Chapter 398 – Sakazuki's Pattern
Hearing Sakazuki's reply, Ryuunosuke smiled in satisfaction.
He had to admit, the man had made a wise choice.
Now he understood why Sakazuki had risen to the position of Navy Fleet Admiral.
Aokiji had better connections, a broader perspective, and a calmer personality. But if Kuzan had been the one sitting here today, he wouldn't have made a decision so swiftly.
This wasn't about strength or ability—it was about character.
Kuzan could carry the weight of an admiral, but he lacked the decisiveness required of a leader.
"Price? No," Ryuunosuke said firmly. "I only need the Navy's friendship. But are you prepared for what comes after this? Even if the World Government doesn't sanction you directly, your financial and material resources will collapse."
He spoke without hesitation.
Running a massive organization wasn't something words alone could sustain.
Military pay, rations, weapons, logistics—everything cost money.
The Dragon Hunter Pirates themselves were a super-force of tens of thousands. Najenda often spent days just balancing their monthly accounts—tracking expenses, planning future supplies, distributing spoils, and adjusting scientific research and logistics.
Annoying, exhausting tasks.
But thanks to Najenda's experience, management ran smoothly—so long as resources flowed steadily.
The Navy, by contrast, had always relied on the World Government's upper structure. Every branch and station survived on supplies handed down. If the government cut that chain, there would be no need for open punishment. Sanctions alone could strangle the Navy.
"Thank you for your concern, Captain," Sakazuki replied after a pause. "Since there are no conditions, then please… simply act when the time comes. And leave the Navy's internal affairs to us."
Ryuunosuke gave a slight nod, then set down his Den Den Mushi on Sakazuki's desk.
"If you need us—or if the battle calls for it—contact me directly."
Without another word, he turned and vanished.
Sakazuki stared at the Den Den Mushi left behind, his expression complicated.
Never, from the beginning until this moment, had he imagined himself cooperating with pirates. Much less with the Dragon Hunter Pirates—the very crew he had once fought against.
Had he not lived it himself, he would have dismissed it as a fantasy.
"…Actually, it's a good choice."
The sudden voice drew his attention. Issho, who had been silent the whole time, finally spoke.
Both Sakazuki and Ryuunosuke had subconsciously overlooked him earlier. He had simply sat cross-legged on the floor, quiet and unassuming, his presence hidden like the darkness beneath a lamp. Even masters of Observation Haki had failed to notice him.
"Admiral Issho," Sakazuki asked evenly, "can I take that as your support for this?"
"Support," Issho confirmed with a smile. "To be honest, I only worried you might gamble the Navy's future for pride. If that were the case, I'd have walked away. But seeing you now, Fleet Admiral … you're a man of justice I can place my trust in."
Hearing that, Sakazuki's stern expression softened into a rare, faint smile.
At least someone in this world still understood him.
"By the way, Fleet Admiral," Issho added, "should we inform the others? If we use the Dragon Hunter Pirates wisely, we could minimize our casualties this time."
"No." Sakazuki shook his head. "The list Morgans gave us isn't complete. If the Navy alone moves first, the World Government will immediately notice. For now, the fewer who know, the better. When the battle begins, I'll contact Ryuunosuke directly."
At this stage, pride and dignity meant nothing. Only survival did.
If the Navy and the Dragon Hunters struck together, even the Five Elders themselves could be toppled. That would guarantee the Navy the highest survival rate.
But Sakazuki knew that once this battle ended, the true struggle would begin.
Facing the World Government's pressure and filling the Navy's own shortages would demand immense manpower and resources.
"I understand," Issho replied, bowing his head. "Then I'll prepare on my end."
He turned to leave, but Ryuunosuke's voice cut in again.
"Oh, right—there's something I forgot to return."
With a casual wave, he tossed a man to the ground.
The figure groaned, battered but alive.
"Long time no see, Issho," Ryuunosuke added lightly. "This is your admiral—sent by the World Government to cause me trouble. He's still breathing, don't worry."
Sakazuki's eyes narrowed as he looked down.
Katsuki—Green Bull.
So his "mission" for the Government had been an attack on the Dragon Hunters.
But Sakazuki's face showed no anger, no sorrow.
Green Bull had always been a rogue element, disobedient even within the Navy. This result was his own doing.
"Be careful," Ryuunosuke warned casually. "Don't let the Government take your people for experiments. By the way, do you know where Vegapunk is? If you tell me, I'll kill him for you."
He said it with a smile, as though offering a favor.
Both Sakazuki and Issho felt the same chill.
That a man could make such a statement with such ease—the Dragon Hunter Pirates were truly terrifying.
"After the raid on Impel Down, Vegapunk vanished," Sakazuki replied. "Even we don't know his new location. But… the Navy has prepared something for you. Consider it a return gift."
He pressed a button on his desk.
The space before them shimmered, revealing a massive red stone… and four perfect rubbings.
Ryuunosuke's eyes widened.
"A Road Poneglyph… and copies?"
He hadn't expected this. Of course the Navy possessed historical texts—an organization that powerful had its ways of collecting them. But a complete Raftel coordinate?
"Take the copies with you," Sakazuki said flatly. "Leave the original here. I've no interest in Raftel."
"…That would be disrespectful," Ryuunosuke chuckled, slipping the rubbings away.
This was a windfall. Unexpected, yet priceless.
He already possessed an Eternal Pose to Raftel. But the Poneglyph was more than just a signpost. It mapped seas, islands, and regions beyond the Eternal Pose's reach—information far greater in scale.
A true treasure.
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