Chapter 164: The Plot Unfolds
Dragon, a seasoned figure in the underworld, displayed remarkable acting skills. To avoid revealing the truth, he didn't disclose the actual situation to Sabo and Koala. Instead, he approached them with a stern face, said nothing, and left, making them believe the negotiations had failed.
Initially, due to Avalon's good security, Rodney had earned the respect of Sabo, Koala, and even Ace. However, their impression of him took a nosedive as they perceived him as a selfish arms dealer. Despite managing a place with good law and order, he remained a money-driven, unscrupulous individual.
Dragon, on the other hand, remained silent. It wasn't until he returned to the ship and confirmed there were no eavesdroppers that he burst into laughter.
Sabo asked, "Leader, is it really so amusing that the negotiations failed?"
Avalon Weapon Company's AK rifles were indispensable on the battlefield, and the Revolutionary Army needed them to level the playing field in future conflicts. The failure of these negotiations was a significant setback.
At a time like this, why was their leader laughing? Had he lost his mind?
Koala, too, wore a puzzled expression as she glanced at Dragon. He stifled his laughter and said, "Rodney isn't a bad person, so there's no need to be angry. Sabo, you and Koala will go to an island to the southeast tomorrow night to receive something for us."
"Our thing?" Sabo asked in confusion. Unaware of the situation, he had no idea what was happening.
Dragon explained, "Those are the weapons Rodney is selling to us, acquired at a cost. Additionally, he has included a significant gift. In my opinion, it holds more significance than the weapons themselves."
That list contained the names of those who had initiated wars, those who had bought the weapons, and the names of oppressors and abusers – the names of their enemies. With this information, their future actions would become simpler, making it easier to undermine their enemies' foundations.
However, he couldn't reveal this information just yet. It wasn't the right time.
Sabo and Koala learned that Rodney had sold them weapons but kept them hidden. Sabo asked, "Why did you quarrel with Rodney, then? And in public, no less. Could it be... Leader, were you acting to deceive someone?"
"Yes, Mr. Rodney has an undercover agent from the World Government on his side. It seems he has no intention of opposing them, but neither does he want to reveal his willingness to assist us. It's likely a diversion to avoid suspicion from the World Government."
Koala pondered, "Is this about the position of the Warlord of the Sea? Jinbei accepted that position for Fish-Man Island. I heard Rodney and Jinbei have a good relationship."
Fisher Tiger had initially liberated them from Mary Geoise, and they had spent joyful times on the Sun Pirates' ship later on. Her own family, in an effort to ensure her safe upbringing, had made a deal with the Marines. After Fisher Tiger had returned home, he was severely wounded by them and eventually succumbed to his injuries.
Two years later, she had learned the truth and had willingly joined the Revolutionary Army. Her goal was to free slaves and overthrow the World Government.
"I heard Rodney helped Princess Shirahoshi capture Vander Decken IX, who had been harassing her for a long time. Thanks to him, she was finally able to set foot in her homeland."
Sabo contemplated and said, "Rodney is quite a complex individual. It's hard to fathom his true intentions."
Dragon replied, "Well, we don't need to speculate too much about Mr. Rodney. Just remember, he is a friend of our Revolutionary Army. However, remember not to get too close."
As Sabo mentioned earlier, Rodney was a complex figure, and understanding his true motives was challenging. It was best to maintain cooperation for now, even if they were friends. It was essential to be prepared for betrayal, as being stabbed in the back by friends was not unheard of.
The Revolutionary Army had often helped rebel forces in various countries. When they gained an advantage, some individuals they trusted would use them as bargaining chips in negotiations with the Marines and the World Government, seeking wealth and status.
They had suffered many times due to this, and they couldn't afford to suffer again. But for the greater good and the oppressed masses, they would continue their struggle. As long as they didn't stop, the path would keep extending.
"Leader, is Rodney doing this for his position as a Shichibukai?" Sabo inquired.
Dragon explained, "That's one of the reasons, but there's also the motive of distancing himself from us. After all, our identities are considered major offenders by the World Government. Being associated with us isn't good for Rodney."
The World Government had a love-hate relationship with the Shichibukai. They wanted to maintain the balance of power in the seas but also aimed to eliminate them. It was clear that the Shichibukai system had an expiration date, and it was just a matter of time before it would be abolished.
Rodney needed the Warlord position to protect himself, as it came with significant benefits. For now, he couldn't afford to lose it because of his assistance to the Revolutionary Army.
Dragon knew this, which was why he had staged this act to make the World Government believe that Rodney had no intention of associating with the Revolutionary Army. Without concrete evidence, the matter would likely be dropped.
Currently, Avalon didn't have the strength to resist the Marine fleet.
"We're heading back. Sabo, Koala, once you receive the weapons, return. There's no need to wait for me."
Sabo and Koala remembered that their leader's hometown was in the East Blue.
...
Time passed swiftly, and another month went by. Rodney received news that the Fourth Division Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates had been killed by their friend Marshall D. Teach.
Teach had escaped from the Whitebeard Pirates overnight, and Fire Fist Ace, despite his crewmates' objections, had gone after Teach, who later became Blackbeard.
"Is it beginning? I've already gained the power I need. The Summit War, hmph. I can now face the remnants of the old era with confidence," Rodney said with a smile, a confident and strong smile.
He continued, "That also means Monkey D. Luffy is about to set sail, or maybe he already has. It's time for me to go to a place I've been avoiding. Robin, I'll take you somewhere where you can find what you're looking for."
Robin, who had been reading a book, closed it and asked, "The Void Century?"
"Exactly, I couldn't challenge that chuuni guy before, so I didn't take you there. But it's different this time. I'm capable of taking him down now." He displayed a confident, winning smile.
Robin got up and asked, "Just us?"
"Yes, just us, the two of us." Rodney smiled.
"In that case, Captain, you better protect me." Robin stood up and looked at the man who had sworn to protect her since Arabasta.
"Of course, I'll protect you. I'm sure my crew will take good care of you, and I won't let a hair on your head be harmed."
His matter-of-fact way of speaking reassured Robin, and she squinted her eyes, placing her hand, which had significantly lightened in complexion, in Rodney's large hand. She whispered softly, "Alright, Captain, I'm entrusting my life to you from now on."
"Leave it to me, Robin. I'm worthy of your trust. Just believe in me."
They exchanged a smile, as in the past, sharing a silent understanding.
They were friends, leaders and subordinates, protectors and the protected, and companions in spirit...