Since his Observation Haki had never been retracted, Issho could clearly sense the emotional fluctuations emanating from those around him at this moment. From Will, however, there wasn't the slightest hint of deception or hesitation in the emotions he projected. It was evident that Will genuinely believed, deep in his heart, that he would one day become the strongest person in the world.
"What incredible resolve…" Issho couldn't help but marvel silently to himself.
For Will to say such things, it was clear he had every intention of challenging the Four Emperors of the New World. Even the Marines at Marineford and the World Government were likely seen as targets of his ambition.
Will paid no heed to Issho's reaction, continuing to speak earnestly, lost in his own thoughts. "But even with enough influence or power, it's still not enough. We need overwhelming strength as well. Strength is always the foundation for upholding justice—it's our most unyielding shield. To change anything in this world, you must have enough strength to back it up. Without it, relying solely on influence or power will never lead to success."
"And there's one more crucial thing," he continued. "Never try to change things while playing by someone else's rules. Because the very things you want to change are often the very things others are desperately trying to protect. So, to truly bring about change, you have to be ready to cut down those who stand in your way. But that's not something one person can achieve alone in a short amount of time."
At this, Will turned his head, a carefree smile spreading across his face as he extended his invitation once more. "So, come join my crew, Issho! Let's climb to the top together, step by step, until we stand at the pinnacle of this world! When that time comes, we'll reshape this world however we see fit, and no one will be able to stop us!"
Issho's heart stirred at these passionate, rousing words. His expression grew contemplative, touched by the conviction in Will's voice. In the past, Issho had always acted within the confines of rules, trapped within a framework for half his life. Even now, as he sought to change certain things, he was still trying to work within the systems set by those in power.
But perhaps, as Will suggested, there was another choice. Strength, power, influence… Could breaking free from the constraints of those rules and stepping outside the framework be the truer path?
Seeing Issho lost in thought, Will didn't press further. He simply picked up his bowl and continued eating his noodles in silence. If his words still couldn't sway Issho, he had no intention of forcing him. After all, as he'd just said, strength was the ultimate foundation. Issho's strength granted him the right to refuse the invitation, and Will had already prepared himself for that possibility.
Even if he could defeat Issho here, it wouldn't mean he could truly win him over. Rather than sour their relationship, it would be better to part on good terms. Who knows? Perhaps there'd be a chance to collaborate in the future.
After Will finished a few more bowls of noodles, Issho finally turned his head, his expression resolute, as if he'd come to a decision. "I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Will," he began, his tone serious. "Please forgive me, but I cannot make up my mind just yet."
Will thought this was a polite rejection, but then Issho's tone shifted, a smile breaking across his face. "However, as you've said, I've been planning to continue my travels anyway. What difference does it make whose ship I board? So, if you don't mind an old blind man slowing you down, I'd be honored to join you."
Will immediately understood Issho's meaning and let out a hearty laugh. "Hahaha, you're far too humble, Issho! Trust me, you won't regret this decision!"
Issho responded with a faint smile, bowing his head slightly. "Then I look forward to learning from you, Captain."
"Come on, Issho, we're family now—no need to be so formal!" Will was genuinely thrilled to have gained such a powerful crewmate, not to mention a personal fitness coach. With a grand wave of his hand, he called out, "Hey, shopkeep! Two more big bowls of soba noodles!"
"Coming right up!" the shopkeeper replied, his hands a blur as he worked swiftly in the kitchen.
"Hm?" Issho suddenly perked up, "looking" to the side in surprise. Only then did he notice, to his shock, that the empty bowls beside them had stacked higher than he was tall while seated. From the side, it looked as if the two of them were sitting in a private booth, walled in by towers of bowls.
"This could be trouble…" Issho thought, already knowing his wallet couldn't handle the bill. A bead of cold sweat slid down his forehead.
Will, noticing Issho's unease, grabbed the steaming bowl of noodles the shopkeeper handed over and placed it on the table in front of him. With a chuckle, he said, "Don't worry, Issho. Since you've agreed to join my crew, this meal's on me."
Issho's expression softened, and after a brief moment of hesitation, he accepted the gesture. "Well then, I won't stand on ceremony," he said with a smile, lifting the bowl and taking a few bites. To his surprise, the soba seemed to taste even better than before.
Just then, a graceful figure appeared outside the small diner. Robin, still wearing her signature cowboy hat, stepped inside. Her eyes immediately landed on her new boss, "Madman" Will, sitting amidst a fortress of empty bowls, sharing noodles with a blind man as imposing as himself.
She paused, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Will-san, it seems I've come at a bad time."
Will turned at the sound of her voice, grinning when he saw her. "No, Robin, you're right on time!" He waved her over, then called to the shopkeeper for another regular-sized bowl of soba.
Robin approached with a gentle smile, pulling a chair to sit beside Will. She picked up her chopsticks, took a delicate bite of the noodles, and her eyes lit up slightly. "This is quite good. I never would've expected such a delicious noodle shop in a place like this."
If it weren't for the intelligence operatives from Work Society tracking Will's return to the city and tailing him discreetly, she might not have found this tucked-away diner so quickly.
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