PIRATE:SEEING MY PROFICIENCY I BECAME A LEGEND

Afterward, Dragon and his comrades arrived at the warehouse. Staring at the seemingly inexperienced youth before him, Dragon spoke in a deep yet approachable tone.

"Hey, little guy! I heard your name is Dongze. My name is Monkey D. Dragon, and I am the leader of the Revolutionary Army."

Dongze sighed inwardly. In the end, he hadn't managed to stay hidden. The Haoshoku Haki (Conqueror's Haki) that he had inadvertently awakened must have drawn their attention.

"Hello."

"Hey! Brother, do you want to join our Revolutionary Army?"

Hearing Dragon's straightforward offer, the corner of Dongze's mouth twitched. Should he expect anything less from a man born into the Navy? No unnecessary small talk—just straight to the point.

Ivankov's brows furrowed slightly. "Oi, Dragon! You're being too direct!"

"Haha, it's no big deal!"

Although the ideals of the Revolutionary Army aligned with his own in many ways, it was far too soon for him to take a side. The world of One Piece was dominated by three major factions—the Navy, the Pirates, and the Revolutionary Army—and none of them operated as smoothly as outsiders might assume.

Without sufficient strength, stepping into the power struggles of these factions could lead to destruction. Even within the New World, a place where only the strongest survived, a single misstep could lead to obliteration.

Hadn't the original story demonstrated this cruel truth? Ace, under the protection of Whitebeard, had still met a tragic fate during the Battle of Marineford. The tides of history were like an unstoppable tsunami, indifferent to the struggles of the weak.

Just imagine—if Ace had possessed the strength of an Emperor (Yonko) at the time, the battle's outcome might have been rewritten. But then again, had he been on that level, he wouldn't have been captured by Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard) in the first place.

"Sorry, but I'm not looking to join any organization at the moment," Dongze replied calmly.

Ivankov seemed puzzled. He had just been personally invited by the leader of the Revolutionary Army. Any ordinary person would be overjoyed at the offer.

"Does this love-brained boy want to become a pirate instead?"

"No. Right now, my strength is far too lacking. I don't have the qualifications to challenge the seas yet."

Dragon regarded Dongze with a newfound interest.

To recognize one's own limitations… That in itself is a rare wisdom.

The world was full of intelligent individuals, but few possessed the ability to assess themselves with true clarity.

"Amazing rationality," Dragon murmured, clearly impressed.

For the others, however, Dongze's maturity wasn't entirely surprising. The world was constantly at war, forcing children to grow up faster than they should. For a genius like Dongze, it was only natural that his perspective would be different.

"So that's how it is."

Considering the boy's overwhelming Haoshoku Haki, it was unlikely that he would ever consider joining the Navy. Those born with the disposition of a king were not ones to serve beneath others.

"A shame," Dragon admitted. "I had hoped to gain a capable right-hand man."

There was an undeniable truth about Haoshoku Haki: having it didn't necessarily make one the strongest, but the strongest in the world always possessed it.

Dongze had tremendous potential, but as he himself acknowledged, he was not yet ready to bear the weight of such power. Exposing himself too early could draw the attention of the World Government—a risk that was best avoided for now.

"Brother, remember this—our doors will always be open for you."

Ivankov and Bartholomew Kuma exchanged glances. Although Dongze's talent was undeniable, it was rare for Dragon to personally extend such an invitation to a newcomer.

Dragon, however, said no more. He was certain that this boy, if given time, would one day stand at the pinnacle of the world.

Koshiro, Dongze's master, observed quietly from the sidelines. Though his expression remained neutral, a knowing glint flickered in his eyes.

So, the leader of the Revolutionary Army has already sensed my disciple's terrifying potential?

Koshiro knew better than anyone how rapidly Dongze had grown in strength. To call him a "monster among monsters" would still be an understatement.

If given another two years, it was entirely possible that Dongze would reach the level of a Great Swordsman the moment he set sail. The very thought sent shivers down Koshiro's spine.

For those on the side of the Revolutionary Army, anyone with such talent was worth fostering. Regardless of where Dongze eventually chose to stand, one thing was certain—he would never serve under the World Government. No matter which side he joined, it would be a victory for the Revolutionaries.

Dongze understood this as well. Originally, he had hoped to avoid contact with the Revolutionary Army so soon, yet fate had other plans. Now, he found himself directly in their line of sight.

Sweeping his gaze over the three Revolutionary officers before him, Dongze's expression shifted subtly.

"Gentlemen, I have a proposal. I wonder if you might be interested?"

The three exchanged intrigued glances.

This boy… wants to negotiate with us?

Dragon, ever the strategist, chuckled. "Let's hear it, brother."

"I came across a few proverbs during my readings. I believe they may be useful to your cause."

Dragon's expression remained unreadable. "And what do you want in exchange?"

"Materials for swordsmithing. I wish to forge a blade of my own—one that rivals my master's Wado Ichimonji."

A pause. Then a knowing smile spread across Dragon's face.

"Ivanov, do we still have some of those materials in storage?"

Kuma nodded. "We do. And we have no use for them."

Seeing Dongze's overwhelming potential, Kuma subtly nudged Dragon toward accepting the deal. After all, forming ties with a future powerhouse at the cost of some unused materials was an investment worth making.

"Well then, let's hear these proverbs of yours," Dragon said. "But I'll warn you now—if they turn out to be nothing but pirate folklore, we're not interested."

Dongze hesitated for a moment but ultimately stood his ground. Even if these words held little immediate value, he was certain they would spark something within the minds of these men.

"The first proverb: 'The ruler is a boat, the people are water. Water can carry the boat, but it can also capsize it.'"

At first, the three Revolutionaries listened passively. But as the words sank in, their expressions changed.

The meaning was clear: rulers depended on the people to maintain their power, yet if they failed in their duties, the people had the power to overthrow them.

Wasn't this the very reason the Revolutionary Army existed?

The World Government treated the people as disposable, driving them into desperation. And under Dragon's leadership, they had taken up arms to challenge this injustice.

"This… This is incredible."

"Amazing."

"…Simply outstanding."

Their blood stirred with newfound conviction.

Dongze exhaled in relief. As expected, the wisdom of the past still holds power here.

"Oi, brother! What about the second proverb?" Kuma asked eagerly.

Dongze nodded.

"'Build high walls, stockpile supplies, and slowly rise to power.'"

The three leaders instantly grasped its significance. The Revolutionary Army was still growing, yet a direct confrontation with the World Government would be reckless. Instead, they needed to strengthen their foundation, bide their time, and strike when the moment was right.

Dragon's heart pounded with excitement. "And the third?"

Dongze smirked.

"'When the enemy advances, we retreat. When the enemy retreats, we advance. When the enemy rests, we harass. When the enemy tires, we strike.'"

Dragon was speechless. His mind reeled with the tactical brilliance of those words.

After a long pause, he burst into laughter.

"Hahahaha!"

Even Ivankov and Kuma couldn't contain their exhilaration.

"Every word is priceless," Dragon finally said.

Dongze bowed slightly. "The path to revolution is long. But no matter how dark the night, light will always shine ahead."

Dragon grinned.

"Well said, brother. Well said."