While Garp and Diablo were meeting, another similar encounter was happening elsewhere—Sengoku had just finished capturing a notorious pirate when he met someone unexpected.
Standing before him was a girl who looked delicate and fragile, but Sengoku's Observation Haki was screaming warnings—this girl was terrifyingly powerful.
"That's the whole situation," said the girl, smiling softly. Her name was Beretta.
Sengoku listened to the outrageous proposal in silence for a long time. Then he finally asked,
"Why? Why do you people want to overthrow the World Government?"
Beretta paused, as if recalling something from the past. She then said slowly,
"Because the people of this world live under the oppression of the World Government. That's why we want to take it down."
"And what do you stand to gain from this?" Sengoku asked, staring hard into her eyes, searching for any hint of ulterior motive.
"Nothing."Beretta shook her head gently.
"Then what gives you the right?" he continued, baffled. "Why would you risk everything for no reward?"
"Because Lord Rimuru once did the same for us," Beretta replied with a tender smile. "That's just the kind of person he is. Always helping others, with a kindness that touches the soul. You can't help but want to be near someone like him."
She raised her head and looked straight at Sengoku.
"You don't have to believe everything I say. But never doubt Lord Rimuru's good heart. He's never once expected anything from the people he's helped. That was true for the Oni tribe, true for the Orcs, and it's true for all the companions who follow him. We're willing to give everything to fulfill his vision."
Sengoku was silent for a long while before finally saying,
"If someone like that truly exists… then he isn't fit to be a king."
"He's not a king," Beretta replied firmly. "He's our Demon King. And he always will be."
"I can't give you an answer to this," Sengoku said as he turned to leave. "I'll act like this conversation never happened."
Beretta watched him go and gave a slight nod. A white magic circle appeared beneath her feet, and with a flash of light, she vanished.
New World — On the deck of the Moby Dick
Whitebeard sat on his throne-like chair, staring at the tiny figure before him—Rimuru.
"You? A little pipsqueak like you wants to overthrow the World Government?" Whitebeard scoffed. "Did you forget your meds when you left the house? Or did busting Roger out of prison inflate your ego?"
"You're the one who forgot his meds, you old fossil!" Rimuru snapped back, golden eyes blazing. "I hope you stay single forever and never find a wife!"
"Gururururu… Says the one who couldn't find a wife even if they tried," Whitebeard retorted with a grin, clearly amused.
"You—! Damn it!" Rimuru trembled with fury, white steam practically erupting from his head.
"Alright, alright, I'm done teasing," Whitebeard said, waving it off with a chuckle. "But seriously—are you being real about this? You want me to help you take down the World Government?"
"I am," Rimuru replied, taking a deep breath to calm down. "This is serious. I want your help."
Whitebeard's expression turned solemn.
"Do you understand what you're saying? The World Government has stood for centuries. Overthrowing it isn't some child's fantasy—it takes people, resources, and power. Do you have any of that?"
"Not really," Rimuru admitted, grinning slyly. "But you do, don't you?"
Whitebeard blinked, then let out a deep laugh. As the most powerful man in the world, his influence, resources, and alliances—nations even—were unparalleled.
His eyes narrowed. "How confident are you?"
"One hundred percent. We're definitely going to win," Rimuru said, unwavering.
"Gururururu… You young people sure are full of dreams," Whitebeard chuckled. He stood and called out,
"Boys! Are you afraid?!"
"Hell no!"
"Screw the World Government! I've been waiting for this!"
"Count me in! Let's tear the whole damn thing down!"
"Silence!" Whitebeard shouted, waving a massive hand. The deck quieted instantly. "If you're not afraid, then how could your old man be scared? Get ready to shake the world!"
Rimuru looked around at the roaring crew. Though these guys had tried to flirt with him before, now they were all-in supporting him. He decided, in the spirit of generosity, to forgive them.
…Until someone opened their mouth.
"Hey Rimuru, if we do overthrow the World Government… would you wear a dress for us?"
Silence.
Then—
"Hell yeah! Why didn't I think of that?!"
"Dress-up Rimuru! Dress-up Rimuru!"
"If this means seeing Rimuru in a cute outfit, then we HAVE to win!"
Whitebeard stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Now that you mention it… I am curious."
"You bastards!!" Rimuru shrieked, twitching with rage. "I never agreed to this! And I never will!"
"Aww, really? That's a bummer… Now I don't feel like overthrowing the World Government anymore…"
"Same here."
"Yeah, no motivation at all now."
Rimuru exploded.
"GO TO HELL, YOU IDIOTS! I'M TAKING YOU ALL DOWN WITH ME!!"