Rob Lucci spent a period of time aboard the Revolutionary Army's ship, living through days that were extremely unfamiliar. Despite his internal discomfort, he had no choice but to adapt to his new surroundings. This ship, named the Winter Grama, was completely different from any luxury vessel or covert agent ship belonging to the World Government that he had served on during his time in CP9.
The Winter Grama did not pursue outward splendor or intimidation. Its interior facilities prioritized practicality and sturdiness, and some areas even appeared crude to a man of Lucci's background. Yet, the entire ship felt like a precise and efficient organism; every crew member knew their duties, acted swiftly and orderly, and shared a tacit understanding that required no words.
Lucci was confined to specific activity zones and was always followed by one or two Revolutionary Army soldiers. While they were nominally there for "assistance," he knew they were actually there for surveillance. He was fully aware of this and paid it no mind, using the time to silently observe everything around him.
He noticed that the Revolutionary Army members—from high-ranking cadres to ordinary sailors—rarely displayed the rigid arrogance typical of World Government officials or Marine soldiers. Instead, their faces showed a resolve that looked like faith and a strange sense of vitality. They didn't discuss promotions, merit, or privilege; instead, they talked about the liberation of islands, the spread of their philosophy, and how to better assist the oppressed.
Food was served as simple collective rations—enough to fill the stomach, but far from delicious. Crew members took turns on duty and performed manual labor, including scrubbing the deck and maintaining equipment. Even Dragon himself sometimes pitched in to help. There were no strict rank barriers; although they maintained respect for their leader, communication felt natural and equal. All of this was completely incompatible with the strict rank system, extravagant enjoyment, and scheming atmosphere Lucci was familiar with inside the World Government structure.
Eventually, Lucci was forced to participate in some light labor, such as helping secure ropes loosened by a storm or transporting supplies. Initially, the soldiers were full of vigilance and subtle hostility toward him, the "former government agent". But after seeing that he silently completed his tasks with extremely high efficiency and without complaint, that hostility transformed into a complex curiosity.
Once, while he was helping repair a damaged mast pulley, a young soldier couldn't help but ask, "Hey, what kind of life did you live when you were in CP9?".
Lucci's movements paused slightly. He didn't look up, only replying flatly, "Training, missions, obedience. That's all".
"Sounds like... a machine without feelings," the young man muttered softly. Lucci did not refute him. To some extent, the young man was correct. In CP9, emotion was a weakness; absolute obedience and high-efficiency mission completion were the only rules. But here, he felt a lifestyle driven by "ideals," which was both unfamiliar and held an inexplicable attraction for him.
One afternoon, he was permitted a brief breath of fresh air in a designated area on the deck. The salty sea breeze ruffled his slightly messy black hair as he leaned against the railing. He watched the horizon where the sea met the sky, but his heart was not as calm as he appeared. He was evaluating the strength of this Revolutionary Army and wondering if it could truly become the blade of his revenge.
Just then, faint voices drifted out from the open window of the Captain's cabin above. It was Dragon's voice, along with another young male voice coming through a Den Den Mushi that carried a hint of laziness and arrogance.
"...Personnel have basically finished assembling," Dragon said, his voice serious and solemn. "The forces of Whitebeard, Kaido, and Totto Land are also prepared".
"Oh? That fat old woman finally got things sorted?" the voice on the Den Den Mushi asked with a trace of satisfaction. "What about the Marine side?".
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Tsuru have secretly made arrangements and will provide 'convenience' at crucial junctures," Dragon replied.
"Alright, the efficiency is acceptable," the voice said.
"Takuro," Dragon's voice grew even deeper, "are you sure you want to do this? Attacking Mary Geoise—this will be a war that sweeps the entire world. Once it starts, there is no turning back".
"Cut the nonsense," the man identified as Takuro replied with undeniable arrogance. "The stage is set, the actors are in position, all that's left is to strike the opening gong. Send the word. According to the plan, the general offensive begins in three days! Target—the Red Line, Mary Geoise! We will thoroughly sweep away those so-called 'gods' and their trash from their lair!".
"Understood," Dragon said with a sense of desperate resolve. "The Revolutionary Army will arrive at the designated location on time".
The call ended. On the deck, Lucci's body instantly froze the moment he heard the words "attack Mary Geoise". His pupils violently constricted, and his heart felt as if it had been grasped by an invisible hand. Even his breathing paused for an instant.
Attacking Mary Geoise?!. Takuro had actually assembled Whitebeard, Kaido, and Big Mom?. He even had the covert cooperation of high-ranking Marine officials?. This was an insane, immense joint force. It was practically going to uproot the old order that had ruled the world for eight hundred years.
An indescribable emotion, mixed with extreme shock and ecstasy, erupted from the bottom of his heart like a volcanic explosion. He had originally only planned to slowly accumulate strength using the Revolutionary Army, searching for a small opportunity for revenge. He never imagined the chance would appear so quickly and in such a thorough manner.
Directly attacking the Holy Land of Mary Geoise was far more gratifying than any revenge he could have imagined. This wasn't just revenge; this was about utterly crushing the entire rotten World Government. He could almost see the Celestial Dragons wailing in terror as their home burned. The officials who had abandoned him would finally tremble before absolute violence.
Lucci suddenly stood straight. All previous confusion and hesitation were swept away. The sharp, leopard-like light of the strongest agent in CP9 reignited in his eyes, now containing the blazing flame of revenge. He was no longer satisfied with merely "following" and being evaluated.
He had to participate! He had to personally settle the blood debt with the World Government in this war. Taking a deep breath to suppress his emotions, he turned and walked directly toward the Captain's cabin. The soldiers monitoring him were stunned and tried to stop him, but they were intimidated by the fierce Aura emanating from him, slowing them down.
Lucci knocked on the door.
"Come in," Dragon's steady voice called out.
Lucci pushed the door open, his gaze meeting Dragon's questioning look directly. "Mr. Dragon," Lucci's voice was decisive, devoid of any weakness. "I heard it. The attack on Mary Geoise".
A flicker of surprise crossed Dragon's eyes, but he remained quiet.
Lucci continued with resolve: "Please allow me to participate in this operation. I understand parts of Mary Geoise's internal structure, the operational modes of CP0, and certain emergency mechanisms far better than any of you". He tilted his head slightly, showcasing the pride of a top agent. "My hatred, my strength, and my knowledge... all can contribute to this cleanup operation. Let me join. This is not a request; this is a transaction. And it is my best chance to prove myself".
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