Marco listened with a faint interest while Vegapunk continued speaking.
"I discovered that the material of the energy stone shares some similarities with the material of the red Poneglyph. However, its hardness far exceeds that of the red Poneglyph. This suggests that both materials may be related, but the energy stone involves a far more advanced level of technology."
"Hm, and then what?" Marco asked.
Vegapunk paused, slightly flustered, then replied, "Well, if we can identify the minerals used to create the Poneglyphs, we might be able to replicate similar materials. From there, we could study the structure further and eventually analyze the energy stone's composition."
Marco nodded slightly. "I see."
Even though he did not understand the scientific details, he respected the process. Technology was not something that could be mastered overnight. It required long research, repeated experiments, and accumulated data.
"In that case, you can use the red Poneglyph material for research," Marco said. "If necessary, you can even melt it down to analyze its structure."
Vegapunk quickly waved his hands. "No, no, there is no need to melt it. Normal research methods are sufficient."
Kaido, however, clicked his tongue in irritation.
"Hmph, so this is the so called world's greatest scientist? Can't do this, can't do that. Looks like I can't rely on you for the Dark King battleship."
He folded his arms coldly. "It doesn't matter anyway. You won't be needed in the upcoming war."
Vegapunk reacted immediately and turned toward Marco with confusion.
"By the way, Marco, what you told me before, was it true? You can really share your Devil Fruit ability with others?"
"Yes," Marco replied simply.
At that moment, members of the Phoenix Pirates stepped forward and activated the Phoenix ability. Even though some of them were Devil Fruit users, they were still able to use it.
At the same time, several members of the Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates also manifested the Phoenix power.
Vegapunk's eyes widened in shock.
"So it is real… you can actually share the Phoenix ability with others? Marco, how did you do it?"
Marco answered calmly. "After a Devil Fruit awakens, it can develop unique awakening techniques. Sharing my Phoenix ability is one of those techniques."
"The immortality possessed by the God's Knights and the Gorosei likely came from Imu using a similar method."
Vegapunk nodded slowly. "I see…"
"I never thought Devil Fruit awakening could go this far. Truly astonishing."
Marco then turned his gaze toward Dragon, who had been silent until now.
"Dragon, what is your decision? Do you accept my power?"
Previously, Marco had already explained that he could share the Phoenix ability with Dragon and Sabo. With this power, they could cooperate fully in the fight against the World Government.
However, Dragon had been resistant.
He understood clearly that accepting this ability meant placing himself under Marco's influence. He did not want to overthrow the World Government only to replace it with another ruler. That would defeat the entire purpose of the revolution.
At the same time, as a strategist, he also understood something else. Refusing here could mean immediate elimination by the combined forces present.
He had no real escape route.
He instinctively rejected pirates, yet to change the world, he might have no other choice.
Dragon finally spoke.
"I want to ask you something, Marco. After we overthrow the World Government, what kind of world do you intend to create?"
Marco replied without hesitation.
"I will accept the structure of the World Government as the foundation. However, I will revise or remove certain systems that are unnecessary or harmful. The overall framework of laws and governance will remain."
This was the conclusion he had reached after long consideration. He was a pirate, not a ruler by training. Creating an entirely new system from nothing was unrealistic. The World Government system had lasted eight hundred years, which meant it had at least some stability, even if it was deeply flawed.
Dragon fell silent for a moment, then spoke firmly.
"I can accept that condition."
"After the World Government is overthrown, I do not care if you take the position of a Celestial Dragon or not, but there must not be an excessive ruling class. Otherwise, the world will fall back into the same chaos."
He continued, his tone heavier.
"Eight hundred years ago, when the Twenty Kingdoms formed the World Government, the number of Celestial Dragons was extremely small. But over time, their numbers expanded beyond control."
"Now, the Holy Land supports an enormous population of Celestial Dragons, all dependent on tribute from the world. This has created unbearable pressure on the allied nations."
"Many countries have collapsed because they could not afford the tribute, leading to famine, war, and piracy. As pirates, you must already understand this reality."
Marco listened quietly.
He already had an understanding of this issue.
In his mind, the situation resembled imperial families in history growing uncontrollably until they consumed a nation's resources. When the ruling class becomes too large, even a strong nation cannot sustain it.
The Celestial Dragons were now in a similar state. After eight hundred years, their expansion had become unsustainable. The world was being drained to maintain them, and piracy had become a natural consequence.
Only in a world ruled by absolute power could such a system survive this long.
If not for Imu, the Gorosei, and the God's Knights holding overwhelming strength, the World Government would have collapsed long ago.
Marco spoke slowly.
"The key issue is whether we can win the coming war."
"That Imu is not someone to be underestimated. If we cannot defeat her, then everything else is meaningless."
He turned his gaze toward Dragon.
"From what you have seen so far, you should already understand the true strength of the World Government. Do you still believe that toppling individual member nations is enough to bring it down?"
Dragon's expression darkened.
"I was indeed too naive."
"If we cannot defeat the God's Knights, the Gorosei, and Imu, then destroying the affiliated nations is pointless. This world is ruled by absolute strength."
He looked toward Marco again.
Even now, Dragon could not measure Marco's true strength. However, Vegapunk firmly believed Marco was the reincarnation of Joy Boy, the one destined to change the world.
Vegapunk had also shared information about the Poneglyphs and Joy Boy with him.
Dragon exhaled slowly.
"Our Revolutionary Army will follow your lead in this war."
"But I hope that after the World Government is defeated, the world can truly move toward peace."
He paused briefly before adding.
"Of course, that comes after victory is secured."
At this point, Dragon no longer considered opposing the Emperors Alliance after the war.
The only viable path was cooperation.
First, eliminate the World Government together. Then, rebuild a new global order through negotiation and structure.
And when it came to politics, Dragon was confident in his ability.
Even Kaido and Big Mom would not be able to outmaneuver him in a post war political landscape.
For now, however, everything depended on one thing.
Winning the war against Imu.