Chapter 14: The Cruelty of the World

"..."

When Renji asked the question, Fujitora's entire body stiffened.

As if recalling something painful, he yanked the cap off his head and clenched it tightly in his hands. Seeing the numb expressions of the people around him, his shame turned into burning anger.

"You're just a passerby. Don't get involved in this mess," he said hoarsely, not wanting anyone else to be dragged into this.

Renji pointed to the east. "I'm guessing all the answers are over there, aren't they?"

He had been observing the people around him and noticed that many of them kept glancing subtly toward the east.

"How did you know..."

Fujitora immediately stopped himself, realizing he had said too much.

But his slip-up confirmed Renji's suspicions.

"Now, are you willing to tell me what's happening on this island?" Renji asked.

Fujitora hesitated. The situation on this island involved too many people, and he didn't think Renji could change anything. Instead, it would only put this kind-hearted man in danger.

"Are you a man or not? Stop hesitating! I'm not afraid, so why are you overthinking this?"

Renji sighed. He found the young Fujitora overly cautious but also admired his kindness.

Fujitora genuinely believed Renji was a merchant and didn't want him to provoke forces he couldn't handle.

The problem was, Renji wasn't just a merchant. If it weren't for the need to investigate and gather evidence secretly, he would have already stormed the east with his sword.

"Fine! I'll tell you everything I know!"

Since Renji insisted, Fujitora decided to stop hesitating. He put his cap back on, using it to shield his face.

"Follow me. It's all happening in this area."

The issue here was simple: corruption between officials and merchants, and collusion between the Navy and pirates.

The island was completely controlled by powerful forces, leaving ordinary people at the mercy of fate with no chance to resist.

Different factions had different demands. Some wanted power and political achievements, others wanted money, and some wanted it all.

The Navy, under the guise of fighting pirates, pillaged and plundered the surrounding areas for wealth.

Then, they sent out a squad to "eliminate pirates," but in reality, they killed innocent civilians to claim credit and advance their careers.

The pirates, protected by the Navy, kidnapped children and sold them for profit.

Merchants seized property, traded weapons, and inflated prices, amassing fortunes.

And the east? That was where the pirates' base was located.

...

"Help!!"

A girl's desperate scream echoed in the distance.

The people nearby flinched, their eyes flickering with emotion before they quickly covered their ears, their faces filled with hatred. They didn't want to hear the screams anymore.

Fujitora, even after witnessing this scene many times, still felt a deep pain in his heart. He couldn't blame these people for pretending not to hear.

They had all experienced this before. Their families had been taken away.

"Stay here. I'll be back soon!"

Fujitora drew his sword and dashed off toward the direction of the girl's screams.

Renji, of course, didn't follow Fujitora's instructions. With a leap, he vanished from the spot.

The girl's house had its wooden door wide open.

A group of pirates surrounded the small, shabby hut, laughing obscenely.

"Boss, hurry up! We want a turn too, hehehe..."

"Yeah, boss, this girl's a real catch. I can't wait!"

The leader cursed at them. "Shut up! You're always rushing me. Why don't you work this hard when it's time to do real work?"

"Get out! I'll call you when I'm done."

He shoved the group outside, slammed the door shut, and ignored the girl's screams. He slapped her across the face.

The girl fell onto the bed, stunned. She lay there, too shocked to cry, though tears streamed down her cheeks.

"You asked for this!"

The man spat on the ground, not caring about the girl's reaction, and began to undress.

Knock, knock, knock!

A steady knocking sound came from the door.

"Knock all you want! I haven't even taken my pants off yet!"

The man cursed, thinking it was his crew trying to rush him. He ignored the knocking and continued what he was doing.

Knock, knock, knock!

"Water meter inspection!"

The man heard an unfamiliar voice.

"If you don't open the door, I'll come in myself."

Renji pushed the door open. The first thing he saw was a nauseating sight.

The room was dark, even though the sun hadn't set yet. A girl lay on the bed, and a shirtless man stared in shock at the doorway.

Beside the bed, a man lay bleeding, his body twitching. If he didn't get help soon, he would die.

"Did you hurt him?"

The elegant smile on Renji's face vanished, replaced by a cold, piercing expression.

He had rushed here as fast as he could, but he was still too late.

"Huh? Why are these pirates lying on the ground?"

Fujitora finally arrived outside the hut. He first noticed the pirates lying unconscious and was about to question it when he heard Renji's voice from inside.

"Get a doctor here as fast as you can. Hurry!"

Renji ignored the pirate leader and immediately went to stop the bleeding on the girl's father.

The wound wasn't deep, and the blood loss wasn't fatal. He could still be saved.

Fujitora ran into the house and saw the chaos inside. He understood why Renji had asked for a doctor.

"Got it. I'll go right away!"

He saw in Renji the aura of a superior officer—no, someone even stronger. It made him instinctively obey the command.

After stabilizing the injured man, Renji took off his coat and draped it over the girl, gently smoothing her disheveled hair.

"Don't be afraid. I'm here."

"Sir, I don't know what I've done to offend you, but I'll change. Please spare me!"

The pirate leader prostrated himself on the ground, trembling uncontrollably.

His crew outside had been taken down without a sound, and he was drenched in cold sweat, thinking he had somehow angered this man.

"Don't apologize to me. (Just die.)" Renji looked at him with disgust.

The pirate leader stared at Renji in confusion, not understanding what he meant.

Renji pulled out a Den Den Mushi and asked, "Are you from the east?"

The man nodded. "Yes, we're under Lord Belial. We're here to... 'collect' some supplies."

"..."

Sigh~ It's always the same.

Pirates don't produce anything. They live for pleasure, spouting nonsense about freedom and camaraderie, throwing parties when they're happy and when they're sad.

Most people only see the pirates' enjoyment and freedom, sailing the seas and living a life of luxury.

But they don't see how many people are robbed, how many families are destroyed because of them.

This is the tragedy of an era, the tragedy of the people living in this world.

...

After recording everything with the Den Den Mushi as evidence, Renji kicked the man's head, shattering it.

...