"Why are you two betting on my bar?" Shakky grumbled as she pulled two cigarettes from her mouth and lit them. After lighting both, she took one out and casually tossed it to Saint Gawain.
"Here, another one for you—just because you've been talking so much."
"Unnecessary!"
With a swift motion, Gion intercepted the spinning cigarette midair, catching it with ease. She brought it to her mouth and took a drag with disdain. As she exhaled a cloud of smoke, a cold sneer spread across her face.
"You aren't qualified to judge a noble's ideals."
"Tsk tsk, so diligent. I take it you really like Gawain's ideas?" Shakky teased, then handed another cigarette each to Gawain and Rayleigh. All four of them lit up, and the small bar soon resembled a smokestack.
In the haze of smoke, Gion gave a subtle nod. "As for the Warlords of the Sea, my fellow Marines and I all believe they are unnecessary. We have enough strength to contain the pirates and prevent them from freely leaving the New World.
The idea of using pirates to govern pirates... Let's not even discuss how the system fails to truly put the Warlords at the Navy's disposal. Policies like these—using pirates as rulers—might make the civilians feel that the Navy is no longer capable of suppressing piracy.
And then there's the Great Treasure Roger left behind. That notion alone has driven countless civilians down the wrong path!
Rayleigh... the Navy tolerates your retirement here in Sabaody because you're not a typical pirate. You're more of an adventurer. But not every pirate is like you. Many may set sail with good intentions, but when faced with danger, shipwrecks, starvation, or near death, they have to make a choice:
When it comes to pillaging or not... A pirate must do what pirates are supposed to do!
That's the simple truth that causes 90% of young pirates to completely fall into the world of crime when faced with moral dilemmas."
Gion exhaled another puff of smoke and continued, "I don't understand too many lofty ideals. I spent the first half of my life immersed in sharpening my strength. I can't think of a way to abolish the Warlords, nor can I imagine a world without pirates.
So if Saint Gawain is confident that he can control the Warlords and stabilize the Grand Line, then of course I'll serve as his sword and help with this good cause!
As for what Gawain will achieve in the future... Heh. No matter what changes he brings to the next era, those changes will surely be better than what we have now. After all, there's no era worse than the current one!"
With that, Gion stubbed out her half-smoked cigarette in the ashtray.
Gawain smiled with satisfaction and stood up with the cigarette still in his mouth. "Gion is right, and that's what I admire most about her. It's not scary to lack ideas—just align yourself with those who have them.
As for you two, Rayleigh and Shakky... well, prejudices are like mountains. Until you witness things firsthand, you probably won't be willing to bet the future on me.
Let's call it a night. I need to get ready to set sail and train with Gion in the meantime. Whatever happens next, that's for the future. Just don't forget, Rayleigh, to meet me on Amazon Lily."
With that, Gawain headed for the bar's entrance, with Gion swiftly following at his right rear.
As they approached the door, Gawain waved casually without turning back. "See you on Amazon Lily, Rayleigh-sensei."
"See you on Amazon Lily, kid!" Rayleigh responded, watching Gawain's silhouette fade into the distance. After they had gone, Rayleigh turned to Shakky, both sighing in unison.
"So this is the new generation of Celestial Dragons?" Rayleigh muttered, placing his bottle on the bar counter. His desire to drink had vanished.
Noticing the trace of disappointment on Rayleigh's face, Shakky raised her eyebrows and chuckled. "I quite like his ideas. He's not like the other Celestial Dragons. Why not let someone with status, ability, and the will to make a difference give it a try?"
"But his philosophy is the opposite of Roger's. Stability was never something Roger admired. Without chaos, how can waves big enough to overturn the world arise?
If Gawain succeeds, we'll be forced into a passive position."
"Don't lump me in with you. Unlike you all, I still have a score to settle. One day, I'll get revenge for what you and Garp did to dismantle the Rocks Pirates."
"Tch, I've been hearing that for ages, Shakky. Once I'm dead, feel free to take your revenge. As for the disbandment of the Rocks Pirates, didn't you want to see it fall apart too?"
"That's a separate matter. Sure, the atmosphere in our crew was terrible—too many strong-willed members, each with their own ambitions. We weren't united, and the backstabbing was endless. Hardly anyone in the crew was willing to serve under another. But that's only because our members grew stronger and more competitive. As for Captain Rocks... He was far greater than your Roger ever was!"
"Suit yourself. In these past decades... Roger's ideals..." Rayleigh trailed off, taking a long drag from his cigarette.
"Sometimes, I feel a sense of pride when I see the waves our captain stirred still crashing across the world. But when I read the newspapers, all I see are more killings, more pillaging, and an increasing number of slaves being traded year by year. Maybe it's just because I'm getting old, but I can't help wondering—was it really worth all the sacrifices for our goal?"
"Who knows? That's not something those of us on the inside can fully understand. Leave it to the future to judge, Rayleigh." Shakky shook her head, clenching her fist. "For now, though... Heh, you're heading to Amazon Lily, aren't you? That's a kingdom of women! You know what to do when you get there, right? No? Don't worry, I'll teach you!"
Rayleigh's eyes widened in disbelief. "Huh?!?"
After leaving Grove 13, Gion followed closely behind Saint Gawain and asked in a soft voice, "My lord, do you really believe the Warlords can become your strength? They don't even obey the orders of the Five Elders."
"Whether they can serve me doesn't depend on whether they served others. I am not 'others.'" Gawain replied confidently.
Hearing his words, Gion nodded. "That's true. Your Haki far surpasses anyone else's. As for the Warlords... I'll bring them all to heel for you!"
"It's good that you have the will, but these aren't people you can handle with brute force alone. Even if I brought Whitebeard himself, they wouldn't submit so easily. But I have other methods. I can offer them what they most desire but have never been able to obtain.
The relationship between a ruler and their subjects is one of mutual need. I need them, and I have the means to fulfill their needs—that's enough."
Gion blinked, slightly puzzled. "I don't quite understand what you mean, my lord..."
"Haha, if you understood everything, what would you need me for? Come on, let's visit Mjosgard, and after that, I'll set up a manor of my own. Then, you can start teaching me some real martial arts."
"As you command!"
The two quickened their pace and soon arrived at Mjosgard's estate. As they entered the front door, a furious shout echoed from the banquet hall:
"Where the hell did you take Gawain, and why are you here drunk while he's not?!?"
"Cough, cough!" Hearing the voice, Gawain let out a helpless cough. For some reason, he had witnessed Charlos getting scolded by Mjosgard quite often these past few days...
Inside the estate, Mjosgard seemed dazed. "What did you say? Gawain is missing? That's impossible—he spent the night here! Wait... what time is it now? It's so bright outside... He's probably out shopping. Surely the guards know where he went, Charlos. Why don't you ask them?"
"I have no interest in talking to lowly men. Anyway, you were with him. If anything happens to Gawain, I'll kill you!"
Just as Charlos finished shouting, Gawain pushed open the door. The first thing he saw was Charlos grabbing Mjosgard by the collar, berating him relentlessly.
Upon hearing the door open, Charlos turned her head. When she saw Gawain, her entire body stiffened. She quickly released Mjosgard, her eyes sparkling as she zipped toward Gawain in a flash.
"Gawain! I'm so glad to see you! You didn't leave me a Vivre Card when you went out—I was so worried!"