One Piece: Ulquiorra Template

Chapter 72: Ian Bet Against Fujitora!

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The two men continued their conversation, their words weaving a cryptic tapestry.

Meanwhile, the casino manager, thoroughly ignored, finally reached his breaking point. He could no longer tolerate their enigmatic exchange and the blatant disregard for his authority. He barked at Fujitora, "Hey, old man! You're out of chips. What are you still doing here? Leave your collateral and get out!"

The manager's patience had worn thin.

However, Fujitora and Ian remained seated, seemingly oblivious to his outburst and the approaching thugs. Ian calmly spoke, his voice cutting through the tension, "How about a wager?"

"What did you have in mind?" Fujitora responded, his tone equally serene, a flicker of interest in his sightless, milky-white eyes.

"Roulette. Since I proposed the game, you may choose what you're most proficient with," Ian offered.

"And what are your stakes?" Fujitora asked, a gentle smile gracing his lips. He detected no disrespect or conceit in Ian's words.

"I have nothing to offer as collateral. If you win, I'll perform any task you request. If I win, you come with me."

The terms were straightforward, the very reason for Ian's presence here. He wasn't worried about Fujitora refusing.

In the original story, Fujitora had willingly joined the Marines through the World Military Draft. This demonstrated his genuine desire to serve, albeit with a touch of pride. He hadn't been willing to climb the ranks from the bottom, choosing instead to enter as an Admiral.

Later, during the Dressrosa arc, upon witnessing Doflamingo's atrocities, he had bowed before the citizens, declaring, "To hell with this kind of justice!"

He had even confronted Akainu directly, showing no deference to his authority.

He wasn't afraid of being stripped of his rank. Clearly, his primary motivation was to uphold true justice. In that case, what difference was there between a Warlord and a Marine?

If Fujitora refused, Ian would simply offer him his own Vice Admiral position, taking the Warlord title for himself. With the World Government's backing, he could operate with even greater freedom.

"Intriguing. However, I will never act against my own principles," Fujitora stated firmly, outlining his non-negotiable condition.

"Hmm? Conceding before the game even begins? Rest assured, those who reach our level of power possess unwavering principles. Even ruthless individuals like Kaido and Big Mom value familial bonds and honor their agreements. Not to mention Shanks and Whitebeard, who champion freedom and righteousness."

"Very well, then. I've been rather bored lately. I wouldn't mind causing some chaos alongside you."

Fujitora remained humble despite Ian's words. Individuals of their caliber never acted without purpose. Ian's willingness to make such a significant wager implied a compelling reason, one that Fujitora couldn't refuse, even in defeat.

He was eager to uncover the truth.

Therefore, the outcome of the gamble itself was secondary.

"You two...!"

The casino manager, enraged by their cryptic conversation and blatant disregard, felt his anger boil over.

Did they think he operated without powerful backing? He wasn't afraid of causing trouble, he simply preferred to avoid it. He gestured to his men.