Chapter 128: An Unexpected Guest: Dragon Wants Moren to Lead the Revolutionary Army! (Patreon)

The harbor wind carried the scent of ice and snow. Belo Betty strode down the gangplank with steady steps, the hem of her deep red trench coat flapping in the cold wind.

She removed her sunglasses, her gaze immediately locking onto the figure on the dock, the one with the lazy smile that somehow commanded attention.

"Moren!" Belo Betty's lips curved into a crisp, confident smile. She walked up and gave his arm a familiar punch.

"You only ever contact me when you need something. Can't you call me sometimes just to chat?"

Her gaze swept over the people behind Moren: Nami, peering curiously; Robin, wearing an elegant smile; Baccarat, her expression complicated; Chopper, hiding behind Robin's legs; and Dalton, his face tense as if facing a great enemy.

"Was that really just a chat you wanted?" Moren pinched her chin, raising an eyebrow.

"Talking about other things would be even better, of course..." Belo Betty licked her lips, giving him a sultry look.

After a brief exchange, Moren's gaze shifted past Belo Betty to the tall, silent figure beside her. Even at a distance, even with his face hidden beneath a hood, the natural aura of leadership and unfathomable depth was as unmistakable as a lighthouse in the dark.

"This is...?" Moren's eyes lit up. That iconic large green cloak was simply impossible to mistake.

Belo Betty stepped aside, her expression turning serious, her tone carrying obvious respect. "This is the leader of our Revolutionary Army."

The tall man slowly raised his hand and lowered his hood, revealing a weathered face with cold, sharp features and distinctive square tattoos. Most striking were his eyes, calm yet piercing.

He looked at Moren, gave a slight nod, and extended his hand.

"Monkey D. Dragon. I've long heard of you, Mr. Collector Moren."

His voice was low and steady, carrying an inherent power that compelled trust.

"Mr. Dragon! This is quite a surprise..." Moren shook his hand. "I didn't expect you to come personally."

"Betty brought back some of your manuscripts and ideas," Dragon said without preamble, his gaze filled with curiosity and scrutiny.

"I've read them. They're fascinating and enlightening... I can say that you've opened up new avenues of thought for me and for our Revolutionary Army."

His tone was calm, but those who knew him could sense the urgency beneath.

Clearly, those theories from another world, tested by time and refined through practice, had made a profound impact on Dragon. He had originally been passing through the East Blue to check on local Revolutionary Army operations and Belo Betty's work when he received the manuscripts she had forwarded.

At first, he was merely curious about what this "Collector" would write. But once he started reading, he was completely absorbed, unable to stop. He wanted to meet Moren immediately.

As luck would have it, not long after, Belo Betty received Moren's call. Dragon had come along, which was why he had been able to travel from the East Blue to here in just a few days.

Throughout the journey, he had been constantly thinking. Now that he was face-to-face with Moren, his desire for an in-depth discussion overpowered everything else.

Belo Betty rolled her eyes, swallowing her original plan to "catch up" with Moren. When their leader's thirst for knowledge ignited, nothing could stop him. She would have to wait until they were done.

"Shall we talk as we walk? I have many questions I'd like to ask..." Dragon said softly, looking at Moren.

So urgent? Talking in the cold wind would give you a stomach ache.

Though he thought this, Moren, seeing Dragon's eagerness, nodded in agreement.

"Of course..."

And so, what was supposed to be a formal meeting turned into Dragon and Moren walking side by side, already deep in low conversation.

Belo Betty shrugged and naturally fell half a step behind, giving the two "thinkers" space. Her gaze shifted to Baccarat, who was eyeing her with a rather "peculiar" expression.

Belo Betty raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile curling at her lips. She leaned in and lowered her voice.

"Well, well, isn't this our 'Goddess of Luck,' Miss Baccarat? Still looking radiant after all this time."

"How's it been without me around to share the 'workload'? Must have been pretty tiring, huh? Must be under a lot of pressure. Remember to drink plenty of water, wouldn't want you to get dehydrated."

Baccarat tossed her red hair and shot back without missing a beat.

"Heh, I'm happy to be tired, even if it means working myself to the bone. At least I get to see him, unlike some people who are always out of sight."

"Speaking of which, you must be starving after all this time, right? Don't worry about me. I only get the bedsheets wet. Unlike some people who even manage to make the roof leak..."

"You!" Belo Betty choked, glaring at her. "Next time, don't come crying to me for help!"

"Same to you," Baccarat shot back without missing a beat.

While the two of them traded barbs and dug up dirt on each other, Nami and Robin followed the group toward the castle, listening with great amusement, their expressions those of eager spectators.

Nami, not quite understanding, whispered to Robin, asking why they needed to "stay hydrated," and Robin pursed her lips and said she'd find out eventually.

Up ahead, Dragon and Moren were completely absorbed in their own world.

"...So, the 'Revolutionary Platform' you mentioned in your manuscripts, it's not merely a slogan, but a systematic document that provides direction?"

"It must clarify the ultimate goal of the revolution, like overthrowing the World Government and establishing a new order, but also be divided into stages, right? For example, the current stage, and the next stage?"

Dragon's questions came one after another, his tone growing more urgent. Moren's seemingly scattered ideas were colliding and combining in his mind, sparking new insights.

"Exactly," Moren nodded, gesturing as he walked. "You need to tell your followers: what kind of world are we actually trying to build? Is it just overthrowing the Celestial Dragons? And then what? How is power distributed? How is the economic foundation rebuilt? How are people's rights protected?"

"These all need to be addressed in the platform, even if it's only a framework. Stages are important; you can't expect to achieve everything overnight. Right now, your Revolutionary Army's main tasks might be exposing the truth, stirring up resistance, organizing, and accumulating strength. This is the first stage."

"Then there is the second stage, the third stage..."

"...And you need to distinguish between enemies and allies. Which enemies must be defeated? The Celestial Dragons and the highest-ranking corrupt officials of the World Government."

"Who can be won over as allies? Oppressed kingdoms, nobles of member states who still possess a conscience, and even like-minded individuals within the Marines."

"Who should be drawn in, or at least kept neutral? Some wavering kingdoms, independent armed groups, and even... certain Warlords?"

"In general, this analysis must be dynamic and clear!" Moren continued, pouring out the essence of "The Art of Slaying Dragons."

"...Revolutionary theory and ideological development cannot rely only on passion and a leader's personal charisma. You need theoretical weapons that can convince people and arm their minds!"

"Why is this world wrong? Why are we revolting? Where does the legitimacy and justice of revolution lie? What is the blueprint for the new world? These things need to be written into books, explained publicly, and every revolutionary fighter needs to understand why they fight! This is what we call... raising ideological awareness!"

Dragon listened in rapt fascination, his eyes growing brighter and brighter.

Many questions he had never been able to systematically organize, and the bottlenecks he had encountered in practice, were now becoming clear under Moren's methodical and layered explanations.

He felt as if the previously murky revolutionary path in his mind was being illuminated by a bright lamp, becoming clear, feasible, and divided into steps.

They walked and talked, from the harbor to the castle, through long corridors, and entered the study Moren was temporarily using. They talked so passionately that the hot tea brought in remained untouched, slowly growing cold.

Belo Betty tried several times to remind them to eat or rest, but the intense and excited discussions coming from inside stopped her each time. She could only shake her head with a helpless smile and prepare food and hot drinks to keep them awake later.

The conversation stretched from afternoon to late night, and from late night to dawn.

Inside the study, lamplight illuminated two equally focused profiles, their faces reflecting the sparks of intellectual fervor.

Dragon had completely lost track of time and where he was. Like a traveler who had wandered too long through the desert and finally discovered an oasis, he greedily absorbed the systematic and profound revolutionary theories that surpassed this era.

From class analysis to the mass line, from armed struggle to the United Front, from revolutionary base establishment to the conception of governance...

Although Moren could not remember many details, the core framework and ideas alone were enough to shock this world's revolutionary figure and plunge him into deep contemplation.

"I see... so that's how it works... I understand! I understand now!" Dragon sometimes sank into thought, sometimes excitedly slammed his hand on the table and paced around the room.

Many problems that had troubled him for years now seemed to have found theoretical support and possible approaches to solving them.

Finally, when the first hint of dawn appeared on the horizon, Dragon stopped, turned around, and grabbed Moren's shoulders tightly with both hands. His eyes burned with intense light.

"Mr. Moren! Please, you must join the Revolutionary Army! Your ideas and insights are of vital importance to our cause!"

"If you are willing, I can step down and give the position to someone more capable. You should lead the Revolutionary Army! We need your wisdom!"

He was completely sincere. After witnessing Moren's incisive revolutionary theoretical system, Dragon realized that many of his previous thoughts and methods had been too rough and overly influenced by emotions.

With Moren's full assistance, the chances of the revolution succeeding would increase greatly!

Moren was stunned by Dragon's sudden and earnest invitation. He waved his hands.

"Mr. Dragon, you overestimate me. I'm merely someone who carries knowledge passed down by others, a child standing on the shoulders of giants. Besides..."

He paused, his usual lazy and carefree smile returning.

"I have no interest in becoming a revolutionary leader. That responsibility is simply too great for me. I prefer things as they are now, where I can freely adventure, see different scenery, and do things that I find interesting and necessary."

Seeing the undisguised disappointment and regret in Dragon's eyes, Moren added:

"However, I am always willing to share these ideas."

"After all, seeing this world become a little better is not a bad thing. So if you have any thoughts, or if you encounter any problems, we can continue discussing them. But joining or leading... let's forget it."

Dragon stared at Moren for a long time, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. Finally, he let out a deep sigh, filled with incomparable regret.

He could naturally tell that Moren truly meant what he said. This man's future belonged to the vast and boundless sea and free adventure, not the command room of the Revolutionary Army.

"I understand." Dragon's voice returned to calm, but the admiration in his eyes remained.

"Although it is regrettable, I respect your choice. However, Mr. Moren, these ideas of yours are of extraordinary significance to me and the Revolutionary Army. Please allow me to bring these concepts back and develop a theory suited to us based on them."

"Of course, feel free," Moren readily agreed. "I'm glad they can be of use."

When sunlight finally illuminated the spires of Drum Castle, the study door finally opened.

Although Dragon had stayed awake all night, he was extremely energized. Moren was also energized, but his exhaustion was far more obvious.

In the dining room, Belo Betty, Baccarat, Nami, Robin, and a curious Chopper were already there. Only Dr. Kureha seemed to have drunk too much again and still had not woken up.

Seeing the two appear, Belo Betty showed an expression that clearly said, "Finally finished." The others also looked at them curiously, trying to see the results of their all-night discussion from their faces.

Dragon's gaze swept over everyone before finally landing on Moren. He spoke with great seriousness:

"Mr. Moren, thank you for your guidance tonight. The Revolutionary Army owes you a great debt. We will properly handle the matter on Drum Island. Furthermore..."

He paused and looked toward Chopper, who was quietly eating breakfast while secretly observing him, as well as Robin and the others who were eating silently.

"Your companions are all wonderful people. I wish you a smooth journey in your future adventures. If one day you change your mind, or if you need assistance, the Revolutionary Army's doors will always be open to you."

After saying that, he no longer spoke further and sat down to enjoy his long-delayed breakfast.

Moren also smiled and sat down. He winked at Baccarat.

"So, did you miss me last night?"

Baccarat rolled her eyes at him.

"Who would miss you? We were busy counting money! Wapol left behind quite a lot of treasure!"

"Hahaha, forget it if you don't miss me. There are plenty of people who do, right?" Moren laughed, tilting his chin toward Belo Betty.

Belo Betty gave a mischievous smile and shook her head.

"Nope~ I slept very well last night. I didn't even dream."

Moren: "..."

Seeing Moren get rejected, everyone couldn't help but laugh. The atmosphere in the dining room finally returned to its usual lighthearted warmth.