Ivankov.
Revolutionary Army Grand Line Commander.
Ivankov is also one of the founders of the Revolutionary Army, the indisputable second-in-command, and Monkey D. Dragon's most trusted comrade.
Now, receiving news about Ivankov brings some joy to Dragon's heart, immediately clearing his inner turmoil.
"Where did this intelligence come from?"
Monkey D. Dragon is suddenly curious.
"Of course, it's..."
"From us."
The reporting Revolutionary Army soldier suddenly slowly turns into a black and white figure; its face is black on the left and white on the right, resembling two overlapping creatures.
"!!!"
Dragon's heart is startled; his palm instantly curls like a dragon claw, his alertness reaching the highest, almost wanting to capture the intruder on the spot!
"I am Awe."
"I am Black Zetsu."
This black-and-white creature speaks in different voices, one giggling like a naive child, the other sinister as if it knows all darkness.
"Don't be afraid."
Awe giggles, trying to lower the other's guard.
"We are from the Konoha Pirates, responsible for intelligence on the seas."
Black Zetsu's voice is gloomy and hoarse, making one feel creeped out: "The intelligence on the Revolutionary Army's commander Ivankov is a gift from us..."
Honestly...
Black Zetsu and Awe, these two intelligence specialists, have always been in a wandering state. These miraculous creatures roam the seabed, lurk on islands, idly watching flowers bloom and fall, observing pirates fight with interest, witnessing many intriguing and miraculous stories.
They never really had any tasks to execute.
This time...
They happened to accept a task to deliver a message to Monkey D. Dragon, aiming to lure him to lead an attack on Impel Down...
"This is a rare opportunity..."
Awe looks at Dragon, giggling as he persuades: "We've received information that the Red Hair Pirates will attack Enies Lobby, intending to rescue your son, Straw Hat Luffy..."
Black Zetsu gravely reminds Dragon: "A conflict between the Four Emperors' Pirates and the Navy will undoubtedly involve the Navy Headquarters' forces. Attacking Impel Down at this time will surely leave the Navy unable to support both sides..."
"What are you trying to do?"
Dragon's brow furrows, his mind slightly shaken, yet he refuses to let down his guard, as he is very wary of the Konoha Pirates.
"Hehehe... I don't know either..."
Awe giggles, spreading his hands, unsure of the purpose of the youth he's accompanied growing up with, merely helping as a friend.
However...
Whatever Akihara Kagura intends to do, he surely has his reasons.
Awe won't ask anything, knowing only that he'll certainly witness the spectacle, trusting that Akihara Kagura won't let him down.
"I don't seem to have seen you in the Konoha Pirates before..."
Dragon's eyes narrow, focusing on Awe and Black Zetsu. This bizarre creature doesn't even have a bounty or a wanted notice.
But...
Few would dare impersonate the Konoha Pirates, right?
"Need us to connect you with one of our people via a Radio Snail?"
Black Zetsu casually mentions Red Sand Sasori's name, continuing: "If you have questions, you can ask them, though they might be too lazy to answer. To the Konoha Pirates, you are merely a little larger worm..."
"Then let's make the call..."
Monkey D. Dragon's lips curl into a slight smile: "Even as a worm, I should have the right to know; let's confirm your identity first..."
Dragon wants to grasp this opportunity.
To Dragon, the risk of attacking Impel Down isn't high, at least safer than attacking Mary Geoise. He is confident he can handle the guards at Impel Down.
If everything is as the monster before him says, the Red Hair Pirates will attack Enies Lobby, while he leads his people to attack Impel Down and rescue Ivankov; it will not only restore a mighty fighter to the Revolutionary Army but also disgrace the World Government's authority...
Does the World Government want to encircle the Revolutionary Army?
He will seize the opportunity while the World Government's forces are distracted and attack Impel Down for a counterblow, letting the world know the Revolutionary Army isn't something the World Government can manipulate, igniting the flames of uprising even fiercer!
There's no denying...
The Konoha Pirates have ideas.
The Konoha Pirates always like to feint east and strike west unexpectedly, constantly perplexing the World Government, causing the current situation on the seas to become utterly chaotic...
The Revolutionary Army and he can accomplish more!
Monkey D. Dragon is inspired by the Konoha Pirates, itching to also play a few rounds of surprises!
Soon.
The Radio Snail is dialed.
Red Sand Sasori calls to confirm Awe and Black Zetsu's identity, though he doesn't specify the Konoha Pirates' purpose, even unwilling to elaborate.
"Are you not joining this war?"
Monkey D. Dragon can't help but be curious, solemnly persuading: "If this moment, if you attack the World Government together, the world would face overwhelming change, and none could stop the coming surge of a new era..."