"..."
Hearing Wright's suggestion, Issho fell silent.
Wright's words weren't without merit. Take Alabasta, for example—despite being such a formidable individual, Issho hadn't detected anything amiss with Crocodile, who was right under their noses.
What Issho didn't know was that even Marine Headquarters only harbored suspicions about Crocodile's activities. If not for Wright's foreknowledge of Crocodile's schemes and his timely deployment as the royal guard in Alabasta, this issue might have been swept under the rug indefinitely.
But from Issho's perspective, it appeared that Marine Headquarters had deduced the potential danger from detailed intelligence and subsequently dispatched Wright to investigate.
Garp had also once mentioned joining the Marines to Issho, albeit casually.
Though Garp had great renown among civilians, within the military…
Invisible?
Also, did that woman he's been pursuing ever say yes to his proposal?
"Speaking of which, there's something I've always been curious about..."
Suddenly recalling a question, Issho couldn't help but ask, "Vice Admiral Wright, how were you able to gauge the intensity of my aura and determine I was far stronger than you?"
Wright paused momentarily before smiling, "Didn't you also sense the nature of my aura? Otherwise, I doubt you'd have accepted an invitation from a complete stranger."
"Oh? So your Observation Haki… is also quite unique, then?"
Issho nodded in realization. Due to his blindness, his Observation Haki was highly attuned to people's auras, enabling him to perceive emotional states and psychological activities with remarkable clarity. In some ways, it was even more convenient than using one's eyes.
The Vice Admiral standing before him was rumored to possess a similar ability to discern the good or evil in people's hearts—and it seemed the rumors were true.
"It seems I am not alone on this path…"
Issho had heard of Wright's deeds. What Wright had accomplished was precisely what Issho had longed to do but hadn't been able to achieve.
And, Wright had not yet reached his full potential.
"Now, I am genuinely curious to experience the world you perceive, Vice Admiral Wright."
Wright's face lit up with joy, only for Issho to continue, "However, as a mere civilian and at my age, joining the Marines feels rather awkward…"
"With your strength, Issho-san, you'd easily match my rank. However, the Marines don't have exceptions for directly appointing officers above Captain, so I'll need Fleet Admiral Sengoku's approval…"
Like hell! Starting someone as powerful as Issho as an Ensign? The same way I started? That would be a blatant insult to a future Admiral!
"How about this..." Wright's eyes gleamed as he thought of an idea. "Issho-san, you can first join my ship, the Lightbringer, as a civilian. As for the position… Chief Instructor!"
"The Marines are always keen to recruit powerful individuals from outside their ranks. Fleet Admiral Sengoku will definitely welcome you, but… there may be some… obstacles."
"Oh?"
Issho's sharp instincts picked up on Wright's hesitation. The "obstacle" from Marine Headquarters could only mean one thing.
The World Government.
"I see… I understand."
Issho stood up and gave a respectful bow to Wright, who quickly stepped aside. "Issho-san, there's no need for this!"
Raising his head, Issho smiled, "In that case, I, a poor wandering gambler, will shamelessly rely on your guidance, Vice Admiral Wright…"
"Oh, but next time, when I invite you out, Vice Admiral, you'll have to pay me a salary!"
Wright: "Are you kidding me…"
At Marine Headquarters, Marineford—
Fleet Admiral Sengoku sat in stunned silence, listening to Wright's chatter through the Den Den Mushi. He felt as though he was losing touch with reality.
"So, you're telling me you went to a casino and brought back a powerhouse who's at least Admiral-candidate level, if not stronger?!"
Rubbing his temples, Sengoku found this story too fantastical to believe. "And you're saying he's not opposed to joining the Marines?"
How could someone so powerful remain hidden among civilians?!
"That's correct. My assessment of his strength is just as I described."
Wright shrugged, adding, "And for the record, I wasn't gambling—I was drawn there by his powerful aura!"
"Issho's Observation Haki surpasses mine! I seem to have a unique sensitivity to such specialized forms of Haki…"
"Besides, Issho and Garp are well-acquainted. Why not confirm with him?"
"Fine… leave it to you to come up with such things."
Sengoku muttered to himself about Garp, wondering why such a capable friend didn't at least register his strength.
"Chief Instructor of the Lightbringer? That works…"
Sengoku considered it carefully. Even with Wright and Garp's assurances, directly granting a civilian a high officer rank was unthinkable.
This Issho… he's too strong. With the current Admirals already keeping pirates in check, a wildcard like him would be better monitored under Wright's watchful eye.
"Wright, don't reveal Issho's strength to anyone just yet!"
"Understood." Wright grinned. "Issho-san is a secret weapon, after all. It's not time for his debut."
"Good. As for Crocodile, the information you submitted indicates he's enhancing his public image."
"His next actions remain unclear…"
"The Baroque Works organization… it's worth investigating, but for now, it doesn't seem like a major force."
Sengoku couldn't help but recall Wright's intelligence-gathering prowess with a mix of exasperation.
"Hey! Wright! Don't tell me you've been beating people up to get information again!"
Sengoku suddenly remembered Wright's antics during the Germa incident.
"Of course not! Am I that violent?" Wright hurriedly denied, "You're being unfair!"
Sengoku sighed in relief. "Good. Crocodile is a Warlord of the Sea, after all. Stirring trouble with him would be a headache…"
As he spoke, Sengoku involuntarily recalled the Germa Kingdom debacle—this kid even beat up an allied nation's king!
"For now, your top priority remains the royal guard mission in Alabasta. Handle other matters at your discretion."
"No problem."
Ending the call, Wright gave Issho an "OK" gesture before realizing… Issho couldn't see it.
"It's all settled, Issho-san."
With the Lightbringer expected to reach Alabasta in about a day, Wright had successfully secured an invaluable asset for the ship—a Chief Instructor, Issho!
"I'll share all the intelligence I've gathered with you…"
Wright laughed heartily. "Oh, and if Garp gives you trouble, make sure to stand your ground. Don't let him steal you away!"
Issho shook his head with a smile. "Don't worry… besides, Garp has little patience for managing subordinates—he's not exactly popular within the Marines."
"Is that so…"
Wright nodded, gaining a better understanding of why Garp, despite being an Admiral candidate and top-tier powerhouse, never officially held the rank of Admiral.
"Enough about that old man!"
Wright grinned slyly. "Issho-san, why don't we make your first lesson as Chief Instructor about improving my Observation Haki?"
Issho: "…"
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