"That's right. World peace. But you must know, I'm not naive enough to believe it can be achieved peacefully and without turmoil."
"A world-changing revolution will inevitably come at a great cost. It requires immense power."
"Gol D. Roger came the closest in the past 800 years. He even altered the course of history to some extent—but his methods were far too reckless."
The black longcoat billowed in the wind as Wright adjusted his gentleman's hat, tilting his head slightly to look at Dragon, whose expression remained serious.
"To you, I must seem like an enigma... but in my eyes, aren't you the same?"
"To establish the Revolutionary Army single-handedly... That's an unprecedented feat—I don't have that kind of patience."
"Roger chose the path of a pirate to seek the truth. You chose to forge a revolutionary army from nothing. As for me, I chose the Navy."
"If the goal is to change the world, then these three paths ultimately lead to the same destination. But... do you truly believe that a single force alone can shake the World Government's 800-year rule?"
A flash of surprise flickered in Dragon's eyes.
"It seems, Admiral Wright, you understand the World Government more deeply than I expected."
"Both pirates and the Navy are bound by the constraints of their era. The Navy is controlled and restricted by the World Government, while pirates, for the most part, isolate themselves from the common people."
Dragon spoke earnestly: "That's why both have inherent limitations—not just due to the era, but also because of human nature itself."
"Therefore, I believe that to dismantle the current world order, we must create an entirely new system, one that stands apart from the existing structure!"
"I chose to build my foundation on the common people, to gather like-minded individuals, and to ignite the flames of revolution. One day, these flames will consume the world and burn away the rot!"
"Hmm... A grand ideal. But such a method comes at too great a sacrifice."
Wright locked eyes with Dragon. "Have you considered how many civilians will be thrown into peril because of this foundation? How many unnecessary deaths will result?"
"This is a world where power dictates fate. And unfortunately for us, the World Government that currently holds power... While they may care about appearances, they are far from rigid. When push comes to shove, they will not hesitate to flip the table entirely!"
"This is a world where the strong prey on the weak. Happiness does not fall from the sky!"
Dragon slowly shook his head. "If we want freedom and equality, we must fight for it with our own hands!"
"What we take for ourselves is truly ours—not some unrealistic dream of waiting for handouts from those in power!"
Wright studied Dragon for a moment before speaking.
"It is not the civilians' fault that they are weak... They haven't been trained, and not everyone is blessed with the talent or luck to become strong."
"Justice resides within the Navy. Countless civilians, countless people with a sense of justice, join the Navy, undergo rigorous training, and work tirelessly to grow stronger—all so they can protect the ones they hold dear!"
"Joining the Navy means accepting the resolve to sacrifice oneself for the sake of those we wish to protect. If even the weak must struggle desperately just to survive, then what is the purpose of the strong?"
"Even the mightiest warriors are supported by the weak. If the strong refuse to shield the weak, if they seek power only to conquer, then such individuals do not deserve to be called strong!"
"The common people should have the freedom to live as they choose. From among them, the strong and the willing will rise to become shields that protect them!"
"That is why I chose the Navy. To correct its course, to transform it into a true embodiment of justice!"
Wright met Dragon's shocked gaze and declared firmly:
"Just as the gap between rich and poor will never vanish, the divide between strong and weak will always exist!"
"The common people are the foundation of everything. If they collapse, it is not merely a matter of nations falling—the entire world would regress!"
"Through widespread education, by creating avenues for social mobility, and by encouraging innovation, the overall strength of society can rise, increasing the chances of strong individuals emerging. But throwing them into a battle they cannot win? That, I cannot accept!"
"The right people must do the right job—and war should be fought by soldiers!"
...
Dragon remained silent for a long time, the tension between them nearly solidifying the air.
"I must admit, though I have always known there are those within the Navy who uphold true justice, I have never before encountered someone who interprets the relationship between the strong and the weak from this perspective."
"Among the lower ranks, perhaps the Navy truly sees itself as the protector of the people—but at the highest levels, a powerful officer who still holds such beliefs? You might be the only one."
"Which is why we are having this meeting, isn't it?"
The storm clouds over Loguetown had dissipated, revealing a clear sky. The fresh air after the downpour was invigorating.
Wright stretched lazily.
"I can tell. Nothing I say will shake your resolve, just as you don't see my words as mere nonsense."
"If the ideology of the Revolutionary Army will one day sweep across the world, then the Navy, too, must one day break free from the World Government's grip. No longer a mere puppet, but a true embodiment of justice!"
"I believe in this as firmly as you believe in your ideals."
"So let's cooperate—to change the world, we must unite its forces."
"The bottom-up revolution of the Revolutionary Army, the top-down reform of the Navy... and even the lawless power of the pirates!"
"If... No, when the world changes as we envision, none of us will remain the same—not the Navy, the Revolutionary Army, or the pirates."
"But first, we have a shared goal."
Dragon slowly pulled back his hood, fully revealing his rugged face to Wright.
"An unexpected gain from my visit to Loguetown... So, you had accounted for even the pirates? No wonder you let Luffy and his crew go."
"The Revolutionary Army doesn't reject pirate assistance either, does it?"
Wright waved dismissively.
"As long as they don't seek conquest and are willing to aid the people. Those aiming to rule the world? I've already taken down one... and there will be more."
"Then I have no reason to refuse—but the Navy has its obligations. You, as the fourth admiral, owe much to our influence. If we cooperate, how will you explain it to the World Government?"
Wright grinned slyly, making a gesture.
"Acting, of course! As a master of deception, I have plenty of experience in putting on a show!"
Dragon chuckled for the first time.
"I see... then we who excel at concealment should make fine partners."
"I won't reveal too much, but soon, an opportunity will arise... When the time comes, I'll be counting on your performance."
Wright's words made Dragon's pupils contract slightly.
"Of course. I'm looking forward to it!"
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