Chapter 35: Chapter 35: The Future Admiral
Ain led Lin Yan to a guest room prepared for the blind man. Upon entering, Lin Yan saw a burly figure dressed as a "samurai," with closed eyes, a cane beside him, and two scars crossing his face. Lin Yan's heart skipped a beat. The blind man was none other than the future Admiral... Fujitora Issho!
During the two years after the Paramount War, Akainu and Aokiji battled for the title of Fleet Admiral in the Punk Hazard clash. Akainu emerged as Fleet Admiral, and Aokiji, unwilling to serve under Akainu, left the Marine Headquarters with regret, leaving two Admiral positions vacant. To compensate for the losses from the Paramount War, the Marines initiated a global recruitment. During this recruitment, Issho and Ryokugyu were discovered and, due to their "extraordinarily strong" reputation, were exceptionally promoted as Admirals!
Issho, a user of the Gravity Fruit, is gentle in nature and terrifying in strength. His swordsmanship is refined to perfection. Rather than hunting pirates, he cares about the safety of the people, hates injustice, and opposed the Shichibukai system. In the Dressrosa arc, seeing the people suffer, Issho, disregarding his status as an Admiral, publicly apologized to the king of Dressrosa, hoping they could forgive the Marines and regain confidence in them. He is truly an Admiral with a sense of justice.
However, at this time, Issho does not yet have the title "Fujitora." The Marines have not yet started their global recruitment, and he is merely a wandering samurai on the Grand Line.
"Are you Issho? It's an honor to meet you!" Lin Yan extended his hand enthusiastically.
Issho paused noticeably when he heard his name coming from Lin Yan, asking curiously, "How... do you know my name?" Ain was also stunned. Could it be that her captain knew this blind man? After all, even her teacher Zephyr didn't know the blind man's background!
"No, no, I just recently heard that there's a wandering ronin traveling these seas, and now I've encountered him. What a pleasure to meet you!" Lin Yan said with a beaming smile.
"This..." Issho hesitated, feeling as if the other party was setting him up. He had only started wandering at sea a couple of days ago. How could Lin Yan have heard about him?
Out of basic politeness, Lin Yan introduced himself, "I'm Lin Yan, the 17th division captain of the Whitebeard Pirates!"
"So, you're the famous 17th division captain!" Issho responded.
"Famous is an overstatement. In this world, there are many strong people yet to be discovered! They might not be as well-known as I am, but their strength might not be inferior!" Lin Yan shook his head.
"You are quite an interesting person, young friend! Why have you come to see me?" Issho asked.
Lin Yan fell silent. Actually, his purpose was simple: he wanted to invite Issho to join his ship. He knew that if Issho joined the Marines, he would become an enemy. Why let such talent slip away? The 17th division had only a few high-level fighters. If Issho joined, they would have two Admiral-level fighters besides Lin Yan.
However, inviting Issho to join his pirate crew right away would likely result in rejection. This needed more careful planning. Luckily, it would take some time for them to return to the Whitebeard Pirates. Lin Yan could use this opportunity to get closer to Issho.
"Oh, nothing, just wanted to see you and respect my elders!" Lin Yan said with a smile. "Have a good rest!" Lin Yan then left with Ain.
Lin Yan thought of a famous scene where someone made a fist gesture: "I want them all!" Indeed, he wanted both the former Admiral Zephyr and the future Admiral Issho!
"Captain, do you know this person?" Ain asked curiously on the way back.
"No," Lin Yan replied.
"Then why did you have that... evil smile?" Ain asked, tilting her head.
Lin Yan paused. "Evil smile? Was I that obvious?" he touched his chin and said.
"Well... weren't you?" Ain tilted her head and said.
Lin Yan sighed. He got so excited about meeting the future Admiral that he didn't manage his facial expression properly.
In the following days, Lin Yan warmly entertained Issho, offering fine wine and food. He noticed that Issho had a soft spot for ramen, so he brought out wine and ramen, placing them before Issho. Seeing this, Issho was moved. He was merely hitching a ride, but Lin Yan treated him warmly. After wandering for so many years, he had never been treated like this before. He was very grateful to Lin Yan.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone