Chapter 128: Dragon and the Girl
If the ultimate goal is confronting the World Government and Celestial Dragons, then no more suitable partner exists in the world than them.
The Revolutionary Army.
Whether you say their ideas are naive or their actions aren't truly revolutionary, one thing is certain - they have devoted their entire lives to fighting the World Government.
Everyone on the seas knows that although Sea Emperors are powerful, only the Revolutionary Army can actually overthrow the World Government. Because pirates' enemies are also pirates. Besides the Navy, only the Revolutionary Army truly regards the World Government as the enemy.
In the original timeline, at the World Conference ten years later, the Revolutionary Army declared war on the World Government, and Sabo earned the title Flame Emperor.
After learning about Hack's return, Brett had already decided to establish contact with the Revolutionary Army.
Fish-Man Island wants to fight for freedom - how could he ignore such a high-quality partner?
But Brett couldn't directly say, "Brother Hack, I know you're doing well in the Revolutionary Army, and we want to act against the World Government, so please introduce me to Dragon."
He had to make Hack realize that Fish-Man Island was the Revolutionary Army's best potential partner.
And now, he had succeeded.
"Jinbei, I can trust you, right?" Hack looked at Jinbei with serious intensity.
Even the stupidest person realized Hack was about to reveal something important. Jinbei nodded solemnly. "We've known each other since childhood. You know what kind of person I am."
Hack took a deep breath.
Indeed, if Jinbei wasn't trustworthy, no one in the world would be.
Hack glanced at his companions, who nodded encouragingly.
Finally, he spoke. "Then I don't need to hide it anymore. After traveling at sea, we joined a certain organization."
"Organization?" Arlong said in surprise. "You're not going to tell us you joined the World Government, are you?"
Brett twitched his mouth. "Brother Arlong, let Hack speak."
"Of course not the World Government. On the contrary, our cause is being their enemy," Hack said seriously. "Our dream is overthrowing the World Government and building a world where everyone can live freely!"
Jinbei and Arlong were stunned simultaneously.
'Is this childhood acquaintance actually doing such amazing things now?'
"Yes, the Revolutionary Army, right?" Brett said.
"Eh? Brett, do you know?" Hack was slightly startled.
The Revolutionary Army of this era hadn't made much noise yet. They were only planning revolutions in remote corners, having not even overthrown many countries.
If Brett remembered correctly, it wasn't until the World Conference two years later that participating countries realized the Revolutionary Army's threat and made it a conference issue.
"I heard Navy officers discussing it at the experimental base when I was imprisoned," Brett lied smoothly. "An organization led by the rebel Dragon, people whose ultimate goal is overthrowing Celestial Dragon rule."
"Is there such a person?" Jinbei was surprised. "Hack, you chose well."
"No, I'm just an insignificant part of it," Hack said embarrassedly. Though not an ordinary soldier, he was only a minor officer. Then his expression grew serious. "But as you said, Brett, our Revolutionary Army's biggest enemy is the Celestial Dragons and the World Government protecting them!"
"If your goal is escaping World Government control, then I think we should be perfect partners!"
Finally.
Brett's face showed satisfaction. "If that's the case, then we can definitely talk."
"Hack, can you let me speak with Dragon?"
Hack didn't hesitate. Having chosen to confess, he'd made his decision. If you're going to believe, believe completely.
He trusted Jinbei's character and believed in Brett's dedication to Fish-Man Island's development.
"Okay, but I need to tell Dragon about the situation here first."
Even having chosen to trust, headquarters needed to know about these developments.
"Please do."
Brett shrugged. This was normal procedure. If Hack had immediately offered to call Dragon, Brett would have suspected the Revolutionary Army had been targeting him for some time.
Hack temporarily left to contact Dragon.
"Revolutionary Army?" Arlong racked his brain, trying to recall any relevant memories about this group. His frowning concentration was honestly amusing. "I have no impression at all, Brett. Are they really worth cooperating with?"
Before Brett could answer, Hack's companions spoke passionately. "Brother Arlong, don't underestimate us! Though we're temporarily dormant and haven't launched major operations, under Dragon's leadership, we'll definitely become the World Government's most feared opponents!"
"Because our allies are the whole world! All people longing for freedom are our partners!"
They spoke with infectious determination.
"Hahaha, that sounds wonderful!" Jinbei admired their passion, his face blooming with smiles.
Arlong curled his lips dismissively. 'Just a bunch of unknowns. Hard to say if they're trustworthy.'
He looked at Brett questioningly. 'Forget Jinbei, that fool, but surely Brett won't be easily deceived?'
Soon Hack returned, beaming with joy and walking briskly. He carefully closed the door and approached.
"Dragon is pleased, Brett. He's agreed to speak with you."
He placed a transponder on the table. The transpoy remained connected.
"Disaster of the Deep, Brett, I've heard your name," the transponder snail suddenly transformed, growing long black hair and red facial markings. The voice was low but seemed to contain infinite power.
But the next second, the voice became high-pitched with strange surprise. The appearance changed too, growing soft yellow hair. "Is it Brother Brett? And Uncle Jinbei! Long time no see!"
"Hey, you girl! Who let you in! Sabo, take her out immediately!" Dragon's voice sounded exasperated.
Both Brett and Jinbei were stunned. Even Arlong's eyes widened.
"This voice—" Jinbei said disbelievingly. "No way!"
"Is it Koala?" Brett asked.
'Did that girl join the Revolutionary Army so early? She's only thirteen, right?'
"It's me! I've been following Fish-Man Island's news, Brother Brett!" the girl said joyfully. "That grumpy Brett has become so amazing! Uncle Tiger would be very happy!"
"You still dare mention Brother Tiger? Human!!" Arlong grabbed the transponder snail, eyes wide with fury, teeth clenched. "Brother Tiger died because of you!!"
Silence from the other end.
"Arlong! Shut up!" Jinbei pressed Arlomg's shoulder, pushing him back. "Don't say such things to Koala!"
'That girl represents Brother Tiger's hope for humanity. I won't allow this fool to insult big brother's feelings!'
"It's okay, Uncle Jinbei," Koala's voice became calmer. "Uncle Tiger did die wanting to send me home, so I'm here now!"
"Uncle Tiger said I'm free. Now that I'm free, I can do what I want. I want to change the world and change this reality where people face hostility because of racial differences!"
"Uncle Tiger pulled me from the dark abyss, so I thought I should inherit his ideals and bring light to others trapped in darkness."
"Well said, Koala," Brett took the transponder snail from Arlong. "You've become as great as Brother Tiger!"
Because she'd experienced darkness, she devoted her life to protecting others from it. This thirteen-year-old girl was undoubtedly a hero.
Arlong turned away unhappily, thinking of Tiger.
"No," Koala was shy. "I just talk big but can't do anything yet."
"Having that will is enough," Dragon's voice returned as the phone bug changed back. "Now, Sabo, take Koala out."
"Hey! Uncle Dragon, I haven't reminisced with Brother Brett and Uncle Jinbei yet!"
"You can do that anytime. Don't disturb Uncle Dragon!"
"Stupid Sabo! Stupid Sabo!"
The children's voices faded away.
"Then Brett," Dragon's voice resumed, "now we can discuss business."
"Certainly," Brett nodded. "Dragon, let's cooperate."
Dragon paused, the phone bug's eyes widening. "I thought we should get to know each other better first."
"That's enough," Brett replied. Of course, he couldn't mention reading the original story. "Koala inherited Brother Tiger's will, same as me. Since she chose to trust you, I choose to believe too."
"What an amazing man!" Dragon was genuinely shocked. Whether Brett truly trusted Koala's judgment or had other plans, his willingness to express such faith was impressive.
"I see," warmth entered Dragon's voice. "Then please wait - I'll come to Fish-Man Island personally right away!"
"Brett, you've shown trust, so I must respond."
Going to Fish-Man Island wasn't safe. It was a government-affiliated country officially, Jinbei was Shichibukai, and Brett was the government's partner.
However, Dragon also chose to believe.
He trusted Hack's judgment, believed in Koala's faith, and was confident that Tiger's partners wouldn't be government lackeys.
"Then I'll wait for you," Brett smiled.
For cooperation discussions, face-to-face meetings were definitely best.
****
50+advance chapters at patreon.com/Eatinpieces