Across from him, Gawain's expression showed a hint of displeasure.
Shanks nodded in satisfaction.
"It seems you've realized the seriousness of the problem."
Since that's the case, let's not talk about that anymore. Let's have a couple more drinks while we're not fighting.
Don't worry, I won't actually use Dyna Stone.
As for you, I was merely delaying your progress a little.
Even if you can't achieve complete victory in the battle two days later, your fundamental strength remains.
If you don't succeed the first time, there's always next time. You'll win completely eventually, and that's my heartfelt wish for you.
I only hope that in your grand ambition to dominate the Four Blues and conquer all, you can spare me a chance to meet Laugh Tale!
As for why I did this, haha.
It's not that I want to cause you trouble.
But you were the one who showed no loyalty first.
I told you not to touch the child I chose; that's the future I'm trying to watch over and nurture.
But you, although you didn't harm him as agreed, you made him yours.
"Your actions are really a disservice to the bet I placed—that incredibly important Devil Fruit!"
At this point, Shanks smiled and raised his wine bowl towards Gawain.
Gawain's furrowed brow relaxed slightly as he met Shanks's gesture, and then he raised his wine bowl.
"You did something that made me want to throw all three of your wine jugs away in exchange for you not doing it."
So you can still drink with me so naturally, Shanks.
Forget it, we each have our own perspectives, and I don't blame you for anything you do to me based on your own stance.
Since you've already made plans, then let's each rely on our own abilities the day after tomorrow."
After saying that, Gawain drank the wine in his glass in one gulp.
Shanks and Newgate exchanged a glance before also downing the nine.
After downing his drink, Newgate wiped the liquor off his beard and continued.
"Shanks, you're much smarter than Roger."
But what is Dyna Stone? I've never heard of anything that would warrant such serious treatment from Gawain.
"Dyna Stone..."
Shanks pondered for a moment, then shook his head.
"I also found out about that thing by accident; it's hidden on some island in the New World."
Unfortunately, that thing was produced in the New World, so even the navy couldn't deploy too many troops there to defend it.
All they can do is try to keep it a secret.
As for why Gawain was wary of that thing...
Let me explain it this way.
Dyna Stone is a weapon that can cause a massive explosion with just a slight contact or collision.
As for the explosive power of that thing, I think that Dyna Stone the size of a football could completely destroy an island!
It sounds like this thing is almost as powerful as Ancient Weapon.
Indeed, aside from lacking the mobility and inherent safety of Ancient Weapon, Dyna Stone can, to some extent, replace Ancient Weapon.
This is also why the Navy and the World Government must preserve them properly.
"Tsk tsk!"
Hearing Shanks' words, Newgate's eyes lit up, and he nodded.
"No wonder, it's a throwing weapon with power comparable to Ancient Weapon!"
Even if this thing doesn't need to be launched, just having it in our hands is enough to put enough pressure on Mary Geoise.
We could grab that thing and charge towards Mary Geoise without looking back, or we could secretly take it and climb up the Red Line, like Fisher Tiger did, and dive into the Mary Geoise.
Haha, we might actually have a chance to completely blow Mary Geoise to smithereens!
At this point, Newgate's gaze towards Gawain suddenly changed!
He continued speaking to Gawain, unable to hide his excitement.
"By the way, Gawain, why don't you, me, and Shanks join forces completely?!"
With the Dyna Stone in hand, Lao Du suddenly discovered a fantastic opportunity!
Even if you are Celestial Dragon, Mary Geoise is still an insurmountable barrier in your path, isn't it?
You might be able to become one of the Five Elders, but the things you want to do can't be accomplished simply by becoming one of the Five Elders!
So let's join forces, and let Shanks and those pirates temporarily become your strength!
Then, during the battle the day after tomorrow, we deliberately traveled from the Red Line to Mary Geoise.
Then, as long as we bring enough Dyna Stone, we can completely flatten Mary Geoise!
As for the innocent people who lived in Mary Geoise, namely those poor slaves.
Although I feel somewhat reluctant, if the slaves are forced to choose between death and the destruction of Mary Geoise followed by the annihilation of all the Celestial Dragon...
I think the vast majority of slaves would choose to kill the Celestial Dragon!
After we defeat them, the Grand Line will still be under your control, and we pirates can return to the New World to recuperate.
Without the suppression of Mary Geoise and the World Government, the major Affiliated Nation around the world will inevitably take action, and at that time, the whole world will be in turmoil.
Back then, we pirates were already struggling to suppress the various Affiliated Nation of the New World, let alone cause you any more trouble!
At this point, Newgate's expression grew increasingly excited; he actually thought the plan might be somewhat feasible.
Meeting Gawain's slightly surprised gaze, Newgate continued urgently.
"In a place like Four Blues, no matter how hard the Affiliated Nation try, they won't achieve much."
All you need to do is control the Grand Line, which serves as the central point, and then it will benefit both us and the Four Blues.
You can slowly devour them all!
I don't see any reason for you to refuse me, Gawain. As a leader, you should have the magnanimity I'm talking about!
You've taken control of the Navy, plus your own strength and my and Shanks' help!
If with this lineup we still can't destroy Mary Geoise and withstand the country's eight hundred years of history...
Then we don't need to fight anymore; it's better to surrender sooner rather than later.
And if we do that!
Everything we are planning now will become a historic achievement that builds on the past and opens up the future, and a major turning point in the destiny of the world!
So, Gawain, give me an answer!
What are you really thinking? Do you want to join my plan?
Let's burn that damned Mary Geoise to ashes!!!
Bang!
An excited Newgate slammed his hand on the table.
Meanwhile, Gawain and Shanks immediately checked their respective Conqueror's Haki.
Long after Big Mom left, Gawain and Shanks simultaneously used Conqueror's Haki, a power akin to Observation Killing, to block the Observation Haki of everyone nearby.
And now...
I have to admit, after hearing Whitebeard's plan...
Gawain was actually a little bit tempted!!!
Because Whitebeard's plan was simply too feasible!!!
Just imagine the sheer scale of the fighting force that lies beneath the Red Line today!
Just counting the number of monsters, there are Gawain, Mihawk, Gion, Bullet, Aramaki who is on his way, Sakazuki, Borsalino, Kuzan, Garp, Sengoku, Newgate, Tokikake, Teach, Linlin, Shanks, Beckman, Yasopp, Lucky Roux, Ochoku, and several veterans of Roger Pirates, etc.!
This number is absolutely terrifying!!!
In addition, there is the remaining stable combat force at the level of a first mate.
Kuma, Shiryu, Ace, Yamato, Hancock, Marco, Jozu, Katakuri, and a series of other skilled fighters.
In addition, there are a large number of Shichibukai- level fighters, and the Sweet Commanders from the Three Emperors' crews, etc.
This number of powerful individuals far exceeds that of the Summit War by several times!
Even without the Dyna Stone, if Gawain could truly control such a large number of powerful individuals...
Gawain himself is now qualified to attack Mary Geoise.
If even this can't defeat the Five Elders of Mary Geoise, the God's Knights, CP0, the Uranus, and Imu's sister.
Gawain didn't think there were any other lineups that could beat Mary Geoise.
In other words, even if he leads this many people, he still can't win.
He simply couldn't imagine how Luffy could possibly fight!
It can't be that Luffy's future success is just due to the author giving him a power-up, right???
In addition, Shanks currently possesses a considerable amount of Dyna Stone.
Gawain had to start assessing the future situation in his mind. He was genuinely tempted, because for Gawain, neither pirates nor World Government Member States had ever been considered his greatest enemies.
Because he had already grasped the basic information about those factions, he could basically guess what their trump cards were.
As for what is already known, it's simply a matter of dealing with it as it comes; Gawain isn't worried about that.
Gawain was most worried about was precisely the unknown hidden behind Imu and the World Government!
If Gawain were as impulsive as Luffy, he would have stormed Mary Geoise long ago.
But now, with the core customer base getting better and better.
Gawain's mindset is gradually shifting towards a peaceful resolution!
But can he truly resolve the conflict between himself and Mary Geoise peacefully?
Can he truly control and guide the actions of the Five Elders, even to the point of turning them against him, or even directly coercing Imu to step down and remove Imu's regency, thus achieving direct rule?
What if I abandoned my old path and instead chose to accept Newgate's suggestion?
Even if it's impossible for all the pirates to follow Newgate.
But with the Whitebeard Pirates and Red Hair Pirates firmly joining, Gawain was certain he had everything he needed to turn against Mary Geoise.
The only thing to worry about is that Mary Geoise still possesses some means to destroy the world.
Faced with the threat of world destruction, even if Gawain wins, he might only end up in the kind of mediocre, neither-win-nor-lose situation that Shanks has given him.
By then, Gawain, who will have completely turned against Mary Geoise, will likely face a counterattack from the God's Knights and Mary Geoise.
At that time, Gawain might even have to cede a small portion of the Grand Line, completely withdraw from Sabaody Island, and try to use Impel Down and the other three naval islands as a buffer, while striving to hold onto Iceburg's territory, namely its industrial base, and engage in a complete confrontation with Mary Geoise.
If conditions don't allow, they might even have to abandon Shipbuilding Island and instead use Alabasta as a base to advance their campaign.
But all of that was based on the assumption that he was destined to fail, and that Mary Geoise was indeed hiding his true intentions too well.
And what if I win?!
If I truly win, even if the whole world falls into chaos due to the sudden demise of the World Government...
But having already effectively taken control of most of the Grand Line, he had no need to worry about the chaos affecting his territory.
At that time, all you need to do is establish order first in the chaotic situation, and then you can conquer the world in a very benevolent way on the seas that have completely evolved into the Sengoku period!
Most importantly, for Gawain...
His ancestor never taught him how to fight Imu, and it was even less likely that his ancestor would appear in his dream to tell him what Imu's hidden trump card was.
But as soon as Imu and Mary Geoise disappear.
Our ancestors could use five thousand years of Chinese history to teach Gawain how to conquer the world in a truly benevolent way amidst chaos!
There's a saying that goes, "Create conditions to suit your strengths!"
If they can really overthrow Mary Geoise, then Gawain is more than capable of handling the ensuing chaos!
But...
But!
Should I really accept Whitebeard's sudden invitation for cooperation?!
Amidst his hesitation, Gawain gently clapped his hands.
"I have to admit, Newgate, your words... actually do have a bit of an appeal to me!"
At this point, Gawain turned around and glanced at the distant Red Line.
At the very top of the Red Line, the millennia-old Mary Geoise casts an unknown shadow over Gawain.
Across from him, Newgate's excitement faltered slightly upon hearing Gawain's words.
"This... just hearing 'surprise' from your mouth, I already understood your intentions."
So why don't you agree with my plan?
If you've already come across this as surprising, then a turning point will naturally follow.
But I think there's nothing wrong with my plan!
If we go to war, it will be the largest war in nearly two hundred years in terms of the resources invested.
If Captain Rocks hadn't died such an unjust death, then only the scene of our Rocks Pirates uniting as one and waging a full-scale war against the Navy against Mary Geoise could compare to the scale of what will happen in the next two days!
With such combined power, we truly have the potential to dispel the dark cloud hanging over our heads.
Gawain, if it weren't for you, I would never have been able to cooperate with the Navy.
And you, if it weren't for me and Shanks, you wouldn't be able to sit down at the negotiating table with pirates!
Therefore, this opportunity is too good to miss, for it will not come again!
Think it over carefully. Let's attack Mary Geoise together, and then this world can be completely cleansed.
When everything is over and the dust settles.
What we leave to our children in the next generation will truly be the great cause you yearn to accomplish, namely, a peaceful and free Pure Land!
I..."
"No need to say anything more!"
Suddenly, Gawain interrupted Newgate.
He raised his right hand, his face grim, to stop the Whitebeard from continuing.
"Newgate, I have to admit, your plan does have a chance of coming to fruition."
And it's highly likely!
But... even without this plan, I don't think I'd lose!
Therefore, I do not want to establish the beginning of the next era on a conspiracy that could shock the entire world!
At the same time, I don't want to become someone who completely betrays my faction and elders. Even if I were to ascend to the highest position, I would only bring about a more vile ideology.
Most importantly...
While I admire you and Shanks, you are thieves, pirates!
No matter how wonderful the future may be!
I don't want that kind of future to be created by pirates of any kind, no matter what!
Your plan is indeed tempting.
But I disagree!
I don't need you!
We absolutely cannot need you!!!