Chapter 96: Kles Island’s Gambling King — Fujitora Issho!
Kles Hot Spring Island, Port.
Ortoren and Gion stepped off the gangway and onto the island.
The place was impressive—far livelier than the rustic backwater of Baterilla Island. Crowds filled the port, tourists bustled everywhere, and the streets buzzed with energy.
It was a reminder that this world wasn’t only filled with tragic figures like Bartholomew Kuma and Ginny. There were plenty of people living happy, comfortable lives. The contrast felt almost jarring.
As Doflamingo once said, children raised in war could never truly understand children raised in peace.
The world was beautiful, yet cruel.
Squeezing through the throng, Ortoren held a Den Den Mushi in hand, answering Garp on the other end.
“You old men can enjoy your twilight years on Baterilla Island. Us young ones won’t be joining in.”
“What’s there to worry about? He can’t run. Even if he could, would he abandon his wife and child?”
“When he’s on his last breath, just call me. I’ll rush back and claim the credit!”
“Alright, alright, enough chatter. I’m somewhere even more remote than Baterilla Island, the signal’s—what? What did you say? Can’t hear you!”
With Garp’s curses still spilling out of the Den Den Mushi, Ortoren cheerfully hung up.
Watching him put the Den Den Mushi away, Gion couldn’t help but laugh. “Why not just block him? Three calls a day—doesn’t that drive you crazy?”
“That wouldn’t be right. What if Roger dies earlier than expected and Garp-san can’t reach us? We’d miss the chance.” Ortoren stroked his chin before shaking his head.
They let the topic drop. First, they treated themselves to a hearty meal at a local restaurant, then headed for the island’s entertainment district.
The resort was packed with attractions—hot spring villas, luxury hotels, shopping streets, casinos, amusement parks—it had everything.
After strolling for a while, Gion said, “I’m going to buy a couple of swimsuits. You can wander on your own for now—we’ll meet up after, alright?”
Normally, she would have dragged Ortoren along for shopping, but swimsuits were different. She’d have to try them on, and if Ortoren was there... would she let him judge them?
Of course she would.
But the thought made her blush, so she decided against it.
Ortoren didn’t think much of it. Glancing across the street at a gambling house, he said, “I’ll play a few rounds. Meet me there when you’re done.”
He wasn’t much of a gambler, and the games didn’t really interest him. But since he was here, curiosity got the better of him—might as well try his luck.
Gion nodded. “Alright, go ahead.”
With that, she strolled off. Ortoren didn’t waste time either—he pushed aside the curtain and stepped inside.
The gambling house wasn’t large or fancy. Clearly aimed at the mid-to-lower crowd, it was smoky and rowdy. A mass of gamblers surrounded the tables, shouting and cheering. Some looked ecstatic, others miserable—obviously, they’d lost everything.
Ortoren casually exchanged some chips and found an empty seat. He didn’t bet right away, not knowing the rules. Better to watch a few rounds and learn.
But “a few rounds” turned into over half an hour. He hadn’t wagered a single chip, just sat there occupying a seat.
Normally, someone like that would’ve been cursed out and kicked away, but Ortoren’s sheer size and presence made him look like trouble. The gamblers around him muttered silently but didn’t dare say anything aloud.
Just as Ortoren was focusing intently on the game, trying to pick up some tricks, a large hand clapped down on his shoulder.
“Young man, you’ve been sitting here a while without betting. Is it because none of the dice appeal to you?”
The warm, mellow voice sounded strangely familiar to Ortoren, though he couldn’t quite recall where he’d heard it before. He turned to the side.
Standing next to him was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a genial smile, his presence both imposing and friendly.
The man had close-cropped hair, though his features looked more weathered than his age suggested. He was probably in his thirties, but his face resembled that of a man in his forties. His large, dark eyes were striking. He wore a traditional Wano-style kimono, and in his hand rested a sheathed staff-sword.
Well, damn—young Issho, Fujitora before the blindness!
The “limited edition,” sight still intact!
“To be precise, I just don’t quite understand the rules yet. You look like you’re itching to play. Want me to give you my seat?” Ortoren asked with a grin.
Issho rubbed his hands together, looking eager. “I just got off work at the fishing grounds. Today’s wages are still warm in my pocket. Been waiting to try my luck. If you don’t mind, I won’t be shy!”
That was all Ortoren needed to hear—this guy was clearly a bona fide gambling addict.
Without fuss, he stood and ceded the seat. Issho plopped down with no hesitation, his large frame filling the chair, and hurriedly placed a bet, desperate not to miss the round.
Ortoren stayed nearby, pulled out two cigarettes, and handed one to him. Issho accepted with a chuckle. “Thanks.”
“No problem. You look like a pro. Perfect chance for me to pick up a trick or two,” Ortoren said casually.
“There’s plenty of skill involved here—you’d better pay attention!” Issho declared with confidence. “They call me the Gambling King of Kles Island. Name’s Issho.”
At this point, he hadn’t yet earned the codename Fujitora. He wasn’t a Marine—just Issho, plain and simple.
“Local guy, huh?” Ortoren asked offhandedly.
His own knowledge of Issho didn’t go beyond the man’s future as a Marine Admiral and his reputation as a civilian master. Curiosity pushed him to ask.
Issho, ever open and affable, didn’t hold back. He laughed and said, “Nah. Drifted here about half a year ago, picked up some work, and settled down for the time being. Truth is, I’m a ronin… wandering with no fixed home.”
“Ronin...” Ortoren muttered, then asked, “Judging by your getup, that mean you’re from Wano?”
“Not exactly. I was born on a small island in the New World. My family used to say our ancestors fled from Wano, but I don’t know the details. Tragedy struck our home when I was young. Since then, I’ve lived as a drifter.” Issho said it lightly, as if it were nothing.
Just then, the round ended—and the self-proclaimed “Gambling King of Kles” lost every chip he had.
Normally, Issho wouldn’t care. Money wasn’t what he gambled for. It was the thrill of the wager, the rush of uncertainty.
But after bragging to Ortoren just moments ago, losing instantly was a hit to his pride.
He forced a relaxed laugh. “Ha, just warming up. Luck’s not on my side tonight. Guess I’ll have to rely on technique instead.”
He tossed more chips onto the table, chatting with Ortoren while keeping his eyes fixed on the game.
Soon enough, he lost again.
“One more! One more round—watch carefully!”
Moments later...
“See that? What I just showed you was a guaranteed losing technique. Now I’ll demonstrate how to win!”
“Er—hand slipped. Wrong bet! This time I’ll win for sure!”
Half an hour later, Issho patted down his pockets—completely empty. Not a chip left. He glanced awkwardly at Ortoren, who was watching him with amusement, then cracked a grin.
“As they say, when misfortune peaks, fortune follows. Lady Misfortune’s had her fun with me. Now it’s Lady Luck’s turn. Young man, how about lending me a few chips? Don’t worry—if I win, the profit’s yours. If I lose, the loss is mine. And if I do lose, I’ll pay you back tomorrow with my wages!”
As if worried Ortoren wouldn’t believe him, he thumped his chest firmly. “I mean it! I’m known for keeping my word. If I say I’ll repay you, I will!”
Ortoren didn’t reply, but handed him a stack of chips anyway.
Issho accepted them with a serious look. “Time to unleash the true power of the Gambling King!”
Half an hour later, the so-called Gambling King stared at Ortoren, his face twisted with disbelief. “Not a single win? That’s impossible!”
“Want more? I can get you another batch of chips,” Ortoren offered, smiling.
Issho hesitated only briefly before gritting his teeth. “This is it—the comeback moment! Since you trust me this much, I won’t let you down. More chips, bring them on!!”
Author's Note
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