The secluded street was silent. The blind swordsman's voice was low, yet filled with solemn sincerity.
River narrowed his eyes slightly as he studied the man before him, a smile gradually spreading across his face.
Of course, he had already recognized the man, which only made him all the more surprised.
An Admiral-level powerhouse had simply appeared before him, pledging his allegiance and offering to serve.
And there was no reason for it. If he had to name one, was it his benevolence? Or perhaps his kingly aura?
It might have sounded ridiculous, but that was the reality.
On this boundless sea, where justice was scarce and pirates ran rampant, benevolence truly could win the hearts of people with noble aspirations.
The man before him was Fujitora Issho, one of the Navy's future Three Admirals in the original story.
Without question, he was a true master of swordsmanship, combining his Devil Fruit powers with his sword techniques to unleash tremendous destructive force.
"Dressrosa can't take in someone of unknown origins just because you say a few words."
Donquixote Doflamingo spoke with a cold laugh.
"Even if I do admire your courage in blocking our path all by yourself."
Fujitora Issho frowned at those words, but soon replied, "I understand!"
"Please follow me, both of you."
"Simply talking like this is indeed rather presumptuous and unconvincing."
Then he turned and headed toward an open space nearby.
"Let's go take a look. Perhaps we'll be in for a surprise."
River spoke with a smile.
He was genuinely delighted. Although he had known that his growing reputation would benefit his cause, he had never expected a pleasant surprise to arrive so quickly.
But upon closer thought, it was only natural.
The new policy implemented in Dressrosa was unprecedented in this world. It placed