Fujitora smiled to himself.

  At this moment, he found himself genuinely intrigued by CP-X—or at least by the version of CP-X that Cudius had described.

  It didn't sound like a purely violent anization, but rather ohat worked quietly behind the ses to be the people. The idea that a fa of the Celestial Dragons could represent the will of the Wover for reform? That was something remarkable, almost destined.

  The only thing holding him back was the thought of the Marines. If he joined CP-X, wouldn't that mean he was giving up any future with the Marines?

  For years, Fujitora had dreamed of joining the Marines, upholding justid proteg the i. That aspiration had been a driving for his life. The idea of abandoning it entirely stirred a faint sense of reluce.

  But the thought of CP-X kindled an unfamiliar enthusiasm within him. After all, joining CP-X would still be a way of serving justice, wouldn't it?

  It wasn't that he doubted Cudius, how could someone of such high status o trick him? Fujitora was fident in his own abilities, but he wasn't so ceited as to think he was the most important person in the world. A Celestial Dragon had no reason to spin an eborate tale just to deceive him.

  Besides, he could always approach this cautiously. He could join CP-X, observe its operations firsthand, and make a decision from there. If CP-X turned out to be a morally bankrupt anization focused only on maintaining the Wover's authority, then he could always walk away. And if it came to that… well, joining the Revolutionary Army might still be an option.

  Yes, that was the pn.

  What Fujitora couldn't have known, however, was that Cudius already had certaion, the leader of the Revolutionary Army. If Fujitora had stopped to sider Cudius's words more deeply, he might have realized that Cudius, a Celestial Dragon who kept pirate allies, might also have es to revolutionaries.

  But that possibility was too far-fetched to be believed. It never even crossed his mind.

  Having made up his mind, Fujitora prepared to express his willio join CP-X.

  However, before he could speak, Cudius beat him to it, sighifully. "Everything I just said was simply for the sake of versation. I hope you don't take it the wrong way. If you're not ied in CP-X, I won't pressure you to join. After all, a forced oute rarely yields sweet results."

  Fujitora froze, dumbfounded. Was this some kind of joke? After all that talk, Cudius was going to adifferent now? Where was his persistence? His iy?

  A forced outight not be sweet, but it certainly quehirst!

  The truth was, Cudius didn't feel the o force Fujitora to join CP-X. He saw the blind swordsman as a man of lofty ideals, someone who shared simir aspirations for justice. Even if Fujitora didn't join, Cudius still regarded him as a potential ally.

  Simply introdug CP-X and its principles had been enough. Cudius believed his influence would leave a sting impression on Fujitora.

  What Cudius didn't realize, however, was that he'd left much more than just an impression, he'd nearly vinced Fujitora to bow and swear allegian the spot.

  As Cudius finished speaking, he noticed Fujitora's expression, a mixture of surprise, fusion, and even disbelief.

  Cudius hesitated. Did I say something wrong? Everything I said felt perfectly reasonable. I eve out of my way to leave room for mutual respect. Why does he look so stunned?

  Does he really think all Celestial Dragons are arrogant, maniputive sdrels who only resort to coer? Wait… is that how we actually e across?

  Cudius's thoughts paused. Or could it be that this guy was moved by what I said? Is he really this straightforward?

  Fujitora's reputation preceded him. He was known as a man of strong will, someone who had once risked everything on the slim ce of being a Marine Admiral. It was that same strong will that had led to his ongoing flict with Sakazuki. Cudius found this kind of determination admirable but had uimated how well it aligned with his own ideals.

  Still, Cudius wasirely sure how to proceed. He felt as though backtrag might promise his own dignity, but he couldn't just leave things hanging awkwardly.

  Fortunately, Nia who had served Cudius for years, immediately picked up ouation. As an experienced and perceptive attendant, she spoke up in a soft tone. "Yhness, you seem to admire Lord Fujitreatly. Meeting such a talented individual amidst the vastness of the seas is no small opportunity. Wouldn't it be worth helping him, perhaps by reending him to the Marines?"

  Nia's suggestion provided a graceful way forward. Cudius gave her a subtle look of approval before turning his attention back to Fujitora.

  Fujitora, meanwhile, was momentarily stunned. Was he really this sought after?

  Cudius nodded and said, "Nia makes a fair point. Whether you join CP-X or the Marines, you'd still be w for the Wover and striving to make the world a better pce.

  "I do have some influehin the Marines. If you're ied, I could reend you for a position, though I'm afraid the best I could manage is getting you appointed as a Rear Admiral. Beyond that…" Cudius trailed off, shaking his head slightly.

  Rear Admiral? Fujitora's heart stirred. Cudius's words carried a casual tone, but they revealed just how much power and influence he wielded.

  After a brief pause, Cudius's eyes lit up. "You know, CP-X and the Marines frequently work together. If you're hesitant, you don't o rush. Join CP-X for now, and wheime is right, I'll help you build the trust and qualifications you o trao the Marines. Who knows? You might even bee an Admiral one day!"

  Cudius chuckled, clearly joking, but Fujitora found his words oddly pelling. This was the best of both worlds, wasn't it? Joining CP-X would allow him to test the waters, and if it didn't align with his ideals, he could still leave. Oher hand, if CP-X turned out to be the anization he hoped it was, then he'd have no reason to go anywhere else.

  Having thought it through, Fujitora smiled and said, "Yhness Cudius, after all you've said, how could I refuse? To do so would make me seem ungrateful."

  "Hahaha! That's excellent to hear," Cudius replied with a griended his hand. "Wele to CP-X."

  Fujitora csped Cudius's hand with a firm grip, sealing their agreement. In that moment, a new superior-subordiionship was born.