The flames of revenge suddenly ignited in Rob Lucci's long-dormant heart. This man standing before him, the leader of the Revolutionary Army who had always aimed to overthrow the World Government, seemed like an excellent tool. Perhaps this was more than just a rescue; it was a new place to belong and a chance for payback. A crazy and bold plan instantly formed in his mind.
He took a deep breath, suppressing his turbulent emotions, and slowly spoke in a slightly hoarse and weak voice. He chose words that moved even Monkey D. Dragon.
"Monkey D. Dragon... sir, is that right?" Lucci asked. "I... I want to join the Revolutionary Army."
Dragon's amiable expression instantly froze, and a sharp, eagle-like glint flashed in his deep eyes. He did not show immediate hostility, but his profound Aura, which felt as vast as the sea, silently permeated the cabin. The air felt several times heavier, almost as if the gravity in the room had increased.
"You know me?" Dragon's voice remained steady, but the warmth from before had vanished. For a seemingly down-and-out, weak young man to instantly identify him was highly unusual.
Lucci leaned against the headboard, his reply weak but clear. "The World Government's most wanted criminal and the leader of the Revolutionary Army, Monkey D. Dragon. Your portrait and data have a very high priority in the internal files of the Cipher Pol ." Since he had decided to take this step, he would no longer hide the truth. Honesty was the first step to gaining trust, even if that honesty was full of risks.
"CP?" Dragon's brows furrowed. He had suspected the person before him wasn't a simple civilian, but he hadn't expected someone from the World Government's secret intelligence agencies.
Lucci took a deep breath, looking up with eyes that once belonged to the strongest genius in CP9 history. Even though he was covered in dust and weakened by his time in the mines, a hint of his former leopard-like sharpness remained.
"To show my sincerity, I will tell you the truth," he said with calm resolve. "My name is Rob Lucci. I am a former member of the World Government's direct secret intelligence agency, CP9. In fact, I was the combatant they once hailed as the strongest in their history."
Even with Dragon's legendary composure, his pupils contracted slightly at the mention of CP9. An undisguised look of surprise appeared on his face. He never expected that the helpless youth he rescued was a top agent trained by the World Government. It was like picking up a poisoned dagger by the side of the road.
However, Dragon was a man who dared to challenge the entire world. His surprise was momentary; he quickly calmed down and did not panic. Instead of taking hostile action, he pulled a chair forward and sat down, looking directly into Lucci's eyes.
"An ace agent of the former CP9... why would someone like you appear on Ambri Island?" Dragon asked in a deep voice. "And why would you want to join the Revolutionary Army? It's hard not to suspect your motives, Mr. Lucci."
Lucci was not surprised by Dragon's caution. It would have been ridiculous if the leader of the revolution had believed him immediately. He pulled at the corner of his mouth, revealing a cold, bitter smile filled with self-mockery.
"For revenge," he said, his voice as cold as ice.
"Revenge?" Dragon repeated, catching the keyword.
"Yes. Revenge against the World Government that heartlessly abandoned me and my companions," Lucci explained. He briefly recounted his experiences, his tone calm even as his eyes burned with inner turmoil. "We were carrying out an important mission at Enies Lobby, which ultimately failed. To cover up the truth and distance themselves from the failure, the high-ranking officials abandoned us."
Lucci looked at Dragon with a grim expression. "I fortunately did not die, but I fell into Takuro's hands and was imprisoned in a mine as a laborer. I only found an opportunity to escape a short while ago. I don't hate Takuro; the loser eats dust, and my strength was simply insufficient. But I hate the World Government. I hate those fools who treat us as tools to be discarded! If they hadn't overestimated themselves and acted so cold-heartedly, my companions and I would never have fallen this far."
Dragon listened quietly. While his face remained unreadable, a hint of understanding flashed in his eyes. He had heard of government infighting and agents being used as pawns before. Lucci's story was just another example of the corruption at the core of the World Government.
"So," Lucci finished, his gaze fixed on Dragon with fanatical determination. "I want to join the Revolutionary Army and use your strength to seek my revenge. Is that reason enough? What do you say? Can I join? "
Dragon slowly shook his head, a movement that caused Lucci's brows to tighten.
"Why?" Lucci pressed, his tone becoming urgent.
"Mr. Lucci, your identity is far too special and sensitive," Dragon replied seriously. "Being the former strongest member of CP9 brings enormous risks. Whether to accept you is not a decision I can make alone. I must discuss this with my core companions and evaluate the impact."
He paused, his gaze piercing as if he were trying to see into Lucci's heart. "Furthermore, I cannot rule out that this 'tragic experience' is a meticulously designed ruse by the World Government to plant a spy within our ranks. Using sympathy to gain trust is a common tactic in your line of work."
Lucci was speechless for a moment. Dragon's suspicion was reasonable. If he were in Dragon's shoes, he would be even more cautious. If the Revolutionary Army lacked this basic vigilance, they wouldn't have the potential to shake the world.
Seeing Lucci's silent reaction, the sharpness in Dragon's eyes softened slightly. "However, we rescued you, and we won't abandon you now. You can stay with us on the ship for the time being."
Dragon proposed a compromise. "During this time, we will observe and assess you. If your story is true and you genuinely agree with our ideals, the doors of the Revolutionary Army are open to any ambitious individual who wishes to overthrow the tyranny of the World Government and bring a new order to this world."
Lucci remained silent, understanding this was the best outcome he could hope for. He needed time to prove himself. Besides, he had nowhere else to go while the World Government was likely still searching for him.
"I understand," Lucci finally nodded, laying back down and closing his eyes. "I will use time and action to prove my worth... and my hatred."
Dragon gave him one last deep look before leaving the cabin to find Ivankov and Ginny. He needed to discuss this special "defector" and the risks involved.
As the door closed, Lucci opened his eyes and looked at the ceiling. In his leopard-like pupils, a cold and determined light flickered. His path of revenge would begin right here on this ship.
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