Returning the sword to Kuina, Blaize advised. "Your personality and the reason you draw the sword determines your future swordsman path."
Sliding the sword back to the scabbard, Kuina glanced at Blaize and spoke, remembering what happened five years before. "Though I'm not the strongest, I won't be a burden to you with my current strength."
Blaize approached Kuina and rubbed her head. "Even if I am not by your side, nothing would threaten your life. I made sure of that! It's the same for everyone I care about.
Besides, I am stronger than before. Even if it's World Government, I have a certain level of confidence."
Kuina pouted a little and readjusted her hair, paying attention to his words. On the side, Regis chuckled a little seeing the always tough and expressionless Kuina showing such expression.
Turning to Regis, Blaize asked. "Is everything ready? Are we ready to set sail?"
Regis replied. "We are currently replenishing the supplies on board. Once done, we can set off to the New World."
"Mn. It's been years since I visited the New World," Blaize reminisced. "There should be a lot of changes..."
"Yes, Blaize-san. You already know about the concept of Yonko but now, they rule the New World by dividing the region into their own. Unlike the mess a few years back, the crews of Yonko are developed and well organized.
Even we, as Marines, must be extremely cautious when venturing into the territories of Yonko. They developed into a colossal force." Regis spoke about the current situation of the New World.
Seeing Blaize's lethargic countenance, he continued. "After you killed the Yonko 'Crystal', the vacant position triggered war and bloodshed among the pirates.
But recently, a person and his crew rose among the ranks of pirates and firmly occupied the position of an Emperor, 'The Captain of the Red Hair Pirates — Red Hair Shanks'."
"Is it some kind of Yonko speech that you practice frequently?" Blaize chuckled. "Am I supposed to get goosebumps?"
Scratching his head, Regis smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry, Blaize-san."
He knows Blaize fought against Shanks during their time at East Blue when they were nobody. Now five years have passed, and Shanks's strength has grown to the level of Emperor while no one knows how strong Blaize is.
"Since you speak so well about Yonko, why won't we visit the region of Whitebeard pirates?" Blaize suddenly inquired.
Dumbstruck by Blaize's unexpected question, Regis stammered. "Th-that, Blaize-san, we can't venture into the territories of Yonko without Fleet Admiral's authorization."
Without caring about Regis's thoughts, Blaize fixed his schedule. "It's decided. Let's go and meet Whitebeard. I was hoping to meet the World's Strongest Man for quite a long time.
Let's find out whether the Emperor of the Sea is as fearsome as you tell."
Of course, Blaize didn't decide it on a whim. He wanted to fight Whitebeard for a long time, but things played differently as he was teleported to HxH world.
Now that he's back, he plans to claim the title of 'Strongest Man' from Whitebeard. By doing so, he can try the 'Lucky Draw' function of the system.
--
At that moment, Blaize sensed a familiar aura. A figure jumped from the sea and landed on the deck of their ship. It's none other than Admiral Aokiji.
Noticing his arrival, Kuina and Regis straightened their back and politely called. "Admiral Aokiji!!"
Sliding the hands out of his pockets, Kuzan waved his hands in response to their politeness, and uttered, "Arara, what did I just hear?"
"Kuzan, long time no see." Sensing the other party's vigorous Haki, Blaize commented. "Your current strength finally befits your Admiral title."
"It seems I was weak before, at least, in your eyes!" Kuzan asked lazily.
"Well, I can't admit that myself, right?" Blaize chuckled.
"I was surprised when I heard about your disappearance and also your return, of course. What happened? I wanted to hear the answer from you." Kuzan asked in a rare serious tone.
As an Admiral, he learned about the fight between World Government forces and Blaize atop the Red Line. He even went to see the trail of destruction caused by Blaize.
As for the reason, the World Government didn't provide any clear explanation. They just brushed it off and hid everything.
"Truth?" Blaize asked, Kuzan nodded.
Blaize narrated what happened that day without hiding anything except the fact that he was teleported to HxH world by the system.
Seeing the two discussing a rather serious topic, Kuina and Regis excused themselves and went to carry out their work.
Hearing the truth from Blaize, Kuzan took a deep breath and was completely lost in thought. His heart was confused and began to question the very Marine system.
"Don't think deeply...your position is different from mine." Blaize clarified.
Kuzan shook his head. "How is it different? What if one day I take the same decision as you and stand opposite the World Government? Will they go to any extent to eradicate me as well?"
Blaize spoke. "Well...that's a possibility. But, considering your service, strength, and personality, they won't resort to extreme actions. Because you are lazy!"
Kuzan sighed and dismissed the outrageous thoughts. "Arara...what am I thinking? I am not you, I shouldn't bother myself with such thoughts."
"Haha, that's the Kuzan I know." Blaize laughed and put his arm around Kuzan's shoulder. "Forget about these things. Let's go and have some wine since we are meeting after such a long time."
"I don't have time."
"Come on, you are the Admiral."
"..."
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