"Since you've made your choice, I'll give you a gift as well."
Dragon said slowly, "The Revolutionary Army's informants in the Four Blues will do their best to steer clear of your Independent Suppression Force from now on. When necessary, we can even provide you with intelligence on pirates, helping you earn military merit and rise faster through the Navy's ranks."
Lorne raised an eyebrow. "Oh? That would save me quite a bit of trouble. But Mr. Dragon, aren't you afraid I'll turn on you in the end and wipe out your Revolutionary Army too?"
Dragon burst out laughing, his voice echoing through the backyard.
"Hahahaha! If you really can take control of the Navy, completely overthrow the Celestial Dragons, and establish a truly fair and just new order, what would it matter if you absorbed the Revolutionary Army into your ranks then, Comrade Lorne?"
At that moment, Dragon's magnanimity and spirit were on full display.
What he wanted was change for this world, not fame or gain for the Revolutionary Army as an organization.
Lorne looked at Dragon, a flicker of admiration passing through his eyes.
Their clash of ideals came to a close for the moment.
Quiet returned to the backyard, broken only by the rustling of the ancient tree's leaves in the breeze.
Lorne drained his cup of tea and set it down hard on the stone table.
He leaned forward slightly, his expression becoming intensely focused as his gaze locked firmly onto Dragon.
"We're done talking about ideals, Mr. Dragon."
Lorne spoke, a trace of fervor entering his voice. "Next, let's talk about what interests me most."
Dragon watched Lorne's movements with some puzzlement. "What interests you? What's that?"
"As the leader of the Revolutionary Army and old man Garp's own son, your strength should already