"What did you say!?" Drake's shocked voice suddenly rang across the battlefield.
Kenshin and the others looked over instantly, only to find that Drake had leaped to his feet, looking as though he had just heard something utterly world-shaking. Kenshin rubbed his temples with a sigh of helplessness; their captain's "cool master" persona never lasted long before he lost his composure again.
Drake, however, was genuinely rattled. The information was too staggering. After a long moment spent calming his racing heart, he fixed his gaze on Aokiji. "You... why are you telling me something this important?"
"Hmm?" Aokiji stretched his limbs lazily, as if he couldn't be bothered to explain, but after a short silence, he spoke: "Because I believe the four of you brothers are the ones capable of changing the current global landscape."
It was true. The strength and resolve shown by Drake and his brothers were the hallmarks of true world-class powerhouses. They had grown up. Given the current situation, even if the Navy managed to capture one of them, would they truly have the courage to stage another public execution? Forget the massive organizations backing them—if the four of them alone converged on Marineford, the Navy might not even be able to handle them.
Fire Fist Ace alone had already reached Yonko-level combat power. Then there was Sabo of the Revolutionary Army, Drake right here, and Garp's grandson, Luffy. They didn't just have talent; they had the aura of true rulers.
True, the Navy had its new Admirals and Kizaru, along with the vast influence of the older generation. In the past, Kuzan never would have believed that four brothers could shake the World Government. But after witnessing Ace's current strength and feeling the dense threat radiating from Drake, an "unrealistic" thought had taken root in his mind.
These four... might actually be able to stand against the Navy.
The Navy was the primary military force of the World Government; if it were rendered ineffective, the Government would become a toothless tiger—imposing in name, but hollow in reality.
Having four such individuals born into the same era was a massive injustice to everyone else, but the most "hateful" part was that they were inseparable brothers. One could see how unbreakable their bond was during the Paramount War. Was it even possible to find a rift in their relationship?
Kuzan didn't think so. If one brother was in trouble, the others would march into the depths of hell—even if they knew their strength was insufficient—just as they had done at Marineford.
Try to cause a falling out? Impossible. Take Luffy, for example—the one Kuzan knew best. If you told him his brothers were using him, he'd probably just look at you blankly and ask, "Using? Is that something I can eat?"
"However, I want you to promise me one thing," Aokiji said, breaking the silence.
"Oh?" Drake raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"I haven't decided yet, but it won't be anything that puts you in a difficult position."
Drake narrowed his eyes. He knew that while Kuzan appeared lazy and casual, he was meticulous in his actions. This request seemed simple, but there was more to it. For a man like Kuzan to ask for a favor meant it wouldn't be trivial. Once he agreed, it became a debt of honor he couldn't refuse if it was within his power.
After a moment, Drake grinned. "Fine. But I have a condition of my own."
"You have to become our comrade. Join the Dragon Flag Pirates!"
Drake couldn't help but admire his own wit. If Kuzan joined the crew, he'd be a comrade. And what kind of captain refuses a small request from a teammate? It would be his duty to help! Hehe.
"Deal. I'm in."
"Eh?" Drake snapped out of his internal monologue, staring at Aokiji in disbelief. He had invited him, but he never expected the man to agree without a second thought. Seeing Kuzan's willing expression, Drake suddenly felt he might have been a bit too hasty. Wait, did this guy plan this?
Thinking about it, it was highly likely. The Blackbeard Pirates were now a thing of the past, and Kuzan had already obtained whatever secrets he was looking for. He effectively had nowhere to go. An invitation at this exact moment probably suited his plans perfectly.
But Drake didn't care. Since you've boarded my ship, you're not getting off. No way!
A former Admiral joining them was a massive win, and Drake genuinely liked Kuzan's personality.
"Excellent! Come, let me introduce you to the crew." Drake excitedly led Aokiji toward Kenshin and the others. His mind was buzzing with the "Blackbeard secrets" Kuzan had shared—the mechanics of how fruit abilities could be stolen by "eating" them rapidly or isolating them with specific fruits. While the information was explosive, Drake didn't really care for himself. To him, fruit powers weren't everything; raw strength mattered more, and with the System, he had no need to plunder others.
Kuzan likely told him because he realized Drake wasn't the type to abuse such knowledge.
"Everyone! I have a new introduction. This is Kuzan; from now on, he's one of us!" Drake announced grandly.
Kenshin and the others didn't look excited. Instead, they looked at Drake as if he had lost his mind. Their expressions clearly said: Are you insane? This is a former Admiral!
"Come on, show our new comrade a smile," Drake said, ignoring their stares. "This is Kenshin. That's Bell. And these two are Locke and Ann."
"ACE IS BACK!!" a shout erupted from the Whitebeard crew.
The scene instantly turned into a celebration.