Moreover, this incident demonstrated that the Five Elders didn't consider the Revolutionary Army a serious threat.
They failed to comprehend the ideological impact the Revolutionary Army could have on this world.
If the Five Elders were to truly understand the principles of the Revolutionary Army, they'd likely abandon their pursuit of pirates entirely and immediately deploy their ultimate weapons to obliterate the Far North Nation.
"Are our other bases prepared?" Dragon turned to ask Ivankov.
He had learned much from Raleigh, especially the wisdom of having multiple escape routes—like a cunning rabbit with three burrows.
Raleigh had once advised that when facing overwhelmingly stronger enemies, one must patiently bide their time and develop strength quietly.
Furthermore, given the dangerous nature of the Revolutionary Army's ideology, it was unwise to concentrate all forces in one location.
Over the past few years, while expanding the Revolutionary Army's ranks, Dragon had also ordered Ivankov to establish several new bases across the Four Blues and the Grand Line.
Fortunately, the World Government remained unaware that Dragon's headquarters was located in the Far North Nation, so their attention hadn't turned there yet.
Ivankov nodded in response. "Yes, Leader. The South Blue base has been completed. Combined with the East Blue, we now possess three operational bases."
"We're still short on personnel for the West Blue and Grand Line operations, so progress there has been relatively slow."
Dragon's gaze shifted to the world map hanging on the opposite wall, his expression turning contemplative.
Through Revolutionary Army channels, he had recently discovered hints of another hidden power in this world—one far surpassing his own.
Yet this force remained completely undiscovered, and the two factions had no direct contact.
There was no need for the Revolutionary Army to probe them, it was better for each to mind their own affairs.
"I'll allocate another 1 billion Berries. We must accelerate the construction of all remaining bases. Beyond these permanent installations, we should also establish temporary transit points and long-term intelligence outposts."
Dragon had previously set up multiple temporary contact points in each of the Four Blues, but these were no longer sufficient to support their current expansion.
Several non-affiliated nations have now been overthrown, with vast amounts of wealth concentrated in Dragon's hands.
Dragon allocated a portion of the funds to reform these occupied nations.
"Regarding the bounty notices, take no action. Make our operations more covert. Meanwhile, Ivankov will continue leading a team to establish new bases across the Four Blues and the Grand Line. As for Robin, I intend to go see her personally."
After Dragon finished speaking, Ivankov and Gilteo remained silent.
"That's all for now. Everyone return to your duties and inform me if anything arises."
With these words, Dragon's figure vanished from the office.
Ivankov and Gilteo exchanged glances before leaving Dragon's office together.
...
"Hah! Hah!"
On the training ground, every young soldier of the Revolutionary Army was training diligently.
Including Robin, who had recently arrived, was pushing herself hard in training.
Hack watched this scene with satisfaction.
Approaching Robin, he gazed tenderly at the sweat on her forehead and said, "Little Robin, would you like to take a break?"
"They've been training for much longer. You don't need to match their pace."
Robin stubbornly refused Hack's suggestion, gritting her teeth as she persevered.
"Robin, you're amazing!"
"Keep it up, Robin!"
Her young companions offered words of encouragement.
"Hmm?"
The Fish-Man Hack suddenly sensed a new presence in the training area and quickly turned to look.
"Commander!" Hack greeted the newly arrived Dragon.
"The Commander's here!" "We must train even harder!" "The Commander looked at me! He glanced right at me!"
Hack hurried over to Dragon, knowing the leader had enormous responsibilities and must have business here.
"Commander, is there something you need me for?"
Naturally, Hack assumed Dragon had come for him, since besides himself, the training ground was filled only with children.
Based on Hack's understanding of Dragon, the commander would never send children on missions.
"Nothing urgent, Hack. How has Robin been lately? Has she integrated well with us?"
Dragon's gaze remained fixed on Robin.
Hack patted his chest and declared, "Commander, Robin is incredibly diligent, and she possesses remarkable talent."
Beyond his partiality toward Robin, Hack recognized her effort and natural ability.
"I have some matters to discuss with Robin," Dragon turned to address Hack.
Hack nodded and said, "A break would be good too. After all, Robin still can't keep up with the others' progress. If she pushes herself like this continuously, her body won't withstand it."
Hack then approached the training Robin and patted her shoulder.
"Robin, the Commander needs to speak with you."
Robin stopped her training, turned to see Dragon, and quickly ran over.
"Commander, you wanted to see me?"
Dragon revealed a warm smile and asked, "How have you been these past few days? Anything uncomfortable?"
Robin shook her head and replied, "Not at all. Everything here is wonderful. Though it's not as familiar as Ohara was, everyone here has been so kind to me. I'm grateful to be here."
Dragon gently ruffled Robin's small head and said, "You'll get used to it. I'm taking you somewhere."
Dragon then activated his ability, enveloping Robin's body with air currents before disappearing from the training ground.
"Robin, the Revolutionary Army has a request for your help. But I'm not sure if you can accomplish this task. It's completely fine if you don't want to do it."
After bringing Robin behind a small hill, Dragon spoke while standing on the mountainside.
A strange glint flashed in Robin's eyes, followed by unwavering determination as she said.
"It's alright, Leader. Please go ahead and tell me. Since I've joined the Revolutionary Army, I'll do anything that benefits its development."
Dragon nodded with satisfaction and said, "You're from Ohara. I wonder if you can read the Poneglyphs. During our previous operations, the Revolutionary Army obtained a stone tablet inscribed with ancient text that we still haven't been able to decipher. If you can read ancient text, please help us."
After hearing this, Robin's face broke into a bright smile. "Leader, I can read ancient text, and I'm willing to fulfill my duty for the Revolutionary Army's development."
Dragon patted Robin's head again before turning to walk toward an exceptionally concealed cave.
The cave was covered by layers upon layers of vegetation.
If Dragon hadn't specifically headed there, Robin would never have noticed anything there.
Rumble...
Pushing aside the giant rock blocking the entrance, Dragon entered the cave first.
The path inside was extremely dark, with almost no light visible.
Fortunately, Dragon had picked up a pre-stored torch before entering, which he lit to drive away the surrounding darkness.
Tap, tap, tap...
Robin followed nervously behind Dragon, afraid that some wild beast might suddenly jump out from ahead.
After what felt like an unknown length of time, they reached a stone door.
Dragon took out his key and easily opened the stone door leading to the Poneglyph.
They finally entered the place where the Poneglyph was kept.
Robin stood there in shock, staring dumbfounded at the massive stone tablet before her. It wasn't that she had never seen a Poneglyph before, but she had never seen one this large.
Ohara had several smaller Poneglyphs, but unfortunately, the doctors had thrown them into the lake for preservation.
Fortunately, Robin could read the text on it.
"Technological Revolution."
Suppressing her emotions, Robin started translating from the first line.
"When humans begin using technology to change production and liberate themselves, will this advance human progress?"
The very first sentence shocked both Robin and Dragon simultaneously.
Then Robin continued reading.