Whoosh~~~.
Pia!!!
Gawain was suddenly whipped around by Laboon and landed near Ace and Sabo.
His sudden landing interrupted the two young people's heartfelt embrace as they expressed their emotions.
On the deck, Gawain used his hands to prop himself up, freeing himself from the embarrassing situation of landing face down.
He looked around and saw Ace and Sabo hugging each other, staring blankly at him.
Especially when Gawain saw the tears on the two people's faces, Gawain took a long breath.
He immediately turned around and found Isuka and Koala, who were equally bewildered.
Seeing the two girls' bewildered expressions, Gawain chuckled and pointed in the direction of Ace and the other girl.
"Little girls, what do you think when you see them like this?"
"Why?"
"What?"
Isuka and Koala were completely bewildered, looking at Ace and the other person with dazed expressions.
For a moment, the two of them really didn't think there was anything wrong with it. What a touching scene it was to see brothers reunited!
Ace and his companion immediately understood what was happening. They quickly shook off each other and then pretended that nothing had happened.
After all, for young people, hugging and crying in front of their elders is just too embarrassing!!!
Seeing the adorable expressions on Ace and Gawain's face, Gawain smiled and walked between them.
Sabo was a little uncomfortable; he had only just met Gawain and didn't know him very well.
Ace, on the other hand, was much more natural. He awkwardly raised his hand and greeted Gawain.
"Uncle..."
"Hmm, haha, I just got back and saw you two crying like this."
That won't do, kids, men don't cry easily.
Especially what you two have experienced, isn't it something that will make you laugh for a lifetime?
As he finished speaking, Gawain smiled gently and reached out to touch Ace and Sabo's heads.
Sabo instinctively wanted to avoid it, but when he saw Ace even proactively bringing his head towards Gawain's palm, he could only lower his guard and obediently let Gawain pet him to his heart's content.
While rubbing the two children's hair, Gawain spoke to them.
"I've made the decision for you, so take back your tears!"
What are you two doing here? Did you ask Sister Shakky for something?
"Yeah, we're thinking of getting tattoos!"
Ace responded decisively, raising his arm and pointing at it as he spoke resolutely.
"We want to get ASL tattoos to commemorate the bond between the three brothers!!!"
"Great idea!"
Gawain nodded, then casually pushed Ace and the other two toward Shakky.
"Big sister, the bond between these kids is something even someone like me envies."
Anyway, thank you for your hard work, please make sure they get beautiful tattoos.
"Rest assured."
Shakky nodded, giving Gawain a positive answer. At this point, Gawain released Ace and Shakky.
"See? Big sister agreed. After you two get your tattoos done, don't forget to treat big sister to a drink."
I'll go chat with Dragon. Haha, I was having so much fun playing with the kids that I accidentally left Dragon hanging for a while.
After saying that, Gawain waved to Ace and the other two, and then, ignoring his own exhaustion from being soaked in seawater, he walked towards Dragon on his own.
As Gawain left, Sabo couldn't help but look at Gawain's retreating figure.
After personally experiencing the head pat and the gentle touch, this kid seems to understand why Gawain is so popular!
He could also roughly imagine why Gawain, as Celestial Dragon, would gain the approval of people like Kuma and Rayleigh!
In a time when the World Government is hated by countless ambitious young people, the identity of Celestial Dragon truly deserves the worst reputation among the worst.
However, it is undeniable that the Celestial Dragon still occupy the highest level of nobility in the world, at least in the current ocean!
With Imu never showing his face, the Five Elders are practically emperors of the entire sea.
Having Awakening Conqueror's Haki, gained the appreciation of the Five Elders, and received support from the Navy and the Shichibukai, Gawain is very likely to become the next Five Elders.
In some ways, his status is equivalent to that of the most legitimate prince in the Pirate King world!
If you understand it this way, wouldn't it make sense why Rayleigh, Kuma, and the others were able to accept Gawain?
Just like in those feudal empires, no matter how incompetent the emperor was, no matter how many things he did that angered both heaven and man.
As long as the situation doesn't deteriorate to the point where numerous warlords rise up, aren't there still a considerable number of Bao Huang who continue to hope for the emperor's son and successor?
In particular, Gawain, the heir, has never disappointed so far!
In fact, he far exceeded the expectations of almost everyone who was watching!
In short, for the vast majority of powerful individuals on the high seas who aspire to reform the world but do not wish to destroy it, this is a matter of great importance.
Isn't the existence of Gawain, the heir apparent, the best answer?
At that moment, Sabo understood that Gawain had become Kuma's answer!
Gawain had no idea what Sabo was thinking. He simply walked towards Dragon with weak but remarkably free-spirited steps.
As Gawain walked, he inevitably attracted the attention of most people on the ship. When people realized that Gawain was covered in seawater, their expressions and eyes unconsciously became tense.
Both the Dark Bird Group and the Revolutionary Army sprang into action on high alert!
At that moment, Gion gripped the blade tightly, then strode forward, walking towards Gawain.
On the other side, Yi Xiao smiled with satisfaction, then slipped on her wooden clogs and followed Gawain.
At the same time, Hancock changed her arrogant expression from when she threw the item to Kuma, and instead nervously followed behind Ichiro, keeping a close eye on Gawain's every move.
Then, Crocodile, carrying a wine glass, stood behind Gion.
Feeling the strong protection from his teammates, Gawain naturally walked towards Dragon.
At that moment, even though Gawain's face was full of a kind smile, Dragon felt as if a demon from the shadows was walking towards him!
He took a deep breath, then looked at Gawain seriously.
Seeing Dragon's serious expression, Gawain gently raised his right hand.
"Sorry, Dragon, I got a little carried away playing with the kids."
I apologize for not being able to meet with you immediately, it's really impolite of me. Haha.
Across from him, listening to Gawain's words, Dragon took a breath without making a sound.
A show of force is a show of force, and putting someone in the cold is putting someone in the cold. Why make it sound so casual? Gawain is a real wolf in sheep's clothing!
As he drew his conclusion, Dragon nodded and then smiled.
"Not at all, Saint Gawain has the heart of a child and the enthusiasm of an innocent child. I can't help but admire him!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Dragon walked towards Gawain, subtly extending his palm towards Gawain.
As Dragon's handshake drew ever closer, Issho and Gion paused slightly, taking in the hand completely.
At the same time, Dragon looked intently at Gawain, this Gawain soaked in seawater—would he dare to hold his hand?
If I really wanted to do something to Gawain submerged in water, I could at least inflict an injury that would keep Gawain bedridden for ten days to two weeks.
So, does Gawain have the magnanimity to shake hands with himself?
However, just as Dragon was thinking about this, he couldn't help but laugh at himself.
It was Gawain who took the initiative to come over; he never saw himself as a threat, whether out of confidence or arrogance.
How could I possibly doubt Gawain's magnanimity?
The next moment, Dragon's expression became even more natural, and Gawain naturally extended his right hand.
Their palms touched briefly before gently separating, as if there were no undercurrents at all.
But then, Gawain preemptively spoke, smiling at Dragon.
"I've been keeping an eye on the Revolutionary Army, especially after Kuma boarded the ship."
"Dragon, you've been quiet for too long, haven't you?"
At this point, Gawain smiled meaningfully, then raised his right hand and pointed to two chairs that had been prepared not far away.
"Sit!"
Gawain easily disrupted Dragon's rhythm of reply with a single word, "sit," and so as the two walked toward the seats, Dragon finally couldn't help but start to think.
Is it possible that Gawain knew about his plan to order the Revolutionary Army to remain silent for a period of time?
How much of the Revolutionary Army's true nature will Gawain learn about now that Gawain Kuma has pledged allegiance to him?
Gawain deliberately points out the fact that the Revolutionary Army has been silent in recent years; what is he trying to express?
Or rather, what kind of dynamic did he want to create between the Revolutionary Army and the Dark Bird Ship, based on this fact?
Although Dragon was not a good politician, he did lead the Revolutionary Army, a large force of more than 300,000 people, for 20 years.
Even though he personally leans more towards being a warrior, he has personally experienced too many things that only leaders can do.
Therefore, the number of thoughts flashing through his mind at this moment was unimaginable. Even when he sat down with Gawain, he didn't know what he wanted to say.
Just as he seemed to have figured out what to talk about, Gawain suddenly spoke up again.
Gawain, who was well-versed in political games and negotiation principles, could not possibly fail to see through a first-rate warrior and a third-rate politician like Dragon.
So, Gawain naturally preempted Dragon's rhythm and raised the glass that Gion had handed him to Dragon.
"Let me toast you first, haha, you've been wronged today."
All that happened today... sigh, that brat Ace was so reckless.
But after all, he is Rayleigh's godson and my godson's nephew.
So please be understanding, Dragon.
"How could this be!"
After being punched like that by Gawain, Dragon could only shake his head and laugh it off.
"Sabo and I also had our reasons for this, especially me, I was too impulsive."
I didn't expect Sabo to recall his past to the point that he had a persistent, painful headache.
From my perspective at the time, I genuinely believed that Saint Gawain, you attacked Sabo with some inexplicable Devil Fruit ability!
At this point, Dragon raised his glass with both hands and downed it in one gulp.
Across from him, Gawain took a small sip of his drink, then shook his head.
"It's nothing. Since the bad things turned into good things in the end, we can say we became friends after our initial conflict."
After finishing his drink, Gawain placed the glass aside and pointed with his left hand at the Revolutionary Army members who were looking in his direction.
Looking at Ivankov, whose big, bright eyes sparkled, Gawain waved to him and continued speaking to Dragon.
"You really have a lot of talented people under your command. The Hormone-Hormone Fruit is a terrifying weapon for both men and women."
"Haha, not at all. Compared to Saint Gawain, our lineup is really far inferior."
I even know that even if I mobilized the Four Blues commanders and deputy commanders from the east, west, south, and north, along with all the Revolutionary Army soldiers, it would still be difficult to achieve anything.
Then we'll only have the same ending as today!
Veteran powerhouse Dark King Rayleigh, the rising monster Blind Tiger, Admiral Momousagi, Gion former Admiral Black Arm Zephyr!
Such a lineup was actually recruited by Saint Gawain in just six months...
As soon as he finished speaking, Dragon looked at Gawain, his eyes filled with admiration and a hint of unease.
He paused for a moment, then continued.
"In just six months, the current situation has been achieved. If you were given three to five years, wouldn't all the talents in the entire ocean be carrying the banner of the Dark Bird?"
"Haha, how could that be!"
Gawain laughed and waved his hand.
"At the very least, the Revolutionary Army's talent shouldn't end up in my hands."
"Saint Gawain?!"
At that moment, Dragon's face flushed red. Was this mockery? It must be mockery, right?
Even the second-in-command of my own Revolutionary Army has turned into your shape!
The chief of staff candidate I've chosen will also be staying on your ship for half a year, going with you to the Foosha Village to find your youth!
In the first six months, the Kuma fell; in the next six months, who knows if Sabo will fall!
And now, at this crucial moment, you're actually making a veiled statement that you won't poach members from the Revolutionary Army?
You don't poach people, but when you do, you pull up a radish with mud along with it!
Dragon couldn't even imagine how much turmoil would occur within the Revolutionary Army after the Four Blues commanders heard that Kuma and Sabo had boarded the Dark Bird Ship!
Beside him, Dragon pursed his lips slightly, observing Gawain's suddenly sullen expression.
"You don't understand the real me. My attitude towards the crew has always been one of tolerance and openness."
On my ship, there has never been a single, dedicated force.
Or rather, I have a little bit of everything on my ship.
Pirate, Revolutionary Army, Navy, Shichibukai, Heir to a Franchised Kingdom.
"I've taken a little from each of these forces on the high seas. Perhaps it's because of this that you, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, doubt my true purpose?"
As he spoke, Gawain took out a cigarette, put it in his mouth, and slowly lit it.
Exhaling a puff of smoke, Gawain looked at Dragon and said slowly.
"I know you have every right to be dissatisfied with Kuma's situation."
Regarding Sabo, the fact that you didn't fight me again shows how magnanimous you are.
However, do you understand why I did this? You should know that I also have my reasons.
I wonder what Zephyr and Rayleigh talked about with you before.
But you should know that my ideal is not to keep the ocean as it is.
Despite possessing the identity of Celestial Dragon, he has always taken advantage of every resource from Mary Geoise.
But ultimately, I am a reformer, just like you!
But compared to you, I'm mature enough!
In other words, I am neither extremely confident nor extremely radical!!!
At that moment, Gawain subtly defined his relationship with Dragon.
This definition is indeed very simplistic, but if Dragon accepts it willingly, he will inevitably be led by the nose from then on.
Because not being extremely confident can be described as lacking confidence.
Being neither extremely radical nor aggressive can also mean being not ambitious enough.
But Gawain wanted to verbally oppress Dragon, making Dragon weak in both language and spirit.
At the very least, he wanted to make Dragon instinctively believe that he was indeed, as Gawain said, a little inferior to Gawain while sharing the identity of a reformer.
He was more radical and overconfident, to the point of being slightly arrogant.
Given the current situation, where Gawain has dealt a minor blow, it's much more likely that Dragon would think this way.
And when he thought this way, he became more receptive to Gawain's opinions and plans.
Ah, how could Dragon have imagined that while he was still cluelessly playing the Revolutionary Army game...
Sitting opposite him was Gawain, a diplomat who had mastered the art of political maneuvering.
If Gawain, who had just transmigrated, was still a bit green, to the point that he sometimes spoke unnaturally.
Now, six months after arriving here, Gawain has truly become familiar with and accepted everything in the current world.
He has truly earned the title of an outstanding diplomat, and possesses the demeanor of a true master!
In short, just as Dragon was subtly questioning and judging whether Gawain's claim that they were both reformers was true.
Gawain continued speaking to Dragon.
"As reformers, we may share the same vision, but our perspectives differ, Dragon."
From my position, my perspective is more comprehensive.
Because I can see you, I can truly go down and experience your lifestyle and way of thinking.
But you can only imagine what I went through and faced, Dragon!
But imagination is always prone to error!