Gawain took a big gulp of his drink.
Refusing Whitebeard's offer was simply too difficult for him.
Because that proposal brought them too close to victory.
They're so close to victory, at least on paper!
That was a surprise attack that included almost 80% of the strongest characters in the entire Pirate King world!
Who knows... we might actually win!
But what happens after you win?
Among the pioneers of the new era, there were groups and elements like the Pirate Alliance.
Most importantly, are Sakazuki and the other Marines truly willing to cooperate with pirates?
Admittedly, Sakazuki and Borsalino are indeed willing to fight for Gawain.
They were even willing to fight for Gawain in Mary Geoise to compete for a position among the Five Elders.
But...
If you get them to cooperate with pirates...
Sakazuki would never agree to that!
Whitebeard's plan was good, but such a plan could not be decided simply by talking about it.
If Gawain really needs to rely on the power of pirates to attack Mary Geoise in the future, he will at least have to spend a lot of time coordinating and doing a good job with Sakazuki and the rest of the Navy!
For Sakazuki, joining Gawain in attacking Mary Geoise was like purging the court of corrupt officials, like building a platform for the emperor's ascension.
But they joined the pirates in their fight for Mary Geoise.
That's treason!!!
In conclusion, after considering various factors, Gawain shook his head heavily, once again rejecting his earlier moment of hesitation.
Seeing Gawain shaking his head repeatedly, Newgate pursed his lips in resentment.
But in the end, he let out a long sigh.
"I see. Sigh, it seems Mary Geoise won't collapse as easily as I thought."
That makes sense, though. If gathering a group of strong individuals could easily conquer that place, then Mary Geoise wouldn't have stood for eight hundred years on the sea carried by these heroes.
Even Captain Rocks back then, that terrifying figure who gathered more than a dozen monster subordinates.
Even at his most offensive, he only focused his attention on God Valley, a place relatively important to the Celestial Dragon but not so important to the World Government.
This is really... sigh...
I wonder if I'll be able to see Mary Geoise collapse before I die.
At this point, Newgate picked up the barrel and drank with Gawain.
After setting down his wine bowl, Shanks grinned.
"Speaking of which, Newgate, that wasn't like you at all."
Why would he suddenly have the idea to join forces with Gawain to attack Mary Geoise?
If we were to evaluate each of us on the world stage...
Then there are us pirates, Gawain Dark Bird, Dragon's Revolutionary Army, hundreds of Affiliated Nation, and the World Government.
The problems between these factions can't be solved simply by us joining forces to destroy Mary Geoise!
As I just said, I don't care what the future holds, but I need a stable enough time to do my own thing!
Once we join forces and attack Mary Geoise, the seas are destined to descend into chaos, regardless of whether we win or lose!
So, sorry, Newgate.
Regardless of whether Gawain accepts your invitation or not, I certainly won't. I don't want to add fuel to the fire of your crazy behavior.
Fortunately, Gawain didn't join you.
Well then, haha.
Let's meet again in two days.
Two days from now, let's have our final battle at Mary Geoise, and let the sea witness the pirates' last stand and your magnanimity, Gawain!
We've had enough drinks by now!
I'm leaving, Newgate, do you want to come with me?
As he spoke, Shanks lifted his buttocks and looked back at the distant road, forgetting the past.
Seeing Shanks stand up, Newgate let out a long sigh of relief, and then stood up as well.
"Yeah, I completely forgot about you. You're the kind of guy who always craves stability; you're definitely not going to fight me in Mary Geoise."
So, plans made on a whim are really unreliable; I really acted impulsively this time.
That's all for today's drinks, Gawain. See you the day after tomorrow.
Don't forget my words: if possible, Linlin's life and also help my sons who are still alive.
In return, haha, you'll find out sooner or later what my reward will be.
As for now.
Goodbye, Gawain!
After saying that, Newgate stood in the sea breeze, smiling as he looked at Gawain.
Seeing that Newgate was indicating that he should see the guest out, Gawain immediately nodded and then got up to leave.
A moment later, lightning gathered on the dock, and Gawain's figure slowly appeared.
And just as Gawain appeared.
Sakazuki quickly went to Gawain's side.
"Sir, you didn't answer my call!"
Just two minutes ago, I received a call from Fleet Admiral Sengoku!
Kuzan probably won't be able to participate in the war the day after tomorrow; he needs to take his men to the New World!
Just recently, Shanks' navigators and doctor, along with their monkeys, attacked the production and storage base of Dyna Stone!
The amount of Dyna Stone they stole was enough to blast a small hole in the Red Line!
Therefore, Mary Geoise issued a direct order: our navy must dispatch a team led by Admiral to retrieve all the Dyna Stone.
On the other hand, Kuzan will also be stationed at the Dyna Stone production base for a period of time!
So..."
"So Shanks's divine move not only gave them a difficult trump card to deal with, but also eliminated one of our main combat forces..."
Gawain picked up where Sakazuki left off and continued.
"As expected of Shanks, even in a hopeless situation on paper, he can come up with enough ways to break the deadlock."
"In that case, we're probably in big trouble the day after tomorrow."
As he spoke, Gawain took a small sip of his drink.
While he was deciding on his drink, he glanced at the midday sun.
"Aramaki and Bullet have finished their fight, right? Let's eat then."
The traditions of the Dark Bird Ship cannot be abandoned; in any case, we should hold a banquet to welcome the new crew.
Come on, tell Zeff that he's probably going to have a tough day.
"Also, Bullet, Aramaki, come before me!"
"Roger that, new boss!"
"Understood, Captain!"
Upon hearing Gawain's words, Aramaki and Bullet arrived one after the other to face Gawain.
Looking at the two guys, Gawain asked with amusement.
"So, who won?"
"I was so engrossed in my conversation with Whitebeard Red-Haired Shanks that I didn't really see any results."
"Ha, there's no such thing as winning or losing, new boss!"
Hearing the high temperature, Aramaki responded with an awkward laugh.
"This guy is pretty strong; at least I didn't get much of an advantage from him."
As for who will win, neither of us has even used our Devil Fruit abilities yet, so we haven't even reached the point of determining a winner!
But I think I'm going to win for sure, since I'm a Logia user just like Sakazuki.
We Logia people are the strongest! Gawain, the leader, is also Logia, right?
I told you we were the strongest!!!
"Cut!"
No sooner had Aramaki finished speaking than Bullet, who was standing to the side, chewed on the air and said disdainfully.
"Logia are indeed very powerful, but it depends on who uses them."
As for you, haha, just look at your pathetic, incongruous appearance!
In the heart of Death River?
Do you think you're some kind of yakuza?
"You scoundrels!"
After criticizing Aramaki, Bullet casually nodded to Gawain.
"Captain, haha, is there a banquet tonight?!"
That's great! I'll go take a shower now and tidy up my hair and beard while I'm at it.
I don't know how many women will be at our banquet, but at least I should dress neatly.
Finally, I'm leaving that cramped apartment in Impel Down. I'm really looking forward to the hot springs and hot baths!
After saying that, Bullet didn't wait for Gawain to say anything, and turned to leave.
Bullet knew in his heart that he was a guy who fought, and he didn't want to get involved in any discussions or consultations.
Since he was outmatched in skill, he was defeated and forced to submit by Gawain.
The captain told me to do whatever he wanted without a second thought.
Since the target is always the enemy, why not just eliminate the enemy?
Bullet watched from the side as he leisurely walked away.
Aramaki moved closer to Gawain said to him with a grin.
"Brother, look how arrogant that guy is. He won't even listen to what you're saying."
Or you could send me another person, and I'll teach him a lesson in a more stable way?
It's not that I can't fight on my own, it's just a bit difficult and would be a waste of time.
What do you think?
"I don't think it's very good, Aramaki."
Gawain chuckled and patted Aramaki on the shoulder, continuing with a smile.
"The reason I called you two over was simply to say hello."
As for Bullet, I never expected that guy to respect me much; his personality only required obedience, and that's all he would do.
Alright, that's all for now. Go and get some rest.
Kaya, send some of our clothes to Aramaki, then arrange a room for him.
"Yes, sir."
Kaya nodded hurriedly, then led Aramaki away.
Aramaki Mu shook his head at Gawain, which served as his greeting.
After bowing, he grinned and bent over, swaying back and trailing behind Kaya.
As he strolled around, he jokingly chatted with Kaya about all sorts of random things on the Dark Bird Ship.
It's clear that Aramaki is exceptionally outgoing and his personality is remarkably similar to that of Japan yakuza thugs.
Is that how thugs humbly joke around with their boss's secretary?
This shows that, at least in terms of integrating into the Dark Bird Ship, Aramaki was much faster Bullet.
Not far away, they witnessed Aramaki swaying his rear end and walking away nonchalantly.
Sakazuki shook his head and gave a wry smile.
"My lord, Aramaki has always had this kind of personality. It's probably a common problem among us monsters."
Without sufficient perseverance, no one can become a monster.
And every person who becomes a monster has a personality that is at least as solid as an unshakable rock.
Bullet is a big problem, but luckily you, sir, have the ability to control him.
Although Aramaki is lazy, rest assured, he won't hold us back in battle.
In short..."
At this point, Sakazuki paused for a moment, then frowned in displeasure.
"Anyway, let's talk about the Dyna Stone."
Once Shanks gets his hands on that thing, we must be prepared for them to use it in the war!
Therefore, I strongly suggest changing the planned battlefield from this forward outpost on the Red Line, right here on your feet, to an area at least two hundred kilometers away in the sea from the Red Line towards the New World!
In that case, even if the enemy uses Dyna Stone, it won't harm the Red Line and cause turmoil in Mary Geoise.
Regarding the inconvenience of fighting at sea, if you take my advice, I will immediately call the Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
I will send Borsalino to provide advance support to the Dyna Stone mining base, and then Kuzan back.
At that time, we can use Kuzan's Ice Age to create an icy continent, which can then serve as a foothold for our war-torn classes.
What do you think...?
Sakazuki looked up, waiting for Gawain's reply.
Meeting Sakazuki's expectant gaze, Gawain pondered for a moment, then shook his head.
"No need!"
After a crisp and decisive refusal, Gawain patted Sakazuki on the shoulder.
"Although Shanks obtained the Dyna Stone, precisely because he obtained it, the Dyna Stone will not become a problem for us."
"However, sir, we cannot let our guard down against Dyna Stone, a weapon that can easily destroy an island, just because of the so-called pirates' nature!"
Given the properties of the Dyna Stone, if there's any indication of it being used, the trouble we'll face will likely be unbearable!
Even if the opponent is Shanks, we cannot let our guard down!
Moreover, even if he doesn't want to use the Dyna Stone, we can't guarantee that the other side can ensure Dyna Stone safety!
"If he can steal the Dyna Stone from the World Government, wouldn't other pirates who find out about it try to steal those things from him?"
As he said this, Sakazuki turned and glared hatefully into the distance.
That's the direction where the pirates keep gathering.
Sakazuki gritted his teeth, turned back, and continued speaking to Gawain.
"Therefore, my lord, I still suggest that we push the battle line into the sea. Only in that way can we prevent the Dyna Stone from posing a threat to Mary Geoise!"
I..."
"I know there's some truth to what you're saying, but you should know that I also have my own reasons."
Gawain raised his hand to stop Sakazuki from speaking, and shook his head as he said softly.
"The reason I don't want to change the battlefield is because even if we do, we can't guarantee the safety of the Red Line beneath Mary Geoise."
What if, after all our main fighting force has been transferred to the open sea to fight the pirates, the elite pirates carrying Dyna Stone turn around and attack the docks beneath our feet and the Red Line behind us?
The fact that the other side possesses Dyna Stone effectively gives them the initiative in dangerous actions.
Rather than relying on changing location to avoid that danger, I prefer to keep the danger under my own nose!
Right here, right beneath our feet, even if the war escalates to the point where Dyna Stone are actually used, we can immediately launch a counterattack.
Our side has never lacked speedsters, and at the same time, we have more than just one or two people with spatial abilities.
"Whether it's Luo, me, or even Yixiao, they can remotely control the movement trajectory of the Dyna Stone in real time."
As he spoke, Gawain moved to a beach chair near the pool and lay down comfortably.
I found the most comfortable position to lie down and rest.
Gawain patted Sakazuki's calf.
"If we can't solve the problem of the Dyna Stone even if we work together, then we can't hide from it forever, even if we can hide it for a while."
Honestly, I really hope Shanks uses that thing.
After all, it's all about the cards that have been played.
"These are cards that have already lost their effectiveness."