While Akainu gained three admiral-level subordinates, Caelan also welcomed a special guest.
Dressrosa, Neo Navy Headquarters Recruitment Division.
Due to Caelan's long-standing control over Dressrosa, this place had become the most sought-after recruitment site.
Some even avoided enlistment stations near their hometowns and traveled thousands of miles just to reach Dressrosa.
Most recruits came with the hope of meeting Caelan and seeing the legendary God Slayer up close.
If the world were a stage, then Caelan was undoubtedly the brightest superstar. Countless people wanted to see him for themselves.
Outside the recruitment office, a long line stretched in a winding path.
Though it was already the middle to late phase of the World Conscription, the crowds remained enormous.
Fujitora, wearing a purple kimono, stood silently in line at the Neo Navy's recruitment office.
Leaning on his staff-sword, he didn't speak, simply following the line step by step, not seeking any special treatment despite his strength.
At the same time, he activated his Observation Haki to sense the emotions of those around him.
I want to join the Neo Navy. I want to fight for the World Government!
I want to uphold justice. I want to be a hero!
So many have joined the Neo Navy today. Our future is bright!
It's amazing. With so many good people joining, true peace is just around the corner.
These emotions came from both recruits and recruiters.
Without exception, each one was filled with energy, like the rising sun.
The excitement and passion were fed into Fujitora's mind through his Haki. Even someone as calm as he was couldn't help but feel moved.
He smiled faintly, opened his long-closed eyes, and faced the Neo Navy barracks with lifeless pupils. "As expected of the Neo Navy. I've seen a lot today."
He had once shown interest in the Marines and randomly visited a recruitment site to observe, but that interest vanished after a deeper look.
Today, standing here at this Neo Navy station, he felt he had finally found the place he had always been searching for.
But the young man standing behind him, Giltada, could no longer hold back.
"Hey, old man, are you really joining the army with your eyesight like that?"
Fujitora turned and gave him a long smile before closing his eyes again and keeping his steps steady.
My god. Just lifeless white eyes. He's blind!
Even though this kind of determination from someone disabled was inspiring, surely that didn't meet the Neo Navy's recruitment standards?
Fujitora simply nodded and replied calmly, "Though my eyes are blind, my heart sees far more. That's enough to fight."
As he said this, a trace of regret rose within him.
When he was younger, he had blinded himself to avoid seeing the filth of the world. But he later realized that even without sight, the filth was clearer than ever.
Fortunately, he had mastered swordsmanship and Observation Haki to their peak. His eyes were not wasted.
Still, it was a pity that he couldn't see the mighty Neo Navy with his own eyes.
"So... you're a super strong then?" Giltada felt a strong aura and couldn't help but ask.
"Let's just say that," Fujitora answered modestly.
Though he couldn't compare to Caelan's unmatched talent, conquering the world wouldn't be a problem.
"Excuse me, uncle, how tall are you?" Giltada asked cautiously.
"270 centimeters."
Fujitora's smile deepened. He was in a good mood and decided to joke a little.
"Ha?"
Giltada was confused.
There was no time for more questions. Most of the people in front of them had completed registration, and their turn was coming.
"Name?" the officer handling registration asked calmly.
Fujitora replied, "Sir, my name is Fujitora."
"Place of origin?"
"Wanderer," he answered.
The officer glanced at him in surprise but didn't pursue it. "Combat strength?"
Fujitora said, "Great swordsman."
The officer's expression changed immediately.
He knew very well that a great swordsman was already among the strongest on the sea and was considered elite even within their talent-rich Neo Navy.
Just days ago, they had recruited another great swordsman.
With that in mind, the officer didn't doubt him and asked cautiously, "Would you be able to demonstrate your skills?"
"Of course," Fujitora replied, nodding slightly before drawing his blade.
A massive crescent-shaped slash shot upward, slicing apart layers of white clouds above.
The officer gasped and was just about to report it to his superiors.
Before he could act, Zephyr and Sengoku arrived together.
As the officials overseeing recruitment, they naturally paid close attention to all activities and had even set up their office nearby.
Once they sensed a great swordsman's slash from the site, they came in person.
"Admiral Sengoku, Admiral Zephyr," the officer quickly reported, "This is Mr. Fujitora. He wishes to join our Neo Navy."
"Alright, good work. We'll take it from here," Zephyr said kindly to the officer, then turned to Fujitora.
"Mr. Fujitora, on behalf of Admiral Caelan, welcome to the Neo Navy!"
Zephyr spoke with calm authority.
"Admiral Sengoku. Admiral Zephyr. A pleasure to meet you both," Fujitora said respectfully.
"Shall we find a quieter place to talk?" Sengoku gestured politely.
"No problem, Mr. Sengoku."
Fujitora nodded and left the recruitment station with the two of them.
Back in the line, Giltada was stunned.
He never expected that the blind man in front of him was actually a great swordsman.
Remembering how kindly he had responded earlier, Giltada was overwhelmed with emotion and pride.
A man of such strength and character didn't get angry at his rudeness and even joked with him. What a great temperament.
A kind and powerful man like that had joined the Neo Navy. He had come to the right place.
He quickly stepped up to the officer and shouted proudly, "My name is Giltada. I'm from Dandanbuda Island in the South Blue. I'm the most well-known warrior in my hometown, and I want to join the Neo Navy!"
The other recruits who witnessed Fujitora's display also had similar thoughts.
The Neo Navy was full of hidden powerhouses. Even great swordsmen admired it. They had truly come to the right place.
Fujitora was impressed by their spirit, and they were inspired by him in return.
Perhaps this is what it means when you stand on a bridge admiring the scenery, only to realize that the people admiring the scenery are also watching you.
(To be continued.)
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◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)