"I say, Logan—is it that you don't trust your own strength, or do you think I'm not strong enough? Jarl Ha might have a head full of peace and dreams, but his martial prowess is beyond doubt. As long as the three of us stand united, we can take the first step toward dominating the entire world!"
In these seas, conviction is everything. Those with wavering beliefs often find their path to growth riddled with setbacks. Even for the same person, losing one's ideals can drastically change their future trajectory—and even their physical appearance. Without exception, those who eventually stand among the world's peak powerhouses possess an unshakable faith in their own path.
In Rocks' eyes, there was nothing wrong with his vision; it was simply that others refused to cooperate.
"I never said you were weak," Logan countered. "But the World Government isn't weak either. Think of the elites within the Holy Knights, the Admirals of Navy Headquarters, and the hidden agents of CP0—these are powerful forces the Government can deploy at a moment's notice.
"More importantly, if the need arises, the World Government can replenish its losses and recover its vitality almost instantly through the World Military Draft. But what about you, Rocks? What do you truly have to rely on?
"Do you plan to rely on those 'loyal' crew members you won through Davy Back Fights? Compared to pirates who are infamous for their cruelty, most people on this sea still choose to believe in the World Government. They believe in an entity that, while corrupt to the core, still maintains a facade of order."
The World Military Draft was indeed a common tactic for the Government to quickly bolster its ranks. It didn't just provide fodder; it occasionally unearthed civilian monsters with power rivaling a Navy Admiral.
Fujitora and Ryokugyu were exactly that—hidden masters discovered through such means. Even if Ryokugyu was later mocked as a "dispatched laborer Admiral" due to his conduct, he still possessed overwhelming power against ordinary combatants. And men like them, hidden powerhouses, generally leaned toward the established order represented by the World Government.
As for the Davy Back Fight Logan mentioned, it was a specialized form of combat among pirate crews. In the Rocks Pirates, members were either part of an interest group gathered for their own ambitions or subordinates forcibly conscripted through these games. In a true crisis, these people could hardly be relied upon.
"The vast majority of the world still chooses the World Government," Logan continued. "Even if your 'Rocks Philosophy' manages to take that first step by luck, you will inevitably face endless resistance and trouble."
"So what if there are countless weaklings? I intend to be the King of the World! Whether they resist or not means nothing to me! Is this the trivial nonsense you're worried about?!" Rocks roared.
The fierce battle never slowed. Between the clashing fists and crossing blades, their sharp arguments continued to fly.
"That is why I say our fundamental philosophies are worlds apart," Logan said.
"You bastard... in the eyes of the high-and-mighty World Nobles and commoners, aren't you still defined as a heinous pirate? Do you really have the things you're talking about?"
"We haven't exactly known each other for just one day, Rocks. Do you really not know what I've been doing on these seas all these years?"
The seawater, which had been pushed away by the shockwaves of their clash, began to surge back in a violent torrent. It looked like a terrifying tsunami, massive waves thundering toward the center of the battlefield.
However, under Logan's exquisite mastery of Fish-Man Jujutsu, the waves that seemed ready to swallow everything were suddenly gripped by an invisible hand, transforming into a massive weapon. With a precise pull, the sky-blotting wave crashed down toward Rocks' head with the weight of ten thousand tons.
"Hmph! Those slaves you spend all day liberating?" Rocks growled, swinging his blade. With one strike, he split the descending tide down the middle and charged at Logan again. "They can't even guarantee their own safety. They're just a bunch of weaklings! What use could they possibly be?"
In his deep-seated worldview, weaklings were worthless, no matter their number.
"I never expected them to charge the front lines for me. Think carefully—are there more nobles, or more commoners spread across the world? Even citizens of World Government allied nations can't escape the tragic fate of being targeted and kidnapped by lawless slave traders. Is that a rare occurrence?"
The islands in this vast sea were as numerous as the stars. Among them, the number of non-affiliated nations far exceeded those allied with the World Government. In the official eyes of the Government, these non-affiliated lands were lawless territories. Massive massacres or the evil slave trade were tacitly permitted as "legal" under the rules set by the World Government.
Technically, selling members of non-affiliated nations was a common phenomenon. But once someone fell into the hands of bottomless slave traders, no one cared or bothered to verify if the victim actually came from an allied nation.
"All I need," Logan said, "is for those I rescue to tell the people around them who gave them their freedom. By accumulating this word-of-mouth day after day, we can gradually change how the world perceives us. Isn't Jarl Ha's work the best proof? Aren't there already many people who believe that fierce-looking Giant is actually a kind-hearted man?"
"On the islands we've sailed past, I have heard people discussing the Fish-Man Pirates liberating slaves," Rocks admitted. "I've even met a few you freed yourself."
"I hope you didn't lay a hand on those poor people who just regained their freedom," Logan joked. He knew Rocks' habits well.
"Dammit! Who do you think I am? What could those dirt-poor bastards possibly have that's worth stealing?!"
"Then you've seen the results with your own eyes. You should know by now whether my actions have meaning. As for those legendary Devil Fruits you've been so obsessed with finding... so far, you haven't managed to get your hands on a single one, have you?"
"..."
Rocks fell into a brief silence. He could argue against philosophy, but he couldn't argue against the facts Logan had pointed out.
His progress was indeed near zero. Jarl Ha's heart clearly leaned toward the World Government's side; convincing him to join would be even harder than convincing Logan.
Since he couldn't win the argument, he would finish the fight—but before Rocks could move, a man with striking blonde hair flew toward them, braving the powerful shockwaves of their battle.
"You two... stop! Stop fighting! The 'Treasure' of Hachinosu... we have news!"
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