Kuzan watched Uchiha Hiko's back. This young man was not particularly tall and even looked younger than him, yet his heart harbored such grand ambitions—ideals worthy of Kuzan's respect.
Kuzan slowly rose to his feet, walked over to Uchiha Hiko, and said, "You really do know how to make things sound good."
The corners of Hiko's lips lifted slightly. He smiled with calm composure, his bearing elegant and extraordinary. "Not only do I say things well, everything I do looks good too!"
Kuzan nodded. From the moment Uchiha Hiko had emerged, to when he made a name for himself in the New World and caught Kuzan's attention, to his worldwide fame today, he had made his way step by step. Every footprint he left behind had been marked by the defeat of countless Pirates and the rescue of countless people.
No matter what aims or ambitions Uchiha Hiko possessed, as long as what he did benefited the people and the world, Kuzan had no reason to reject him.
In fact, Kuzan saw new hope in Uchiha Hiko—the hope he held for this world.
That was why Kuzan had abandoned the plan he had carried with him when he first left the Marines. Instead, he had risked everything to come to Dressrosa and join this young man who had appeared out of nowhere.
"Before the Alliance rises, you will face countless trials," Kuzan said slowly. "Whether it's the Pirates, the surrounding nations, or even the World Government, as long as you harm their interests, they will draw their blades against you without hesitation."
Hiko had long considered the difficulties the Alliance would face in its early days. Back then, however, he had not included Kuzan in his calculations. After all, he did not think he could simply unleash some kingly aura