Chapter 57: The Self-Defense Army Needs You

"It seems we have arrived at just the right time."

Saint Saint Saiwen looked toward the source of the voice; the arrivals were none other than the legendary Savior King, leader of the Self-Defense Army, Monkey D. Dragon, and the King of the Utsukushi, Ivankov.

"Kuma! Jin Ni!!"

Ivankov sprinted over, paying no heed to the steaming roasted meat still in the two's hands, and threw himself into Kuma's embrace; the three hugged tightly.

"That's wonderful. I heard about the Sorbet Kingdom incident and specifically called Dragon over to help. It is truly great that you are all safe."

Kuma smiled gently.

"We are fine, Ivankov."

The three had met at Sabaody, endured numerous hardships to escape, and even after parting ways, had maintained contact for many years.

"Let me hug you all again."

Ivankov understood that once Kuma made up his mind to do something, even if he tried to dissuade him, he could not be turned back.

Besides, he had no intention of obstructing him in the first place.

He respected and blessed Kuma's choice, feeling happy that Kuma had left his countryside church to follow a captain of immense strength.

People cannot remain trapped in one place forever.

After the three finished catching up, Ivankov was surprised to discover: Dragon, who had previously felt reluctant, was now sitting by the campfire discussing things with Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen.

In fact, hearing what Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen said, Dragon nodded from time to time, his eyes growing even brighter.

"This world should not be like this..."

"Mr. Dragon, remember this: power comes from the barrel of a gun. You must firmly grasp an army that fights for the liberation of all humanity and is capable of achieving victory."

"Given the vast power of the World Government and the Navy, I suggest you surround the cities from the countryside..."

"Prioritize liberating non-member nations where the World Government's influence is not so great. Simply persist in overthrowing the landlords and dividing the land, eliminating the privileged class, and building a world where everyone can eat their fill. Victory will ultimately belong to you..."

Watching Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen speak endlessly, Dragon's eyes were filled with stars; he suddenly realized—

Kuma and Jin Ni were indeed important.

But Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen was the like-minded partner and leader capable of leading the Self-Defense Army to victory.

A talent! This is truly a talent!

Must, must secure him!!!

Overcome with excitement, Dragon involuntarily gripped Saint Saint Saiwen's hand, his face filled with longing.

"Mr., the Self-Defense Army needs you."

"Nani?!" x3

By the campfire, Ivankov, Kuma, and Jin Ni wore identical expressions, their chins nearly dropping to the ground.

They simply could not understand.

In just the short time they were catching up, what exactly had Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen (the Captain) done to Dragon to make him look like a lovesick fool?

Willing to give everything just to invite Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen (the Captain) to join the Self-Defense Army.

Such charm? No wonder he is the man with a thirty-billion bounty whom Mihawk and Master Tenghu follow.

"Mr. Dragon." Saint Saint Saiwen shook his head slightly.

"The Revolutionary Army... the Self-Defense Army is one choice for saving the world, but I wish to try another choice. Although we cannot raise the banner of righteousness together at present, however—"

"However, we shall eventually meet again at the destination."

It was still the same saying: whoever fights the World Government, Saint Saint Saiwen would lend a hand; let alone the Revolutionary Army which aims to overthrow the World Government.

In the original timeline, it was precisely after the Ohara Buster Call that Dragon, Ivankov, and Kuma reorganized the Self-Defense Army into the Revolutionary Army.

However, there was a problem with their ideology.

Now, Saint Saint Saiwen has buried a more advanced, more fervent revolutionary fire in Dragon's heart; the flame of the Revolutionary Army will surely burn even more thoroughly in the future.

Dragon's gaze sank, the regret churning in his eyes almost overflowing.

"Mr., Dragon awaits that day."

Looking at Saint Saint Saiwen, Dragon silently asked in his heart.

Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen, what manner of man are you? A former member of the Roger Pirates? The captain of the Morning Star Pirates? A Sea Emperor with a thirty-billion bounty?

No.

Dragon had already given the answer in his heart—you are a partner of the Self-Defense Army, a fellow traveler capable of cleaving this chaotic long night side by side.

"Mr." Dragon spoke, full of apology.

"The... ideology you just spoke of, I do not quite understand some of it. Could you please write it down for me?"

"No problem." Saint Saint Saiwen nodded and agreed.

Taking the notebook handed to him by Kuma, Saint Saint Saiwen pondered briefly, then transcribed word for word the great man's ideology that was etched in his mind.

Dragon, Ivankov, Kuma, and Jin Ni stood aside, holding their breaths so lightly.

The wind before the church door ceased; only the crackling of the campfire remained, accompanied by the rustling of pen on paper, spreading into a faint, fragmented echo before the door.

Finally, after Saint Saint Saiwen wrote the four large characters "Long Live the People," he closed the notebook and handed it to Dragon.

"Mr. Dragon, if you have any thoughts in the future, I will write them down and send them to you."

The Den Den Mushi can transmit faxes.

Dragon accepted the notebook as if it were a precious treasure.

"Thank you."

"By the way." Saint Saint Saiwen seemed to remember something.

"Mr. Dragon, do you have Vegapunk's contact information? I have a business deal to discuss with him."

Vegapunk created the Dragon-Dragon Fruit based on the model of the Fish-Fish Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Azure Dragon Form; regardless, Saint Saint Saiwen had no intention of giving up.

First, cut off Momonosuke's future.

Two years later, go back and take out Momonosuke.

And the deserter who bet Karp on the New World; these two rotten cowards are both high-bounty targets of Warhammer, and must be captured.

"Vegapunk?" Dragon nodded: "Mr., please wait a moment, I'll ask Vegapunk."

Dragon took out a Den Den Mushi and dialed right in front of him.

"Ahem, is it convenient? There's something at home."

The Den Den Mushi rolled its eyes, disdainful of Dragon's level of caution: "Speak, no one is here on my end."

"Mr. Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen wants your contact information; he says he has a business matter to discuss with you."

The Den Den Mushi: "Give it to him."

Beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep~

Dragon hurriedly smiled to cover his embarrassment: "Scientists, you know, time is more important than anything."

"Understood."

After chatting idly for a while, the moment of parting finally arrived; Bartholomew Bear shouldered a huge pack containing sixteen full years of memories between him and Jin Ni.

"Mr. Dragon, goodbye."

"Goodbye, Mr."

Ivankoff's heavily made-up face sagged, tears in his eyes bursting like a breached dam, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Bartholomew Bear, Jin Ni, goodbye."

"Little Ivank, we're leaving."

Having lived in seclusion in the Sorbet Kingdom for sixteen years, Bartholomew Bear had naturally reached the eastern seas of the kingdom, first sending Saint Saint Saiwen and Jin Ni to the eastern shore; turning back, Bartholomew Bear waved to Dragon and Ivankoff.

"Goodbye."

Watching Bartholomew Bear leave, Ivankoff wiped his face: "Dragon, where are we going now?"

Dragon's eyes were resolute as he pressed the notebook against his chest; the small notebook felt as heavy as ten thousand pounds, and he would absolutely not trade it even for the status of a Celestial Dragon.

"Return to headquarters, recall everyone, and study advanced revolutionary ideals."

Sorbet Kingdom, south.

Waves rolled the harbor's sand; a Navy-style dog-headed warship was docked at the pier.

Garp rested his elbow on the bow railing, his gaze sweeping the busy pier in the distance, then suddenly asked the adjutant beside him.

"Have you found Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen?"

Bogart's Adam's apple rolled, his expression one of wanting to speak but holding back.

"What's wrong?" Garp turned his head.

Bogart lowered his voice to a whisper: "Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen hasn't been found yet, but I received word that Dragon arrived in the Sorbet Kingdom not long ago."

"Dragon? What is he doing here?"