“That’s how it is; the world situation is already clear. You’ve made your choice. Those supporting the Revolutionary Army are ready; those supporting us are also prepared. As for the Navy and those who remain neutral, I personally suggest you keep watching. It’s been long enough, and a few more days won’t hurt.”
“As for the battle, the fleet is just outside the Red Earth Continent. Once this fight is over, it can push through.”
Saying this, he shifted his gaze away from the Radio Snail, waving to the Straw Hat Pirates, “Now, you should head down.”
Then he turned to look at Dorag in the sky.
“A rare sight, Dorag. I have to thank you for taking care of our business over the years.”
“Is it really appropriate to greet me in this way at such a critical moment?”
Dorag responded deeply, “The one talking about fighting all the time is my son.”
“Hahahaha, a son you’ve only seen a few times over decades; does such a bond really exist?” Sage laughed heartily.
Dorag had no time for idle chatter with Sage, and he wasn’t a dull person.
Now, with the way Sage arrived, it was full of mystery, coupled with what he had described.
To ascend to being a presence equal to Imu, then Luffy…
Dorag collected himself, pondered briefly, and said to Sage, “It’s not entirely irreconcilable between us. I’d like to hear what your ideas are. If possible, the world can restore peace now.”
The chaos in the Southeast Seas; he himself had heard the news. This was the downside of the hastily unprepared launch of war.
After Imu’s failure, his first reaction was to be happy for Luffy. The second realization was finding O’hara, who occupied half the world but had operations completely different from the Revolutionary Army.
Both parties gather allies, both have Pirates, and both resist the Heavenly Celestial Dragons, but their methods are entirely opposite.
On the Revolutionary Army’s side, it’s unity.
On O’hara’s side, it’s ruling.
But ultimately, both aimed to overthrow the Heavenly Celestial Dragons, and now that goal is achieved.
As for the World Government’s function, Dorag himself didn’t oppose it. After removing the Dragons and the Heavenly Gold, in his view, the World Government was actually doing a good job.
The four-year World Conference, where Kings freely plan, maintaining order the rest of the time, preserving world order—there’s nothing bad about it.
If Sage could abandon the darkness and join him in forming a united government, that would be ideal.
For this, he’s even willing to let Sage take the lead.
From his understanding of Sage, he believes that if Sage isn’t so tyrannical, he’s a very good leader, a stronger leader than himself!
As long as he can find some common ground with Sage, he can initiate negotiations.
Upon hearing Dorag’s words, Sage cast a peculiar glance at him and laughed again, “I understand your point, but I’m not interested. I never share with others; I only bestow upon them.”
His smile gradually turned vicious:
“Your desired world is chaotic to me. Disputes, battles, exchanges of interests… it’s fine, but it must be under my rule. Do you know what ‘meat rotting in the pot’ means? That pot… must be mine!”
“Then there’s no negotiation.” Dorag’s expression turned solemn.
“Never was.”
Sage leaned back, patting the armrest of the throne, “Rather, if you’re willing to submit to me, accept my rule, I’m willing to give you what you want. Equity and justice, these things I’ll naturally satisfy for you.”
“There won’t be another Imu in the world!”
Dorag resolutely refused, “Eight hundred years ago, Imu was also a good Imu!”
“Hehehehe…”
Sage chuckled softly a few times, his palm grasping the armrest, “Right, as much as you talk, it’s still true confrontation underneath. The weapon of critique can’t represent the critique of weapons.”
“I’ll destroy you right now!”
Sabo below roared, his fist turning into a Fire Fist, shooting out a pillar of fire. But as soon as the pillar appeared, it was entwined by a cold air, and under the intense freeze, the burning flames instantly suppressed, disappearing without a trace.
“Ah la la, no good, your flame hasn’t reached the point where heat isn’t a factor.”
From behind him, Kuzan dropped an icy hand, emitted cold mist, his expression surprisingly relaxed.
“Oh~ Kuzan, acting so promptly now? I thought you were still so lazy; do you really think O’hara might succeed?” Kizaru exclaimed from the sky.
“You can try it too.” Kuzan scratched his head, “I think it’s pretty okay anyway.”
“Kizaru.”
Sage raised his head, smiling, “The World Government is gone, why not work for me? I’m planning to retain the Navy. As for so-called ‘evil,’ of course, it should be battled against.”
“Oh~ such words coming from you, a Great Pirate, how terrifying.” Kizaru grinned and said, “You are the greatest ‘evil.'”
“Position is relative, Borsalino.”
Sage rested his chin on his hand, saying, “During the era of slavery, freeing slaves was evil. During feudalism, overthrowing Kings was evil.”
“The evil at each stage is different; the past always passes, just like waves rushing forward. We’re not here to cherish the past, but to face the future. You should understand this better than I do.”
Kizaru understood.
He differs from Kuzan and Sakazuki; not only did he study, but his studies were rather good, belonging to those with a high cultural level.