Chapter 55: Must Not Lose!
His name: Issho. His epithet: Fujitora. The Blind Swordsman. Paramecia-type, Zushi Zushi no Mi (Gravity-Gravity Fruit) user.
In the future, following the world-altering Summit War, Fujitora would rise through a "Worldwide Draft" to become one of the Three Admirals.
Back to the present.
Currently, Issho was an unknown wanderer, appearing merely as a blind, gambling-addicted old man.
Vergil studied him with interest. Why was he in Elegia? Some grand conspiracy?—Crocodile would ask such questions.
But Alvin Vergil was different. He quickly reasoned: No one dislikes Elegia's music. Why must there be another purpose?
...
"Oh, my apologies…" Issho waved his hands, addressing Vergil. "Being blind, I rely on Observation Haki to sense my surroundings. I inadvertently noticed your presence. Please forgive any offense."
Such was Issho's nature—gentle, righteous, with a strong sense of justice. As an Admiral, he'd pursue "benevolent justice," prioritizing civilians' safety. In the Land of Music, he wished no discord.
And he had been rude.
But Vergil didn't mind. He toyed with the dice on the table. "Teach me how to play this?"
"…" Issho burst into laughter. He admired bold, straightforward characters. "Elegia is wonderful. The people I meet here are all good!"
"Come to think of it, I haven't introduced myself—another rudeness." He drank a sake cup, stood, bowed slightly, and extended his right arm.
"I am 'Issho.' A wandering ronin. Some skill earned me the name [Fujitora] back home. Now, I travel the world."
Admiral epithets followed a "Color + Animal" pattern. Some received theirs upon appointment; others bore them long before. The similarity was coincidence. Fujitora was the latter.
He grinned. "No need for surprise or pity regarding my disability. Not seeing is a blessing. The world holds too much filth and ugliness one can't bear to witness. I chose to close my eyes to it."
A pause. "And you, sir?"
Asking Vergil's identity.
Vergil's eyes crinkled with a smile. "Alvin Vergil."
"…"
"[The Demon]?!" Issho knew the name. Not long ago, in a small town, he'd asked children to read him the latest papers—including the wanted poster.
The instigator of the Sabaody riots—[The Demon] Alvin Vergil!
"I see…" Issho understood why his attention had been drawn. He leaned on his cane, speaking slowly. "Music soothes. Listening, I feel its emotions. That's why I cherish Elegia."
A supplementary introduction, but also a warning. He cherished this land and wouldn't allow it to be harmed.
A 500,000,000-berry criminal, abandoning the Grand Line's infamy for the East Blue, surely had ulterior motives.
Thus, as he spoke, Issho's Observation Haki extended, silently assessing Vergil. His Haki was potent—wide-ranging, capable of sensing "goodwill" and "malice." If [The Demon] harbored ill intent toward Elegia, Issho wouldn't hesitate to draw his blade to protect this rare sanctuary.
But what he never expected: Vergil nodded vigorously. "This country is wonderful. The music is truly the best!"
"…"
Issho's brow furrowed slightly. Is he feigning ignorance? Using words to deceive?
…No.
Issho focused. To his surprise, he detected not a hint of "falsehood" from Alvin Vergil.
Was he sincere? The madman who assaulted a Celestial Dragon couldn't comprehend implied meaning? Too simple.
Issho cut to the chase. "Why are you here?"
Vergil answered plainly, "To seek ancient ruins. For adventure."
"…"
Still, no falsehood.
Realizing this, Issho couldn't help but laugh, slapping his thigh. "Such a man exists upon these seas!"
"Enough talk—" He gripped his cane, slamming the table. Three dice leapt into the air, caught in his palm. "I'll teach you right here!"
...
"Hey, the old-timer's gambling again."
"What? Dice?"
"Someone keep an eye. Don't let him get cheated."
"…"
The tavern buzzed anew. But as the crowd gathered, they noticed this game differed.
Both participants—the blind old man and the burly youth—were unusually tall.
The old man patiently explained dice to the youth, then established the simplest rules.
...
Three dice in a small bowl, shaken.
"One, two, three" = Small.
"Four, five, six" = Big.
Both choose Big or Small, then reveal.
If two or more dice show the chosen side, that side wins. Three of a kind ("All Big" or "All Small") or specific triples ("Three Sixes," "Three Ones") multiplied the bet.
Best of three.
...
"Got it." Vergil nodded.
Issho stroked his chin. "Extremely simple rules. No mind games. Pure gambling luck. Suitable for fun."
"As for the wager…" He thought, then chuckled. "Convert it to wine. Treat everyone."
"Alright, uncle!"
"Uncle, go for it!"
"Hey, brother! Make the old man pay up!"
"…"
Vergil agreed.
He placed the dice in the bowl, inverted it on the table, and shook.
Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, Vergil's eyes filled with fierce determination.
"Ah."
"Not good. I don't think I can lose…"
He looked up, voice grave. "I bet Big."
Issho said, "Then I'll take Small."
Reveal—
6-6-6.
Three sixes.
"?!"
The onlookers stared, stunned. Even Issho sensed something amiss.
"I cannot see. What was the result?" Learning the outcome, he frowned. Good luck? Or cheating?
His Observation Haki swept Vergil again, detecting intense "determination."
Why? Issho was puzzled. What drove Alvin Vergil to need to win, even to cheat?
"…" After a moment's thought, Issho's expression shifted.
"I see! I understand now!" He waved a hand, taking the bowl and dice, his tone solemn. "Thank you for the reminder. I cannot lose either!"
Hearing this, Vergil's face turned equally grave.
As the bowl inverted, their hands covered it simultaneously, shaking it together.
...
Inside the bowl, unseen:
The Chīguǐ Form manipulated minute dust particles, attempting to alter dice faces.
The Zushi Zushi no Mi's power spread, forcibly fixing the dice.
...
Both [Fujitora] Issho and [The Demon] Alvin Vergil knew one truth: They must not lose this bet.
Why?
Because Issho had just lost all his money earlier.
Because Vergil forgot to ask Crocodile for funds before parting, and had spent his last few coins moments ago…
Whoever lost would have to treat everyone.
Whoever lost would face utter humiliation!
(End of Chapter 55)
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