Chapter 441: Redemption for the Navy!
"I wonder what Captain Ryuunosuke means?"
"Borrowing people—who exactly will you lend us?"
Sakazuki voiced his doubts openly. In times like this, there was no point in dancing around words. The Navy needed help, and the only factions capable of providing it were the Dragon Hunter Pirates or the World Government. Returning to the latter was impossible.
Ryuunosuke smiled. "Heracles, one of my researchers. His specialty is plants."
The words seemed almost too simple. During recent months, Heracles had been wandering the seas, searching for stable ground to conduct his work. The Dragon Hunting Base was mobile, hidden, and ever-changing—perfect for secrecy, but terrible for agriculture. Heracles needed stability, not an island where weather shifted like moods. That was why he had left the base in the first place.
"Plants?" Sakazuki frowned. "Are you planning to build the Navy a garden?"
He almost thought Ryuunosuke was mocking him. A gardener wouldn't solve the Navy's financial collapse. His voice carried a trace of irritation.
Ryuunosuke's grin sharpened. "Plants don't just mean flowers. Food, medicine, crops that drive economies—all plants. And this botanist of mine… he can even grow meat."
The navy officers stiffened in disbelief. Meat, grown like crops?
But if true, it was revolutionary. The Navy was a bottomless pit of consumption, and feeding its countless soldiers was a constant drain. If Heracles could truly produce food—especially meat—on demand, the most fundamental expense could be solved at its roots.
"…Captain Ryuunosuke," Sakazuki said carefully, "what price must we pay to borrow this so-called botanist?"
His tone was calmer now. Sakazuki was nothing if not pragmatic. For the sake of the Navy, he would cast aside pride. That was what Ryuunosuke respected about him—even if this was the same man who, in another history, had killed Ace.
"Protect him," Ryuunosuke replied simply. "Give Heracles whatever resources he requires. That's all."
The admiral's eyes widened. He had expected demands for money, territory, or naval concessions. Instead, the pirate captain asked for protection.
After breaking from the World Government, the Navy had been surrounded by enemies. Powerful kingdoms watched like sharks circling wounded prey, waiting for the right moment to strike. That was why Sakazuki hadn't turned to them for aid. He knew they would demand the Navy's submission in exchange.
Yet here Ryuunosuke was—offering help without chains. For a moment, it almost felt as though the roles were reversed.
"Why?" Sakazuki asked finally. His voice was quieter, tinged with confusion. His impression of Ryuunosuke had always been of a ruthless powerhouse, never someone who would extend a hand so freely.
Ryuunosuke leaned back casually. "No reason. The Navy cannot disappear. There are things only you can do. Don't tell me you'll trade away justice for resources? Don't be stupid. The Navy isn't a tool—it's an institution this sea still needs."
His tone was light, but his eyes were firm.
Sakazuki stared at him, stunned. And then, slowly, he lowered his head. "Thank you, Captain Ryuunosuke."
With uncharacteristic humility, the fleet admiral bowed deeply. One by one, the vice admirals behind him followed.
Ding!
The system's chime echoed in Ryuunosuke's ears.
Congratulations, host. You have gained the Navy's recognition.
Reputation Points +200,000.
He smirked inwardly. The system thrived on acknowledgment. The Navy, divorced from the World Government, represented a colossal new source of prestige. Recognition from them was worth more than any treasure chest.
"Good. I'll have Heracles report to your headquarters soon." Ryuunosuke rose, spreading his arms wide. "For now—stay. Join us for a party."
It was an unspoken truth of the seas: no matter the conflict, no matter the blood spilled, everything could be settled—or at least paused—over a banquet.
Sakazuki blinked, then chuckled softly. "Then we'll trouble you."
And so, food and wine poured forth. The crew brought out instruments, laughter echoed across the deck, and for a night, marines and pirates drank together. Songs drowned suspicion; the warmth of firelight drowned old grudges.
For Sakazuki and his men, who had long carried the weight of grim duty, the revelry was healing. Pirates, they had once believed, were chaos embodied. Yet here, the Dragon Hunter Pirates showed them another truth.
Three Days Later
The Navy departed, their ships sailing back with renewed supplies—and hope. The Dragon Hunter Pirates resumed their voyage toward Raftel.
Meanwhile, in the shadowed halls of the World Government…
"Lord Roy, your body—"
"It's fine," Roy rasped, adjusting his breath. His injuries were severe, yet his eyes burned with manic excitement. "I underestimated the Dragon Hunter Pirates this time."
"They should be heading for Raftel now. Should we intervene?" Imu asked coolly.
Roy shook his head. "No. Not yet. Let them walk their path. The Dragon Hunter Pirates will come to me in time."
A sinister smile stretched across his lips as he raised his hand. Resting in his palm was a black Infinity Stone. Yet its aura was unmistakable—
The breath of an Eternal Heart.
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