Bullet chuckled as well, but suddenly remembered something and asked Enel:
"This kind of missile—could the Navy mass-produce it?"
This thing was far too convenient. One shot could wipe out an entire pirate ship.
Compared to the outdated naval cannons currently in use, it was many times stronger.
If every soldier had one, how much trouble would that save?
Enel shook his head helplessly:
"No, it can only be for us to play around with."
"This thing is too powerful. The government won't allow it to be mass-produced."
"You saw the blast radius yourself. If this sort of weapon were issued in numbers, is there anywhere in the world that couldn't be breached?"
"An ordinary soldier only needs to fire once to destroy a custom-built battleship."
"As for normal pirate ships, they'd be reduced to splinters."
"The power of these missiles is such that even many Vice Admirals couldn't withstand them."
"Not everyone has as much Haki as you, Bullet."
"Haven't you noticed? Out at sea, it's all those old-fashioned cannons."
"Even the more advanced navies only get a bit more range."
"Technology like this is simply not allowed to leak. The moment the government detects even a hint of it, they immediately send people to crush it."
"The technology of these seas hasn't advanced in a long, long time."
"Centuries ago, they were using these same cannons. And now, they still are."
Bullet furrowed his brow:
"I see…"
Enel shrugged:
"That's just how cruel it is."
"It's not that no kingdoms have developed advanced technology."
"For example, Vegapunk-sensei's homeland, with its animal modifications, missiles, and other cutting-edge tech."
"That was developed long ago. But the location was too remote, so it never spread. And once Vegapunk-sensei joined the research unit…"
"The government stationed heavy troops all over the island of the future."
"That's just the official side. On the civilian side, there's the Germa 66 in the North Blue."
"They've got both technology and military might, but they still can't conquer those agricultural kingdoms."
"The main reason is government interference from the shadows."
"I don't know if that Judge's brain rotted from research, but the problem is obvious at a glance."
"Yet he's still foolishly working for the government."
Bullet clicked his tongue:
"Really pisses me off…"
Enel chuckled softly:
"Not much longer now."
"The old man's plan is nearly complete."
"Just waiting for the right opportunity."
In the distance… that deserted island, several times larger than nearby Loguetown, was clearly visible.
...
On the deserted island's port.
As they approached, Enel couldn't help but sigh:
"Good grief, it's this big?"
"As expected of a powerhouse from the old era."
"Dragging ten islands from the New World and flying them all the way to the East Blue, then fighting Sakazuki-sama…"
"Though… he died pretty miserably."
Bullet gave a light chuckle, though his expression was heavy.
In a one-on-one fight, he didn't fear those pirates. But some things could only be achieved with a Devil Fruit.
Like this massive island in front of them.
The Golden Lion could, through his Devil Fruit, rip entire islands out of the sea.
He carried them across half the world and dropped them into the East Blue.
That was simply beyond human power. Without a fruit, no amount of training could let someone lift an island, and science couldn't do it either.
Sakazuki leapt from the port onto the warship:
"Let's go. Head back to Loguetown."
"Rest one night, then depart tomorrow."
Enel pressed his fingers together and swept them forward:
"Understood!"
The warship slowly turned.
Enel beckoned two soldiers to bring out the captured pirate captain:
"Guess what we just stumbled upon on the way here?"
Sakazuki looked at the half-dead pirate on the ground, kicked him, and found nothing unusual:
"Anything special?"
Enel grinned:
"This guy should be a Float-Float Fruit user."
"Too bad his luck ran out."
Sakazuki grew interested, crouched down, and examined him:
"Interesting."
"Keep him alive. Don't let him die."
"Once we finish up here, we'll start the 'Fruit Recovery Plan.'"
"Devil Fruits are dangerous things."
"It's better if the 'government of the future' controls and distributes them, don't you agree?"
Enel asked:
"How much longer?"
Sakazuki smiled:
"Not long. Over in the West and North Blue, Karol has scouted everything."
"The Revolutionary Army's ideology is already spreading, growing more and more intense."
"But for now its impact on the government is negligible, so they're not paying attention."
"Still, once Cleansing Campaign finishes, give it two years."
"After a wave of young people sets sail, the government will realize something's wrong. But by then it'll be too late."
Unlike the original tale, where Dragon's ideology was only just sprouting in this period, here Dragon already held a complete revolutionary framework.
It had been growing for seven or eight years now. The energy was there—just waiting for one opportunity…
Enel blinked at the mention of Karol's name:
"I see…"
"Come to think of it, it's been ages since I last saw Karol-san."
Sakazuki said:
"Not much longer."
"Finish the East Blue operation quickly, then rendezvous with Karol on the Grand Line."
"This mission dragged on far too long. It's completely exceeded the original plan."
He sighed inwardly. It had been his mistake.
The Cleansing Campaign that was supposed to end in two years had been stretched out by constant revisions and refinements.
And now Nico Robin had basically been raised by Karol since childhood.
That bond…
...
Night.
North Blue, Treiga Island.
On the peak of a dense jungle mountain, Karol sat by a campfire outside two tents, stirring the flames.
The spot was excellent—when the sun rose, it would offer a breathtaking view.
Sensing through Observation Haki that Robin was fully asleep, Karol quietly stood.
A short while later, on another mountaintop—
He pulled out a Den Den Mushi and dialed. Two seconds later, it connected:
"Admiral Sakazuki."
Sakazuki's voice came through:
"Get ready, Karol."
"Cleansing Campaign will be finished within a year."
"After that, rendezvous on the Grand Line."
"Everything fine on your end?"
Karol glanced toward a faint firelight on a distant mountain peak:
"No problem. Don't worry."
"I've taught her everything she needs to know."
Sakazuki was silent for several seconds:
"...…"
"I meant you."
Karol chuckled:
"I'm fine too."
"Don't worry. I know my priorities."
"It's just… hard to let go."
On the other end, Sakazuki sighed softly before speaking:
"Sorry."
"This was my mistake."
Karol laughed:
"No need to apologize, Admiral Sakazuki."
"If I were hindered by such attachments, I'd be unfit for my role."
"After all… you're the one carrying the heaviest burden."
"As your deputy, how could I afford to fall behind?"
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