Chapter 361: Pattern!
Judge had only just dismissed Caesar as unworthy of face-to-face negotiations—yet the next second, cold sweat beaded down his forehead.
He had judged using his old instincts, relying on his past stature as a royal. But he had forgotten something crucial.
No matter what kind of infamous figure Caesar used to be, he was now part of the Dragon Hunter Pirates.
More importantly, Ryuunosuke himself had entrusted this matter entirely to Caesar. That level of authority spoke volumes.
If Judge offended him now, the alliance they desperately needed could crumble before it even began. Worse, if Caesar decided to slander the Vinsmoke family to Ryuunosuke… they might not even have a foothold in the New World, let alone in the North Sea.
"…Mr. Judge, this information is quite valuable," Caesar said, tucking away the research documents with a relaxed smirk. "Thanks for bringing it. It answered several of my research bottlenecks."
He leaned back slightly, hands still resting on the folder.
"But just as the captain said—we're interested in more than paperwork. We want to know what kind of trouble your Vinsmoke family is actually facing."
His tone shifted ever so slightly, becoming more businesslike, though that trademark smug grin never left his face.
"After all, as allies, we need to understand what we're stepping into, right?"
Judge exhaled slowly, then replied, "I assume you've heard rumors from the North Sea already. The nobles—those parasites—have been stirred up by the World Government. They've united and rebelled against us."
He clenched his fists, voice heavy with resentment. "It's not just internal strife. The Government itself has planted its claws in this situation. We need allies with enough deterrent power to act as a shield—so that outside interference becomes... difficult."
Caesar nodded slowly. "I see."
He stood and snapped his fingers. "Someone, take Mr. Judge to rest. Prepare wine, food, and whatever else the Vinsmoke family needs. They're our guests now."
A subordinate quickly stepped forward to carry out the order.
As Judge and his entourage were led to a separate courtyard, a strange unease still lingered in his chest. He hadn't expected Caesar to hold such command—not just in words, but in presence.
In the guest house, Reiju sat across from her father, eyes narrowed in curiosity.
"Father," she asked, "has the alliance been finalized?"
"All we need is a declaration of alliance, right? No need for military aid or resources. The Dragon Hunter Pirates should have no reason to refuse us."
Judge frowned, clearly unsettled. "Not yet. Surprisingly, the one handling negotiations wasn't their captain."
"It was Caesar. The same lunatic who used to work under Vegapunk."
He rubbed his temples. "I underestimated him. Treated him like a minion... but he was in charge. And he knew it."
Reiju's gaze sharpened. "Then... are we at risk of being rejected?"
She knew what that meant. Without this alliance, the Vinsmoke family might be forced to retreat from the North Sea entirely. Their kingdom would collapse, and they'd be left drifting—pirates in name again, with no influence, no nation, no identity.
They weren't built for that kind of life. The Vinsmoke family was special. Warfare was in their blood, yes—but so was research, advancement, science. They needed stability to thrive, not chaos.
"I don't know," Judge replied honestly. "But the captain of the Dragon Hunter Pirates—Ryuunosuke—he's different from what the rumors suggest."
"Strong, yes. But not arrogant. Not domineering."
He paused, then said softly, "There may still be hope."
Back in Ryuunosuke's private courtyard, Caesar knelt before him, delivering the report.
"You're saying... you've acquired the complete research data on bloodline factors?" Ryuunosuke raised a brow, genuinely intrigued.
This wasn't just any research. Bloodline factor technology—the ability to create, enhance, or modify life itself—was one of the World Government's most closely guarded secrets. And now, they had it.
Caesar smiled, his confidence oozing.
"To be accurate, the Vinsmoke family gave me the second half."
"As for the first half... I was already working on it years ago, back when I was under Vegapunk. But I lacked key data. With this new material, I can finally complete the research. We're close—very close."
Ryuunosuke didn't hesitate. "Good. I'm leaving it to you."
He turned slightly, glancing out the window. "As for the alliance… tell them we agree. But they'll need to prove themselves going forward."
"If any outside forces interfere, the Dragon Hunter Pirates will act. Until then… let them move on their own."
"Yes, Captain," Caesar replied, bowing before departing to deliver the news.
Afterward, Ryuunosuke tried to skim through the documents himself. Despite having several scientists on board, he wanted to understand the tech they were gaining.
But after flipping through a few pages…
"I recognize all the words, but when they're combined like this…" He sighed, closing the folder. "Forget it."
He leaned back with a wry smile—his talents were many, but reading incomprehensible scientific jargon wasn't one of them.
At that moment, a soft voice called from outside the door.
"Brother Ryuunosuke…"
Akame entered quietly.
Just as Ryuunosuke turned to reply, he noticed something—and whatever he meant to say vanished from his lips.
She had changed clothes.
Even Kuina, who had just stepped in, was wordlessly pulled upstairs with him.
…
By evening, Caesar had fully briefed the Vinsmoke family. The alliance was official.
To Judge's surprise, Caesar hadn't brought up their earlier conflict at all.
Despite Judge's initial contempt, Caesar was calm, composed, and professional. He didn't use his authority to belittle them, nor did he ask for apologies.
The deal was done, and that was enough.
Judge found it difficult to comprehend.
Just as Caesar turned to leave, Judge called out, "Wait. I want to ask you something."
Caesar turned, arching a brow.
"…Why didn't you bring up my attitude earlier? You could've made things difficult. Why didn't you?"
Caesar chuckled lightly.
"You're overthinking it. If you zoom out and look at the bigger picture… it's obvious."
Without another word, he turned and walked away.
Judge stood still, a thoughtful look creeping across his face. Then, a bitter smile.
Yes… his view had been too narrow.
Caesar wasn't a lackey anymore. And Ryuunosuke wouldn't entrust such responsibility to someone who couldn't handle it.
This arrogance they'd shown, this misplaced pride—it was exactly why the Vinsmoke family had fallen.
Judge straightened, a glint returning to his eye.
"Let's move. Prepare to sail."
He turned to his subordinates.
"Contact Morgans. Tell him—the Dragon Hunter Pirates have agreed to the alliance."
"The days of those arrogant nobles in the North Sea are numbered."
The tired, uncertain man from earlier had vanished.
In his place stood a returning king—the Emperor of the North Sea.
Before their ship set sail, Caesar reappeared one final time.
"Oh, and one more thing," he said, handing over a folder. "This is the first half of my bloodline factor research—everything I developed before today."
"Science isn't something one man can master alone. Take it."
Then, without waiting for thanks, he turned and left again.
He still had experiments to run.
Now that both halves of the research were finally united, Caesar's time had come. Even if the past was full of wrong turns—there were always pieces worth salvaging.
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