Ace froze, completely unprepared for Bai Yu's sudden remark.
After all, having witnessed Fujitora Issho's strength firsthand, he would be a highly sought-after figure for any faction.
Now, Bai Yu not only fails to seize this opportunity, but instead gives it to him.
This action surprised Ace somewhat.
"Is this Fire Fist Ace?"
Fujitora raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.
"I heard you recently joined the Whitebeard Pirates and even became the captain of the Second Division. You're truly a promising young man."
"I remember the previous Second Division Captain was a strange and interesting samurai."
"You know Oden?" Ace was a little surprised.
He had only ever learned about Kozuki Oden from Whitebeard and the other captains.
Few people outside the community know about this.
Hearing about the Whitebeard Pirates from Fujitora's mouth undoubtedly increased Ace's chances of winning.
After all, in Ace's eyes, the Whitebeard Pirates were, after all, the most powerful of the Four Emperors on this sea, and their charm was unparalleled.
"Hehe, I've met that Wano Country samurai once or twice, and we've exchanged a few blows. He's certainly an interesting person," Fujitora said with a smile.
"I've heard that the position of the Second Division has been vacant for many years. Whitebeard's willingness to give it to you is enough to show how much he values you."
"You might just become Whitebeard's successor someday."
No one dislikes hearing kind words, and Ace was no exception.
Ace beamed with delight at Fujitora's flattery, but he also sensed that the next invitation was now even more certain.
" Bai Yu, doing this is indeed a bit unfair to you, but for the sake of the Whitebeard Pirates, I have to do this once."
A jumble of thoughts flashed through Ace's mind. His smile faded, and he spoke sincerely.
" Fujitora, I would like to invite you to join the Whitebeard Pirates. If you are willing, I will get you the position of Zeroth Division Captain that Pops specially created for Bai Yu."
What is the position of the Zeroth Division Captain?
Trafalgar Law and the others couldn't help but change their expressions.
They had already heard of the Whitebeard Pirates, such a behemoth.
However, this is the first time I've heard of the concept of Zeroth Division.
Most importantly, as Ace just mentioned, this position was specifically offered by Whitebeard to recruit Bai Yu.
Now, Ace immediately brought up the position of Zeroth Division Captain.
This is enough to show that in Ace's eyes, Fujitora Issho's value is completely equal to Bai Yu's.
"The position of Zeroth Division Captain?" Fujitora asked, his expression momentarily blank.
"This invitation is truly unexpected; if it were on the open sea, people would fight tooth and nail for it."
"However, before I answer, I want to ask everyone a question: If a place or country is very poor, what would you do?"
Local? National?
Trafalgar Law and the others were completely stunned.
They never expected that, faced with Ace's invitation to Zeroth Division Captain, Fujitora would not only avoid the topic but also ask such a strange question.
Ace frowned slightly, equally surprised that Fujitora would ask such a question.
However, in order to get Fujitora to join the Whitebeard Pirates, he gritted his teeth and asked.
"I once heard that my Pops was born in a poor place. Later, after Pops became a pirate, he took the treasure he obtained back and left it to them unconditionally, making their lives prosperous and peaceful."
"If there really is a place or country that is very poor, I will do what my Pops did."
Trafalgar Law and the others were completely surprised.
They never imagined that Whitebeard, one of the Four Emperors, would have such a tender and ruthless side.
But wouldn't this selfless approach play right into Fujitora's hands?
Did Fujitora Issho join the Whitebeard Pirates after being amused by his appearance?
Fujitora paused for a moment, then looked at Bai Yu and said.
"Lord Bai Yu, do you have an answer in your heart?"
All eyes immediately fell on Bai Yu, including Ace's.
Ace was indeed a little anxious when Fujitora didn't answer immediately.
However, Ace also wanted to know what Bai Yu would do.
I will not give them money.
Bai Yu spoke calmly.
Upon hearing this, Trafalgar Law and the others' expressions changed drastically.
Doesn't this answer essentially shut out the opportunity to recruit Fujitora Issho?
However, the thought had barely crossed their minds when Bai Yu's voice rang out again.
"I once heard a saying: 'Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.' Rather than giving them money, it's better to help them build infrastructure and empower them."
"You believe that there is a country that will build roads to any place, no matter how poor it is. This is not a waste of manpower and resources; it's just that this country clearly understands that everyone is equal and has the ability to go out into the world."
"Shouldn't we give them a chance?"
Ace and the others were momentarily stunned.
Bai Yu's answer caught everyone completely off guard.
Fujitora Issho's cheek muscles twitched slightly, then he gripped his cane tightly for a few moments before finally relaxing his grip completely, letting out a soft sigh.
"Lord Bai Yu, I didn't expect you to be such an interesting person. You've given me an interesting answer."
"I finally understand why those Shichibukai, even giving up Shichibukai privileges, chose to stand on your side. It seems you possess a charisma that others lack."
" Ace, the position of Zeroth Division Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates is indeed very tempting. However, I would like to accompany Lord Bai Yu to see that country where everyone is equal. I hope you won't mind."
The slightly drawn-out words echoed on the deck, lingering for a long time.
Ace's face froze instantly, and his previously high confidence collapsed in an instant.
Ace was a little surprised by Fujitora Issho's choice, but he quickly understood and gave a wry smile.
" Bai Yu, I know you've been setting me up from the very beginning, deliberately giving me the opportunity to invite Fujitora."
"If I'd known you had that damn charisma, I wouldn't have bothered trying to win you over."
"However, losing to you is still better than losing to anyone else. Don't forget that I have the Whitebeard Pirates behind me. You no longer have the support of the Marine Headquarters and the old man; you're all alone. If it really comes down to a fight, you won't win by much."
"Let someone else give it to you now; consider it a kind gesture."