"We just happened to be going the same way, so we came together."
Facing the shocked gazes of the Revolutionary Army cadres, Roy explained calmly.
"My apologies for the intrusion," Issho said, gripping his cane-sword and bowing slightly.
"You, who left the Marines, why have you come here?" Ivankov asked curiously.
"This old man wishes to see what another world is like. Though my eyes cannot see, I still hope to experience a side of the world different from what I know," Issho said.
"In plain terms, he wants to see what the Revolutionary Army is like. If it suits him, he wants to join and fight against the Celestial Dragons' rule with you," Roy explained from the side.
The Revolutionary Army members looked stunned, exchanging glances before bursting into ecstatic joy.
This was a former Marine Admiral!
One of the world's most powerful combatants. If someone like him joined them, the boost would be unimaginable, dealing a severe blow to Marine morale.
Currently, conscription was underway worldwide, and nations everywhere were resisting it, leading to countless internal conflicts. The Revolutionary Army's commanders had already gathered.
They had spread the seeds of hope across the globe, completing the groundwork for their revolutionary ideology.
The world wasn't foolish. When an ideology that resonated with them emerged, countless oppressed ordinary people would stand with them, becoming part of their cause.
The revolutions erupting worldwide were the result of over twenty years of relentless propaganda by the Revolutionary Army.
Now, even a Marine Admiral was drawn to their ideology, fantastic news for them.
"Mr. Roy, you're being too direct," Issho said, somewhat embarrassed. He did have that intention, but stating it so bluntly made him seem less valuable. After all, he was a former Marine Admiral; such directness wasn't proper.
"It's fine. All guests are welcome. Welcome, Mr. Issho, to the Kamabakka Kingdom!" Ivankov quickly stepped forward.
"Yes, welcome, Mr. Issho, to our Revolutionary Army's new headquarters. We'll explain anything you wish to know," Dragon nodded.
"This old man has one question now," Issho said suddenly.
"Please ask," Dragon was taken aback but nodded.
"What exactly is your relationship? You were once a Marine, and he has always been a pirate. I noticed this back in Dressrosa, he gave a significant portion of Doflamingo's wealth to your Revolutionary Army," Issho said.
"This..." Dragon looked at Roy.
"It's nothing much, just cooperation. After all, our goals align. We have different standpoints but a common enemy. Naturally, we deal with the powerful enemy first. Partners, you could say," Roy explained.
"That's right," Dragon nodded.
"I see. So both of you have the same goal, pirates and the Revolutionary Army joining forces," Issho said.
"Dragon, that guy is here, right?" Roy smiled.
"Yes, in the underground prison," Dragon nodded.
"I'll go see that guy. You all chat."
Roy paid them no further mind. With his Observation Haki, the location was impossible to hide; he locked onto the target instantly.
In the dungeons of the Kamabakka Kingdom, a man was imprisoned, bound by Seastone chains, with guards watching him 24/7, a testament to how dangerous the prisoner was.
"This Haki... just Observation Haki... Fufufufu, only one guy fits that," the prisoner in the cell laughed.
"Who's there?"
Footsteps echoed. The okamas guarding the entrance warily asked.
"You can leave first. I need to chat with him," Roy's voice reached their ears. Recognizing Roy, they hesitated briefly, exchanged glances, and then left.
Clatter!
The sound of chains rattling. Roy looked at Doflamingo, bound tightly on the floor, and narrowed his eyes. His shadow extended, rising within the cell like an arm grasping a blade.
Doflamingo watched this shadow with curiosity but no fear.
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
Five strikes later, the Seastone chains on Doflamingo's wrists, ankles, and neck were all severed. Doflamingo could finally sit up, stretching his joints.
"Fufufufu, it's been a while since I could move. It was you who had the Revolutionary Army extract me from Impel Down, right?" Doflamingo grinned.
The shadow turned to ash and vanished within the cell, merely a manifestation of Roy's will.
"Yes. They were going to Impel Down to rescue their comrades. I had them bring you along. It seems you were doing alright in Impel Down," Roy said.
"Magellan kept a close eye on me, afraid I'd be eliminated," Doflamingo said.
"Who's-Who once said he heard a guard in Impel Down speak of the legend of Nika. That guard was never seen again," Roy said.
"You might not believe it, but the people who most believe in the legend of Nika are in Impel Down," Doflamingo said.
"Not surprising. Impel Down was originally built to imprison Nika's companions. Initially, it was constructed on land, but it was submerged at sea after the Calm Belt appeared," Roy said.
"So that's how it was. The world didn't have much seawater initially," Doflamingo laughed.
"Without the Red Line, where would all the seawater in the world come from? The world became like this due to human actions," Roy said.
"I believe you. Because the Celestial Dragons truly have the power to change the world," Doflamingo said.
"The Celestial Dragons' national treasure, what is it exactly? Uranus is just the weaponized spaceship of the moon people who came to this planet. But before that, the Celestial Dragons already existed, scattered across the world. They wielded a certain power," Roy asked.
"So you saved me for this. Fair enough. After all, not many Celestial Dragons know these things," Doflamingo smiled.
"Your older cousin doesn't know either. Why do you know?" Roy asked.
"Sigurd? That guy is still alive? I learned by accident when I was very young," Doflamingo instantly knew who Roy meant.
"What exactly is the Celestial Dragons' national treasure?" Roy pressed.
"Strictly speaking, I don't know either. When I was very young, I wandered everywhere. Once, I ran into an underground castle in Mary Geoise. I was very bold and curious about everything back then, so I entered. Inside, I saw many things, but one thing puzzled me greatly."
"What was it?"
"The sun!"
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
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