"What the hell, why'd he get fired up out of nowhere..."

Dragon squatted on the ground like some street hoodlum, sneaking a glance at the fat man in suspenders who was waddling around with his oversized rear, sweating profusely as he worked. He couldn't help but mutter under his breath,

"...He's got a ridiculous clown face, but when he gets serious, he actually looks kinda reliable."

Daren caught his mumbling and chuckled.

"This sea is vast—it's big enough to hold all kinds of dreams. Even pirates we might see as despicable can have pure, simple pursuits."

Dragon blinked in surprise. After a few seconds of silence, he suddenly threw up his hands in frustration.

"Damn it! Why do you always get to say the cool stuff, Daren?!"

The smile on Daren's lips widened.

As he watched the suspenders-wearing fat man bustle about, a trace of emotion flickered in his eyes.

Who would've thought—two people who were once mortal enemies were now working together, one striving to make the other stronger.

This world... was truly full of surprises.

"By the way, how's the Freedom Fighters' development going?"

While waiting for Queen to finish prepping the experiment, Daren leaned against the wall, puffing on a cigar, and asked casually.

Dragon's chest puffed up with pride the moment he heard the question.

"Going great!"

His eyes lit up with confidence, brimming with hope for what lay ahead.

"Your advice helped us a lot. After some early reforms, we've established a pretty solid military structure."

"At the top is the Supreme Leader—me, of course."

"Under that, we've got five elite armies: the East Army, South Army, West Army, North Army, and Grand Line Army, each led by experienced and powerful commanders."

"You already know the commander of the Grand Line Army—Emporio Ivankov. He fought alongside us on Philseque Island."

"As for the East Army, that's led by Kuma's fiancée, Ginny. Kuma himself commands the South Army. You haven't met the West Army's commander yet, but I think you'll find him interesting—his name's Morley, and he's a giant!"

"As for the North Army..."

Dragon's voice trailed off as he glanced awkwardly at Daren.

The five armies—East, South, West, North, and Grand Line—were divided by region, each representing one of the five great seas: East Blue, South Blue, West Blue, North Blue, and the Grand Line.

The Freedom Fighters had created these military districts to fully mobilize local forces, maintain permanent revolutionary presence in each region, continuously gather intel, and wait for the right moment to overthrow corrupt monarchies—fighting to build a more peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous world.

The East Blue, West Blue, South Blue, and Grand Line already had everything in place—their forces deployed, commanders assigned.

Only the North Blue remained untouched.

Why?

Because North Blue... belonged to Daren.

The startup capital and much of the operational funding for the Freedom Fighters came directly from the North Blue Fleet.

If they tried to topple the kingdoms of North Blue, wouldn't that be the same as cutting off their own funding?

But the most important reason was—

North Blue didn't need revolution.

In that ironclad sea ruled by Daren, the royal families and bureaucrats of each kingdom lived in constant fear. And even if corruption existed, it was kept within tolerable bounds.

Pirate numbers had plummeted. Crime rates were the lowest of any sea. The economy was booming. Ordinary people were living peaceful, stable lives...

Put aside the outdated monarchy, and North Blue was already the kind of "peaceful and happy world" the Freedom Fighters dreamed of building.

Even Dragon, usually the most rational of men, couldn't help but admit—there might not be any need for a Northern Army at all.

But the other four seas all had their own armies. Leaving the North Army out felt... wrong.

For someone like Dragon, with a bit of an obsessive streak, that omission stung more than death.

"Don't change your ambitions just because of me or the North Blue Fleet, Dragon."

Daren noticed Dragon's awkwardness and smiled, giving him a light pat on the shoulder.

"The North Blue's doing fine for now, but who knows what'll happen down the line."

"Even if I take down the Five Elders and overthrow the World Government... I can't promise I'll always stick to my ideals. Maybe one day I'll turn into a tyrant. Or maybe I'll lose it and decide the Empty Throne would make a fine footrest."

"I definitely can't guarantee the North Blue Fleet will never be corrupted by power, money, or lust."

"Not everyone can pass that kind of test."

"The reason North Blue is thriving is because the Fleet is always looming over them, like the legendary 'Sword of Damocles'—keeping the whole sea vigilant, constantly reminded and restrained."

"But then... who's the Sword of Damocles hanging over the North Blue Fleet?"

He turned, the smile fading from his face, his expression growing solemn.

"I hope the Freedom Fighters can take up that role."

"War or peace. Poverty or wealth. Backwardness or progress... Whatever the era, the world needs revolution."

"To protect the weak. To keep the powerful in check. To tear down corrupt systems. To make sure those in power don't run wild... That's what revolution is about."

Dragon was left speechless.

He stared at Daren, eyes slightly red with emotion and gratitude.

That was perfect.

Absolutely perfect.

Whatever the era, revolution is essential.

Dragon could feel his hands trembling.

He took a deep breath and opened his mouth to say something—but then froze, a sudden thought hitting him.

"Wait a minute! You skipped something just now... You said the Freedom Fighters would keep the North Blue Fleet in check... but who's keeping you in check?"

"Oh."

Daren nodded and spread his hands with an exaggeratedly regretful sigh, puffing out a cloud of smoke.

"Sorry. Too late for that."

"I've already been thoroughly corrupted by power, money, and lust... and frankly, I'm loving it."

Dragon: "..."

"Then how the hell am I supposed to trust that you'll stay true to your ideals!?"

He gritted his teeth. All the emotion and trust from a moment ago instantly evaporated.

Daren looked confused.

"What do you mean? I've never strayed from my ideals."

"My whole goal in founding the North Blue Fleet was to be the one who gets tested, remember?"

"I smoke, I drink, I'm greedy, and yeah, I've got a thing for women—but I'm still a good Marine. That's what it says on my personnel file under 'self-evaluation,' isn't it?"

Thud!

Dragon fell straight onto his back.

"Ready!"

Just then, Queen's voice shouted from across the lab.

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