Fujitora smiled as he pondered Claudius's offer. His heart leaned toward working for the World Governnt, but his strength and self-awareness made him reluctant to start from the bottom. It wasn't just arrogance, though that played a part, but also the pragmatic realization that he simply didn't have the ti to waste climbing the ranks.
After all, if he had to spend years building a reputation and earning trust, wouldn't that ti be better spent gambling?
But now, an opportunity had presented itself. Claudius, of all people, had personally approached him. This was no ordinary offer, it was a golden ticket to a higher position.
Claudius was a figure shrouded in mystery, with countless rumors surrounding him. As the leader of CP-X and a Celestial Dragon, his presence carried imnse weight. And though much about CP-X was unknown, one thing was certain: it was an organization of extraordinary power.
Even Naval Headquarters, the so-called overlords of the sea, were often described in the press as "cooperating with CP-X," though the truth of those collaborations was usually the opposite. This was largely due to the World Governnt's hierarchical structure, where CP-X was officially considered a higher-level agency than Marine forces.
Publicly, this elevated CP-X's prestige. After all, if even the mighty Naval Headquarters could only "assist" CP-X, it emphasized the latter's significance. Fujitora knew that joining CP-X would catapult him straight into the upper echelons of the governnt—no endless waiting, no starting from the bottom.
Still, there was hesitation in his heart. CP-X was heavily tied to the Celestial Dragons, and Fujitora held deep disdain for their corrupt ways. While Claudius himself seed different from the typical Celestial Dragon, he was still part of that privileged class.
Moreover, CP-X's true purpose was shrouded in secrecy. Fujitora had concerns about what kind of organization it really was. Was it rely a violent arm of the Celestial Dragons, created to protect their dominance? If so, that was a far cry from the justice Marine claid to stand for.
Take the Seven Warlords of the Sea as an example. Fujitora had heard that this institution, dominated by CP-X, was established as a ans to control pirates. While it seed pragmatic, the idea of granting privileges to criminals never sat well with him. Could CP-X, the mastermind behind such an institution, truly be a force for good?
His doubts lingered as he spoke. "I have thought about serving the World Governnt to contribute to this turbulent era. But to be honest, I'd prefer to join the Marines."
Claudius frowned slightly at Fujitora's response but wasn't entirely surprised. He asked, "If that's the case, why haven't you joined them yet? Naval Headquarters has been expanding in recent years. With your strength, they would've welcod you."
Fujitora smiled awkwardly, unsure how to explain his reluctance. Could he admit that he had no interest in starting as an ordinary soldier? That he was only eyeing the position of Marine Admiral? Saying such a thing out loud might co across as arrogant and absurd.
Before Fujitora could respond, Claudius continued, "With your abilities, it would be no problem to join the Marines and quickly achieve the rank of Rear Admiral or even Vice Admiral. But there's a catch—qualifications.
"Naval Headquarters is a massive, mature institution. Rising through the ranks requires more than just strength. It demands rit, ti, trust, and above all, experience. Without these, advancing too quickly would destabilize the system."
Hearing this, Fujitora nodded in agreent. "That's true. And to be honest, this is one of the reasons I've hesitated."
Claudius nodded, a knowing smile on his face. "Exactly. As the leader of CP-X, I've encountered many people like you, folk masters, skilled individuals who remain hidden from the world. Those with real talent often live like this for one of two reasons: either they lack ambition and prefer a life of freedom, or they're biding their ti, waiting for the right mont to showcase their talents."
He paused, then added, "Take a retired pirate friend of mine, for example. He fits the first category. These days, he lives like a salted fish, spending his ti coating ships and mooching off a wealthy woman."
anwhile, on Sabaody Archipelago, Silvers Rayleigh sneezed as he coated a ship. He frowned, rubbing his nose, and muttered, "Who's badmouthing again?"
As he continued working, Rayleigh found himself bored. Coating ships brought in steady inco, but it was far from exciting.
"Maybe I should sell myself to a rich woman again," he thought with a grin. "Steal so treasure, disappear for a few months, and live the high life…"
Back in the cabin, Fujitora smiled skeptically at Claudius. "A retired pirate friend? Your Highness sure has interesting connections. Aren't you a Celestial Dragon? Shouldn't your relationship with pirates be more… adversarial?"
Fujitora's thoughts raced. "A Celestial Dragon with pirate friends? That's almost as strange as being a gambler with ambitions to join the governnt…"
However, seeing Claudius speak so candidly, Fujitora chose not to voice his doubts. Instead, he found himself warming to Claudius's unconventional approach.
"The second type," Claudius continued, "are those with ambition. They have grand ideas but lack the opportunity to act on them. Outwardly, they may seem aimless, but in truth, they're honing their skills, waiting for the right mont to rise."
Hearing this, Fujitora's eyes lit up. Claudius's words struck a chord, as if he had seen through him entirely.
"I'd say you belong to the second group," Claudius said, his voice calm and asured. "Given your strength and your interest in joining the Marines, it's clear you're not soone who's content with diocrity. You're waiting for the right opportunity to prove yourself."
Fujitora couldn't help but admire Claudius's insight. He felt as though the man before him had unraveled his very soul. At that mont, he no longer doubted Claudius's competence.
With a respectful nod, Fujitora responded, "Your Highness, you've hit the nail on the head."
***
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