"It seems we've arrived just in time."
Seven looked towards the source of the voice; the newcomers were the legendary savior, the leader of the Self-Brave Army, Monkey D. Dragon, and the Okama King, Ivankov.
"Kuma, Ginny!!"
Ivankov dashed over, completely ignoring the steaming roast meat in their hands, and plunged into Kuma's arms. The three of them embraced tightly.
"This is wonderful. I heard about what happened in the Sorbet Kingdom and specifically asked Dragon to come help. It's so good to see you're both safe."
Kuma smiled gently.
"It's alright now, Ivan."
The three had known each other since God Valley and had escaped it after many hardships. Even after separating, they had maintained contact for many years.
"Let me hug you both again."
Ivankov understood that once Kuma made up his mind about something, he couldn't be talked out of it even if Ivankov wanted to try.
Besides, he had no intention of interfering at all.
He respected and blessed Kuma's choice, feeling happy for Kuma as he left the rural church to follow a powerful Captain.
A person cannot be trapped in one place forever.
After the three finished catching up, Ivankov was surprised to find that Dragon, who had originally been reluctant, was now sitting by the campfire discussing things with Beelzebul.
Dragon would even nod from time to time as he listened to Beelzebul speak, his eyes growing increasingly bright.
"The world shouldn't be like this..."
"Mr. Dragon, remember this: Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun. You must firmly control an army that fights for the liberation of all humanity and is capable of achieving victory."
"Given the massive influence of the World Government and the Marine, I suggest you Surround the cities from the countryside..."
"Prioritize liberating non-affiliated nations where the World Government's influence is less significant. Simply persist in striking down local tyrants and redistributing land, eliminating the privileged class, and building a world where everyone can have enough to eat. Victory will eventually be yours..."
Looking at the eloquent Beelzebul, Dragon's eyes were full of stars. He suddenly realized—
While Kuma and Ginny were certainly important,
Beelzebul was the true like-minded partner and leader who could guide the Self-Brave Army to victory!
A talent, this is a damn real talent!
He must, he absolutely must recruit him!!!
Dragon was so excited he couldn't help himself; he tightly grasped Seven's hand, his face filled with longing.
"Sir, the Self-Brave Army needs you."
"Nani?!" x3
By the campfire, Ivankov, Kuma, and Ginny all wore the same expression, their jaws nearly hitting the ground.
They couldn't understand at all,
how in just the short time they were catching up, what on earth Beelzebul (the Captain) had done to Dragon to make him look so infatuated.
He seemed ready to give up everything just to invite Beelzebul (the Captain) to join the Self-Brave Army.
Such charisma? As expected of the man with a three-billion bounty who could make Mihawk and Fujitora follow him.
"Mr. Dragon," Seven shook his head slightly.
"The Revolutionary Army... the Self-Brave Army is one choice to save the world, but I want to try another. Although we cannot rise in arms together right now—"
"However, we shall eventually meet again at the finish line."
It was the same sentiment: whoever fought the World Government, Seven would lend a hand, let alone the Revolutionary Army, which was dedicated to overthrowing it.
In the original timeline, it was after the Ohara Buster Call that Dragon, Ivankov, and Kuma used the Self-Brave Army as a foundation to reorganize into the Revolutionary Army.
However, there had been issues with their ideology.
But now, Seven had planted a more advanced and more intense flame of revolution in Dragon's heart. This fire of the Revolutionary Army would surely burn more thoroughly in the future.
Dragon's gaze lowered, the regret swirling in his eyes almost overflowing.
"Sir, Dragon will be waiting for that day to come."
Dragon looked at Seven, silently asking in his heart.
Beelzebul, what kind of man are you exactly? A former member of the Roger Pirates? The Captain of the Morning Star Pirates? An emperor of the sea with a three-billion bounty?
No.
Dragon had already given the answer in his heart—you are a partner of the Self-Brave Army, a fellow traveler who can stand side-by-side to cleave through this chaotic long night.
"Sir," Dragon spoke apologetically.
"Those... ideologies you just spoke of, I didn't quite understand some parts. Could you please help me write them down?"
"No problem," Seven nodded in agreement.
Taking the notebook Kuma handed him, Seven thought for a moment and then transcribed the ideologies of the Great Man he remembered, word by word.
Dragon, Ivankov, Kuma, and Ginny stood to the side, their breathing extremely light.
The wind in front of the church stopped; only the crackling of the campfire remained, accompanied by the rustling of the pen on paper, spreading into a series of faint echoes before the door.
Finally, after writing the four large words "Long Live the People," Seven closed the notebook and handed it to Dragon.
"Mr. Dragon, if I have any more thoughts later, I'll write them down and send them to you."
den den mushi could send faxes.
Dragon took the notebook as if it were a precious treasure.
"Thank you."
"By the way," Seven seemed to remember something.
"Mr. Dragon, do you have Vegapunk's contact information? I have some business to discuss with him."
Vegapunk had used the Fish-Fish Fruit, Mythical Zoan Type, Azure Dragon Form as a template to create a Dragon-Dragon Fruit. No matter what, Seven did not intend to give it up.
First, cut off Momonosuke's future.
Two years later, go and finish Momonosuke off.
Also, that Deserter King who gambled Garp's life in the New World—those two pathetic losers are both high-priced targets on Brother Warhammer's bounty list. They must be taken down.
"Vegapunk?" Dragon nodded. "Sir, please wait a moment. I'll ask Vegapunk."
Dragon pulled out a den den mushi and dialed it right there.
"Cough, is it convenient? There's something happening at home."
The den den mushi rolled its eyes, disdainful of Dragon's level of caution. "Speak, there's no one here."
"Mr. Beelzebul wants your contact information. He says he has some business to discuss with you."
den den mushi: "Give it to him."
*Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo~*
Dragon quickly laughed to hide his embarrassment. "Scientists, you know, time is more important than anything to them."
"Understandable."
After chatting for a while longer, the time for parting finally arrived. Kuma picked up a large bag containing sixteen years of memories belonging to him and Ginny.
"Mr. Dragon, goodbye."
"Goodbye, Sir."
Ivankov's heavily made-up face crumpled, and tears gushed out like a broken dam as he wailed.
"Kuma, Ginny, goodbye."
"Little Ivan, we're leaving."
Having lived in seclusion in the Sorbet Kingdom for sixteen years, Kuma had naturally visited the eastern sea of the kingdom before. He used his ability to send Seven and Ginny to the eastern shore, then turned back to wave at Dragon and Ivankov.
"Goodbye."
Watching Kuma leave, Ivankov wiped his face. "Dragon, where are we going now?"
Dragon's gaze was resolute as he pressed the notebook against his chest. The small notebook felt as heavy as ten thousand tons; he wouldn't trade it even for the status of a Celestial Dragon.
"Back to headquarters. Recall everyone to study advanced revolutionary ideologies."
...Sorbet Kingdom, South.
Waves washed over the gravel of the harbor. The Marine-style dog-headed warship was docked at the pier.
Garp rested his elbows on the bow railing, his gaze sweeping over the bustling pier in the distance, when he suddenly asked the adjutant beside him.
"Have you found Beelzebul yet?"
Bogard's Adam's apple bobbed, looking as if he were hesitating to speak.
"What is it?" Garp turned his head.
Bogard lowered his voice significantly. "Beelzebul 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?"