119 The Diversity of the Human Heart

"Indeed! I’m also grateful to be alive, because only then do I have a chance to reclaim what’s owed to me."

Exhaling deeply, Xuan Ye traced the scars on his face, then glanced at little Jin lying on the bed. "I’ll go check on Pakas and the others. It’s been so long, I find I actually miss them."

"I won’t go," Zefa said from his seat.

"Alright, Master, you should rest well. I’m sure you haven’t slept much these past few days," Xuan Ye said with concern, noting Zefa’s haggard complexion—it was clear he hadn’t closed his eyes in days.

"Go ahead, I know," Zefa smiled faintly and waved him off.

"Then let’s go," Xuan Ye looked at Qingzhi before stepping out of the hospital room first.

"Teacher, I’m coming too," Qingzhi raised an eyebrow, nodded to Zefa, and followed out.

"Mm." Watching their backs, Zefa sighed, and a heavy silence settled over the room.

Outside the hospital, standing side by side, Xuan Ye stretched lazily and said casually, "Since I disappeared for a short while, tell me honestly—have my men been suppressed? Especially that damned dog."

"Sometimes I wonder if you and Akainu are really rivals. How is it that he knows you so well, and you him?" Qingzhi rolled his eyes, intrigued as he looked at Xuan Ye’s profile.

"Don’t you know? Often, the ones who know you best are your enemies. Besides, that dog’s personality is just like mine—only our convictions differ." Xuan Ye sneered slightly, not angry as before, merely disdainful.

"Things are different now, especially after what happened with Master," Qingzhi’s expression darkened, cold and somber.

"I know. So don’t worry, I won’t kill Akainu—not yet, at least. But he won’t have an easy time either." Xuan Ye’s lips curved into a faint smile. He no longer held any affection for the Navy—or rather, he never truly had.

If anything, his feelings were reserved for individuals: Zefa’s family, Qingzhi, Momotou, and so forth.

"Take it easy," Qingzhi rubbed his forehead, sensing trouble ahead. He knew Xuan Ye was about to stir things up again.

"First, tell me—how many of my 200 men are left?" Xuan Ye couldn’t help but ask.

"More than 150. Over twenty were mortally wounded by Akainu after your death, the rest died on missions at sea. I’m sorry..." Qingzhi trailed off.

"It’s not your fault. But I’m putting all those losses on Akainu’s head." Xuan Ye sneered coldly, deciding it didn’t matter whether Akainu was directly responsible or not—he held him accountable for every loss.

"Isn’t that too obvious?" Qingzhi blinked in surprise.

"I don’t care. Since I’m back, Fleet Admiral Sengoku and the others should know what I’m capable of. Just wait and see."

"You’re unbelievable. If the Navy weren’t under so much pressure right now, I doubt Sengoku would still have patience for you."

"He won’t." Xuan Ye smiled confidently. "Before, Master was here. Now, with Master’s friend by his side, Fleet Admiral Sengoku only feels regret. Besides, with strength on my side, what’s the Navy to me?"

"Y-you wouldn’t..." Qingzhi’s face paled, glancing cautiously around.

"Relax, I’ve been thinking about this for a long time," Xuan Ye said with a bitter smile, sharing openly with Qingzhi.

"You bastard, don’t forget—I’m Navy," Qingzhi lowered his voice, cursing sharply.

"I know!" Xuan Ye shrugged, unfazed.

"Are you not afraid I’ll expose you?" Qingzhi tried to look fierce, his face darkening.

"Afraid? You’re my friend, Qingzhi. If you do expose me, then I’ll just be blind. At worst, I’ll run. Speed-wise, only Kizaru can catch me. But if it comes to that, I believe I can take a few with me." Xuan Ye pondered thoughtfully.

Qingzhi’s face darkened, glaring at Xuan Ye with a strange intensity.

"What’s wrong? Haven’t seen me in a while—have I gotten more handsome?" Xuan Ye touched his cheek, surprised by Qingzhi’s look.

"You’re really..." Qingzhi stared hard, sighed, and muttered self-mockingly, "Have you changed or have I? You’ve just given me a tough question."

"Qingzhi, you’re my friend—my one true friend for life. I’m laying everything bare. If one day I’m wrong, I hope you won’t stop me," Xuan Ye said seriously, his face grave.

Qingzhi’s expression twitched. This script seemed off. "Did I hear you right? Even if you’re wrong, you don’t want me to stop you?"

"Yes, you heard right. Because I can hardly imagine that by then, I’ll even recognize you."

Sighing, Xuan Ye said sarcastically, "Maybe choosing me as a friend was your biggest mistake."

"Being friends with someone like you is really dangerous," Qingzhi smiled wryly, unsure of his own feelings.

"Honestly, I hate this side of myself too, but I can’t help it." Xuan Ye’s serious face darkened. He felt so weary.

"In this dog-eat-dog world, weakness is a crime. Besides, I’m not alone. Maybe you and I don’t even belong to the same world."

"Enough talk—no point in adding to the worries."

Listening to Xuan Ye’s monologue, Qingzhi’s expression shifted constantly but finally sighed, "In this life, I still consider you a friend. If that time really comes, I will stop you."

"You’re really foolish. But having a friend like you is good... hahaha..." Warmth filled Xuan Ye’s heart as he laughed heartily.

"Don’t say it like that," Qingzhi smiled too. In the blink of an eye, the two disappeared side by side down the path.

Soon, they arrived at Qingzhi’s barracks, which was also a port.

At the gate, Xuan Ye’s former subordinates gathered.

Glancing over the hundred-plus Navy men, all had red-rimmed eyes, some excited. Leading them, Pakas was especially thrilled.

With a smile, Xuan Ye stepped forward, patting each on the shoulder. "I’m sorry."

"I’m back now. Those willing to continue following me, step forward. Those who don’t, I won’t force you. I believe Vice Admiral Qingzhi will be glad to have you as his men," Xuan Ye announced, respecting their choices.

"Vice Admiral Qingzhi, I’m sorry," Pakas didn’t hesitate, bowing deeply to Qingzhi before silently standing behind Xuan Ye.

One by one, more Navy men stepped forward.

In the end, only fifty stood, while over a hundred lowered their heads, unwilling to meet Xuan Ye’s gaze.

Since Xuan Ye’s death, everything had changed. The heart of man was complex, especially in this lawless world where the strong devour the weak, exposing the many facets of human nature.

...................................