chi chi!
A flash of brilliant golden lightning streaked across the night sky.
Sugisawa Yuuto—having received Urutia's contact earlier that day—set off immediately, following the life beacon straight to the island where the three of them were waiting.
"President!"
"President~!"
Ulu and Urrutia rushed forward, not waiting for him to ask. Bonney leapt up and clung to him like a koala, her delicate, pretty face twisted with frustration.
"Everything's fine," Sugisawa soothed, gently patting Bonney's head.
"Ulu, Tia—what happened today?" he asked.
Gion's integrity was beyond question. When she gave her word, she kept it.
"It's not Vice Admiral Gion's fault," Ulu explained. "Two days ago, we sent the last healthy child home. Vice Admiral Gion kept her promise and was taking us to Egghead to see the other children—"
"But… an Admiral—Admiral Akainu—appeared in the middle of it," Urrutia added, recounting the day's events in full to Sugisawa.
"So that's it… Marine Red Dog," Sugisawa said, his eyes narrowing with dangerous intent.
Sugisawa understood Akainu's extreme, uncompromising justice. In truth, if the Admiral hadn't deliberately provoked Fairy Tail, Sugisawa would have left him be. Even twenty years ago, during the Ohara incident, Akainu bombarded a refugee ship—but Sugisawa hadn't judged him by the highest moral standard to stir trouble. In a chaotic world, Marines like Akainu maintained a form of order.
But he absolutely must not touch Fairy Tail.
That meant Ulu, Urrutia, and Bonney were all safe and sound. If even one of them had been harmed, Sugisawa would already be heading for the nearest Marine base.
After briefly reassuring Bonney, Sugisawa's gaze landed on a resolute middle-aged man not far away. Naturally, he recognized him instantly.
A thorn in the World Government's side.
The world's most notorious criminal.
The enigmatic Revolutionary Army Chief, Dragon.
Son of the Marine hero Garp.
And future father of Sun God Nika.
"Revolutionary Dragon. I've heard your name for a long time," Sugisawa said.
"It should be me saying that," Dragon replied. "Sugisawa Yuuto, president of Fairy Tail—the new Four Emperors. I've admired your deeds for a long time, but never had the chance to meet you. It's an honor." He extended his hand.
"Where else. Sabo and Koala helped us a lot too," Sugisawa said politely, shaking Dragon's hand.
"And the girls in my care today owe their safety to you," Ulu added.
"No, even without me, with Fairy Tail here, nothing would happen," Dragon said modestly.
Polite greetings gradually shifted to broader topics, from trivialities to the state of the world. Dragon, with his revolutionary wisdom, strategic insight, and foresight, was naturally first-class—but Sugisawa, having grown up under the New Century Red Flag and familiar with Marxist-Leninist theory, spoke with systematic, complete knowledge.
For every question Dragon raised, Sugisawa's answers were fluent, insightful, and sometimes introduced concepts Dragon had never considered. His words illuminated the revolutionary path ahead.
Dragon had come because of familiarity with Sugisawa, but after this exchange, he could not help but admire him. Sugisawa's words solved problems and advanced the revolution's progress by years.
Sugisawa was, plainly, born for the revolution—a true son of its cause. Dragon only regretted not knowing him sooner.
"Listening to your words is better than ten years of books. Sugisawa Yuuto, your insights show the path forward," Dragon said solemnly, bowing.
"Oh~ I don't fully understand, but the president is amazing~" Bonney cheered.
"I'm just speaking casually. Compared to theory, your practical revolutionary experience is far more valuable," Sugisawa replied, waving his hand.
"No! Chairman Sugisawa, don't be humble! Your ideas are timeless. To our Revolutionary Army, they are like scripture. In my view, you are the son of the revolution sent from heaven to guide the world…" Dragon began.
"It's still my choice," Sugisawa interrupted with a wave, understanding perfectly. Dragon was inviting him to join the Revolutionary Army, perhaps even to take leadership—but Sugisawa had no interest. He preferred to entrust such responsibilities to capable minds like Dragon.
"I understand," Dragon said, nodding.
"Regarding today's matter, know that Sakazuki's actions reflect only a faction of the Marines. Some wish to cooperate with Fairy Tail; others do not. The World Government won't want your ties to the Marines to grow too close," Dragon reminded him.
"Thanks for the heads-up—no problem," Sugisawa said with a grin.
Originally, Sugisawa had little interest in Vegapunk. The request during the G5 fortress had two purposes: to gauge Marine intentions, and to fulfill Bonney's wishes.
But now, with the Marines breaking their promise, the situation changed. If the Government and Marines did not want them near Vegapunk, Sugisawa's interest only deepened. He wanted to see Vegapunk—and perhaps, if the opportunity arose, take him. The primary goal was clear: a target.
"Dragon," Sugisawa said, "you have the permanent locator to Egghead, Vegapunk's future island. Hand it over."