"Liberating a place and then turning around and leaving makes it hard for the Revolutionary Army to gain anything from it. At most, it gives you some peace of mind."
"If you want to stand against the powerful World Government, you can't succeed without resources to develop."
"This isn't greed. It's for the sake of ultimate victory, for a better future."
"You liberate them and free them from oppression, and those countries support you in return. Like strands of cotton cord bound together into a thick rope, you become tough and unyielding."
"Internally, these countries could be collectively called a republic, meaning countries that create peace together, building a shared belief."
"With resources, a foundation, convictions, organization, discipline, and the people's support, that is a Revolutionary Army that has grown into a tiger with fangs and claws."
Kazu's words rang like thunder in Dragon's ears. It seemed the Revolutionary Army's past operations really had not been thorough enough.
Kazu had judged the World Government's nature very accurately and pointed out a path for the Revolutionary Army's development.
This made Dragon feel that the Revolutionary Army's road ahead had become brighter and broader.
"Encircling the cities from the countryside?"
"A republic!"
"Good. Truly excellent."
It seemed there was a reason the World Government pursued their Revolutionary Army so relentlessly. Presumably, the few Affiliated Nations he had liberated had angered those Celestial Dragons.
The World Government was powerful. It seemed they really needed to bring the non-Affiliated Nations into the fold first. Only once the Revolutionary Army grew strong would they be qualified to openly challenge the World Government.
"Your words have opened my eyes, Mr. Kazu."
"I would venture to invite you once again to join our Revolutionary Army, Mr. Kazu."
"Even if it meant giving up my position as leader, I would have no complaints or regrets."
Dragon's expression was utterly serious. He genuinely wanted the Revolutionary Army to become better.
Kazu's ideas were more comprehensive and cut straight to the heart of the matter. If Kazu joined them, the Revolutionary Army would surely be able to realize its dream of overthrowing the World Government and liberating the entire world.
"Dragon, you..."
Ivankov grew anxious at Dragon's words. However much sense Kazu made, he was still someone they had only recently met.
Even offering to hand over the position of leader was far too risky.
"There's no need to say more. I can tell that Mr. Kazu has a righteous cause at heart. He isn't the sort of person who would side with the World Government."
Dragon raised a hand, cutting off what Ivankov was about to say. His gaze had never once left Kazu.
"Not bad at all, Kazu. I never knew you had this kind of talent."
Carlmand patted Kazu on the back. It seemed this captain was not just good at fooling around; he also had an extraordinary gift for talking about lofty principles.
Makino simply smiled behind him without saying anything more.
But Kazu's words had indeed shaken her deeply. She felt she had not been wrong about Kazu. He truly was an extraordinary man.
Even if Kazu decided to join the Revolutionary Army, she would support him.
"Hey, hey, don't put so much pressure on me. You'll embarrass me."
"Hahaha, sorry, Dragon."
"I won't be joining the Revolutionary Army. That isn't the life I want. I can only cheer you on from the sidelines."
Although Dragon had seen it coming, he still felt somewhat disappointed and reluctant to accept it.
Kazu was such a perfect fit for their Revolutionary Army that Dragon was practically drooling over him.
"In that case, I won't insist any further. If you ever change your mind, Mr. Kazu, the Revolutionary Army will always welcome you."
"This is my Den Den Mushi. If you ever need anything from our Revolutionary Army, you can contact me."
Dragon handed Kazu a Den Den Mushi. If Kazu asked them for help, that would be a favor owed.
And if he ran into a problem he could not figure out, wouldn't he now have a way to contact Kazu?
He came out ahead either way.
Kazu accepted the Den Den Mushi, then looked at Dragon again and said, "Revolution requires courage and blood. Facing this crimson road ahead, I hope you can achieve ultimate victory."
"Courage and blood... huh."
Dragon murmured Kazu's words, feeling that they fit the Revolutionary Army's ideals very well.
They were brave warriors who wanted to overthrow the World Government's thoroughly corrupt rule because they loved peace. Their journey was destined to involve great sacrifice and be filled with bloodshed.
But they had to press on without hesitation. Otherwise, the world would never change, and their children and grandchildren would still live like this. If they did not do it, their descendants would have to.
Kazu did not care whether his influence on Dragon would throw the plot he knew into chaos. Enjoying himself came first.
From the moment he came to this world, he had already become its greatest variable. There was no need to worry about so much. Otherwise, he might as well jump into the sea and drown. That would guarantee he did not change the original plot.
He had to admit, showing off before an audience like this really did feel great.
He had left Dragon hanging on his every word, but all those lofty principles he had talked about were things great figures had done in his previous life. He was merely an unknown porter passing them along.
Kazu had enjoyed his fight and finished showing off, so he returned to his ship thoroughly satisfied.
"Mr. Dragon, we'll be taking our leave now. Go back and see Luffy when you have time. He's a child with a dream now."
Makino waved toward Dragon. She did not tell him that Luffy wanted to become the Pirate King.
Presumably, when Mr. Dragon saw Luffy like that for himself, he would be a little surprised too.
Kazu and the others left as swiftly as they had arrived.
Ivankov blinked, looking at Dragon standing frozen in place, unsure what to say for a moment.
After a while, Dragon gathered his thoughts, went back inside, and found a new notebook. He wrote down all the revolutionary ideas Kazu had just spoken of.
Finally, he wrote the words "Advanced Revolutionary Ideas" in large letters on the cover. This notebook would guide his path forward.
Kazu had not thought much of it when he met Dragon earlier, but looking back now, this was the year Sabo set out to sea.
In the original story, a Celestial Dragon's cannon had sunk Sabo's little boat, and Sabo himself had been injured in the explosion, losing his memories.
In the end, Dragon had appeared in time and secretly rescued Sabo. From then on, he taught Sabo martial arts and knowledge, and Sabo eventually became an outstanding chief of staff of the Revolutionary Army.
So it really was perfectly normal for Dragon to appear here in the East Blue at this time.
"Kazu, did you really want to learn about Mr. Dragon because you met Luffy?"
Makino walked over with a smile, carrying a glass of orange juice, and handed it to him.
Standing on the deck in the refreshing sea breeze with its faint hint of salt, Kazu took a sip of orange juice and said, "Not entirely."
"Since I'm here, I have to spice this world up a little to make it fun."
Kazu felt that the better the Revolutionary Army became, the safer he would be.
The World Government did not have that much spare time to keep watching their band of pirates.
Of course, that destined Joy Boy was an exception who would draw the World Government's attention.
The sight of Kazu's confidence left Makino a little entranced.
"Then I'll stay with you and see what this world becomes."