Sailing: I was falsely accused of watching Nami bathe, but I'm blind.

Killing Ace and severely damaging Luffy's spirit is a necessary step to sever the past and prevent even greater "trouble" in the future!

Although this process... also burdened him with heavy stigma and endless hatred.

But this... is also the price he has to pay for choosing this path!

He has no way back.

He could only continue to walk firmly down this path he had chosen, a path that was perhaps full of darkness and thorns!

Until... he establishes the "new order" he desires! Or... he is completely swallowed up by this world!

Kai's eyes (in his mind) regained their coldness and determination.

Although the inner turmoil and struggle had not completely subsided, he had forcibly convinced (or numbed) himself with a...almost obsessive belief.

He cast his gaze into the distance.

What's the next step?

Just as Kai was drifting alone on the vast ocean, licking his wounds, sorting out his chaotic thoughts, and trying to justify his controversial behavior, a communication signal from the Navy once again broke his brief peace.

This time, it was no longer the vague hints or tacit approval of before, but... more formal and more direct!

The person who contacted him appears to be from a higher-level department within the Navy Headquarters, through a more secure and covert channel.

The content of the communication was straightforward: spirit.

"The Blind Hunter, Your Excellency Jingxin: Long"

Your heroic performance in the Marineford War and your outstanding 'contribution' to maintaining world order have attracted the high attention and...praise of the top brass of the 10th Naval Force.

"That

"We believe that, given your strength and... determination, you should play a more important role in the cause of upholding 'justice' and 'order' in the world."

Continuing to operate outside the system as a bounty hunter is not only a waste of your abilities, but also prevents you from maximizing your value to the world. (Seven)

”贰

"Therefore, the Navy Headquarters formally extends an invitation to you: we hope you will join us and become a member of the Navy! We will provide you with far superior benefits and authority than ordinary admirals (specific details can be discussed in person), allowing you to have a broader platform to realize your ambitions and... more effectively eliminate those pirate 'trash' that threaten world peace!"

"Let us fight together for the absolute 'justice' and 'order' represented by the World Government!"

While the message retained some diplomatic language, its core meaning was crystal clear—the Navy had formally extended an olive branch to Kai! Moreover, it appeared to be spearheaded by hardliners within the Navy! They valued Kai's abilities, but even more so his ruthless and unscrupulous style of using any means necessary to maintain "order"!

This invitation was like a clear signpost erected at a crossroads in Kai's life! It provided a... definite, and seemingly "natural" direction for his previously somewhat uncertain future!

Join the Navy! Part 2

This option, which he had once rejected and even loathed, was now presented to him in a way that was... incredibly alluring! Wine.

His previous concerns seemed to have become less important at this moment.

Concerns about the darkness within the Navy? Since it was Akainu's faction that extended the olive branch, at least they are united on the goal of "eliminating pirates"! He might be able to use the Navy's power to more effectively carry out his so-called "necessary evil"!

Resistance to discipline and constraints? The invitation letter already hinted that he would be given "preferential treatment and authority far exceeding that of ordinary generals," which might mean that he would have considerable freedom and autonomy.

To completely oppose the Straw Hat crew? He had already made that decision, hadn't he? Joining the Navy would actually give him more power and a more legitimate "reason" to confront and "settle" that past!

As for the stigma he bears... if he can join the Navy and become a defender of "justice," perhaps... he can "clear" his name to some extent?

Besides... didn't Fujitora-senpai also choose to join the Navy? Although their ideals may be different, at least... they will be in the same "system".

Does this also mean... a kind of "different paths leading to the same destination"?

Kai stood on the deck of his lonely, drifting boat, facing the sea breeze, and remained silent for a long time.

His "inner vision," gazing at the turbulent, ever-changing sea before him, seemed to see his own future, equally filled with unknowns and dangers.

Joining the Navy... this seems to be the most powerful "straw" he can grasp at the moment, a way for him to gain power, status, and achieve "order" more quickly.

But this "straw" could also be a path of no return leading to deeper darkness and the complete loss of oneself.

finally……

Kai slowly, yet with unusual determination, raised his head.

His face was expressionless, only showing a kind of... frozen determination.

He made...the final decision.

He wants to accept the invitation!

He was about to embark on this... completely new path, a path that would be a total break with the past!

Whether this road leads to light or destruction.

He insisted on going there himself!

The Navy, the "Blind Hunter" Jingxin... has arrived.

Far from the hustle and bustle and war, Kai piloted the naval patrol boat for several days on the vast ocean, finally choosing to dock at the cliff edge of a remote island overlooking the boundless sea.

He needed an absolutely quiet environment to make that final decision... which might completely change the course of his life.

The sea breeze howled, whipping up salty waves that crashed against the rocks below the cliffs, creating a deafening roar.

Kai stood quietly on the edge of the cliff, letting the gale blow his slightly disheveled black hair and his clothes stained with blood and gunpowder.

He held tightly in his hand the letter that had been delivered through special channels, representing a formal invitation from the Navy.

Although he couldn't see the magnificent seascape before him, his "mind's eye" could clearly "see" things that were farther away and deeper.

His thoughts, like a surging tide, uncontrollably traced back the journey he had taken.

He "saw" the boy in Whispering Town who had been ruthlessly abandoned by his most trusted companion, kneeling on the dock, his heart filled with endless despair and anger.

The pain of betrayal, like the deepest brand, still lingers in the depths of his soul.

He "saw" that lonely figure struggling to survive in the wilderness, fighting wild beasts, battling thugs, and finally making a vow of revenge in a dark cave.

That extreme desire for power, and that intense resentment towards the injustice of fate, became the initial driving force that supported him to keep going.

He "saw" the young apprentice who had met his mentor by chance on the chaotic island and followed him step by step to learn.

Fujitora-senpai's wisdom and teachings, like a lighthouse, about "righteous justice," about the mystery of "the mind's eye," about the meaning of "protection," opened a door to a higher realm for him, and for a time, allowed his frozen heart to feel a touch of warmth and hope.

He "saw" the man who walked in the darkness under the name of "Blind Hunter," constantly hunting down wanted criminals and honing himself in blood and fire.

Every battle, every choice, every clash with this cruel world made him stronger, but also... colder and more pragmatic.

Finally, he "saw" himself—the one who, like a ghost, lurked in the carnage of the battle at Marineford, and ultimately, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, wielded that blood-stained blade.

That one strike severed Ace's life, shattered Luffy's heart, and... completely severed the last connection between him and the past, pushing him onto a path of... no return.

Looking back on all of this, Kai's heart was filled with complex and indescribable emotions.

There was pain, anger, confusion, and struggle, but more than anything, there was a kind of... peace after weathering the storm and... a clear understanding of the path ahead.

He clearly understood what accepting the navy's invitation meant.

That means he will completely sever ties with his disgraceful "pirate" past (even if it was forced upon him).

That means he will stand completely against the Straw Hat Pirates, who once betrayed him and are now the focus of the world's attention! If they meet again in the future, there will be no more hesitation or possibility, only... a fight to the death!

That means he might be going to uphold a kind of "justice" that is not entirely in line with Fujitora's teachings of "benevolence and righteousness," but rather a colder and more ruthless one! He might even have to obey the orders of someone like Akainu and do things that he himself might not fully agree with deep down!

But... what if you refuse?

What does it mean to refuse this invitation?

That means he will continue to be a lone wolf, walking alone in the dark.

While it offers freedom, it also means that... the growth of power will be severely limited.

Without the navy's vast resources and intelligence support, and without the platform and promotion channels within the system, it would be extremely difficult for him to achieve the strength and status to influence the world and realize his goals!

That means he will continue to bear the enormous stigma of "killing Ace," and will be relentlessly hunted by the Navy and the entire pirate world! He will become a true enemy of the world! His living conditions will be harsher than ever before!

More importantly, it means that his twisted desire for "order," his "ideal" to end the Great Pirate Era and establish a more stable and powerful world, will likely never be realized!

The pros and cons, the gains and losses, were clearly laid out before him.

Kai stood on the edge of the cliff, silent for a long time.

The sea breeze ruffled the hem of his clothes, as if urging him to make the final decision.

finally……

He slowly, yet with extraordinary determination, raised his hand.

He did not throw the letter (or token) representing the naval invitation into the turbulent sea.

Instead... he held it tightly in his hand!

He made up his mind!

He will accept the invitation!

It's not just about gaining more power and more resources!

It's not just about finding a seemingly "legitimate" identity and platform!

More importantly, it's so that... he can stand in a position powerful enough to influence the world! To personally "shape"... the future he desires, even if it's cold but stable...!!!

As for the cost? As for the stigma? As for a complete break with the past?

He... is ready.