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

He began to re-examine the word "justice".

Simple chaos, like an out-of-control wildfire, only brings destruction and ruin; this is not justice.

A simple order, if built on lies, oppression, and the sacrifice of the innocent, is not justice; it may even be a greater evil.

Fujitora's "righteous justice" sounds wonderful, but in Kai's view, it seems too idealistic and difficult to fully realize in reality.

This world is too complex, and people's hearts are too unpredictable. Many times, there is simply no perfect choice.

Through repeated reflection and struggle, Kai's mind began to slowly lean towards a more pragmatic and tougher ideology.

Perhaps true "justice" is not a fixed form, but rather a... dynamic balance? An "order" that needs to be maintained with great power and can maximally curb chaos and evil?

This "order" does not have to be perfect, or even completely "bright".

To maintain this order, to prevent greater chaos and disaster, perhaps... sometimes a certain "necessary evil" is truly necessary? Some ruthless methods and decisive actions are needed? Some... acceptable costs must be paid?

This idea made him feel uneasy because it seemed to have some similarities to CP9's "dark justice".

But he also felt that there was a fundamental difference between the two.

CP9 exists to maintain the rule of the World Government and the Celestial Dragons, and to cover up the truth of history. Their "necessary evil" is based on selfishness and hypocrisy.

The ultimate goal of the "order" he favors should be to protect more innocent people and to establish a relatively fair environment that allows the majority of people to live in peace.

Is this a... colder, more results-oriented, but perhaps more effective "order"?

Kai didn't know if this idea was correct, but he felt that it seemed closer to the true nature of this cruel world and more in line with his current state of mind and situation.

He no longer held overly idealistic expectations of "justice" as before, nor was he driven entirely by hatred and thoughts of revenge as he had been when he was first betrayed.

His inner self seems to be shifting in a colder, more pragmatic, and... more dangerous direction.

Of course, all of this is still just a vague idea.

He needs more time and more experience to verify, revise, and ultimately determine his own unique "Tao".

Just as Kai was immersed in deep reflection on "justice" and the path to the future, while also struggling against hunger, thirst, and exhaustion, an unexpected encounter interrupted his drifting journey.

On this day, the sea remained as calm as a mirror, but Kai's body was extremely weak.

He had finished the last bit of fresh water he had brought, his lips were cracked, and his consciousness was beginning to fade.

He knew that if he couldn't find supplies soon, he might really perish in this vast ocean.

Just when he was about to give up hope, his senses suddenly detected a relatively large object approaching!

It's a ship! And judging from the...uniform, disciplined, and somewhat familiar sense of authority emanating from it...it's actually a naval patrol boat!

Kai's heart leaped into her throat! The Navy?! What were they doing in this remote area? Were they searching for prisoners who escaped from Enies Lobby? Or... were they after me?

His first reaction was to immediately conceal his presence! He mustered his strength and suppressed his faint aura to the extreme, curling up in the corner of the small sampan, trying his best to make himself look like an ordinary floating object.

He did not want to engage in any conflict with the navy at this time, in such a weakened state.

However, the naval patrol boat did not appear to leave immediately.

It slowly approached and finally stopped not far from Kai's small boat.

Kai could clearly sense that the naval soldiers on board were curiously examining his strange little boat and the seemingly dying "victims" huddled on it.

"Hey! People on that small boat down there! Are you alright? Do you need any help?" A loud voice came from the patrol boat.

Kai did not respond, remaining in a "coma" state while vigilantly sensing the presence and intentions of everyone on the ship.

After a while, seemingly seeing that Kai did not react, a small boat was lowered from the patrol boat, and several naval soldiers rowed over.

The leader was an officer with the rank of colonel on his shoulder.

As the officer's presence drew near, Kai's heart skipped a beat.

This aura... seems somewhat familiar? He tried hard to search his memory.

He quickly remembered! This aura, so elusive yet strangely persistent and sharp... it was Smoker! The Marine captain he met in Loguetown, the one with the Logia-type Smoke-Smoke Fruit ability (he might have been promoted by now?)!

How could he be here?! Kai was even more surprised and wary.

Smoker is a notoriously difficult character who relentlessly pursues pirates (and everything he considers "evil")!

Smoker had clearly also noticed the "victim" on the small boat, whose breath was faint but seemed somewhat unusual.

He ordered his men to stop the small boat, while he stood at the bow, scrutinizing Kai with his sharp, hawk-like eyes (Kai could sense the intense scrutiny).

Suddenly, Smoker frowned.

He seemed to recognize something.

“Hmm? This aura… and this knife…” Smoker’s gaze fell on the “Tranquility” cane-sword that Kai was gripping tightly in his hand. “You are… the one who appeared in Alabasta… the ‘Blind Hunter’ Tranquility?”

Kai was startled! He hadn't expected Smoker to remember him! And even recognize him! (Perhaps through intelligence or his unique blindness?)

Now that I've been recognized, there's no point in pretending anymore.

Kai slowly "opened" his eyes (though they were still empty), raised his head, and "looked" in Smoker's direction. His voice was a little hoarse because of his weakness: "Colonel Smoker (or Brigadier General? He couldn't be sure of the other's rank), it's been a long time."

"

When Smoker saw Kai "wake up" and call him by name (though he may have guessed the wrong rank), his wariness intensified.

"Why are you here? And why do you look like this... Did you escape from Enies Lobby?" Smoker's voice was deep and powerful, filled with a sense of oppression.

Kai didn't answer directly, but instead asked, "The Navy isn't here for sightseeing, is it? Could it be... they're also hunting down 'prey' who escaped from Enies Lobby?"

Smoker snorted coldly, without denying it.

"You should know very well what happened on Judiciary Island."

Many vicious pirates and criminals escaped from there.

We are ordered to patrol and intercept here.

His gaze swept sharply over Kai again. "Although you are not a bounty pirate, your appearance at this time and place, and in such a disheveled state... makes it hard not to be suspicious."

"

Kai remained silent.

He knew that he was in a very unfavorable situation.

His weakened body, coupled with being spotted by the navy, meant he was powerless to resist if they wanted to take him back for "investigation."

Just as Kai was pondering how to respond, Smoker suddenly changed the subject and offered a suggestion that Kai hadn't expected.

“However…” Smoker looked at Kai, a complex glint in his eyes, “I’ve heard some rumors about you.”

Jingxin, the 'Blind Hunter,' is quite capable, especially skilled in tracking and perception.

And...it seems they only target those notorious pirates?

Kai neither admitted nor denied it, but simply met Smoker's gaze calmly.

Smoker seemed unfazed by his reaction and continued, "We are currently hunting down a very cunning pirate officer who escaped from Enies Lobby."

This guy is quite strong and very good at hiding his tracks; we lost him several times.

Considering that you are not our enemy (at least not for now), and may have some intelligence about the chaotic situation on Enies Lobby... I extend to you a temporary, informal invitation for 'cooperation'.

群”

"Cooperation?" Kai raised an eyebrow.

"That's right.

Smoker nodded. "Use your senses to help us find and capture that fugitive."

In return, we can provide you with much-needed food, fresh water, and medical assistance, and after the mission is completed, we can take you to the nearest safe port.

"

Smoker's suggestion made Kai hesitate.

Cooperating with the Navy? This goes against his consistent principle of working alone and being wary of the Navy.

Furthermore, if I get too close to the navy, will it expose my identity and past? Will it cause unnecessary trouble?

However, the current situation is indeed very bad.

He desperately needed food and water to regain his strength and also needed to leave this vast sea as soon as possible.

The conditions proposed by Smoker were undoubtedly a godsend for him.

Moreover… a limited collaboration with this seemingly upright and somewhat tough naval officer might… allow him to gain a deeper understanding of the navy's internal workings and the so-called "justice" from another perspective? This also seems to align with his previous desire to explore the form of "order."

More importantly, Smoker... Kai could sense that although he was stubborn and hated evil, he didn't have that bureaucratic, corrupt aura, nor the cold darkness of CP9.

He seems to genuinely want to uphold some kind of "justice," even though this justice might be somewhat... fanatical.

Working with someone like that seems to make the risks relatively manageable?

After a rapid and intense internal struggle, Kai finally made a decision.

"it is good.

He looked at (sense) Smoker and slowly nodded. "I accept your offer."

However, I am only responsible for providing intelligence and tracking; the capture operation is the responsibility of your navy.

Moreover, I need to leave immediately after the mission is completed.