Dragon slowly bent down and picked up the fallen notebook.
His gaze shifted away from Kuma and Ginny, finally settling on Rhett's face.
"Teacher," his voice was deep and firm. "You're right. Promises alone won't change the world."
Rhett was just watching the sweet couple, grinning from ear to ear. He just liked seeing them together; enjoying different kinds of relationships only balanced his nutrition.
"I once thought that overthrowing the Celestial Dragons and establishing a new system would make the world better." Dragon crumpled the paper page, letting the pieces scatter in the wind.
"But you showed me a crueler truth. All these years, while continuing my dream, I've also come to see that even without the Celestial Dragons, oppression will still exist in another form."
Rhett raised an eyebrow: "So?"
"You're so serious, Dragon. It makes me look like an idiot."
"So revolution is not the end," Dragon looked up, new flames burning in his eyes. "It's an ongoing struggle. What I want to build is not a 'perfect nation,' but one that allows everyone—"
He pointed to Ginny, who was wiping blood off Kuma, then to the three Kujaku sisters peeking curiously through the window—
"to fight for their own destinies, to choose their own lives."
Rhett: Wow, Dragon, that speech was way too good. How am I supposed to follow that?
Dragon really cared about this and was naturally talented. He was a true revolutionary in every sense.
Hahahaha.
But little bro, you still need to practice. Rhett was standing on the shoulders of giants.
The bar suddenly fell silent.
"Pfft." Rhett suddenly laughed. "Not bad."
"Remember what you said today—revolution is not a banquet. It requires bloodshed. I believe you've also found the assignment I gave you, but at least..."
The blood mist in his palm condensed into a small sickle and a small hammer, which he handed to Dragon: "Don't forget why you're shedding blood."
Dragon took them and suddenly knelt on one knee: "We want to extend an invitation to you. We want you to officially become—"
"Huh?" Rhett took three steps back. "I refuse! Do you know how many idiots I've taught? (Someone from the East, someone from the South, someone from the North, right?) I'm already tired enough!!!!"
Rhett looked at the young couple.
Ginny's face was bright red. This straightforward girl had already confessed to Kuma, but Kuma's direct, passionate expression of love made her uncomfortable for a moment.
She glanced at Kuma, then quickly lowered her head, wringing her hands, wishing she could disappear into the ground.
Hehehe.
"Ahem..." Rhett cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence. "Alright, jokes aside. Ginny, what happens between you and Kuma is your decision. I just don't want you to have any regrets."
He stood up and patted Kuma on the shoulder.
Rhett nodded with satisfaction, then turned to Dragon. "Alright, Dragon, I've seen your assignment. Although you've made great progress, there are still many shortcomings. Revolution is no child's play. It requires more thorough planning and greater strength. Mary Geoise is not so easy to shake. You need more time to build up your power."
Dragon said respectfully, "Your lesson is well learned, Teacher. I will keep it in mind."
Rhett waved his hand. "Enough, stop calling me teacher. It sounds weird. Take Ginny and leave quickly! Go on, go!"
Rhett started shooing them away because he had a bigger challenge ahead. Even though Rhett was very wealthy,
the thought of Shakky still not coming out to check on the situation, the sound of that abacus clicking away, and the thought of Shakky's price-gouging—this was very important!
Even someone as strong as Rhett shuddered.
Rhett paused, then added, "But remember, don't act rashly. Sabaody may seem calm, but there are undercurrents. The Navy's power is not to be underestimated. Don't have a direct conflict with the Navy until you're fully prepared."
This was something Rhett had thought through. Even though this place was close to Navy Headquarters, the Celestial Dragons liked to come here, and the black-market industries were thriving, making it a mixed bag of people.
Good job, Celestial Dragons.
Disappointment in Dragon's eyes was replaced by renewed light. He nodded in agreement. He had thought that since Rhett refused him, he wouldn't give any more guidance.
But in his heart, he began to plan how to use Sabaody, this special place, to prepare for the Revolutionary Army's next move.
Dragon watched Rhett's retreating back, his eyes filled with admiration and gratitude.
He turned to Ginny and Kuma. "We have to go too. Sabaody is not a place to stay long. I need to make arrangements as soon as possible. Ginny, you will work with Kuma from now on."
"Yes, Dragon dear!" Ginny replied.
Ginny looked at Kuma worriedly. "Kuma dear... are you really okay? Do you need to rest?"
Kuma shook his head. "I'm fine, Ginny. I just want to get stronger as quickly as possible and protect you."
He looked at Dragon. "Mr. Dragon, let's go."
Dragon, Kuma, and Ginny walked away side by side, disappearing into the streets of Sabaody.
The three Kujaku sisters watched them leave, not taking their eyes off them until their figures had completely vanished.
Hancock looked at Sandersonia and Marigold and said firmly, "We must also work hard to become stronger. We can't always rely on Brother Rhett's protection.
We need to become powerful pirates who can stand on our own and make Brother Rhett proud!"
Sandersonia and Marigold answered in unison, "Yes, sister!"
Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains. The three Kujaku sisters huddled together on the same bed.
Sandersonia suddenly spoke softly: "Sister... that brand..."
Hancock clenched the blanket tightly. The Celestial Dragons' hoof print on her back was their shame.
Tap, tap, tap. A knock came from outside the door.
"Are you asleep? Can I come in?" Rhett's voice softly sounded.
The three sisters froze. Hancock was filled with surprise and joy: "B-Brother Rhett... we're not asleep... please come in."
After Rhett entered, he looked at the three little ones on the bed.
"Turn around." The blood mist condensed into Rhett's hand, and he gently patted her on the head. "I'll show you a magic trick."
Hancock turned into a steam machine: "T-turning, turning around."
Rhett knew right away that little Hancock was having dirty thoughts.
Bonk! A flick to the head.
"I'm going to remove your scar for you. That's why Rhett came in the evening. Even though everyone knows and tries to avoid it, the psychological pressure on the three little ones is less at night."
Hancock bit her lip and turned around, feeling the cold mist touch her back.
"It might hurt a little." Rhett's tone was uncharacteristically serious. "This brand isn't just a scar. It was infused with a special substance, which is why it's hard to remove..."
The blood mist, as fine as hair, formed needles that precisely penetrated the edges of the brand. Hancock grunted softly, and Sandersonia immediately grabbed her hand.
The three little ones immediately fainted. The anesthetic in Rhett's mist had started to take effect. Rhett's treatment method was simple: he directly carved out the flesh and used life force to rapidly replenish it.
"Wow, it's quite deep. No wonder."
That's why he hadn't done it earlier. As mentioned before, at that time, their bodies were too depleted.
Rhett was afraid of over-replenishing. Now that their bodies were almost fully restored,
Marigold seemed to be having a nightmare: "I won't do it again, please don't hit me."
Rhett looked at the three little ones and frowned. "This won't do."