Chapter 293: None of Us Are Soft-Hearted

Back in the early days, when Dragon first established the Revolutionary Army, they were indeed idealistic, perhaps even naive. They dreamed of evenly distributing power and wealth, believing that true equality could be achieved.

The results, however, were disastrous. Although their revolutions succeeded multiple times, corruption quickly took hold of the new ruling class. Attempts to evenly distribute power and wealth only led to greater instability, fracturing once-unified nations into chaos.

This caused Dragon to reflect deeply. Over time, he gradually shifted his perspective, coming to understand that social classes were, in some ways, a necessary structure.

As a result, the Revolutionary Army refined its approach. Through trial and error, they developed new policies rather than simply overthrowing regimes and installing complete equality, they now sought to find suitable rulers, support their rise to power, eliminate oppressive governance, and regulate authority.

Gone were the days of dreaming about a utopian world free of class divisions, because it simply wasn't realistic.

"I told you a long time ago," Claudius said with a chuckle, "until human productivity reaches the point where it can meet everyone's needs, class conflict will never disappear. Now you believe me?"

For true equality to exist, humanity would likely have to advance into an interstellar era.

Only when there were abundant resources enough to fulfill every person's needs would class distinctions start to fade.

With machines and artificial intelligence replacing human labor, perhaps then a society without hierarchy could exist. But for now?

Claudius didn't believe for a second that intelligent creatures could overcome their own nature.

Where there are people, there will be conflict.

Where there is conflict, there will be struggle, winners and losers.

And when there are winners and losers, naturally, there will be hierarchy.

And hierarchy, at its core, represents class.

"You're right," Dragon murmured, not arguing the point.

"Maybe our ideal society will emerge one day," Claudius continued. "But not now. Not in this chaotic era. Right now, the world needs a government, a strong, unified force to maintain order."

Dragon was silent for a moment before finally asking, "So… is that what you want to become? The King of the World?"

"That's right," Claudius admitted without hesitation.

A strange light flickered in Dragon's eyes. After a brief pause, he asked, "And then what? Is that all you wanted to tell me?"

"A powerful voice doesn't have to mean oppression," Claudius said with a sigh. "I need enough authority to reshape the system, to change the world. You already know what I intend to do."

"You once told me," Dragon said, his voice carrying a hint of emotion, "that the people are water, and a ruler is a boat. Water can carry a boat… but it can also overturn it. Because of that, the people must always come first, the nation second, and the ruler last. Do you still remember those words?"

"Of course I do," Claudius nodded.

Before Dragon could say more, Claudius continued, "That's why I need to consolidate all power, to establish a new ruling class, one that governs according to our original ideals. I want to eradicate corrupt leadership, ensure people's livelihoods, and advance society."

"And then?" Dragon pressed. "How can you guarantee that your version of the World Government won't become just as corrupt as the current one?"

Claudius paused for a moment before laughing. "Dragon, aren't you being a little too nosy?"

Dragon was taken aback by the remark. He frowned and asked, "What the hell do you mean by that?"

"I can only guarantee one thing," Claudius said. "That during my rule, things will remain as I envision them.

But beyond that? A hundred, two hundred years from now, when we're nothing but dust, do you really think we'll still have control?

History is shaped by trial and error. Humanity must make mistakes before it can find the right path.

So go ahead—you keep trying your way, and I'll keep trying mine. In the end, we do what we can in our time. That's all there is to it."

Dragon fell silent.

After a long pause, he finally asked, "Is this what you meant by constitutional monarchy?"

"Something like that," Claudius admitted. "But at the start, I won't be giving up power.

First, I need to reshape the world the way I envision it. Then, I'll begin decentralizing authority.

At that stage, I'll establish a framework of laws to curb the excesses of the ruling class, gradually opening pathways for the general populace to rise in status. That's how we'll transition to a constitutional monarchy."

Of course, on the surface, this might make it seem like the Donquixote family would only be nominally ruling over the world, relinquishing most of their authority.

But Claudius wasn't about to tell Dragon the real plan, how he would consolidate power through a shadow network of economic and political influence.

In the end, whether it was wealth, power, or class itself, the world would still be controlled by those who owned the resources.

"…I'll need time to think about it," Dragon finally said.

"I think the Revolutionary Army could play a vital role in all of this," Claudius continued smoothly. "You could serve as an oversight force, ensuring that the legal system adapts to different regions. Doesn't that sound like a good platform for your ideals?"

Dragon let out a chuckle. "Are you actually offering me a position?"

"How about Minister of Civil Affairs in the new World Government?" Claudius joked.

Dragon smirked. "You make it sound tempting. Honestly, I am intrigued. But this is too sudden, I need time to consider it."

"No problem," Claudius replied. "At the very least, I hope you can give me an answer before the World Summit begins."

"I'll do my best," Dragon sighed. "But in the meantime, send me an official document outlining your proposal. You just threw a lot of ideas at me, and I need time to process it all."

"No problem," Claudius said, satisfied.

The conversation grew quiet for a moment, until Dragon suddenly spoke in a serious tone.

"Claudius, what happens if we don't reach an agreement?"

Claudius' voice turned cold. "Dragon… you know I'm not a soft-hearted person, right?"

Dragon's tone matched his. "And you know I'm not either."

"So then, we'd become enemies," Claudius said solemnly.

He continued, his voice carrying an unmistakable edge. "If that time comes, don't expect me to show mercy just because of our past friendship.

I will do everything in my power to crush your Revolutionary Army. If I'm feeling generous, maybe I'll just throw you all into Impel Down for a 'peaceful retirement' instead."

"You arrogant bastard. You really think I'd just let you walk all over me?" Dragon scoffed.

"Ahahahaha! Who knows?" Claudius laughed.

Dragon exhaled sharply. "Fine. I'll take everything you said seriously and give you an answer when the time comes."

"I truly hope we can change the world together," Claudius said, his voice sincere for the first time. "I need you. And I think you know—you need me too."

"…Minister of Civil Affairs isn't enough," Dragon joked. "How about Prime Minister instead?"

"You sure have a big appetite," Claudius replied with a grin.

The two men exchanged a knowing laugh before finally hanging up.

---

In the New World, aboard the Moby Dick, Whitebeard sat in his chair, holding a newspaper with a curious expression.

"What the hell is the World Government up to now? A summit with one hundred participating nations?" Newgate muttered, surprised.

Still, while he found it unusual, he didn't take it too seriously. Whether it was a hundred or a thousand nations, none of that mattered much to him.

Marco grinned and said, "Maybe we can snatch something good from it?"

"Could be a big move. The Revolutionary Army, maybe?" Jozu speculated, rubbing his chin. "Every World Summit ends up talking about them. Maybe they've finally come up with a real plan to get rid of them."

Just like Dragon assumed the World Government was targeting him, other major forces were also wary.

Newgate, however, wasn't one to overthink such things.

On the other hand, Teach's eyes darted around. He wasn't exactly sure why, but his instincts told him that whatever was happening, it had something to do with them.

"Are they trying to make an example out of us?" Teach wondered.

Newgate didn't dwell on it. Tossing the newspaper aside, he turned toward Teach and asked with a grin, "Kuhahahaha! Teach, how's that Dark-Dark Fruit treating you?"

Whitebeard didn't ask how Teach had obtained the fruit from Enel, nor did he care about the details.

His sons were grown men, he wasn't about to micromanage their choices.

Before Teach could answer, Marco smirked and commented, "Honestly, Pops, I don't think it's that great. It's a Logia, but it can't even turn the user into an element. Sounds like a downgrade to me."

"Ze hahahaha! Maybe, but it does have some crazy abilities. It lets me absorb a ton of damage, right?" Teach said with a wide grin.

"Yeah, but you also feel twice the pain," Jozu pointed out. "Not exactly a great trade-off."

Whitebeard chuckled and asked, "The Devil Fruit Encyclopedia says that it can nullify other Devil Fruit abilities. That true?"

He had the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, but he had never paid much attention to the Dark-Dark Fruit. The book had only vague details about it.

Teach nodded. "Of course it's true, Pops! That's why I wanted this ability in the first place!"

"But you have to make physical contact with your opponent, right? If you can't touch them, it's useless," Marco analyzed. "For non-Devil Fruit users, it doesn't mean much either. Still, for someone like you, Teach, it's a pretty solid ability."

Of course, Teach wasn't about to reveal everything.

His fruit could actually absorb abilities at range, but he chose not to display that yet.

As far as Marco and the others knew, his nullification only worked in close combat. This way, they wouldn't see the full potential of his power.

On the surface, it seemed strong but not overpowered.

Whitebeard nodded. "In the end, it's not about the fruit itself. It's about how you use it."

"Exactly! It's not like nobody else ever had the Tremor-Tremor Fruit before you, Pops," Teach said, laughing. "But only you became the Strongest Man in the World!"

Maybe it was his habit of sucking up to Claudius, but Teach was getting really good at flattery.

Whitebeard, amused, let out a hearty laugh. "Kuhahahaha! Well said, Teach! The power of a Devil Fruit depends on its user!"

The crew continued chatting, and after a while, Marco suddenly patted Teach on the shoulder.

"Teach, now that you have the power you wanted… why don't you take up the position of Second Division Commander?" Marco suggested.

Newgate turned toward Teach and smiled. "What do you think? Interested?"

Teach had been part of the Second Division for years. Since the position of Commander had remained vacant for so long, there was no reason not to promote him.

To Whitebeard, it seemed like the natural choice.

Teach hadn't originally planned to take the position, but now that he thought about it…

Wouldn't being a commander make his plans easier?

For example, if Marco or Thatch went out for a drink, he could follow them without raising suspicion. And if he needed to disappear later, being a commander might grant him more freedom.

With that thought in mind, Teach grinned and said, "Ze hahahaha! Pops, I refused before because I didn't think I was strong enough. But now that I've got the Dark-Dark Fruit, I feel invincible! I'll take the position!"

His arrogant words made the others chuckle, no one took them seriously. They just assumed he was in high spirits.

Whitebeard nodded. "Alright. From today forward, you are the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, Teach."

"Ze hahahaha! Thanks, Pops!" Teach said, putting on an exaggerated show of excitement.

Marco clapped his hands. "Well then, since Teach finally got his Devil Fruit and we filled the Second Division spot, how about we celebrate with a banquet?"

"Yeahhh!!!" the pirates cheered.

Whitebeard laughed. "Kuhahahaha! Young ones! Break out the sake! Let's drink!"

In high spirits, he threw a punch into the air.

The sky split apart. The sea churned violently.

The Whitebeard Pirates erupted in cheers. The energy was electric.

But Teach…

Teach stood there, watching the distant tsunami waves.

There was greed in his eyes. A hunger that burned deep inside him.

The Dark-Dark Fruit was already his. Now, the next step was the Tremor-Tremor Fruit.

Of course, when he was buttering up Whitebeard earlier, he had said, "The Tremor-Tremor Fruit is only the strongest because it's in your hands, Pops!"

But deep down, Teach knew—

The Tremor-Tremor Fruit was the most powerful Paramecia ability.

And he had spent decades watching Whitebeard wield its terrifying power.

He had no doubts, if he could seize that fruit, he wouldn't even need to master it.

With just a little time to combine its power with the Dark-Dark Fruit, he would become unstoppable.

No one in the world could rival him.

Teach had spent years analyzing Whitebeard, his strengths, his weaknesses.

There was no question, Whitebeard's greatest strength was his devastating attack power.

When he went all out with the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, it felt like he could shatter the world itself.

But his weakness…

Newgate's physical endurance wasn't on the same level as the other top monsters of the sea.

Kaido had his immortal body.

Big Mom had her iron-like defense.

But Whitebeard? His raw durability was not his strongest trait.

And that was the flaw Teach planned to exploit.

His plan was simple:

Use the Dark-Dark Fruit for defense, absorbing and negating damage.

Use the Tremor-Tremor Fruit for offense, unleashing destructive force.

Together, they would make him invincible.

Just thinking about it made his heart race.

His blood boiled.

His ambition burned.

He wanted to strike now but Marco suddenly handed him a sake cup.

"Come on, Teach! Let's toast! Today's a good day!" Marco grinned.

Teach snapped out of his thoughts, suppressing his emotions.

A sinister grin spread across his face. "Ze hahahaha! You're right, Marco! Today is a good day!"

***

This book is completed so you can read all chapters on: patreon.com/Blownleaves.

Just completed one of the ffs I'm working on, and I want to pick another one.

Is there a fic you saw on MTL that was good but so horrible that you can't read it? Or maybe one you enjoyed reading that was dropped? Comment them (with the raw title or link); I'll check them out.

Please don't recommend brain rot, I'm already suffering enough with some of the fics I'm working on xD.