After a short while, the sound of running footsteps drew near.
Sengoku called out directly, "Enter."
Whoosh!
The office door swung open with a loud rush.
A soldier ran in. "Report, Fleet Admiral! One of the Three Emperors of the New World, Captain Charlotte Linlin of the Big Mom Pirates, has mobilized her forces. Her suspected target is the Red Hair Pirates."
Sengoku's brow furrowed. "Red-Haired again… just like Roger. Has the reason been confirmed?"
The soldier hesitated, unsure. "Uh… it seems the Red Hair Pirates had attacked one of Big Mom's subordinate crews. The incident was sudden, so there's not much information yet. All we know is that the garrison on Sugar Island was completely wiped out, and the Red Hair Pirates were on the island at the time. Word has already spread across the New World."
Sengoku thought for a moment. "So the incident happened suddenly, yet the news has already spread that far... I see. Go check on the movements of other pirates in the New World. If Red-Haired provokes two Emperors in a row and manages to come out unharmed, there'll be plenty of people eager to follow him."
The territories of the three Emperors in the New World were vast, but due to scattered islands and distance, many small and remote islands remained ungoverned. Though harsh and dangerous, they served as refuges for pirates unwilling to submit to the Emperors' control.
After all, joining Big Mom meant paying monthly tributes and surrendering a portion of one's lifespan every six months. No one wanting to live long would choose that fate.
Those under the Steam Pirates were forced to complete a set number of missions every month, since their entire business revolved around the black market of the New World. Strength brought wealth there, but it wasn't a place for anyone who sought freedom.
As for the Beasts Pirates, power was the only law. The weak became cannon fodder, while the strong might fare better. But most pirates weren't loners; they couldn't abandon their crews to be slaughtered while they rose to command.
That's why the Red Hair Pirates, who had recently caused such upheaval, were becoming the most appealing choice. No forced servitude like with the Steam Pirates, no lifespan taxes like with Big Mom Pirates, and no endless wars like with the Beasts Pirates.
Their unrestrained and free-spirited way of life perfectly matched what many pirates longed for. And because of their strength, anyone who joined could finally leave the shadows of remote islands and sail openly across the New World.
If Red-Haired survived again this time, becoming a new Emperor would only be a matter of time. Even if he didn't want the title, others would push it upon him.
"Yes, sir!" the soldier responded loudly. "Any other orders, Fleet Admiral?"
Sengoku glanced at the files on the desk and said, "Call Garp in."
"Understood!" The soldier saluted and ran out.
Not long after, the sound of crunching rice crackers came from outside.
Garp entered, carrying a bag of crackers, chewing noisily. With his mouth full, he slurred, "What's up, Sengoku? Big Mom again? You need me to deal with her? Bwahahaha!"
Sengoku gestured for him to sit. "No, nothing like that. I just suddenly thought of Dragon. How many years has it been since we last saw him? He still hasn't come back, not even once. Haven't located him yet?"
Garp lounged on the sofa, still munching. "Yeah. He's called me a few times, but I've got no idea what he's doing. Always acting mysterious."
Sengoku murmured casually, "He's probably busy with that Revolutionary Army business."
Garp paused mid-chew. "Huh? How do you kno—"
He suddenly covered his mouth.
Swish!
In a blur, Sengoku appeared in front of him, grabbing his collar with both hands, his face twisted in anger. "You idiot! I knew it! It's Dragon!"
Garp turned his head and waved, laughing awkwardly. "Don't worry about it! Bwahahaha!"
Sengoku's expression grew even fiercer at that. "How can I not worry! Do you realize how much trouble he's stirring up? He's trying to overthrow the World Government!"
Seeing Garp still smile awkwardly, Sengoku snatched the bag of crackers and shoved them all into his mouth in a single motion.
Garp clutched his head, eyes wide. "Ah! My crackers!"
When Sengoku finished, he tossed the empty bag back. "Tell me straight. What exactly is Dragon planning? The Revolutionary Army is moving more and more in the Four Blues. At this rate, the Marines will have to intervene soon. And when that happens, don't say I didn't warn you."
Garp turned the bag upside down. Nothing left. He sighed. "I don't know either… You know Dragon. He's been clever since he was a kid. Always keeps things to himself. Overthrow the government… well, let those idiots fall. What's the big deal?"
Sengoku snorted coldly. "You really dare to think, and he actually dares to act. With so few people, he can't even beat the Marines, let alone overthrow the government."
Garp sighed again. "What can I do? Should I stop him? Tell him everything he's doing is pointless?"
Sengoku fell silent. Indeed, there was nothing to say. Garp was his father, and he had watched Dragon grow up. How could he tell Dragon such a grim truth… that all his efforts might be hopeless against the government's power?
Sengoku turned back to his desk. "Tell Dragon to lay low for the next few years. He's reaching too far. The member nations are under close observation by the government. Many nations with Revolutionary presence have already been discovered. If things continue this way, the Marines will have no choice but to act. And once that happens, there will be no holding back."
Garp laughed heartily. "It's fine, don't worry! Dragon's survival skills are top-notch. Even if you die, he won't!"
Sengoku's veins bulged in anger. He slammed the desk. "Damn it! That's the problem! If the Marines and the Revolutionary Army clash, have you thought about the consequences?!"
The Revolutionary Army had spread too widely. So far, there was no direct conflict. But the government's intelligence was overflowing with information on them. If a full-scale war broke out, their strongholds would be systematically destroyed.
The weapons the Revolutionaries have come from underground arms dealers. Call them a Revolutionary Army, fine. But in reality, they're just militias. What could they do against the Marines rifles, cannons, and warships?
This is what troubled Sengoku. What could be done? Would he really order the slaughter of people who aren't pirates?
Garp looked at the furious fleet admiral, a bit more serious now. "I understand. Don't worry. I'll tell him."
**
**
**
Thank you for reading! If you'd like access to extra chapters and want to support my work, you can visit my P@treon:
P@treon/SilverShark769
Vote with Power Stones for Bonus Chapters!
Your support means a lot, thank you!