Rolan sensed the blind man's aura and couldn't help but feel a flicker of surprise. Judging solely by his presence, this man's strength exceeded even Akainu's.
No wonder, in the original story, even blind, he could rise to Admiral. If his sight were restored, his power would be unimaginable.
Rolan also admired Issho personally. He remembered that, during his previous life, the people of Dressrosa suffered under Doflamingo's tyranny, all while the World Government had legalized the Shichibukai. Rolan had even once apologized to the citizens of Dressrosa on behalf of the Marines.
Because that act of humility had embarrassed the Marines, he had argued fiercely with Akainu, then Fleet Admiral.
As the gamblers finally noticed the young man standing beside Issho, their faces registered shock.
"Ah! Rolan!"
"Godslayer Rolan!"
"Lord Rolan is here to gamble too?"
"Let's run!"
"This is Rolan, the Four Emperors' killer, who doesn't even flinch."
"Run? Why run? This is Golden City. Anyone entering must follow its rules, even Godslayer Rolan," one gambler replied calmly.
He had visited Golden City before and knew the guards would suppress any trouble swiftly. Golden City had earned its reputation for impeccable order, so even in front of the world's strongest Pirate, he remained unshaken.
"Come on, beautiful lady, let's continue," he said casually, sitting back down, clearly carried away by recent wins with Issho. His fearless demeanor influenced the others, and they too resumed gambling without giving Rolan a second glance.
Issho slowly turned, his eyelids parting just enough to reveal the whites of his eyes. His aura rose subtly, sending a shiver through the room.
"Hehehe, Rolan, this old man has long wished to meet you."
All the gamblers froze, astonished. Could the blind man and the legendary Pirate Rolan really be connected? Their cash cow was in danger.
"Hey, Uncle, don't worry about Rolan, let's keep playing!"
"Right! Continue!"
"Yes, don't stop now!"
"You just had ten wins! Don't you want more?"
Issho stood, scratching his head. "This old man has earned enough today. Gambling ends here, sorry everyone."
The female dealer exhaled in relief. If the blind man continued, even Golden City's immense wealth would take a hit. Small losses multiplied across tables could strain the city's resources.
Her eyes flicked to Rolan gratefully—without him, Issho might have continued for hours.
The gamblers, however, didn't appreciate Rolan's presence. "Blind man, hurry up and guess! Keep gambling, or you'll regret it!"
"Sit down! Don't back out now!"
"Ten more rounds and you can leave!"
Flush with the excitement of winning, they ignored Issho's aura entirely.
Issho chuckled. "Rolan, allow me to handle this nuisance first, then we can talk."
His Haki flared subtly, rustling the clothing of the surrounding crowd. The gamblers felt as if a monstrous flood was pressing down on them, their bodies trembling.
Seeing this, the captain of a guard squad approached. "What's happening?"
When he saw the gamblers sprawled on the ground and felt Issho's immense presence, it became obvious.
Golden City's reputation as the safest city came from well-trained, powerful guards, capable of swiftly quelling disorder.
But just as they prepared to act, they noticed Rolan standing beside Issho.
"Lo… Lo… Lord Rolan!" the captain stammered.
Rolan shared the same status as Tesoro in Golden City. Now that one of the world's strongest men stood there, the guards relaxed, knowing no fighting would occur under his watch. They nodded and withdrew, escorting the dealer.
The dealer's heart raced. What had happened? Public disturbance? The guards had always managed such incidents effortlessly—why retreat now? Was this young man, Rolan, truly that intimidating?
Issho, for his part, noticed something strange. The well-trained guards, present in full force, had backed down like a receding tide. He slowly sheathed the sword he had partially drawn. As it slid fully into its scabbard, the gamblers felt the weight of the Haki pressing them into the ground.
Unable to move, they vomited blood and sank into a pit formed beneath them.
Rolan narrowed his eyes, silently impressed. Observation Haki, Enriched with immense power… this man is phenomenal.
Issho turned to Rolan. "Hehehe, I hope you'll excuse this old man."
"Not at all," Rolan replied calmly.
Issho's gait brought him past a gambling table corner, slightly brushing it. Rolan noted, "Being blind is still inconvenient, isn't it?"
Issho sighed. "There's too much filth in this world; sometimes, blindness is a mercy."
Rolan agreed with the first half of that sentiment. "Yes… the world is full of filth."
He added quietly, "But closing your eyes or ignoring it does nothing. The world's suffering remains, whether you see it or not."
Issho blinked, intrigued. "Oh? I wonder what insights you possess, Rolan?"