"Well~."
Borsalino nodded noncommittally in response to Sakazuki's words.
"From that perspective, I'm quite supportive of you. After all, we're both in the navy, right?"
If from the very beginning we were single-mindedly determined not to obey orders from our superiors, then why did we even join the navy?
Pirates, though called pirates, are actually, in the end, more like regional warlords.
Or perhaps become a bounty hunter, or even a ronin like Yixiao on Gawain's ship.
Having chosen the naval path from among so many options, we should certainly not forget the meaning inherent in the word "naval".
"Aren't soldiers supposed to live by obeying orders?"
At this point, Borsalino gave a sly smile, which earned him a slightly admiring look from Sakazuki.
Before Sakazuki could even offer any praise, Borsalino continued.
"But, Sakazuki, there's something a little special about this."
That is, the navy must become stronger; only by continuously strengthening itself can it obtain a higher position and a more valuable title.
In other words, every naval officer, besides being a soldier, is also a potential asset; anyone can become as strong as you or me.
The path to becoming stronger is never smooth, and many people need to find the reasons for their strength.
Or rather, more people need to know what they want to become stronger for!
You're quite something; as long as you get orders, you can stay powerful as always.
As for me, well, as long as I get enough rest, I can maintain my energy during working hours.
But there are many more people out there. Do you know why Mr. Garp became stronger, or Fleet Admiral Sengoku, or even Kuzan?
Haha, the meaning of being a soldier is to obey orders, but not everyone is like you, willing to become stronger in order to obey absolute orders!
You know how tough this path is for us. Even Gawain, despite his rapid progress, was destined to endure a great deal of suffering, wasn't he?
So, Sakazuki, if we want the Navy to maintain a sufficient number of high-ranking combatants, sometimes we really have to indulge their minds."
As soon as he finished speaking, Borsalino picked up his teacup, pursed his lips, and took a sip.
Seeing Borsalino's lazy demeanor, Sakazuki's eyebrow twitched.
"Hmph, damn it, you're always so neutral!"
I have my reasons, he has his reasons, and you, you have your reasons too. The Navy has only three Admiral, yet their thinking is so chaotic!
At this point, Sakazuki, with a cold face, picked up his teacup and gulped it down in one large gulp.
Borsalino gently shook his head as he gazed at Sakazuki, who looked as if he were chewing on a peony.
"You still don't understand me, Sakazuki. You always care more about the meaning of orders and your own unwavering heart."
I don't support you because you're too absolute. However, any absolute command is destined to be short-lived; this is the lesson history has taught us.
As for why I don't support Kuzan, it's because he's too biased. Kindness is indeed a wonderful quality, but excessive kindness is terrifying. He's destined to part ways with a government that isn't kind because of his kindness, and that's something I'm always worried about.
Finally, let me talk about myself. Hehe, I don't want to compete with you guys. I'm the eldest brother, and it's only right that I give way to you younger brothers.
However, although neither of you can get my support, I've already found the people I want to support, haven't I?
While you've all set your sights on the Fleet Admiral's position, I've already set my sights on the intellectual prowess of the Four Blues!
I had been paying attention to the Revolutionary Army before, but they clearly didn't have the ability, and then Gawain made a stunning breakthrough.
Haha, fate has really been kind to me. I don't support either of you, I only support Gawain.
And you two... hahahaha.
You've even become like this now... whoever supports Gawain, I'll stand on their side.
Don't you find this hilarious, Sakazuki? It should be me supporting you, but right now, you desperately need my support!!!
As soon as he finished speaking, Borsalino put away his arrogant Erlang and stood up.
Borsalino lightly dusted off the hem of his coat, and as he turned around, he said one last thing to Sakazuki.
What I'm saying now is my current thought and purpose.
So stop trying to lecture me with that cold face.
Go ahead and do what you want, which is to continue your boring, ice and fire rivalry.
I'm going to get some rest now.
After all, in today's world, only sunshine and air are truly innocent, haha!!!
Amidst the laughter, Borsalino walked further and further away.
Sakazuki remained silent for a long time, watching Borsalino's retreating figure.
He sighed softly, then stood up naturally.
"Hmph, everyone in this world is a pig or a dog, regardless of strength or weakness."
But so what if they're hog dogs? Just keep moving forward!!!
Two days later, on the top-floor terrace of the Gawain Family castle.
Shirahoshi, holding a large telescope, looked into the distance with interest.
As she watched, Shirahoshi said with a smile,
"Gawain, Gawain, I see the kings are starting to assemble. Are they about to have a meeting?"
My dad was in there too, hehe, he looked so reserved.
The kings all went inside, leaving only their servants behind.
"May we go for a walk? There are some really cute people among the servants~~~."
As soon as she finished speaking, Shirahoshi turned around and looked at Gawain pitifully.
Faced with Shirahoshi's gentle gaze, Gawain sighed softly.
"If you want to go play, then go ahead, but you have to go with your Gion- neechan."
By the way, Hancock, are you interested in the Reverie? Want to go check it out?
"I think if you go, then I'll go for a stroll."
"If you're not going, why should I bother seeing some random person?"
Hancock responded nonchalantly, while Gawain nodded knowingly.
"Alright then, Shirahoshi, you go with Gion."
Ask Uta and the others before you go; there might be other people who like to join in the fun.
As for me, I have other things to do.
Doflamingo's men arrived in Mary Geoise on the ship that recently sailed to the World Government. I'm going to see them.
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain stood up, and Shirahoshi Gawain the others quickly followed him down from the terrace.
They split into two groups in front of the castle gate. Gawain headed towards the Bubble Gondola, while Shirahoshi and the others walked in pairs towards the place where the kings were gathered.
Not long after parting ways with Shirahoshi, Gawain brought Hancock aboard the Dark Bird Ship.
When he boarded the ship, Doflamingo's men were crowding around Doflamingo, chattering incessantly.
Especially baby5, this girl's mouth is like a machine gun, the speed is simply indescribable!
"Young Master, why did you choose to side with someone else? You are the one with the Conqueror's Haki, the one destined to become king!"
Oh my god, this is unbelievable! How could this happen?!
That night I was still dreaming about how the young master needed me, but when I woke up in the morning, some Celestial Dragon's subordinates inexplicably showed up on our territory and stole all our business!
Young Master, what exactly is going on? Have you been threatened?
"Enough!"
Listening to Baby5's words, Doflamingo chuckled and interrupted her.
"Baby, I've already emphasized it, I need you."
I need you to stop calling me "Young Master"!
Now, whether it's me or us, a new entity has appeared above us!
Whether you are used to it or not, I demand that you accept your current fate as quickly as possible!!!
As soon as he finished speaking, Doflamingo reached out his hand, scolding the man who was about to say something.
He immediately sensed Gawain's presence.
He frowned and turned around. When he saw Gawain approaching, he grinned and waved.
"Hehe, Gawain, come and take a look."
These are the elite of my subordinates!
Listening to Doflamingo's words, Gawain casually glanced at Doflamingo and his group.
Doflamingo's men numbered only six: three suited characters— Trebol of Clubs, Pica of Spades, and Diamante of Diamonds.
At the same time, these three cadres each brought their core subordinates with them.
Trebol brought Sugar, Pica brought Baby 5, and Diamante brought Rao G.
Looking at the six of them, Gawain nodded slightly, then walked up to Doflamingo.
Sensing Gawain's approach, Doflamingo grinned, then stood up and made room for him on the sofa.
Gawain sat down on the sofa without any ceremony, lazily crossed his legs, and looked over at Doflamingo's men.
Seeing that Gawain had actually taken Doflamingo's place, I don't know what others were thinking, but Baby5 was really in an uproar!
Believe me, her "exploded" isn't just an adjective; it means she suddenly turned into a bomb and then exploded with rage!
Amidst the smoke rising from the bombs, Baby unceremoniously raised her rocket launcher and aimed it directly at Gawain.
"Hey, you bastard, how dare you rob me...!"
"Shut up, you damned woman! How dare you harm my man?!"
Before Baby 5 could finish speaking, Hancock, who had been unable to contain herself any longer, rushed out.
Facing Baby 5's cannon, Hancock launched a flying kick, sending Baby 5 crashing to the ground.
Before Baby 5 could stand up, Hancock used her high heels to wed Baby 5's slender wrist between the heel and the toe of her shoe.
Then, Hancock's pupils rapidly formed a ring, and her Conqueror's Haki was about to burst forth!
Fortunately, at that moment, Gawain reached out and grabbed Hancock's waist, pulling her into his arms.
Gawain gently embraced Hancock, who had instantly lost her will to fight, and casually swung his free left hand.
Crack!
Sizzle!!!
Thunder descended from the sky, engulfing all of Doflamingo's men.
Including Sugar, who dared not use Armament Haki, they could only desperately endure the scorching heat and pain from the lightning.
The others were alright; everyone had practiced, Gawain's lightning wasn't very strong, just a slight painful punishment.
Sugar, however, was so overwhelmed by the thunder that her eyes almost rolled back in her head!
Seeing this, Doflamingo sneered, then reached into the thunder and pulled Sugar out.
"My lord, haha, this woman doesn't need to be treated like this."
Aside from the special abilities of her Devil Fruit, she's utterly useless. If he were to be stunned by the electric shock, Dressrosa might be plunged into a sudden riot.
As soon as he finished speaking, Doflamingo picked up the Sugar and threw Sugar directly towards Gawain's position.
Seeing the little girl flying over, Gawain frowned slightly, then reached out and grabbed Sugar's clothes.
"So, this little girl is the host of the Hobby-Hobby Fruit?"
"Doflamingo, you bastard, are you trying to turn me into a toy that the whole world has forgotten?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain's hand, which was holding Sugar, was already completely blackened.
Sugar's abilities may be powerful, but as the saying goes, Haki presence is the ultimate power.
If your Haki is strong enough, even Law's Devil Fruit will have a hard time moving a person.
As for Sugar, if her Hobby-Hobby Fruit could easily pose a danger to monsters, then that Devil Fruit would probably have a 5 billion bounty on its head before Nika's.
Doflamingo grinned as he looked at Gawain's right hand, which was covered in a thick Armament Haki.
"If such a petty trick could succeed, then you wouldn't be someone I would side with, cousin Gawain!"
As for Sugar, while her abilities are ineffective against strong individuals like us, they are utterly dangerous and cruel to ordinary people.
I think, if you're willing, she could be a great tool for you in some ways!
As soon as he finished speaking, Doflamingo stood there with his hands in his pockets, as always.
He stood with his arms around his shoulders and legs spread wide, exuding arrogance.
Previously, in the eyes of his subordinates, Doflamingo was a majestic and domineering figure.
Those people felt that someone as outstanding and powerful as Doflamingo should be arrogant like that.
But now...
As Diamante watched Doflamingo's figure disappear, he swallowed hard.
For some reason, he felt that the young master's arrogance at this moment was somewhat blustering and ultimately cowardly...
Meanwhile, after hearing Doflamingo's explanation, Gawain pondered for a moment, then pressed Sugar down onto the sofa.
"Heh, Doflamingo, Sugar's ability can be very effective sometimes, but I don't need it."
Rather than letting someone disappear into Toy Soldier, rather than letting him be forgotten in a corner and live a miserable life, I'd rather just let that damned person die.
Don't tell me that your past ambitions only resulted in the consequence of not eliminating the root of the problem, you idiot!
At this point, Gawain pressed Sugar down and looked at Doflamingo's other men.
At this very moment, baby·5 is struggling to stand up from the thunder.
Looking at Baby 5's stubborn expression, Gawain smiled slightly and said.
"Baby, I need you. How about being my bodyguard?"
"Huh???"
Suddenly, the lightning on Baby 5 disappeared completely, and after a brief moment of confusion, she excitedly rushed to Gawain.
"I... I am needed!"
You need me!!!
Give me your instructions, sir, and I will carry them out!
"Who told you to need me~~~."
As they spoke, Baby5 naturally knelt down in front of Gawain, while Doflamingo, far away, helplessly slapped his forehead.
Some things, he didn't find particularly strange at the time.
But now...
He seemed a little offended!