Once again, Aokiji saw Kizaru. He was much less lost than before, but he had plenty of new questions.
What he had seen along the way through the East Blue had given him a glimpse of the conflict between two different ways of thinking: democracy and authoritarianism. Yet both seemed capable of producing positive results in their own ways.
Aokiji waited until Makino, the bar's owner, had brought him and Kizaru two glasses of whiskey and some ice and then left them alone. Only then did he look at Kizaru and speak.
"Along the way, I've seen Land of Light officials with very different styles. Some are friendly and willing to talk with the villagers and townspeople to earn their support and understanding. Others stick to their policies and force them through with an iron fist. These two completely conflicting approaches both exist among Land of Light officials. It's like a spear and a shield, and it leaves me feeling a little torn."
Faced with Aokiji's confusion, Kizaru laughed easily. "That's because you're overthinking it."
"I'm overthinking it?"
Kizaru nodded, then continued, "The ordinary villagers and townspeople on those islands can't understand what's troubling you. For the officials we send out, being friendly or domineering is simply a matter of personal style. The only thing we need to monitor is whether their methods comply with the laws we've established. As for the people under their rule, the only thing they care about is whether their lives get better under the new official."
"We have only one standard for evaluating officials: have they improved the local people's standard of living? If they help ordinary people earn more, eat their fill and eat well, and dress warmly and well, then they're qualified officials at this stage. And if, on top of that,