The magma-filled ruins had fallen into silence.
"What a grand undertaking!"
After a long while, Sakazuki came to his senses and looked at Dawn, lingering shock still on his face. "Never before has the sea seen a scheme as terrifying as yours!"
"My, my, there is still more to shock you." Aokiji stepped forward. "This is only the tip of the iceberg of what he has planned."
"Can you tell me when it began? Your plan?" Sakazuki fixed Dawn with a burning gaze.
"After Hunter Island."
Dawn briefly explained what had happened, while also revealing the forces he had developed and planned over the years.
It was not to show off. He had realized that if he wanted to persuade the Marines and turn enemies into allies, he had to let those who upheld justice see formidable strength and the possibility of success.
Otherwise, for the sake of peace on the seas, they would never agree to a war that would affect the entire world.
Even if they knew of the Celestial Dragons' vile deeds and countless abuses, even if their hands were stained with innocent blood, they would still choose to endure for the sake of peace across the seas.
Because a dark peace, however imperfect, was still better than an era spiraling completely out of control.
So, for something as risky as overthrowing the World Government, they had to see a tangible hope of success.
And what Dawn had done was display his own strength!
He began by recruiting the easier targets, then let it snowball. Once there was a first, there would be a second—just as after Dawn recruited Zephyr, Zephyr had persuaded Aokiji to join.
As his forces grew ever stronger, Dawn could then persuade extremely difficult figures like Red-Hair and Sakazuki, eventually gathering everyone on