"Just state your intentions directly. Don't tell me you just happened to run into me."
Dragon was choked for a moment but didn't mind: "It is indeed a coincidence to meet His Majesty Nero here. We are here for supplies, and we are old friends with Genzo."
"Hmm, let's just say that's the case."
Nero sat in her chair, curled one leg, resting her foot on the seat, and propped her chin with one hand: "So why have you come to see me? I am a Celestial Dragon, and our positions are hostile. If you had quietly left, I could have pretended not to see you."
"But now, are you curious to witness the power of the Rose Empress?" Nero tilted her head, her smile playful.
Kuma and Ivankov behind him both stepped forward, shielding Dragon.
"It's fine." Dragon raised a hand, signaling the two to lower their guard: "If Her Majesty the Empress were to attack me, the outcome wouldn't change even if we all attacked together."
"Nani? Dragon boy, with the three of us together, we could even take down an Admiral, couldn't we?"
The explosive-haired Ivankov asked skeptically, while Kuma obediently stepped back.
"Even if the three Admirals attacked together, they wouldn't stand a chance against her, and might not even be able to escape."
As Dragon spoke, he kept his eyes on Nero, and seeing no change in her expression, he knew that his information was likely all true.
Therefore, securing Nero's help this time would be far more significant than he had originally imagined.
"Are… are you kidding me? How can anyone be that strong in the world? Even Whitebeard might not be able to do that, right?"
After hearing Dragon's words, Ivankov instantly broke out in a cold sweat, feeling that his action of standing in front had become infinitely more dangerous.
"Hmm, it's simple, because even Newgate is no match for me now."
Nero wrinkled her nose, her eyes narrowed slightly, and her entire demeanor suddenly turned dangerous.
"Gulp~ Hee... hee-ha!"
Ivankov swallowed, maintaining his position in front, his toes furiously pushing him backward.
"Dragon, I didn't expect you to obtain even this kind of intelligence. Is it the World Government, or is Nicuss having problems?"
Ivankov and Kuma were also monarchs of their own countries, but it was only upon seeing Nero that they truly understood what an emperor was.
The might of a sovereign was overwhelming, every word and action a raging storm. Their instincts told them that kneeling was the most appropriate posture.
Only Dragon seemed to maintain a normal expression, but no one knew what he truly felt.
He deliberately lowered his voice: "Neither. If I had to say, it should be the news of you becoming a Celestial Dragon."
"Then tell me your reasoning, great detective!"
An unexpected answer. Nero raised her chin, now intending to get a good read on this guy.
"From what I understand of you, it would be very difficult for you and the World Government to cooperate. Your personality alone would rule it out."
"Hmm, so you understand me very well?" Nero scoffed, neither admitting nor denying.
"Having reached the Final Island, which the World Government desperately tried to conceal, and already being one of the Four Emperors, you are naturally an enemy of the World Government."
Dragon didn't respond to Nero's comment but continued his analysis: "Yet, precisely at this time, you became a Celestial Dragon. This indicates the World Government's apprehension towards you and their belief that you can no longer be eradicated."
Nero remained silent. Monkey D. and thinking put together gave her a sense of absurd unreality.
"And your agreement to become a Celestial Dragon must also be a tacit understanding with the World Government, essentially like a peace treaty between two hostile nations."
Dragon also took the opportunity to re-evaluate his thoughts, looking into her blood-red eyes and concluding: "It only lacks a catalyst. Then you and the World Government will still be locked in an endless struggle!"
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