Face Like Vines, Heart Like a Raging Tiger!

"Haha, although I have absolutely no liking for pirates, I must admit that you are right, sir."

He nodded emphatically with a smile, then laughed.

"Among the current Emperors of the Sea, apart from Red-Haired Shanks has just taken the throne, it is still too early to determine his style."

That Whitebeard, renowned throughout the world, was indeed a great pirate who protected the land and its people, and held up half of the New World as a blessed land!

He smiled, a look of wistfulness on his face.

"Moreover, just hearing about your agreement to fight Whitebeard to the death on the Red Line fills me with a sense of pride."

You truly deserve to be called a hero with Conqueror's Haki! Even that Whitebeard hasn't tarnished the meaning of Conqueror's Haki or his reputation as the strongest in the world!

"Haha, it's not as exaggerated as you say. What 'Conqueror's Haki' or 'so-called hero'?"

On this vast ocean, anyone who possesses the Conqueror's Haki is nothing but a bunch of dreamers.

However, compared to other dreamers, these dreamers are a bit silly; we genuinely believe we can achieve those dreams.

And besides fools like us, how many people would be foolish enough to mistake a vague, ethereal dream for a reality already realized?

Gawain explained to Yi Xiao, then raised his wine glass, while Yi Xiao raised his teacup in a toast.

After enjoying a glass of wine and a cup of tea, the two smiled and nodded with a touch of emotion.

"I will speak frankly. Since you are so keen to unravel the mystery of the pirates, I am not concerned about having my sword in your hands!"

At this point, Yi Xiao revealed a reminiscing expression, and then he continued.

"Over the years, I have traveled Four Blues and wandered in the New World."

After years of travel, I had long forgotten my dreams, but one thought lingered in my mind.

Cleanse the world of its filth!

At this point, Yi Xiao put down her teacup, then solemnly stood up and stood in front of Gawain's sofa.

He stood there and spoke, word by word.

"My lord, do you know why I became blind?"

Before Gawain could speak, he solemnly drew his Cane Sword.

He slowly placed his Cane Sword on the ground, smiled at Gawain, and solemnly knelt down on one knee.

Then, he said with utmost seriousness.

"Over the years, I have seen far too many things I did not want to see."

My eyes have long since lost sight of the beauty in this world!

So I closed my eyes myself, and because of this, I gradually came to know.

"Being unable to see means we can hear more!"

At this point, Yixiao turned the Cane Sword that were standing on the ground, and then he picked Cane Sword up with both hands and respectfully raised Cane Sword.

"I have not heard a trace of hypocrisy from you, sir. You have always been able to speak your mind without reservation. You have always put this into practice!"

Similarly, I also heard a raging fire burning within the adult!

At this point, Yi Xiao slowly lowered his head, while simultaneously raising his Cane Sword above his head.

He faced the floor and spoke heavily.

Ten years ago, I had no idea of dedicating myself to others or doing something for the world.

But after that, I heard the news that the Shichibukai of the Sea had appeared in this sea!

Pirates have always been the root of all evil in my heart, but it is precisely these kinds of bandits who have somehow become mercenaries in the eyes of the World Government!

In order to maintain a so-called balance in the world, the government actually hired pirates to keep them in check.

Little did I know that in my heart, such rules were simply a way to persuade neutral people who hadn't yet decided to become pirates to take the path of thievery!

Even if they become pirates, even if they commit heinous crimes, even if they plunder their hometowns, rob and kill for money.

As long as you are strong enough, and as long as you choose to surrender to the World Government, you can become Shichibukai and thus erase your past sins!

In my eyes, this regulation is undoubtedly the final straw that crushes the good people!

Therefore, it was from that moment that I truly embarked on the path I am on today!

Suddenly, Yi Xiao raised his head, faced Gawain, and said in a deep voice.

"I have had contact with the Revolutionary Army, but I do not like their style!"

Hiding, nothing but hiding. Their goal is not to save the world from suffering; they are just a group of confused people who hate the Celestial Dragon and constantly crave revenge!

Therefore, I abandoned the idea of joining the Revolutionary Army.

Later, I turned my attention to the navy, but after a long period of observation, the navy also disappointed me!

The navy's mind is completely filled with the concepts of maintaining stability and checks and balances!

They prefer to use a gentle approach with pirates, encircling them without attacking and pursuing them without annihilating them.

At the top, Fleet Admiral led by Sengoku regard the World Government's laws as divine decrees; at the bottom, even heroes like Vice Admiral Garp actually consider pirates as close friends!

Looking across the entire navy, only that Admiral Sakazuki commands my slightest respect!

Although I dislike his methods of eliminating evil.

But I particularly admire his determination to eradicate evil completely!

Unfortunately, based on my observations, Admiral Sakazuki does not hold an advantage in the navy.

Whether it's Sengoku or Garp, the person they'd rather support is Admiral Kuzan, who just recently left your Dark Bird Ship!

Therefore, I, too, have lost some of my faith in the Navy!

Aside from the Navy, I would never follow the path of CP, and I will never become a bladeless monster!

"Then you might find it strange that, given my abilities, I don't simply exterminate all the filth I've encountered."

At this point, Yi Xiao's smile faded, and he sighed.

"If I were to kill Shichibukai by myself with just my sword, I would become a corrupt person with a bounty on my head!"

Justice achieved through crime, in my view, brings no benefit whatsoever to the world!

If I myself have become a sinner, then no matter what heroic deeds I do, I can only be a hero in the eyes of sinners and a sinner in the eyes of heroes!

Compared to saving the people in the short term, what I pursue is exactly what you, sir, think and desire.

I am determined to save the people for generations to come!

At this point, Yi Xiao raised his Cane Sword, and simply handed them to Gawain.

He was 2.78 meters tall, and even when he knelt on one knee, the sword he raised was almost at Gawain's chest.

While waiting for Gawain to take his sword, he smiled and continued speaking.

"And so, in a daze of thought, I received news that the mayor of Water 7, Iceburg, was holding World Gambling Tournament in the Sabaody Archipelago!"

At first, I lamented the evil in the world, to the point that even the lord of a city had to make a profit by running a gambling business that harmed the people!

But after observing for myself, I was fortunate enough to discover traces of you, my lord!

Through investigation, I have learned your identity!

To be frank, I am very concerned about your identity!

Because the Descendants of God, who share your bloodline, have left too much suffering for this sea!

But as I continued my investigation, your past came into my mind!

You have fulfilled the dream of Fish-Man Island that has remained unfulfilled for eight hundred years. For this alone, I am already filled with admiration for you.

The most famous event on Fish-Man Island in recent years was the liberation of Mary Geoise Fisher Tiger slaves like you, the Celestial Dragon!

But you harbor no resentment or dissatisfaction towards this person's clan.

Immediately afterwards, you showed no anger whatsoever at my past sneak attack; instead, you spoke to me gently and kindly!

You may know, or you may not, what happens when you leave Mary Geoise and leave your mark on this world.

Your every move, if observed by someone with a discerning eye, is enough to make you a guide for countless people like myself who have lost their way!

Once the flag is raised, the wind will naturally blow it!

Even if I don't come today, I will eventually come to your side!

If you, as Celestial Dragon, are determined to revolutionize the Four Blues, then you yourself are the most qualified person to accomplish this great feat!

Since that's the case, why should I fear losing my life!

My lord, please take me as your sword and let your voice be heard across the sea!

As soon as he finished speaking, his smile turned serious, and he continued to lower his head, handing the longsword towards Gawain.

And Gawain...

Looking at the sword so close to him, he gently extended his right hand.

With one hand gripping the part where the Cane Sword's scabbard and hilt connect, Gawain turned the longsword without hesitation.

Thud!

He placed the Cane Sword upright on the ground.

With his thumb pressing upwards, Gawain pressed down on the hilt and pushed upwards.

Pfft!

The sound of a sharp blade being drawn echoed endlessly.

Seeing the cold glint of the blade, Gawain slid his sword back into its sheath.

He leaned on his Cane Sword, and solemnly said to Yixiao.

"His face was like a vine, but his heart was like a tiger; he showed his brilliance amidst decay and decay."

What a fine sword!!!

As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain returned the Cane Sword to Yi Xiao.

As Yi Xiao caught the Cane Sword, Gawain gently put his arm around Yi Xiao's shoulder.

"In that case, we'll have to rely on Mr. Yixiao's help from now on!"

"It is my duty!"

Yi Xiao said solemnly, then slowly stood up, bowed to Gawain, and sat back down on his sofa.

Only then did Hancock, standing next to Gawain, frown and smile as she spoke.

"So what if I'm Shichibukai? Even if I became Shichibukai, I didn't do anything to damage your reputation, sir."

Hmph, you're still prejudiced; you don't see things clearly enough!

"Hehe, Miss Hancock!"

Faced with Hancock's questioning, Ikko raised his head with a cold laugh.

Before you came aboard the adult ship, you were hardly a good person!

They plundered travelers Calm Belt, and led their men to raid villages and towns around the border between the Calm Belt and the Grand Line!

Even as the Queen of Amazon Lily, you are far from a good ruler. Who was it that wantonly slaughtered your people and turned them into stone statues?

At this point, Yi Xiao placed his Cane Sword across his lap and said in a cold voice.

"If you hadn't been restrained by adults like everyone else, lost the intention and thought of doing evil, and hadn't been able to further become a force of adults!"

My first suggestion to you, sir, is to completely wipe out all of you Shichibukai!

Among them, you, who are closest to us, are the first to be affected!

"You...?!!"

Hancock's eyes widened in surprise; she had never seen anyone on this ship speak so arrogantly!

Gawain understood in a moment.

This guy, Yixiao, is indeed a character like Wei Zheng!

He really dares to speak his mind, and he really doesn't care!

So, before Hancock could continue her outburst, Gawain quickly reached out and pressed down on Hancock's head.

While relentlessly ruffling Hancock's hair, Gawain smiled and said to Yixiao.

"Ah, if I weren't me, if I were one of the Five Elders..."

Then I will definitely approve of your plan to purge the Shichibukai.

The Shichibukai are the most notorious pirates on this sea besides the Four Emperors. Regardless of whether they cooperate with the government or not, their identity as thieves means they are destined to become the most prominent examples of wrongdoing!

To unravel the mysteries of this vast ocean, the first step is to unravel the pirates.

To get rid of the pirates, the first priority is to eliminate the Shichibukai!

But unfortunately, I am still me. Even with the identity of Celestial Dragon, the power that I can obtain that belongs solely to me is still far too little!

As for cultivating talent ourselves, that is indeed feasible, but time is a huge problem.

I am not old, but that does not mean I have the right to squander every minute. Therefore, if I want to make my voice heard sooner, I need to rely on and control the Shichibukai, a force that has only recently emerged but has already been accepted by the Four Blues!

"Of course, I understand, sir!"

He smiled and nodded solemnly.

"As I said before, given your style of doing things, even if they are still the Shichibukai, their behavior has long been subject to your control."

Although my heart is as hard as iron, I know that no matter how righteous a team is, it will not be composed entirely of righteous people!

Therefore, please proceed with your plans, my lord. I am merely the blade of your sword, and this blade will never wound your arm.

"Now that I have followed you, my expectation is for eternity, not just a day or two, my lord!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she smiled, picked up her teacup, and took a sip of tea.

Gion sighed deeply.

"Mr. Yixiao, I do have some reservations about your views on the navy."

I don't think Sakazuki is more suitable for the Navy than Kuzan, and I don't think your opinion is more correct than that of Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Garp.

"Hehe, Gion Vice Admiral, you yourself are a pillar that Sengoku and Garp have painstakingly nurtured, so of course you agree with their ideals!"

Yi Xiao said seriously.

"But before I met you, sir, I already knew one thing very clearly."

If the Navy ever wants to truly eradicate all pirates, then the Fleet Admiral will be none other than Admiral Sakazuki!

Because throughout the entire navy, only Admiral Sakazuki could truly disregard casualties and make the resolute decision to wipe out everything!

Yes, his style is indeed both righteous and wicked, but in these chaotic times, the Four Blues needs a potent remedy like him!

If I am unable to meet Gawain in my next life...

"Then I will most likely join Admiral Sakazuki's ranks in the future to seek any possibility of reforming the Four Blues!"

At this point, Ichisho slowly shook his head, and then he said one last thing to Gion.

"Gion Vice Admiral, even though you're in the Navy, you're still an insider."

But I am but a wanderer, drifting across the seas, and I happen to be an outsider."

"Why..."

Hearing Xiao's words, Gion let out a long sigh. Was she really an insider?

So, was my long-standing prejudice against Sakazuki really just a subjective bias, a prejudice against his misdeeds?

In silence, Gion looked thoughtfully at Gawain, who then Gawain patted Gion shoulder.

"Don't be sad, Gion. Whether you're involved or not, it doesn't matter."

Ultimately, it is I who see the world.

So, if you can't see too far, then focus your attention on me and take a good look at me.

I won't make mistakes. Even if you don't understand my decisions right now, you'll eventually see the consequences.

And if I make a mistake..."

Gawain paused for a moment, then smiled and raised his glass.

"If I make a mistake, I will need your help to point it out!"

As he finished speaking, Gawain drained his glass of wine, letting the intoxication rise within him, and finally nodded to Yi Xiao.

"Today is truly a memorable day. First, we had a fierce battle with Newgate, and then we welcomed Mr. Smile to the scene!"

Gawain slowly stood up, walked up to Yi Xiao, and extended his hand.

"The Dark Bird Emblem is still in your pocket, right? Give it to me."

"Good!"

Yi Xiao stood up solemnly and then placed the badge in Gawain's hand.

Taking the badge, Gawain pinned the soaring Dark Bird to Yi Xiao's left breast.

Gawain patted the gleaming badge gently and said with a smile.

"That's enough for tonight. Even if you're excited, you need to get some rest."

I'll have Kalifa arrange a room for you right away. I hope you can adapt to the berth on the Dark Bird Ship.

Goodnight, Mr. Yixiao.

On the other side, he felt Gawain's movements and listened to Gawain's voice.

He smiled, pursed his lips slightly, inhaled through his nose, and said solemnly.

Goodnight, sir!