Chapter 376: Chapter 376: Dragon’s Faith!
Chapter 376: Dragon’s Faith!
While the battle raged back at the Islands, Ryuunosuke had already sailed far from the chaos.
After all, now that he possessed Raftel’s Eternal Pointer, there was no reason to fight over it.
And honestly, when he did take action, it often felt like bullying.
You had to remember—he and the Four Emperors Pirate Groups were now recognized together as the Four Emperors and One Emperor of the sea.
With that kind of title, fighting over scraps with rookie pirates felt beneath him.
Of course, if Ryuunosuke hadn’t secured the Eternal Pointer, things would be different.
He would’ve fought tooth and nail for it.
"Master Ryuunosuke, what are we doing here?"
Shirahoshi looked around the unfamiliar waters with confusion.
As a recent addition to the Dragon Hunter Pirates, she had no clue what Ryuunosuke was up to—and didn’t dare ask more than that.
"I have a meeting. Just stay behind me for a bit," Ryuunosuke replied calmly.
"Understood! Shirahoshi will behave."
She nodded earnestly, clearly excited.
It was the first time Ryuunosuke had taken her along for something important, and she was eager to make a good impression.
Plus, she was curious about meeting people beyond the crew.
Before long, a large ship appeared on the horizon.
The man approaching was none other than the leader of the Revolutionary Army—Monkey D. Dragon!
"Captain Ryuunosuke!" Dragon called out as they came closer.
He offered a respectful greeting. Though Ryuunosuke hadn’t directly joined the Revolutionary Army’s fight, his influence had helped tremendously.
Not only had the Heracles technology he shared solved their food crisis, but the strategies he’d passed on had given them a clear path forward.
Some nobles even began supporting the movement.
After all, maintaining their so-called "noble" status meant paying massive amounts of Heavenly Tribute to the World Government every year.
They were beginning to realize it wasn’t worth it.
Worse, when they quietly stopped paying, they were "coincidentally" attacked by pirates—again and again.
It didn’t take long for them to understand.
These weren’t real pirate raids.
They were deliberate punishments orchestrated by the World Government—to force compliance.
Dragon also had a theory: that the World Government allowed pirates to run free to keep the kingdoms in check.
Without threats on the seas, those kingdoms might stop paying tribute entirely.
—
"Hello, Chief Dragon," Ryuunosuke said casually. "So? Why did you ask to meet? Is there something the Revolutionary Army needs from the Dragon Hunter Pirates?"
Seeing Dragon in person made Shirahoshi’s eyes widen in awe.
The leader of the Revolutionary Army... a former Vice Admiral of the Navy Headquarters... Monkey D. Dragon!
So this was who Ryuunosuke meant to meet...
Did this mean the Dragon Hunter Pirates were part of the Revolutionary Army too?
She had so many questions—but kept them to herself.
Her job was to stand behind her captain.
—
"Who’s this?" Dragon asked, glancing at the unfamiliar figure behind Ryuunosuke.
What he had to discuss couldn’t be overheard.
"This is our newest crewmate—Princess Shirahoshi of Fishman Island," Ryuunosuke introduced smoothly. "Shirahoshi, this is Mr. Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army."
"Hello, Mr. Dragon," Shirahoshi greeted politely.
"Hello," Dragon nodded. "If she’s one of your crew, then I trust her."
His gaze turned serious.
"I need information. Everything you know about the World Government."
"You’ve declared war on them, haven’t you?"
"We’re preparing to—"
"You’re really going through with it?" Ryuunosuke interrupted.
"Yes," Dragon replied, nodding. "Six allied nations have already agreed to join our cause. The Revolutionary Army is stronger than ever."
There was confidence in his voice.
Ryuunosuke fell silent for a moment, then sighed.
"I wouldn’t recommend it. Not yet."
"The World Government... isn’t as simple as you think."
"Honestly, I don’t see much chance of success with what you have."
He didn’t want to douse Dragon’s momentum, but facts were facts.
Roy hadn’t even shown up last time. And now... a group of Guardians had entered the scene.
Not to mention the deeper forces hidden behind the World Government...
They weren’t opponents Dragon could face just yet.
At most, his current strength was on par with Sakazuki.
Maybe even a bit weaker thanHis own father...
After all, Garp’s strength was terrifying.
If they launched a full-scale war now, they’d be crushed.
—
Ryuunosuke began detailing the truths he’d uncovered—the powers behind the throne, the hidden figures, the Guardians...
As Dragon listened, a thoughtful look settled on his face.
Ryuunosuke couldn’t help but feel a hint of admiration.
The things he just revealed could shatter the resolve of anyone—even someone with a strong will.
—
"Well?" Ryuunosuke asked. "Still planning to go through with it?"
His tone had lost its earlier edge.
At first, he’d assumed Dragon was blindly charging forward.
But now... it was clear the man had a deeper understanding—and the resolve to match.
"...I don’t have an answer yet," Dragon admitted. "But if the world really is as dangerous as you say... we’ll have to delay."
"Delay?" Ryuunosuke raised an eyebrow.
Dragon nodded, a faint smile forming.
"Yes. Those people you mentioned... they’re not focused on this sea."
"Maybe when the mystery of Raftel is finally revealed—that’s when the Revolutionary Army will strike."
"I hope you succeed," Ryuunosuke replied, smiling faintly.
—
"Hmm... someone’s coming."
Dragon suddenly looked off into the distance, his expression sharpening.
Ryuunosuke turned in the same direction.
"...Old man?"
A familiar presence entered his Observation Haki.
There was no mistaking it.
Garp.
"Really? You’ve retired, and you’re still chasing after things on the sea?"
Ryuunosuke chuckled.
"Persistent old geezer."
Dragon sighed, though there was a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Clearly, the relationship between father and son wasn’t as bad as it looked.
Even if they stood on opposite sides, Garp must still be proud of his son.
He’d never had much faith in the World Government either.
—
"I’m heading out. If I stay, the old man will punch me."
With that, Dragon steered his ship away.
As the Revolutionary Army vessel sailed off into the distance, and Garp’s ship slowly drew near...
Ryuunosuke sat cross-legged on the sea, calmly waiting for his grandfather to arrive.
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