"I'm coming out… is that really okay?"
Uta sat in Caelan's arms and asked cautiously.
She felt a little uneasy about being so affectionate in front of someone who'd just been scammed.
"Of course, it's fine. They're not the same as the people earlier."
Caelan stroked Uta's hair and responded casually.
Those people were just after the artificial Devil Fruit. These two were different—more powerful, and clearly here for him.
On the other side, Dragon and Koala quickly composed themselves and formally addressed Caelan.
"Well then, let's introduce ourselves properly."
"Leader of the Revolutionary Army, Commander-in-Chief of the Four Seas Front, the man who will liberate the world—Monkey D. Dragon."
Dragon stood tall and exuded an imposing presence.
He had just taken a loss of 100 million Berries and had to regain some dignity.
"Sounds impressive."
Uta looked at the man with the tattooed face and was genuinely surprised by the weight of his name.
Koala remained calm. Clearly, she had seen Dragon act like this many times.
Trying to impress Caelan with titles?
Caelan smiled.
"God Slayer. President of the Illuminati. Commander-in-Chief of the Neo Navy. Protector of Dressrosa and the Seventeen Nations—Caelan Alaric."
His voice was calm but carried immense authority.
Compared to Dragon's, Caelan's titles were even more overwhelming.
In fact, he could've listed a few more:
Savior of the East Blue, Sun God, Warlord Slayer—titles even the Mother of Dragons would envy.
Even Koala was shaken. Compared to Dragon's self-proclaimed grandeur, Caelan's accolades were the real deal. Every single one was earned, not exaggerated.
"…"
Dragon had nothing to say.
In front of Caelan, he couldn't find a single advantage. Even speaking felt difficult.
It was now obvious that trying to recruit Caelan into the Revolutionary Army had been pure wishful thinking.
Caelan had founded the Neo Navy and the Illuminati, and held command over seventeen nations. His accomplishments in just half a year were nearly equal to what the Revolutionary Army had taken over thirty years to achieve.
It was unrealistic to expect a lion to join a group of cats.
But Dragon still wanted to give it one last shot. Maybe a miracle could happen.
"Caelan, I wonder what your thoughts are on the Revolutionary Army. Would you consider joining?"
"The Revolutionary Army has great potential (but not yet). I'd prefer to continue developing my own forces (since I do better solo)."
Caelan replied with a polite but clearly distant smile.
If not for the 100 million Berry "autograph tax," he would've kicked Dragon out already.
Join the Revolutionary Army? What a joke.
Stand by and watch comrades fall one by one, then sweat and suffer alongside them?
"I understand."
Dragon showed no signs of anger, as expected.
"Then, Caelan," Dragon continued earnestly, "since you don't wish to join the Revolutionary Army, would an alliance be possible?"
"An alliance? That's acceptable."
Caelan agreed almost immediately.
He had no interest in joining their struggles, but leveraging the Revolutionary Army's strength? That was worth considering.
The Revolutionary Army's top-level combat power wasn't impressive, but they had numbers—something his own side currently lacked.
As for whether his forces might get absorbed into the Revolutionary Army, Caelan wasn't the least bit concerned.
The Revolutionary Army's ideology focused on overthrowing tyrannical rulers and supporting new monarchs or placing faith in them.
His strategy, by contrast, was total control over all armed forces, unifying nations under legal governance. Their visions were completely different.
If any assimilation were to occur, it would be the Illuminati and Neo Navy absorbing the Revolutionary Army, not the other way around.
So the alliance would only work to his advantage.
"We welcome you to form an alliance with the Revolutionary Army. From this day forward, Caelan shall hold equal status to myself within the Revolutionary Army!"
Dragon shook Caelan's hand with great sincerity and made a solemn promise.
Of course, having equal status with him was more symbolic than literal.
What he truly meant was that Caelan would have the authority and influence of a deputy leader.
If Caelan had agreed to join, Dragon would've stepped down as leader himself.
But since Caelan only agreed to a partnership, he could only offer symbolic equality, and the actual influence of a second-in-command.
"It's a pleasure to work with you. May our alliance lead us to swift victory."
Caelan shook hands with Dragon cordially, genuinely appreciating his attitude.
"By the way, I have one more request."
"I'd like to spar with you."
Dragon looked at Caelan with burning determination.
Partly, he wanted to see if Caelan's strength truly matched the legends.
Partly, he wanted to show the Revolutionary Army's might.
And, truthfully, he still felt sour about losing 100 million Berries.
"No problem."
Caelan agreed without hesitation.
He had just unlocked a new template and wanted to test its ability to delete the mana bar.
As for deleting the stamina bar, Dragon wasn't strong enough to push him to that level.
"A battle! I wonder how Caelan will win this time?"
Uta's eyes sparkled with excitement.
She didn't care much about the alliance, but if Caelan and Dragon were going to fight, she couldn't miss it.
Even though she had seen Caelan battle many times before, it never got old. Even a guaranteed win was still fun to watch.
"Don't be so cocky! The leader will win!"
Koala shouted in protest.
Caelan was strong, sure, and the world acknowledged that. But Dragon was a powerhouse who had roamed freely across the seas, someone even the World Government couldn't handle.
Compared to Caelan, who had just swindled 100 million Berries out of her—Koala was still betting on her own leader.
"Then let's see."
Uta tossed her hair and smiled, full of confidence.
(To be continued.)
It's a new week push with your PS xD
***
For every 200 PS = 1 extra chapter. Support me on P/treon to read 30+ advanced chapters: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves
(Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)