Watching the children playing around, Gawain chuckled and waved to them.
"Does the swimming pool water taste good?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain tiptoed to the edge of the pool and jumped in with a splash.
About seven or eight seconds later, Shirahoshi pulled Gawain, who was sinking to the bottom of the water like a stone but still holding his breath, and placed him on her.
Shirahoshi lay on her back in the pool, gently swaying her tail as she swam slowly in the lake-like water.
Gawain lay between Shirahoshi's two full mounds, weakly waving to the stunned Revolutionary Army.
"Dragon and Ivankov, the fight's over, now let's have some fun."
I imagine you guys rarely have time to relax, after all, your identities would be a problem if any navy officer saw them.
However, the ship you are on now is called the Dark Bird Ship!
So relax as much as possible, because even if the Five Elders chased you all the way here, you won't have any problems!
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain leisurely lay down and comfortably enjoyed Shirahoshi's softness.
Shirahoshi, although she's a little tall, is delicate and frail—a typical big loli.
Meanwhile, Vivi, carrying Uta, brought Gawain a drink.
Gawain picked up her drink, took a delicious sip, and felt wonderful!
He's in a really good mood right now.
Why? Because he just had a minor collision with Dragon!
It's been over seven months since I arrived in the world of Pirate King.
Over the past seven months, he has relied on the rapid recovery from the Paw-Paw Fruit, the overexertion training from the Press-Press Fruit, and the lightning-based body tempering from his Rumble-Rumble Fruit.
Despite having only trained for seven months, Gawain's training in one day is actually equivalent to more than half a month of training for others!
Although it was born with congenital defects, it was only seven months old.
He can now hold his own against Dragon for more than ten minutes!
It's important to know that the monster-level strength stage is what people often refer to as the Emperor-level.
A guy of this caliber would most likely kill anyone else instantly!
Only the most outstanding royal deputy is qualified to entangle with those at the general-level.
And now, Gawain has just reached that stage!
Gawain estimated that if he were a pirate, his bounty would be between 1.3 billion and 1.8 billion.
This number surpasses that of the vast majority of creatures in this ocean!
Having reached this level in just seven months, what's not exciting about Gawain?
Sipping fine wine and basking in the sun, Gawain felt utterly relaxed and happy—his mood was indescribable!
Beside them, Uta, weakened and powerless from being soaked in seawater, was placed by Vivi next to Gawain.
The child pursed his lips and rolled his eyes in frustration.
"Vivi, you're cheating!"
"Uta, I didn't feed you that Devil Fruit. I didn't cheat."
Vivi responded and then tapped Uta on the head.
"Stay here and chat with the adults for a while, then I'll go prepare some snacks and drinks for you."
"Sir, we're having such a pleasant day, shall we have a drink?"
As she spoke, Vivi looked at Gawain expectantly, only to see Gawain for a moment and then raise one finger.
"A savory cocktail, one glass, no more."
"Wow!!!" ×3
In an instant, all three little ones showed excited expressions, and even Uta couldn't help but swallow.
Even girls from the sea can't help but drink!
Although they didn't feel that Gawain was too strict, and were willing to obey Gawain's orders and remain abstaining from alcohol.
But some things, the more you try to give them up, the more you crave them...
Soon after, Shirahoshi continued to lie on her back in the swimming pool, while Gawain, Uta, and Vivi lay on her belly.
Shirahoshi raised her glass.
"Cheers, sir!"
Cheers!
The three children shared a drink with Gawain for the first time, and the ship was immediately filled with their laughter.
While Gawain and the three little ones were playing, the Revolutionary Army on the deck were already in a state of utter bewilderment.
Ivankov didn't even have the mood to strike a pose.
He pointed at Gawain and asked incredulously in the direction of Da Kuma.
"Kuma..."
Is your captain... always like this?!
"Uh... indeed..."
Kuma was a little embarrassed. As Lord Gawain's personal strength increased, he also became more and more carefree and easygoing.
Of course, the adult always maintained a sense of urgency towards his goal, and he always acted decisively and efficiently, while also being cautious and careful.
But perhaps because the adults have gained power, they no longer have the usual worry about their own safety.
As a result, the adults felt much more relaxed.
In conclusion
Kuma raised his hand and scratched his head.
"Sir, he has a very easygoing personality, Ivankov."
You'll understand this if you look into it a little.
Sir, this isn't something he's putting on a show for you. He's always been this casual while we were on the ship.
Our relationship is less like that of leader and subordinate, and more like that of family.
It's just that in our family, the young person in the adult role actually plays the parental role.
As soon as he finished speaking, Kuma waved to Ivankov and the others.
"Let's not talk about this anymore. Let the adults have some fun with the children."
The adults' training is usually very tough, and it's only because you guys came today that he has a little time to relax.
So let me host you; it just so happens that we're old friends.
Come, come with me to the rest area.
By the way, do you guys like playing ball? Volleyball, soccer, basketball, table tennis, anything is fine.
"Hey?!?"
Ivankov was a little confused by the change in Kuma. When had Kuma from the Revolutionary Army ever invited him to play ball or any kind of game in the past?
Although the atmosphere within the Revolutionary Army was good, deep-seated bitterness and hatred were the main themes.
After taking a trip aboard the Dark Bird Ship, Kuma surprisingly became a bit more optimistic...
Rolling his eyes in disbelief, Ivankov followed the Kuma's pace, accompanied by Inazuma.
The two went to the rest area, sat down, and chatted while carrying drinks and food.
As for the rest of the Revolutionary Army, Issho and Jinbe warmly welcomed Hack and his group. Jinbe even took Hack fishing for more than ten minutes.
The reason I only fished for about ten minutes was because Hack caught a 300-meter-long koi in just ten minutes...
Jinbe wanted to prove that not being able to catch fish was a common problem among Fish-Man, but Hack actually proved that it was just Jinbe's own problem.
So, about ten minutes later, Jinbe and Hack went to the training ground and, taking advantage of the fish, practiced a couple of moves.
Meanwhile, Koala, instead of participating in the adults' games, nervously approached Sabo and joined Sabo and Ace's group.
They were about the same age, so it was indeed appropriate for them to play together. Thus, Sabo and Koala became a couple, and Ace and Isuka became a couple.
The four of them started playing doubles badminton.
As for the Revolutionary Army leader Dragon.
He stood there with his hands behind his back, thoughtfully watching his subordinates who were gradually adapting and becoming more active.
For a moment, he didn't know what to say.
Before meeting Gawain, Dragon had some guesses about the ecology of the Dark Bird Ship, but no matter how he guessed, he could not have imagined that the Dark Bird Ship would be such a free and joyful ship.
Aside from the officers, even the ordinary soldiers on the ship could walk around freely.
Whether busy, resting, or competing.
This ship is like a floating resort, seemingly becoming Eden for everyone on the Dark Bird Ship.
Noticing Dragon's slightly dazed expression, Rayleigh and Zephyr exchanged a glance, then walked towards Dragon together.
A moment later, Zephyr greeted Dragon first.
"Kid, it's been a while since I've seen old Garp. Have you guys been in touch lately? Is that guy still hanging around in the East Blue?"
"Indeed."
Looking at Zephyr, Dragon nodded slightly.
"The older the old man gets, the more he enjoys going back to his hometown."
"Snort!"
As soon as Dragon finished speaking, Zephyr let out a sharp breath.
"Don't you understand why he goes home all the time, kid!"
If you hadn't hurt him, do you think he would need to come home so often?
If you don't establish any Revolutionary Army, but instead continue to uphold the justice of the navy.
"Doesn't Garp want to stay at Marine Headquarters and fight those damn pirates alongside his son?!"
After saying that, Zephyr turned his head away unhappily and spat out a mouthful of phlegm.
Of course, the spit landed precisely in the trash can not far away.
Seeing Zephyr's displeased Zephyr, Dragon fell silent.
Only after a dozen seconds did Dragon take a deep breath and whisper to Zephyr,
"Professor Zephyr, I'm very sorry, but to me, the Navy's justice doesn't seem to be justice in some ways."
The Navy's justice is nothing more than a pursuit of stability and obedience to the World Government and the Five Elders.
But I believe that justice should stand behind the majority!
At this point, Dragon gazed out at the distant sea.
"For the ordinary people living on this sea, they have been burdened by oppression from everyone for far too long."
Before me, no one could speak up for them, because pirates oppressed them, the Navy oppressed them, the World Government oppressed them, and the nobles of Affiliated Nation and non- Affiliated Nation oppressed them!
"Everyone can oppress ordinary people with impunity. Isn't that a mockery of justice, Professor Zephyr?"
Dragon shook his head slightly, then continued regretfully.
"Therefore, I think it's necessary for me to try to establish an organization that stands behind ordinary people and gives them a voice!"
"So you brat, you deserted the Navy and started your so-called Revolutionary Army!!!"
Zephyr roared at Dragon in dissatisfaction.
"You rascal, you were Borsalino and Sakazuki's classmates back then."
You are stronger and more Kuzan. You should have shouldered Garp's expectations and become the leading figure of the dove faction, bringing more changes to the Navy and the sea!
But you, hmph, you selfishly abandoned your responsibilities, forsaken my teachings, and wandered the seas, becoming the world's number one criminal!
Did you know that Garp was supposed to send his Sun Tzu to the Navy and raise him from a young age, just like he raised you?
But he dared not, because the navy's teachings had led his son astray, and he didn't want his Sun Tzu to follow the same path!
You've let many people down, Dragon!!!
"But I did not let myself down, nor did I let the civilians I saved down, I..."
"You're saving my ass, Dragon!!!"
Just as Dragon was about to offer a rebuttal, Zephyr abruptly interrupted him.
Zephyr raised his hand and, with his jet-black fingers, struck Dragon's chest repeatedly.
"Who did you save? Tell me, how many people did you save, dozens, hundreds, or tens of thousands?"
Your way of saving them is to lead them in constantly instigating riots under the guise of revolution, in order to challenge the ruling position of the major Affiliated Nation!
How many countries have you instigated rebellions? But look back, in which country have ordinary people, through the revolutions you speak of, achieved a life far better than before?
Yes, they may possess, to some extent, the equality and freedom that your Revolutionary Army champions.
But in reality, their lives... no, their survival!
Their cost of living has become many times higher than before because you have damaged the national environment!
Because of you, the Navy's energy has been diverted to various rebellions, to the point that the current Marine Admiral are unable to maintain a strong suppression of pirates like our older generation!
Because of your betrayal, Garp and his dove faction almost collapsed.
Even if he eventually finds Kuzan, someone he can rely on, you have to understand that Kuzan is more than ten years younger than you, Borsalino, and Sakazuki!
When he succeeded Garp and took up the mantle of the doves, the once-dominant dove faction had already been largely divided up by the hawks and neutrals!
You want to change this ocean, you want to bring good news to the people, you have many ideas, but these ideas can clearly be realized in many more suitable ways!
Just like Gion Tokikake, before becoming candidates for Admiral, both served as officers of the East Blue branch under Garp's orders.
If you can use your status Admiral to fully inherit and carry forward the power of Garp's lineage, wouldn't the civilians in the branches you and your supporters occupy, and within the sphere of influence of those branches, live a better life?
Back in the day, Garp was willing to beat up the tyrannical kings of the Affiliated Nation for the sake of the common people, so why don't you learn from him?
The path to achieving your dreams is right at your fingertips, so why did you choose the most extreme one?
"Because only in that way can everything be solved once and for all!"
Dragon responded to Zephyr's words with a heavy tone, his face cold as he spoke harshly.
"Teacher Zephyr, you're right. If I were still in the Navy, Kuzan would never have become Admiral."
I was one of your first students, along with Borsalino and Sakazuki. My Storm-Storm Fruit, like Glint and Magma, is a top-tier Logia.
If I were still in the Navy, no matter how outstanding Kuzan was, he could only become Admiral candidate!
As Admiral, I can indeed rely on my status as Garp's son and my own strength to continue expanding the influence of the doves.
In that case, I and my men could indeed protect the various Marine Branch we belonged to, as well as the numerous countries that those branches covered.
However, even if such a method is appropriate, it is still merely a case of drinking poison to quench thirst!
As long as the World Government and the Celestial Dragon exist, no matter how well I perform in the Navy, a single decree from the Five Elders will send me back to square one!!!
The only way to resolve this issue is to target the World Government!
As for becoming Admiral...
Whether they're Admiral or Fleet Admiral, aren't they all just dogs of the Celestial Dragon?
These are the words you said to us when you were teaching us!
Teacher Zephyr, have you forgotten?
As soon as he finished speaking, Dragon looked at Zephyr seriously. Zephyr shook his head slightly in response to Dragon's gaze.
He said regretfully.
"So, Dragon, your true ideal is not what you often say about standing behind the common people and giving them freedom and equality."
What you're asking for isn't some saintly idea like "making their lives better."
All you need to do is overthrow the World Government; that's your only goal!
As for the process of overthrowing the World Government, whoever sacrifices themselves, and whoever needs to contribute something.
You don't care about any of that, just like you don't care that Kuma infiltrated Vegapunk's inner circle!