As days passed, the widespread distribution of newspapers once again stirred up a storm regarding the developments on Hachinosu Island.
Two of the Four Emperors' crews joining forces to create a "Safe Community"—something that had only existed in dreams!
Though the concept of a "Safe Community" was not well understood, the mere fact that two of the Four Emperors had collaborated was enough to shock the world.
The construction teams bustling about on Hachinosu Island also drew the world's attention, particularly a certain man with a shoe print on his face.
Revolutionary Army Headquarters, Baltigo.
Dragon remained in his room, utterly absorbed in watching footage of the Prisoner Construction Team's operations, not even blinking.
Sabo entered the room carrying food and, seeing Dragon still fixated on the footage, scolded him in exasperation, "Dragon, you've been watching this same footage for three days and nights straight. If you keep this up, your body won't hold out!"
"I'm fine, Sabo."
Dragon's voice was hoarse as he raised his hand to turn off the footage, then leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes to rest.
For three days and nights, he had watched and pondered, yet he still couldn't understand how a wicked Pirate could train such a disciplined construction team.
No—it was more accurate to call them an army.
In those construction workers, he saw something deeply familiar.
Faith!
This invaluable quality was something the Revolutionary Army also possessed, but it was rare, mostly found only among their officers. It couldn't even compare to the team in the footage.
Dragon understood better than anyone how powerful an army with faith could be. This had always been his pursuit, yet it remained the greatest obstacle to the Revolutionary Army's growth.
The Revolutionary Army was severely undermanned, forced to hide from the World Government's relentless pursuit. If he had just ten such armies, what would he have to fear from the World Government?
He wanted to see it for himself.
"Sabo, I'm going to the New World."
"Good."
Surprisingly, Sabo didn't refuse.
"Gabul's run into trouble and needs our support."
"Gabul..."
Dragon frowned.
Gabul Vala, one of the Revolutionary Army's core officers, hailed as the "Son of the Revolution," had always been at the forefront of their cause.
"What happened?"
"His hometown has been occupied by the Beasts Pirates. The people there are now enslaved by the Pirates. He wants to go back and start a revolution."
Sabo's eyes filled with concern.
Given the involvement of the Beasts Pirates, Gabul stood no chance alone—but Sabo had no right to stop him from returning.
After a long silence, Dragon made his decision.
"Prepare to set sail."
"Yes!"
–––––––––––––––
Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral's Office.
"We've been played!"
Sengoku stared at the newspaper, his brow furrowed.
Knowing Whitebeard as he did, Sengoku was certain the man would never engage in something so trivial—let alone collaborate with the Beasts.
After analyzing the incident, he identified the anomaly.
"Earth Calamity" Gurd.
That man had orchestrated everything. The Marines had even been cleverly manipulated into becoming accomplices in the destruction of Hachinosu Island, ultimately forcing Whitebeard into cooperation.
A very shrewd man.
But that wasn't the main issue. What concerned Sengoku more was the Beasts Pirates' underlying motive. Were they trying to seize control of Hachinosu Island, or was there something else?
As Fleet Admiral, he understood how Pirates operated—even the Four Emperors. But now, the Beasts were acting out of character.
If what happened on Hachinosu Island were to be replicated on other islands, or even across the entire New World, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"Knock, knock, knock!"
The sound of knocking interrupted Sengoku's thoughts.
"Come in!"
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"
Drake limped into the office with the aid of a cane and placed a resignation letter on the desk.
"I'm here to submit my resignation."
"..."
Sengoku frowned deeply.
Drake was an outstanding Marine, someone who would undoubtedly become a pillar of the Navy in the future. He couldn't allow Drake to leave.
Even if he had made mistakes, he should stay and continue to contribute to the Navy!
Sengoku shook his head and pushed the resignation letter back. "Rear Admiral Drake, the Navy is in dire need of capable personnel. I cannot accept your resignation."
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku."
Drake clenched his fists.
As a rear admiral of the headquarters, he possessed a wealth of classified Navy intelligence, especially regarding Vegapunk, and was also a formidable combatant. Leaving the Navy was practically impossible.
He knew this well.
But the consequences of his reckless actions were something he couldn't forgive himself for. If the Whitebeard Pirates hadn't spared them, they would all be dead.
Even Admiral Kizaru had nearly died on Hachinosu Island!
He had to take responsibility for his actions.
Drake steadied his breathing and spoke with unwavering determination. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I plan to infiltrate the Beasts Pirates!"
"..."
Sengoku's gaze darkened.
"Are you serious?"
"Please grant me your permission!"
Drake bowed his head in request.
The only thing he could do now was leverage the advantages of his Allosaurus abilities to join the Beasts Pirates.
Kaido had a fondness for Zoan-type Devil Fruit users, especially Ancient Zoans. As long as he pledged his allegiance, Kaido would surely welcome him.
He would infiltrate the Beasts Pirates and gather intelligence on that man!
After a long silence, Sengoku spoke gravely. "You fought against the Beasts on Hachinosu Island. They won't trust you."
"I know!"
Drake took a deep breath.
"That's why I plan to defect from the Navy!"
Meanwhile, on Hachinosu Island.
In just a few days of work, the Prisoner Construction Team had shown the island's pirates what "Beasts Speed" truly meant.
Clearing rubble, pouring foundations, paving roads, rerouting paths, transporting building materials—everything proceeded with impeccable order. They had even planned a city wall around the foundation!
They were too professional!
When cannons began arriving by sea, the pirates on the island finally realized this wasn't just a residential project—it was the construction of a small fortress!
The ferocity of the construction team also left the pirates stunned, giving off the vibe of "work until you drop dead if you have to."
They even worked around the clock at night!
Did these workers never need rest?
At the higher levels of Skull Castle.
Gurd stood by the window, gazing down at the gradually forming construction zone, feeling the utmost satisfaction in both body and mind.
"What a magnificent sight!"
Gurd closed his eyes, extending his perception outward until it covered a radius of a thousand meters. Beyond that, he could sense nothing more.
The moment he signed the contract, not only had his Haki grown, but he had also awakened Observation Haki. Moreover, as construction progressed, the intensity of his Haki continued to increase.
This gave him a clearer understanding of the nature of his Haki.
The Haki he awakened when purchasing the land was the power of Groudon. Groudon, the god of the earth, held an extraordinary obsession with land.
The growth of his Haki stemmed from himself, transforming barren lands into sustainable real estate and fertile fields. This increase in wealth would nurture the growth of his willpower.
As for the coincidental awakening of Observation Haki, it aligned perfectly with his first overseas territory—an extension of his will into the outside world, fitting the very nature of Observation Haki.
"It's time to leave."
The affairs of Hachinosu Island had come to an end. Though he hadn't managed to capture Ace, he believed Kaido would understand.
However, he couldn't afford to slack off on the next two tasks.
He needed to recruit a member for the Flying Six!
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