Sailing: I was falsely accused of watching Nami bathe, but I'm blind.

His voice was not loud, and his pace was slow, but his words were full of profound insights and a compassionate heart.

He spoke of the vastness and freedom of the sea, as well as the evil and darkness lurking in its depths.

He spoke about the Navy, acknowledging that it had many upright individuals with a sense of justice and a desire to protect the people, but he also frankly pointed out the bureaucracy within the Navy, its subservience to the privileged class, and the cold-blooded and even cruel methods employed by some high-ranking officials in pursuit of so-called "absolute justice."

He talked about pirates, mentioning both the scoundrels who burned, killed, looted, and committed all sorts of evil deeds, and the complex beings like some legendary great pirates who pursued their dreams, resisted oppression, and even, to some extent, promoted changes in the times.

He even spoke about the World Government and the Celestial Dragons who lived in the Holy Land, revealing a deep sense of doubt and criticism, believing that the seemingly stable order they had built was actually based on enormous injustice and the blood and tears of countless ordinary people.

"This world is sick."

Fujitora picked up his wine glass, took another sip, and said with a hint of heaviness in his voice, “The so-called ‘peace’ is nothing but a facade to cover up the truth.”

So-called 'justice' is often just a tool for those in power to protect their own interests.

True 'benevolence and righteousness' have long become rare and precious on this vast ocean.

"

Then he talked about the justice he pursued—not the unquestionable "absolute justice" touted by the Navy, nor the lawless "freedom" touted by some pirates, but a kind of "benevolent justice" that tends to protect the weak, punish evil, and pursue true fairness and morality.

"I believe that power itself is neither right nor wrong; the key lies in the person who uses the power and the purpose for which they use it."

Fujitora's gaze (which Kai could sense) seemed to pierce through the tavern walls and look into the distance. "True justice should not merely be cold laws and powerful force, but should also include respect for life, compassion for the weak, and adherence to the principles of 'benevolence and righteousness'."

"

Fujitora's words were like bolts of lightning, cleaving open the chaotic sky in Kai's heart, a sky clouded by hatred and confusion.

He had never heard of anyone who could see the world so clearly, or who could analyze the word "justice" so profoundly.

These words resonated strongly with his own experiences, giving him a clearer understanding of his previously vague goals and inner struggles.

While Fujitora was speaking eloquently, he was also observing (sensing) Kai without making a sound.

He could clearly sense the lingering resentment in Kai, a remnant of the life-or-death struggle he had just experienced, the icy anger and pain deep within him caused by betrayal, and the burning desire for fairness and justice beneath those layers of ice, as well as the strong will to resist being controlled by fate and to take control of his own power.

This young man is like an uncut gem, hard in texture and with great potential, but because he has experienced too much darkness and trauma, his edges are too sharp, and he even carries a dangerous, self-destructive aura.

Fujitora realized that if such young people did not receive proper guidance, they might go astray due to their inner hatred and obsessive pursuit of power, and eventually become even more terrifying than those bullies.

Chapter 31 strives to express one's inner feelings.

During a break in their conversation, Fujitora seemed to casually bring up the fight between Kai and the casino bully that had just taken place.

"Your actions just now, while commendable in their courage, were still somewhat immature."

"Fujitora said calmly, holding his wine glass, "Your senses are very sharp and your reactions are fast enough, but there is still a lot of room for improvement in the application of power and the grasp of timing."

"

He casually pointed out a few shortcomings that Kai had shown in the battle:

"For example, if you rely too much on dodging and lack effective blocking and force-dissipating skills, your stamina will be depleted too quickly, and you will be easily suppressed by powerful opponents."

"

"For example, although your counterattacks are precise and ruthless, you are too focused on killing the opponent with one blow. Sometimes, you may expose your weaknesses by using too much force, giving your opponent an opportunity to exploit them."

"

"Furthermore, your control over your aura is not perfect. Although you can conceal your whereabouts, in the heat of battle, the ferocity you exude due to anger will prematurely reveal your intentions..."

Fujitora's comments were like precise surgical scalpels, directly hitting Kai's most critical weaknesses and shortcomings in battle.

Some of these problems were things Kai himself was vaguely aware of but didn't know how to improve, while others were blind spots he had never noticed.

Fujitora's few words gave him a feeling of sudden enlightenment and clarity!

Kai was utterly shocked.

This senior is not only incredibly powerful, but also has an extremely sharp eye (perception)! Just by observing that brief and chaotic battle, he was able to analyze his own strengths and weaknesses so thoroughly!

Fujitora put down his wine glass and continued, "Your talent, especially your innate keen perception, is a precious gift from heaven and should not be buried."

But talent is like a sharp blade; without a sheath to restrain it and without the right path to guide it, it will harm itself before it can harm others.

If the anger and pain in your heart cannot be transformed into the power to uphold 'benevolence and righteousness', it will only drag you into the abyss.

"

Fujitora's words struck Kai's heart like a resounding bell.

He realized that the blind man before him was not only a powerful senior, but also a wise man with great insight into the ways of the world and the hearts of men! Perhaps... he really could guide him out of his current predicament and inner confusion!

The opportunity to change your destiny is right in front of you!

Kai could no longer contain his excitement and longing.

He abruptly stood up from his seat and bowed deeply to Fujitora once more, his voice trembling slightly with excitement:

"Senior! This junior...this junior humbly begs the senior to accept me as your disciple! Or...or even just to guide this junior in the direction of cultivation! This junior is willing to pay any price!"

He knew that this request might be somewhat abrupt, or even presumptuous.

But he couldn't miss this opportunity.

This is the first person he's encountered since being abandoned who might truly understand him and has the ability to help him! He must seize this opportunity!

Fujitora did not answer immediately.

He maintained his calm demeanor, simply picking up his glass and taking another small sip.

The tavern quieted down, with only the occasional sound of wind coming from outside the window and faint noise in the distance.

Kai could clearly feel the steady, mountain-like aura emanating from Fujitora, as well as the invisible perception flowing through him, seemingly scrutinizing his inner self.

After a moment, Fujitora slowly put down his wine glass, raised his head (though he couldn't see), and asked in a calm, unwavering voice:

"Let's leave the matter of taking on apprentices aside for now."

I'd like to ask you a few questions first.

"

Kai felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that a test was about to begin.

He immediately focused his mind and said respectfully, "Please speak, senior. I will answer all your questions without reservation."

"

Fujitora nodded and asked, "First question: Why do you crave power? Is it for revenge? Or for self-preservation? Or... for something higher?"

This question points directly to Kai's deepest motivations.

Kai was silent for a moment, his mind flashing with Luffy and the others' cold eyes, the arrogant faces of those bullies, and the helpless eyes of the old vendor.

Finally, he looked up and answered seriously, "Yes, I have both."

I need the strength to protect myself and survive in this cruel world.

I crave the power to prove those who betrayed me and trampled on my dignity wrong, and to make them pay the price they deserve.

But... I also hope that one day in the future, I can use this power to protect the weak who are innocently bullied, like that old man just now, and to fight against the injustice of this world.

The younger generation doesn't want to become the kind of person they once hated the most.

His answer, combining his own experience with the impact of Fujitora's words, appeared sincere and complex.

Fujitora listened quietly without commenting, then continued, "Second question: In your opinion, what is true 'justice'? Is it the law? Is it order? Or something else?"

This is a much broader issue, and it puts a person's values ​​to a greater test.

Kai pondered for a moment, recalling Fujitora's earlier words and his own experience of being abandoned by the "collective will," and slowly said, "I believe that laws and order are important, but they can sometimes become tools for the strong to oppress the weak, or become rigid and inhumane."

True justice, perhaps, should focus more on individuals, on those ignored voices, and on 'benevolence' and 'righteousness' themselves.

It should be something warm, capable of protecting the weak, punishing evil, and... bringing true justice.

He couldn't give a perfect definition, but he tried his best to express his inner feelings.

Fujitora's lips seemed to curve into a slight smile again as he posed his final question: "One last question: What are your goals for the future? Is it merely to become stronger and seek revenge? And once you have enough power, what do you plan to do with it?"

This question concerns Kai's future career path.

Kai took a deep breath. He might not have thought about this question so clearly before, but at this moment, under Fujitora's guidance, a certain direction in his mind seemed to become clear.

"My goal is, first and foremost, to become stronger, to take control of my own destiny, and to no longer be at the mercy of others."

He paused, his tone becoming even more resolute. "As for revenge... perhaps, but that's not the ultimate goal."

I hope that when I have enough power, I can follow in the footsteps of my predecessors and practice what I believe to be 'benevolent justice'.

Perhaps... I should become a bounty hunter, specializing in hunting down those wicked pirates? Perhaps... I should join an organization that can truly bring about change? I don't know exactly what to do yet, but I hope that my power can ultimately be used to protect something worth protecting, rather than just to vent my hatred.

"

After Kai finished speaking, he waited anxiously for Fujitora's judgment.

He didn't know if his answer would satisfy this expert.

Chapter 32 Stay by my side

After hearing Kai's answer, Fujitora fell into a long silence.

He picked up his wine glass and drank the remaining cloudy wine in one gulp.

Kai could sense that Fujitora seemed to be weighing and judging something in his mind.