Ash leaned back on a sofa in the casino lounge, holding a sake gourd as his gaze lingered on the chip box in front of him.
Less than three million Berries remained.
He stared at it in silence, deep in thought.
He had originally believed that with Observation Haki, dominating the gambling tables would be effortless.
Reality proved otherwise.
His Observation Haki had never been properly trained. Its strength lay only in its wide range, not precision. It could not perceive dice rolls or subtle movements at the table.
Using it for gambling had been nothing more than wishful thinking.
Relying on pure skill alone, the outcome was obvious.
In just a few hours, he had lost over thirty million Berries, leaving only a fraction behind.
Ash did not care about the money.
What bothered him was something else.
He had walked in expecting to dominate, only to be crushed completely.
That gap between expectation and reality left him quietly frustrated.
…
Elsewhere, Tesoro was equally unsettled.
After hearing the report, he even began to suspect betrayal within his own ranks.
He had specifically ordered that Ash be treated well and that no tricks be used.
So how had things turned out like this?
After repeated confirmation from Mr. Tanaka, Tesoro had no choice but to accept the truth.
Ash's gambling skills were simply terrible.
And his luck was average at best.
"…Where is Baccarat?" Tesoro asked.
Mr. Tanaka replied, "She is carrying out your earlier instructions. Saint Kamael has been guided to a private room on the VIP floor. Baccarat is currently bringing Vice Admiral Gion to the casino."
"As for Vice Admiral Tokikake, he remains on the golf course. He appears uninterested in leaving, despite several attempts."
Tesoro frowned slightly.
"Forget Tokikake for now. Ask Baccarat something first. Did she use her ability on Ash without authorization?"
"If she did, have her return it immediately, double the amount. If not, transfer luck from others to him."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone firm.
"Make sure he enjoys himself. If he is displeased, that becomes my problem."
Mr. Tanaka nodded and quickly left to carry out the order.
Tesoro exhaled quietly.
For now, at least, Ash did not appear to be here for trouble.
After losing more than twenty million Berries, he had simply stepped aside to drink in silence without causing a disturbance.
That alone was reassuring.
Since that was the case, Tesoro would play the role of a proper host.
Then suddenly, his expression changed.
"Tanaka!"
"Boss, your orders?"
"Gather all the top chefs in Gran Tesoro. Have them ready at any moment."
Mr. Tanaka froze briefly but did not question it. He immediately moved to execute the order.
…
Meanwhile, Baccarat had already received new instructions.
She excused herself from Gion and made her way toward Ash.
But Ash was not paying attention to her.
Because in that short moment, he had noticed someone far more interesting.
It was almost amusing.
He had just been thinking about how limited his Observation Haki was compared to someone like Fujitora, who could perceive dice, distinguish outcomes, and even sense emotions.
Then he saw him.
A middle-aged man walked past nearby, wearing a purple cloak over a kimono, wooden sandals clicking softly against the floor. His blind eyes bore an X-shaped scar, and he leaned on a staff.
Ash smiled faintly.
Issho.
Not yet an Admiral.
Just Issho.
Baccarat approached, lightly touching Ash's arm as she spoke.
"Mr. Ash?"
While doing so, she subtly activated her ability, transferring a significant amount of luck to him.
She had never been this careful before.
At that moment, Ash noticed Issho's ear twitch slightly.
He had heard.
That did not surprise Ash.
Issho had always been a man of strong principles, even before joining the Marines. Someone like him would naturally pay attention to notable figures.
Recognizing Ash was expected.
Issho was around forty-nine now, slightly younger than the future Admirals Sakazuki and Kuzan.
Yet his sense of justice was different.
He would not harm the innocent for the sake of orders, nor would he ignore wrongdoing out of indifference.
That kind of man suited Ash's temperament far more.
Ash lifted his sake gourd and spoke casually.
"Is that the Supreme Grade blade, Shodai Kitetsu?"
His words immediately drew attention.
Baccarat turned toward Issho, while Issho himself stopped and approached.
"I didn't expect to meet someone who appreciates swords," Issho said with a faint smile. "My name is Issho."
"May I see your blade?"
He sat beside Ash without hesitation.
Then he added, "I have heard that the black blade Shusui is in your possession. Would you allow me to examine it?"
Ash smiled.
With a casual motion, he produced Shusui.
However, he held the sheath firmly and only offered the hilt forward.
There was no chance he would hand over the sheath, his Space ability was tied to it.
Issho paused slightly, sensing the careful movement, then smiled and accepted the gesture.
"Then I will not hold back."
He drew the blade slowly.
As the black blade emerged, Ash stored the sheath away and drew his own sword.
It was not a Supreme Grade blade, but its craftsmanship and sharpness were still impressive.
He examined it briefly before performing a few smooth swings.
"Straight blades really do have their charm," Ash said before sheathing it again.
Meanwhile, Issho held Shusui with both hands, gently running his fingers along the blade.
His movements were slow and deliberate, almost reverent.
It felt less like inspection and more like paying respect.
Ash watched for a moment.
He had barely used Shusui since obtaining it. Most of the time, he relied on the sheath for his ability.
"Do you ever regret destroying your eyesight?" Ash asked casually, taking another sip of sake.
"If you hadn't, you could see the craftsmanship instead of just feeling it."
Issho's hand paused.
His sightless eyes turned toward Ash.
After a brief silence, he spoke quietly.
"Not seeing can also be a blessing."
"There are many things in this world that are better left unseen."