After the so-called "Admiral's Tea Gathering" concluded, Dragon, as the leader of the Revolutionary Army, remained busy and was the first to take his leave.
Outside the building entrance, Dragon smiled and asked Tiger, "Tiger, about that matter we discussed earlier..."
Before Dragon could finish, Tiger, looking slightly embarrassed, responded, "Sorry, Dragon-san, but I can't join your Revolutionary Army just yet. That meeting really shifted my perspective. At this critical moment, I feel I need to take on certain responsibilities for Fish-Man Island... The Revolutionary Army can wait until I've handled what I need to."
Dragon looked genuinely confused. "Huh?"
Damn it! I've spent so long digging up this talent, and now, just when it was about to be a done deal, that bastard Ortoren had to throw a meeting and mess everything up?
But recruiting people into the Revolutionary Army couldn't be forced.
So, despite feeling a bit helpless, Dragon couldn't do much to stop it. He could only shake his head in regret and say, "That's really unfortunate. But it's okay. The doors of the Revolutionary Army are always open for you. Once you're done with your business, Tiger, we can talk again."
Tiger felt quite awkward. After all, he had gone back on his earlier promise, which didn't feel great. He said, "I may not be available now, but some of my younger brothers are still very interested. I'll talk to them when I get back. If they're interested, I'll reach out to you..."
Dragon nodded in agreement and exchanged a few more polite words with Tiger before leaving.
Meanwhile, upstairs in the conference room, only Ortoren and Katakuri remained. The others hadn't left the island, but they had dispersed to handle their own business.
With no outsiders around, Katakuri pulled his scarf down a bit and eagerly grabbed a donut from the table, stuffing it into his mouth. "Next time you call me for one of these small meetings, don't put donuts on the table. You have no idea how hard I had to resist."
"Hahahaha..." Ortoren laughed while sipping his tea. "You really can never get enough of those, can you?"
Katakuri didn't respond directly, chewing on the donut as he asked, "You asked me to stay behind. What did you want to discuss?"
"It's about matters with the World Government." Ortoren set down his teacup and continued, "Before heading back to the New World, I had a private meeting with the Five Elders. They're very interested in Totto Land..."
"When Mama held that tea gathering last time, Stussy from the Pleasure District hinted at it too. Looks like the World Government hasn't given up yet," Katakuri remarked, raising an eyebrow.
"If they gave up after just one or two failed attempts, that would show a lack of sincerity," Ortoren said casually before asking, "Setting aside the World Government's intentions, I'm also curious—what are Mama's thoughts on the matter now?"
"You mean whether she's considering abandoning her stance as a pirate?" Katakuri asked.
"Yes." Ortoren nodded earnestly.
Not only was the World Government curious about this, but Ortoren was too. Charlotte Linlin's stance and position might not have much impact now, but in the future, they would inevitably influence Ortoren's own position and attitude.
If Charlotte Linlin truly intended to continue on this path, conflicts between them would be unavoidable.
Therefore, it wasn't just the Five Elders who wanted to bring Totto Land into the World Government as a strong New World Member Nation—Ortoren himself wanted to push this matter forward as well.
Getting this done now meant that a pirate nation like Totto Land would join under the World Government's amnesty and arrangements. The negative consequences would fall on the World Government.
But there was no doubt that Ortoren would reap the benefits—after all, his connections were firmly in place.
Once this was accomplished, when Ortoren eventually overthrew the World Government and reshaped the world, he wouldn't have to waste time trying to whitewash Totto Land. The World Government would have already done it for him, and he would simply inherit the legacy smoothly.
You could even say there were no downsides to this!
Katakuri gave Ortoren a meaningful glance and said, "And you? What's your take on this?"
"Me?" Ortoren chuckled, then quickly straightened his expression and responded seriously, "Whether considering the future or my position and identity, I naturally hope that Totto Land truly finds its way. Forgive my bluntness, but the pirate life holds little future. It might lead to fleeting glory, but in the end, it's just like Roger or Shiki—bright for a moment, then nothing but fading memories."
Katakuri nodded slightly but didn't comment. He then said, "Perhaps, but I can tell you with certainty that, at least for now, Mama has no intention of abandoning her pirate identity. I think she's become too used to it."
"That's a real headache. The old hag's as stubborn as they come..." Ortoren muttered, scoffing.
Katakuri couldn't help but feel a bit amused and exasperated. Just a moment ago, he'd been calling her "Mama," but now, hearing that it was hopeless, he had switched to "old hag"? What a contradiction!
"You're a real pain," he thought.
"It is troublesome, but nothing's set in stone. Mama might not always hold onto this. And, in essence, Totto Land has already moved beyond the realm of pirates, hasn't it? If you try a little harder, things might change. After all, Mama cares about you more than anyone else." Katakuri said with a reassuring smile.
"Perhaps you're right—she does value me more than the others. But it's not like she listens to everything I say..." Ortoren shook his head, then stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Still, you're right—anything is possible. She might change her mind in the future, especially since..."
"Especially what?" Katakuri raised an eyebrow.
"In the end, the matters of this sea are decided by the strong. She hasn't changed her mind yet because no one's strong enough to make her. But in the future, when I get the chance, I'll return to Whole Cake Island to fulfill my duties, treat her illness... Who knows? Maybe that stubborn streak of hers will finally soften?" Ortoren's lips curled into a brilliant smile.
Katakuri rolled his eyes and chuckled, "You really are a filial son. But honestly, I'm kind of looking forward to seeing that happen."
Katakuri understood the truth in Ortoren's words. In this vast sea, power ultimately determined authority.
Right now, the strongest in the Charlotte family was Charlotte Linlin. So, if she didn't want to do something, the others couldn't force her. But if the strongest became Ortoren, things would definitely change.
"Mama might not be ready to give up the pirate identity, but she won't reject working with the World Government if you're leading it. Just like the arms deal before—you acted as the middleman, and it worked out. And this entertainment complex project? Isn't it another form of cooperation with the World Government? If we handle more things like this, she might change her mind," Katakuri added.
"Alright, I get the general idea. Once I sort this out, I'll know how to proceed," Ortoren nodded, deciding not to press any further on the subject.
Soon, Ortoren and Katakuri were chatting about amusing events from the past few days, including Ace's antics on Whole Cake Island during Ortoren's absence. The atmosphere was warm and light-hearted, occasionally interrupted by bursts of laughter.
Once the conversation had run its course and Katakuri had polished off the last of the donuts, he wiped his mouth and adjusted his scarf. "Well, this is the Marines' territory, so I shouldn't overstay my welcome. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
Ortoren stood and walked Katakuri to the door. "I won't see you out. I need to report my progress to the Five Elders..."
Katakuri nodded, saying no more. The two brothers parted ways.
...
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