"You sure know a lot!" Kizaru said, sipping his wine casually.
The night deepened without notice.
All the tavern customers had left, and those remaining were drunk.
The air carried the solemnity of night and the desolation of wine.
These two collided and merged.
Finally, they separated and disappeared in the flickering candlelight.
"Don't worry, I'll keep your secret. After all, what you're involved in might change the world, right?" Kaizen looked at him sideways, smirking.
"I'm sorry. I came here specifically to see you. Don't misunderstand." Kizaru said unexpectedly, his expression completely indifferent.
"Looking for me? That's a joke."
Kaizen knew Kizaru's character; he wouldn't go out of his way to find someone.
"See for yourself." Kizaru pushed a Marine transfer order toward him.
"What's this?" Kaizen asked, picking up the paper.
"It's clear enough. Read it yourself." Kizaru said arrogantly.
Kaizen saw a long string of words, indicating the World Government was appointing him as a Shichibukai.
"Shichibukai?" Kaizen asked in surprise.
"Don't be surprised, we're colleagues now. Welcome to the World Government." Kizaru said perfunctorily.
"Wait, who said I have to accept this? Stop joking!" Kaizen retorted arrogantly.
"Did I hear correctly? Are you refusing?" Kizaru was surprised.
"Hmph! First, I'm not a pirate, so I don't meet the prerequisites for Shichibukai. Second, even if I did, I'm not interested in being the World Government's lackey."
Kaizen said firmly, unwilling to trade freedom for false security.
"Is there anything wrong with that? Even if the World Government offers comfort, it's still comfort. Being a Shichibukai saves a lot of trouble compared to being a pirate."
Kizaru analyzed professionally.
"Your ability to pressure others is top-notch." Kaizen complained.
"Think carefully. If you refuse, you'll become Marine's number one enemy. You don't like trouble, right?"
Kizaru said empathetically, seeing similarities between them.
He wanted to help Kaizen, hoping to avoid having him as an enemy.
"Do you think I change my promises easily?" Kaizen asked openly.
His firm stance was clear. Pushing further would be futile.
"Okay! Good luck. Next time we meet, it might be the end for one of us." Kizaru downed his wine, seemingly upset.
"It's not that serious. Maybe you'll never catch me."
Kaizen grinned confidently.
"Don't underestimate Marine's intelligence network. We've tracked you; we just haven't acted."
Kizaru stared seriously, trying to warn him.
"If your network is so great, why not check if I'm a pirate? You might be surprised!"
Kaizen retorted sarcastically.
"It doesn't matter if you are or not now." Kizaru returned his gaze seriously.
"The world knows you fought alongside Whitebeard against Zefa. Marine is suppressing it, but many at sea have heard."
"So what?" Kaizen said nonchalantly.
"Pirates will only become more arrogant. Since Roger's execution, Marine's control has weakened. Adding you makes it worse."
"I see, everyone has their own agenda." Kaizen said easily.
"The Shichibukai plan was a last resort. To win you over, Marine accelerated it..."
Kizaru stopped suddenly.
"Just say it. No need for suspense." Kaizen said bluntly.
"If you refuse, the government will be furious. An arrest order will spread worldwide. Marine will intervene, and you can't escape."
Kizaru didn't mind Kaizen's rudeness, speaking calmly.
"Hahahaha! 'Can't escape,' sounds amusing." Kaizen laughed, his true intentions unclear.
"You're such an idiot!" Kizaru said sincerely, seeing Kaizen's absent-minded look.
"Why tell me so much? Isn't some of this Marine's secret? Won't your salary be docked?"
Even now, Kaizen was cynically outrageous.
"Who wants to tell you all this?" Kizaru pouted, displeased.
"Do you pity me and want to help?" Kaizen asked.
Kizaru leaned on the bar, facing the door. As a customer left, the tavern door opened, letting in a cold night breeze, waking him up.
Honestly, Kizaru didn't dislike Kaizen. Despite their brief acquaintance, it felt like they'd known each other longer.
To him, Kaizen was straightforward, naive, and willful, with a touch of kindness.
This sympathy quickly rooted in Kizaru's heart.
He thought he had to save this lonely boy. The sea was vast, and being alone was tough.
After all, he'd been through it and couldn't watch Kaizen make the same mistakes.