As Orion's words landed, the previously relaxed atmosphere suddenly grew tense, the air itself seeming to freeze.
Koala, seated beside Dragon, felt her heart leap into her throat, her slender hands fidgeting nervously from the tension.
Similarly, neither Gion nor Hina had expected Orion to abruptly issue what amounted to a command to the Revolutionary Army mid-conversation.
Dragon showed little reaction.
Having decided to co to Marine Headquarters, he had already anticipated this eting would leave him at a disadvantage.
Most importantly, Orion's willingness to send Borsalino to the Revolutionary Army's headquarters was proof enough of his goodwill towards them.
Given Orion's uncompromising stance towards the Holy Land, the Warlords and even the Four Emperors of the New World since becoming Fleet Admiral, his tolerance of the Revolutionary Army managing liberated nations—while appearing domineering—was in fact his greatest concession.
After a brief silence, Dragon nodded slightly.
"I can order the Revolutionary Army to suspend all plans and deploynts. But I wish to know your vision for the future. Forgive my bluntness, but your relationship with the Holy Land—especially with the one in the Chamber of Flowers—forces the Revolutionary Army to remain wary. Likewise, if that individual learns of this eting, they too would grow restless."
"Vision for the future?"
Orion narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone calm.
"The privileges of the Celestial Dragons and the sovereignty of nations will be abolished one by one. All who stand in my way—be it the Revolutionary Army, pirates, or even the current World Governnt—will be crushed."
"In the future, the nations of the Grand Line and the Four Seas will cease to exist. There will only be cities, towns and villages under the World Governnt's jurisdiction. Each village head, town mayor, and city governor will be elected by the local populace."
"In short, the future world will belong to the people. Whether village heads, town mayors, city governors, or the World Governnt itself—all will exist to serve the people!"
"Of course, achieving this grand vision alone is beyond ."
"It will require the efforts of all Marines and like-minded individuals."
A flicker of barely perceptible yearning passed through Dragon's eyes.
"A world where the people govern themselves? How... inspiring."
"However, if that day truly cos, how will you prevent the resurgence of class divisions? For instance, the admirals and vice admirals currently following you—once that day arrives, they will beco the architects of the new world. As you've said, no one can avoid the expansion of ambition, especially when so hold absolute power. A privileged class will inevitably erge!"
"And among them... might be you!"
"Perhaps you are now filled with passion, but as ti passes, can you guarantee you won't beco the second leader of the World Governt?"
As if anticipating Dragon's question, Orion shook his head with a smile.
"I will not beco the second leader of the World Governt. After achieving these goals, I will relinquish power and beco a wandering traveler! As for who will govern the World Governnt—it could be Sakazuki, Borsalino, Gion, or even you, Dragon. Why, even Koala-san here beside you could qualify!"
"In short, anyone capable may contend for this position."
"As for the corruption and ambition you ntioned—these are unavoidable in any era. So long as they don't disrupt the peaceful lives of ordinary people, they are not issues."
Just as Orion finished speaking, a booming voice suddenly ca from outside the office door.
"Fleet Admiral, Aramaki reporting for duty!"
"Enter!"
"Yes, sir!"
Ryokugyu pushed the door open and strode in, followed by several Celestial Dragons dressed in their distinctive attire.
Leading them was Mjosgard of the Ethanbaron family, who had previously appeared at the hotel on Sabaody Archipelago.
"!!!!!"
The mont Koala saw the Celestial Dragons accompanying Ryokugyu, her expression twisted in terror, and she instinctively leaned closer to Dragon.
Noticing Koala's reaction, Dragon's eyes softened with affection as he whispered.
"Don't be afraid."
As the leader of the Revolutionary Army, he kept Koala by his side not just for her exceptional work ethic but also because he had always treated her like a daughter.
Koala's fear of Celestial Dragons stemd from her childhood trauma—she had once been captured and enslaved by them.
Even after being rescued from the Holy Land, the psychological scars ran deep.
Though she had since regained her cheerful and lively deanor, the deep-seated fear of Celestial Dragons remained.
Hearing Dragon's reassurance, Koala nodded firmly but still clutched her skirt tightly, her fingers trembling from tension and dread.
Ryokugyu, unfamiliar with Dragon and Koala, simply assud they were an ordinary father and daughter.
He strode eagerly up to Orion and declared excitedly, "Marshal, I've fulfilled my mission—every Celestial Dragon in the hotel has signed the agreent!"
"So of them started acting high and mighty again after you left, so I had to employ so... special asures to teach them a lesson!"
"Strangely enough, these Celestial Dragons act so superior, but the mont I picked up a whip, they all dropped to their knees!"
"All those years I spent supporting them—what a waste!"
"Not a single one had any backbone. After a good beating, they all started coughing up money. What a bizarre species!"
"Well done," Orion replied with an approving nod. "From now on, you'll be in charge of handling the Celestial Dragons in the Holy Land. For now, let those who've signed the agreent go. Next, contact Doflamingo—have him provide you with another list of nas, then invite them to Sabaody to... contribute their share."
Hearing the conversation between Orion and Ryokugyu, Koala, who had nervously moved closer to Dragon out of tension, blinked in confusion at first.
Then her pupils gradually dilated before she finally seed to realize sothing extraordinary had happened.
Wide-eyed, she looked up at Dragon and whispered urgently.
"Dragon-san, he... they..."
Realizing she might have overreacted, Koala quickly shut her mouth.
Summoning her courage, she stole a glance at Ryokugyu before turning her curious gaze towards Orion.
At that mont, Orion also swept his eyes over the Celestial Dragons who had followed Ryokugyu into the office.
He asked Ryokugyu Curiously, "Aramaki, have you taken bribes? You actually brought them into my office!"
Ryokugyu didn't bother hiding it, replying straightforwardly, "They each gave ten million Belly, hoping I'd bring them to see the Fleet Admiral!"
"However, I've already turned in all the Belly I received—kept not a single coin!"
Hearing this, Orion dropped the matter and instead regarded the Celestial Dragons with interest.
"What brings you gentlen to Marine Headquarters to see ?"
"Fleet Admiral Orion, do you rember ?"
Mjosgard quickly stepped forward, excited.
"I'm Mjosgard from the Ethanbaron family."
Orion smiled politely. "Of course I rember! Though I have no fondness for you worthless Holy Land trash! If you're here to cozy up, go back where you ca from—don't pollute Headquarters' air with your presence!"
"Fleet Admiral, you misunderstands us!"
Mjosgard plastered on a smile, trying his best to maintain proper decorum as he spoke earnestly.
"We ca to Headquarters because... we wish to join the Marines! We originally planned to register at the new recruits office, but we were nearly mobbed by Marine soldiers the mont we entered Headquarters. We had no choice but to seek help from Rear Admiral Ryokugyu."
"Celestial Dragons wanting to join the Marines?"
Orion looked with amusent at the Celestial Dragons behind Mjosgard before continuing.
"Now that's novel. As Celestial Dragons, you should be joining the God's Knights. Why would you want to enlist in the Marines?"
Before Mjosgard could respond, the Celestial Dragons behind him raised their heads respectfully.
"We want to follow the Fleet Admiral!"
"How interesting!"
Orion withdrew his gaze and said bluntly, "Ryokugyu, you'll be responsible for training them. Before they officially join, make them shed all that excess fat."
"If they can lose that fat, they can start as privates. If not, kick them out."
"Yes, sir."
Ryokugyu straightened and saluted.
"Rest assured, Fleet Admiral, I'll make sure they slim down!"
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