Chapter 72: The Sincere Invitation

"I know, just as there are corrupt officers in the Navy that represents justice, there are also pirates who sail in search of pure dreams."

Rorschach nodded slightly.

"But, Law, how can the ordinary people, who live at the lowest levels of society, distinguish between good pirates like you and bad ones like Big John?"

"When they hear that pirates are approaching the shore, the first feeling that ordinary citizens anywhere experience is panic and fear, only then can they discover the true nature of your actions."

"And some children, who lack self-awareness, might hear tales of pirate adventures when they are young, and then blindly set sail to become pirates when they grow up."

"Law, if among these children there are those who admire you, can you guarantee that they will maintain the purity of their intentions and become good pirates like you?"

"Whether their intentions are pure or not, the existence of pirates incites terror in this world."

Rorschach looked seriously at Law and Hawkins.

"I see that neither of you, Hawkins nor Law, are bad by nature, and we've fought together. Why not join the Navy and change this world together?"

A moment of silence fell over the tavern.

When Law and Hawkins didn't speak for a long time, a look of disappointment appeared on Rorschach's face.

He had chosen to become a sailor, which meant that he would face pirates in the future.

As someone who had traveled through time, he had seen this diverse world from a divine perspective.

And he had grown fond of many of the living characters in this world.

But now that he was part of it, he had to stick to his stance.

After living in this world for thirteen years, he had developed a sense of belonging, and due to his personal experiences, he was more eager to change this world.

Therefore, for the good pirates who hadn't committed evil deeds, Rorschach didn't wish to harm them.

Upholding justice is not something that can be achieved alone; it requires the joining of thousands of people who share the same goals.

If neither Hawkins nor Law agreed to join the Navy, Rorschach wouldn't abandon his principles. He would try to convince Law to leave the life of a pirate and become an adventurer or a bounty hunter instead.

The Kingdom of Luperonilo had an official Adventurers' Guild.

Four centuries ago, Rolando was a great adventurer.

But if Law insisted on becoming a pirate, then Rorschach would have no choice but to consider him an enemy...

And that was something he didn't want to see.

Hawkins and Law could sense the sincerity and earnestness in Rorschach's invitation.

They knew he genuinely wanted them to join the Navy.

But...

When Law remembered the face of Doflamingo, which filled him with disgust, his hesitation gradually faded.

Most importantly, in the disaster of the Kingdom of Flevance, the World Government's response was too cold and painful for him.

Even though his parents and sister were killed by the invasion of a hostile nation, the World Government, which had reaped huge profits from the white lead mine, didn't intervene to stop the war.

Instead, it allowed the Kingdom of Flevance to be completely destroyed and concealed the truth.

Hawkins always remained expressionless.

It seemed that he too had a past he didn't want to talk about.

But after hearing Rorschach's invitation, Hawkins spoke before Law.

"Rorschach."

Hawkins looked at Rorschach, this young man much younger than himself, and recalled what had happened in Prince City.

He couldn't say he wasn't moved.

Especially by the fat bartender and his son Jimmy, who had left a deep impression on him.

That day, Hawkins watched young Jimmy sit among the corpses, watching his father's head explode, seeing the blood cover his face.

For that boy, how much despair must he have felt?

And the words of this young man in front of him, when he remembered them now, he felt their impact.

But he wasn't yet ready to make a decision about the course of his life.

He had come to the Kingdom of Prince only to obtain the Straw Fruit.

So, Hawkins looked at Rorschach, who was waiting for his response, and said:

"I haven't decided to join the Navy yet, but I recognize your determination for justice. Rorschach, I believe you will become a strong sailor in the future. As long as there's no need, I don't want to be your enemy. So, while I won't join the Navy now, I won't become a pirate."

Upon hearing that, Rorschach felt a bit disappointed but eventually smiled.

"That's good, Hawkins. Let's stay in touch, and if you decide to join the Navy, don't hesitate to contact me."

Hawkins nodded and pulled out a tarot card, offering it to him.

Rorschach looked at the card; it was the Justice card.

Drake pulled out a pen from his chest and asked Rorschach to write his contact number on the card.

Rorschach wrote the number, handed the card back to Hawkins, and then raised his glass.

"Then, here's to Hawkins' safe journey."

"Let's drink."

Everyone raised their glasses.

Law drank his cup silently. He had just decided to refuse Rorschach's offer when suddenly the tavern door opened.

A lanky, stick-thin man yawned as he walked in from outside, heading straight towards them.

When they saw him, Bepo and his friends jumped behind Law.

Drake, Kong Zhu, and Rorschach quickly stood up.

"Uncle Kuzan."

"Admiral Aokiji."

Hawkins remained expressionless, and Law stayed silent.

"No need to be tense, mind if I drink with you for a bit?"

Kuzan waved his hand with a smile and sat down without asking for permission on a chair beside Kogaku. Kogaku laughed and poured him a drink.

"Thanks."

Kuzan thanked her, raised the glass, and drank it in one go, then closed his eyes to savor the taste and said admiringly, "Good wine."

After that, Kuzan looked with interest at Rorschach and his friends sitting before him.

"Well, what were you talking about? Care to tell me? I'm interested."

Kuzan said as he glanced at Rorschach.

Rorschach understood the hint and touched his nose, then began to explain his invitation to Law to join the Navy.

When Kuzan heard it, he raised his hand and touched his chin, then looked at Law and Bepo and his friends trembling behind him, and spoke in a low voice:

"The Navy is always in conflict with pirates, and when we find them, we have to either kill them or capture them."

Law's face twitched, and Bepo and his friends were stunned and turned pale.

"But..."

Kuzan suddenly changed his tone, catching Bepo and his friends' attention.

"There is a precedent for pirates joining the Navy."

He looked at Law, "For pirates like Law who haven't committed major sins, if they join the Navy, I can be flexible and talk to Admiral Sengoku to give them a chance."

Then his voice suddenly turned cold, and even the air around him felt like it was about to freeze.

"But if you decide to continue as pirates, I will do what a righteous sailor must do..."

He opened his hand, and white frost threads appeared, forming several ice dolls.

"And I will arrest all pirates."

"Captain... Please, agree! We'll freeze! I don't want to become a polar bear!" Bepo whispered desperately.

"Who said freezing makes you a polar bear, you idiot!" Peguin hit him on the head, then hugged his arms and shivere:, "But I don't want to become an ice statue, Captain~."

Law remained silent.

Suddenly, Rorschach leaned close to Law's ear and whispered very softly: "Law, Mr. Rosinante is also in the Navy, and he is the adopted son of the current Marine Marshal. I know you have many reservations in your heart, but I would like to ask you to trust me, to trust the Navy this time. If we disappoint you in the future, you can leave at any time."

Law's body trembled, and finally, the struggles on his face began to crumble.

"I'll trust you this time, Rorschach."

Rorschach breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, extending his hand.

"Then, welcome to the Navy, Law."

(End of Chapter)

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