"Clap, clap clap!" Nero clapped her hands. It was indeed brilliant deduction.
This was not something difficult to understand; it was just that too few people on the high seas were willing to use their brains. Most people, even if they had enough wisdom, would be limited by their horizons and perspectives.
The identity of the Celestial Dragons was a peace treaty between two nations. She was currently in a honeymoon period with the World Government, but if given the chance, she had no doubt that the people of the World Government would kill her.
Of course, if she had the chance, she would do the same. Nero had never thought of finding allies, because the disparity in strength was too great; no matter how many crooked melons and cracked dates there were, they could not cause a qualitative change.
But the Revolutionary Army? Through a strange twist of fate and a series of coincidences, they had appeared before her and even grasped the crux of the matter.
"Hmm, then what do you want to get from me?"
Nero propped her head with one hand, crossing her legs and sitting up slightly.
"Material support. The Revolutionary Army is still far from being able to directly confront the World Government," Dragon stated his demands without reservation.
"Alright, a Shichibukai position, and the right to legitimate plunder should solve many of your problems."
Nero nodded: "As Shichibukai affiliated with me, the World Government wouldn't dare to interfere too much. You are not engaged in activities to liberate kingdoms; how far you can go depends on yourselves."
"I need to see your value, proof that you can help me when war comes. Also, in the meantime, you can just call me Nero."
"Yes, His Majesty Nero. More words are useless. Please observe our upcoming actions; we will not disappoint you."
Dragon did not directly call her Nero, his tone still respectful. As someone from the same era, he knew quite a bit about Nero.
A willful and extravagant tyrant; being careful in speech and social interactions would certainly not be wrong.
"Hmm!" Nero didn't correct him. At least her impression of Dragon was only Garp's rebellious son, but meeting him today was a pleasant surprise.
Their understanding of each other was not yet deep. The other party maintaining proper decorum would also facilitate their future interactions.
"If you decide on the Shichibukai candidate, I will make the arrangements."
Nero took off a golden bracelet from her wrist and threw it to Dragon: "Take this. You can withdraw ten billion Berries from Dressrosa. Consider it a small reward from me to you."
"Thank you." Dragon bowed, then stepped aside and pushed Kuma forward: "As for the candidate for the Seven Warlords of the Sea, it is him—Bartholomew Kuma! The World Government also intends to recruit him, and with His Majesty Nero's protection, it will be even more perfect."
"The Buccaneer Tribe? Even I have only seen them in history books, an extinct race classified as slaves by the World Government. Did you join the Revolutionary Army for revenge?"
Kuma's expression stiffened for a moment: "His Majesty Nero, do you know about the Buccaneer Tribe?"
"Hmm, I understand a little. One of the tribes that worshipped the Sun God Nika, once enemies of the World Government. I thought you had all been exterminated."
Nero scrutinized him. His strong physique was clearly the standard template of a warrior at first glance.
However, upon closer inspection, there was a gentle demeanor, which seemed quite out of place for a Revolutionary Army member.
"No, not for revenge. I just hope everyone can live with smiles in this world, just like the legendary Nika."
Kuma was a little shy when he said this, but he was very firm, which made Nero pause for a moment.
After realizing, Nero burst into laughter: "Mwahahaha! You, fellow, you're not bad! I like you very much."
"Well, the catalyst I am waiting for now might very well be Nika. That divine fruit has already chosen its host... Monkey D. Luffy!"
Nero smiled, and an unfathomable, demonic aura spilled out with it: "He's your son, isn't he, Dragon!"
"Although not like Captain Roger, I also hold some expectations for him, whether he can awaken that form and break the balance between me and her."
In Nero's view, a battle between her and Imu was inevitable, but currently, the other party was focused on Nika, Joy Boy.
And she was also focused on Nika. Once the fragile balance was broken.
Then there would be no other way, then she would have no choice but to act. Flames, chaos, death, screams... The curve of her mouth deepened, and Nero consciously suppressed it, but the joy welling up from the depths of her heart still lingered.
This was the first time Dragon, the three others, and Genzo had directly faced Nero's demonic nature. The essence of despair and destruction made them wonder if cooperating with Nero was the right choice.
But at this point, they could no longer refuse. Surviving under the World Government's watchful eye was already difficult enough; if Nero were added to the mix.
For the current Revolutionary Army, it would be a devastating blow.
Meanwhile, Hathaway's brow had been furrowed into a knot since just now, her gaze towards Nero filled with worry.
Although there was no wind, the candlelight in the room seemed to flicker. Hathaway wondered if she was seeing things; it seemed as if some colossal creature in Nero's shadow had taken the opportunity to turn over.
When she focused and looked again, everything was as usual. She looked up at the others, and their expressions were also normal, as if it was just her own illusion.
Not everyone's expression was normal. Dragon's face had darkened considerably. The secret he had kept was suddenly exposed, and his poker face could no longer be maintained.
"Dragon boy, when did you have a child?" Ivankov's large face, in shock, had eyes wider than a human face.
Kuma and Genzo also nodded in agreement, staring at Dragon along with Ivankov.
"This matter is not convenient to discuss further. I ask that you all keep it confidential."
"Hmm, even you don't know? Dragon, you've done a pretty good job of keeping it a secret."
Nero, the culprit, felt no guilt and even praised Dragon's ability to keep secrets.
"I am also quite concerned about this child's growth, so if this matter gets out..."
Nero looked up and gave everyone a wink, with a hint of wickedness in her cuteness: "I will hang all of you on the gallows, I tell you!"
"Yes! We will definitely keep it a good secret!" x4
Her charisma was overwhelming; even Dragon subconsciously agreed along with the other three.
"Hmm, very good! I like obedient children."
Nero clapped her hands in satisfaction: "Later, Hathaway will give you a den den mushi that can contact me one-way, but it's a one-time use item. This also represents one opportunity for me to act."
"Hmm, you can decide where to use it yourselves. Finally, I need to see results within three years. If not, I will abandon you without hesitation."
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