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Alex wasn't surprised by the rejection.
Even as the strongest man in the world, he knew that a man like Issho—someone who had the conviction to openly challenge Marine Headquarters and take controversial actions as an Admiral in Dressrosa—wouldn't be easily swayed.
"You know," Alex began, his tone calm but resolute, "a person with your abilities and strength isn't someone who lacks ambition. Your actions, your ideals—they're tied to your blindness, aren't they?"
Issho let out a faint, wry smile. He could tell that Alex harbored no resentment at being refused, and it put him at ease. There was no need to hide his thoughts. Perhaps by expressing himself, he could avoid an unnecessary confrontation.
"It's ironic," Issho admitted. "These eyes were blinded by my own hand, to escape the filth of the world. I thought that by losing my sight, I could see things more clearly—free from the deceit of appearances."
Alex nodded knowingly. He had expected this response, having heard similar words from Issho in his past life. Without missing a beat, Alex pressed further.
"And what do you define as this 'filth'? Is it the despicable corruption in high places? The World Government's insistence on sustaining the Shichibukai system? Or is it the plight of the oppressed people, crushed under their rule?"
Issho froze for a moment, taken aback. Alex had cut straight to the core of his beliefs, verbalizing thoughts he had yet to fully articulate himself.
"You're not wrong," Issho admitted after a pause, leaning on his cane. "All of it—the corruption, the injustice, and especially the Shichibukai system—are filth I cannot stand."
He sighed deeply, his frustration evident. "Since the World Government launched the Shichibukai system more than a decade ago, I've despised it. To think that Marine and the World Government would willingly ally with pirates, supporting them in exchange for their help against other pirates—it's unconscionable. These so-called agreements allow Shichibukai to plunder and pillage freely, sacrificing the well-being of civilians in the name of compromise."
"To sacrifice the interests of the people while rewarding criminals—it's a foolish and unforgivable idea! I've never been able to reconcile myself with it."
"But… I've also spent years questioning whether my opposition was too rigid, whether my hatred blinded me to the possibility of reform. I wanted to believe that perhaps there was a way to turn the system around, to reshape it rather than destroy it outright."
"In my travels, I sought to understand the Shichibukai. From the first members like Crocodile and Gekko Moria to more recent ones like Bardock and San Juan Wolf, I watched and studied them closely."
His expression darkened. "Yet almost without exception, they were all cruel, selfish individuals who cared nothing for the people they swore to protect. The Shichibukai title didn't change them. If anything, it gave them free rein to commit even greater atrocities. They acted no differently than pirates outside the system—plundering, killing, and exploiting—but with the blessing of the World Government."
"And instead of addressing these failures, the World Government doubled down, expanding the system further. Pirates like Ochoku, with reputations so vile it defied reason, were recruited into their ranks. It's utterly disheartening."
Alex's gaze remained steady. This was the opening he had been waiting for.
"Then tell me," Alex asked pointedly, "if the Shichibukai system is the root of this filth, have you ever thought about how to dismantle it?"
Issho didn't hesitate. "Of course I have."
He fell silent for a moment, his expression shifting to one of quiet frustration. "When I was younger, I wrote a detailed proposal—a book of over ten thousand words—outlining the flaws of the system and suggesting reforms. I sent it to the World Government, hoping to spark change. But years passed, and there was no response. Not even an acknowledgment."
Alex remained silent, listening intently.
"In my anger, I even considered killing a few Shichibukai," Issho admitted, his voice heavy. "I thought perhaps destroying its pillars would destabilize the system. But over time, I realized that approach was flawed. It's a temporary solution at best, and the world has no shortage of pirates eager to replace them."
"Pirates—no matter how many Shichibukai you replace, the outcome won't change."
"Most of those vying to become Shichibukai only seek the power to plunder legally. With such motivations, it's inevitable that no good will come of it."
Alex nodded, acknowledging the truth in Issho's words. Still, he pressed further.
"Have you ever considered joining the Marines? With conscription underway, it's an opportunity to rise through the ranks and influence real change."
Issho shook his head almost immediately, his resolve unwavering. "Whether or not I'd even qualify to join at my age is irrelevant. Climbing the ranks step by step wouldn't change anything. Even if I reached the very top, what then? The World Government has rotted to its core. They would never allow a system that supports their hold over the Grand Line to collapse. To them, the balance must always favor their control."
His blunt words, utterly lacking in decorum, were startling. Few would dare to speak so openly against the World Government. Yet Alex wasn't surprised—he understood why Issho's candid nature had often made him a thorn in their side.
This exchange only solidified Alex's understanding of why Issho had taken a different path in this timeline. In the original timeline, the circumstances leading to Issho's decision to join the Marines were far different. Back then, the Seraphim Project had been nearing completion, making the Shichibukai system expendable—a key factor in Issho's acceptance of the Marines' offer.
Now, however, the World Government was far from discarding the Shichibukai system. On the contrary, they were actively seeking to fill its vacancies. Alex's early approach had only made Issho more wary.
"True," Alex replied, his tone measured. "Even the Marine Fleet Admiral can't overturn a policy dictated by the World Government. The Marines are merely a tool—a branch of their power."
Issho nodded slightly. Alex's understanding of the situation was as sharp as ever.
"So, as you've said, it's about addressing the root cause, not the symptoms."
Alex's expression remained calm, though his next words carried a weight that made Issho's demeanor shift.
"Why not overthrow the corrupt government itself?"
The question struck Issho like a bolt of lightning. He stared at Alex, stunned. It was rare to meet someone who would openly voice such an audacious idea, let alone someone capable of acting on it.
The World Government had stood unshaken for centuries, its rule seemingly untouchable. No matter how corrupt it had become, its sheer power and influence made it an immovable force in the eyes of most. Yet the man before him was not "most."
Issho quickly recalled Alex's meteoric rise. Ten years ago, he had been an unremarkable presence on the seas. Now, he stood as the strongest man in the world.
If this man could achieve so much in such a short time, what could he accomplish in another five years? Ten years?
The thought sent a chill down Issho's spine.
Still, Issho shook his head, his voice calm but resolute. "I appreciate your vision, but I must decline. I have no intention of becoming a pirate."
To Issho, pirates were the embodiment of chaos and greed—the very kind of evil that had festered within the Shichibukai system. Joining their ranks was something he could not reconcile with his beliefs.
Alex's response was unexpected. "I never said I was a pirate," he replied coolly. "And I'm not asking you to join me."
Issho blinked, momentarily caught off guard. For the first time during their encounter, he couldn't discern Alex's inner thoughts. It was as though Alex had deliberately shut him out—a testament to the man's strength and control.
Before Issho could respond, a small green-robed Den Den Mushi fluttered toward him, hovering in the air like a messenger.
Alex gestured toward it. "Speak to him. You might find a perspective that resonates with yours. He's… similar to you."