Two Den Den Mushi sat before Bright. One was connected to Zephyr of the NEO Marines, the other to Dragon of the Revolutionary Army.
"...So,"
Dragon's voice came from one of the Den Den Mushi, sounding somewhat wistful. "Bright, you've even taken Vegapunk away now?"
"Yeah, he couldn't wait to leave with me."
Bright answered breezily.
"I see."
Dragon fell silent for a moment.
Bright curled his lips. While chatting with Vegapunk on the way back to Fish-Man Island, the old man had mentioned that he and Dragon were old acquaintances, and that he had once turned down Dragon's invitation.
"Anyway, your preparations are almost complete, right?"
Zephyr's voice carried excitement.
"Almost."
Bright considered it. "At most, another year."
Thanks to the World Government's concessions, raw materials from all over the world were continuously being shipped to Fish-Man Island. Naturally, that included the materials needed to build Pluto.
Pluto's construction had already been progressing steadily, and now that Vegapunk had joined them, the pace would increase significantly again.
A year should be more than enough.
"Then we need to make our own preparations in advance."
Dragon's tone turned solemn as well. "After developing in secret all these years, we've gathered many like-minded companions. When the time comes, as long as the opportunity is right, we'll be able to overturn an entire sea in an instant!"
"Our side isn't as exaggerated as Dragon's,"
Zephyr added immediately, "but we've recruited quite a few allied nations in the New World. Our forces are already considerable. If we work a little harder, having a million troops by the time of the final battle should be easy."
"Wonderful work, both of you!"
Bright did not hold back his praise.
"But the crucial part still depends on you, Bright," Dragon said. "You know that if we