't help but ask.

"Idiot, if the opponent wasn't Devil Fruit User, how could I not be able to withstand it with my strength?"

"Di... Di..." another henchman suddenly widened his eyes and stammered.

"Damn it, you bastard, how dare you call me brother? Do you want to die?" He grabbed his underling's collar in a rage and asked viciously.

"No... it's Lord Diamante!" the underling said excitedly, pointing behind him.

"What? It's actually the Colosseum's hero, Lord Diamante! And behind him are the other four gatekeepers of the Colosseum. Could it be that my recent performance has been too good, and my family is planning to promote me to a higher position?" He immediately fell into a wonderful fantasy, then looked at the casino with ill intent. "A Table-Tapping Fruit dares to offend me? He really doesn't know the meaning of death!"

"Huh? What happened to you all..." Diamante frowned when he saw everyone standing outside the casino looking disheveled, realizing that things were not so simple.

"No problem, I'm willing. Whatever leadership position the family assigns me, I will accept it without hesitation. Everything I have today is thanks to the family and the young master's nurturing. I will definitely..."

Snap!

Already anxious, Diamante didn't bother listening to his nonsense and slapped him across the face, making him look like a pig. "Are you awake now?"

"Venus (waking up)." The pirate with the pig-headed face answered timidly.

The underlings around him had been looking at him with admiration, thinking their boss was really going to be promoted to a higher position, but it turned out to be just wishful thinking on his part.

Why are you all staying outside? What happened inside the casino?

"Beng Lai..." Hearing his level-ten alien language, Diamante finally couldn't stand it anymore and kicked him away, pointing at one of his underlings in the crowd, "You answer."

"Huh? Me?" The underling excitedly pointed to himself, realizing his chance for a promotion, a raise, and marrying a rich and beautiful woman had arrived. He quickly replied, "Lord Diamante, it's like this, the boss was originally swindling money from an old blind man, but suddenly a user with the Table-Tapping Fruit' ability came along and wanted to get involved, and then..."

"Wait, what the heck is Table-Tapping Fruit user'?" Diamante couldn't help but interrupt.

"Well, that's what the boss said. It's because that guy just tapped the table a few times, and it made us all feel like our hearts were about to explode, so we had to run away as fast as we could."

"It seems it really is him!" Diamante took a deep breath. Perhaps only that monster could do such a seemingly effortless thing. "Go on."

"He seemed to be targeting that old blind man, saying he wanted to make a bet with him, and he said a lot of things about the boundary between black and white, gods, Celestial Dragons and such, which sounded very mystical."

Diamante clutched his chest, his face contorted in pain, feeling as if he were about to have an angina attack.

"Anyone Nightmare would take seriously is no small fry. He even used a clearing maneuver. Is he planning to make a move? Damn it, why did he have to choose when Doffy wasn't here? Now I just hope Nightmare will consider our alliance a little."

Well, this lazy bum managed to save up half a chapter today, and another half tomorrow, so I can finally post three chapters tomorrow (but I still can't speed things up, it just feels a bit awkward to write (><.))