Kuzan watched Uchiha Hikaru's back. This young man was not particularly tall, and he even looked younger than Kuzan himself, yet such grand ambitions were buried within his heart—ideals and aspirations worthy of Kuzan's respect.
Kuzan slowly rose to his feet, walked over to Uchiha Hikaru, and said, "You really know how to make things sound good."
The corners of Hikaru's mouth curled up slightly. He smiled with calm composure, carrying an extraordinary air about him. "Not only do I talk a good game, but everything I do looks good too!"
Kuzan nodded. From the moment Uchiha Hikaru had appeared, to the stir he had caused in the New World, to the moment he had caught Kuzan's attention, and now his worldwide fame, he had walked every step of the way himself. And every footprint he left behind was marked by the deeds of defeating countless pirates and saving countless people.
No matter what goals or ambitions Uchiha Hikaru possessed, as long as what he did benefited the people and the world, Kuzan had no reason to reject him.
More than that, Kuzan saw new hope in Uchiha Hikaru—hope for the world.
Thus, Kuzan abandoned the plan he had carried with him when he first left the Marines. Instead, he took an enormous risk and came to Dressrosa to throw in his lot with this young man who had emerged out of nowhere.
"Before the alliance rises, you'll face countless trials," Kuzan said slowly. "Whether it's pirates, neighboring nations, or even the World Government, as long as you harm their interests, they'll draw their blades against you without hesitation."
Hikaru had long considered the difficulties the alliance would face in its early days. Back then, however, he had not counted Kuzan among them. After all, he did not think a