A Bet with Fujitora

Noah's toothy grin was devastating on an entirely different level.

It was the kind that worked on both men and women, regardless of faction—the kind that could even make an enemy pirate captain take the lead in defecting.

And right now, even with sunglasses covering most of his face,

the entire noodle shop, including customers at several nearby tables, had fallen into a daze at the sight of that smile. They stared blankly at his profile for a long while, not even noticing the noodles held in their chopsticks slipping onto the floor.

But for a blind old man who could not see a thing, it was obviously useless.

"The Marines..."

Fujitora barely paused before refusing outright. "My apologies. Though I deeply admire Lord Noah's strength and character, I must ask your forgiveness, but I will not consider this proposal."

"Why not?"

Bell-mère could not help asking from the side.

"Mr. Issho, you're exceptionally strong and have great ambitions. Wouldn't fulfilling those ambitions in the Marines be better than remaining a mere wandering swordsman? You could save more people that way, and..."

"And once your position rose, you wouldn't have to endure being humiliated by clowns like today," Momousagi said with a smile, finishing Bell-mère's thought for her.

"I have grown accustomed to being alone, drifting like an idle cloud and a wild crane, wandering freely wherever I please."

Fujitora shook his head slightly. "After joining the Marines, I would be bound by all manner of restrictions, which I would find difficult to bear. More importantly, there are certain Marine decisions in recent years that I simply cannot agree with..."

"Are you referring to the Seven Warlords System, Brother Issho?"

A glint flashed through Noah's eyes as he suddenly spoke.

"There are some other matters as well."

Fujitora paused, clearly