Chapter 34 - 34: The Zealous Evangelist

Words : 1259 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

"Join... the Navy?!" Kyros stared in disbelief at Yoriichi's invitation. The Navy? That was a path he had never considered. But Kyros didn't doubt Yoriichi's sincerity, after all, the arena manager had already mentioned that a Marine Headquarters colonel was here looking for him. And after witnessing Yoriichi's overwhelming strength firsthand, Kyros had no reason to question his identity. As for the tall man who accompanied Yoriichi, though he hadn't made a move, Kyros could sense his power too. These two weren't the kind to toy with a mere gladiator. "Someone like me... could really join the Navy?" Kyros murmured, half asking Yoriichi, half questioning himself. Hearing this, Kuzan raised an eyebrow. Judging by Kyros's expression, it was clear that this man had a past. That immediately piqued Kuzan's interest. He interjected, "Mr. Kyros, what kind of person are you, exactly? Why wouldn't you be able to join the Navy?" "As long as you're not a pirate or a serious criminal, there's no problem joining," he added with a light tone. Kyros shook his head and sighed softly. Kuzan observed him closely. That sigh only confirmed his suspicion—Kyros carried a story. "You're hiding some" Before Kuzan could finish, Kyros cut in, voice heavy with regret: "I'm a killer." "Yes, just like you said, a serious criminal." He turned to Yoriichi and said solemnly, "I'm sorry. I don't think... I'm fit to join the Navy." With that, he grabbed his longsword, turned away, and lowered his head as he walked back toward his room. "Kyros." "Wait," Yoriichi called out gently. "About you being a killer, I'd like to understand. Can you... tell us more?" Kuzan echoed the sentiment with a casual smile. He was trying to draw Kyros out, hoping he would share his past. Apart from his impressive strength, Kuzan wasn't much different from other young men his age. He liked lively stories, had a strong sense of justice—and he enjoyed hearing about people's lives. He and Kyros were close in age. You could almost call them peers. Which is why Kuzan was genuinely interested in the life this fellow peer had lived. Kyros paused mid-step. After a long silence, he turned slowly, walked to the wall, and leaned back against it before sinking to the floor. Yoriichi and Kuzan exchanged a glance, then sat cross-legged on the ground in front of him. The room wasn't far, yet the three chose to sit here on the bare ground. "Two years ago... I killed a man." "..." And so, Kyros began to tell Yoriichi and Kuzan his story. It was, in essence, a tale of revenge, his close friend had been murdered, and he had taken justice into his own hands. In Dressrosa, even though the law dictated "a life for a life," it still required a proper trial. Kyros's act of private vengeance was not condoned. As a result, he became a murderer in the eyes of the law. What happened after was something Yoriichi already knew. King Riku had investigated the case thoroughly, recognized Kyros's talent and loyalty, and most importantly, saw that the man he killed was a murderer himself. Admiring Kyros, the king offered a compromise: if he could win one hundred battles in the coliseum, he would be pardoned in everything but name. Strictly speaking, Kyros was no longer a criminal. He stayed in the arena only out of guilt—and because of the contempt others still held for a killer like him. "So much... happened." Kuzan let out a soft sigh as he listened, deeply moved. He respected Kyros's loyalty and was particularly impressed by how King Riku had chosen to handle the situation—it lit a spark in his eyes. At first, Kuzan hadn't been too invested in recruiting Kyros. If the man wanted to join, fine. If not, no big deal. But now? Now he felt just like Yoriichi—he wanted Kyros in the Navy. If all went well, Kuzan would be promoted to Rear Admiral this year. That meant he'd be given his own ship, his own crew. But his promotion had come so quickly that he didn't yet have a proper second-in-command. Sure, the Headquarters could assign someone. But in the Navy, most high-ranking officers groomed their own adjutants—people they trusted. What Yoriichi didn't know was that Kuzan had already set his sights on him. He'd even approached Garp about it in private—only to be brushed off. Now, faced with the same dilemma again, Kuzan's mind pivoted to Kyros. Here was a man loyal to his friends, with no prior ties to the Navy. The perfect candidate. Listening to Kyros's story, Kuzan now fully understood why he stayed in the arena—and why he had initially rejected the invitation. It was shame. Guilt. With that realization, Kuzan stood up. "Kyros, I understand now." "I'm Kuzan, a colonel of Marine Headquarters." "Your past—your identity—it's not a problem. The Navy can accept you." His voice was firm. Then he paused, eyes sharpening, before continuing: "I know you feel guilty for taking a life. But isn't that exactly why you should join the Navy?" "This world is a mess. Pirates are running rampant—killing, pillaging, destroying lives wherever they go." "That's why the Navy exists!" "To chase down pirates. To give people a safe place to live. That is our duty." "Kyros—numbing yourself with constant fighting here means nothing." "The dead won't return because you swing your sword." "Your guilt won't vanish just because you bleed." "But if you become a Marine, if you use your strength to protect those who can still be saved" "Isn't that far more meaningful than wasting away in this arena?" Kuzan's voice swelled with passion. Right now, he truly believed in justice, his justice. He was a young man burning with purpose. Yoriichi glanced at him and thought, amused: This guy's practically PUA-ing Kyros. And the scary part is, he's good at it. But calling it manipulation didn't feel quite right. No real manipulator actually believes their own words. Kuzan did. He's not a manipulator. He's an evangelist. "To help... more people?" "Someone like me, a murderer, do I really have the right to do that? Do I deserve to?" Kyros stared blankly at Kuzan, overwhelmed. "Of course you do!" Kuzan stepped forward and extended his hand, eyes filled with conviction. "Come on, Kyros! The Navy needs someone like you!" Yoriichi looked at Kyros's trembling shoulders and quivering lips, then lowered his head with a soft chuckle. So this is what Kuzan was like in his youth, he mused. What a waste. He'd have made a hell of a recruiter. Kyros looked at the outstretched hand. Then he slowly let go of his sword, reached out with both hands, and gripped Kuzan's tightly. With a firm nod, he declared "Admiral Kuzan! Please allow me to join the Navy!" ********* Hey everyone! I'll be dropping an extra 1 chapter once we hit 100, 200, 300 power stones! 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Chapter 34 - 34: The Zealous Evangelist

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