Dividing the island into two contrasting halves, one barren and rocky, the other lush and green, Ulster Island waited quietly under the moonlight. Near the edge of the desolate terrain, Kaito and his crew stood, a sense of anticipation lingering in the night air. Their massive pirate ship bobbed gently nearby, the Thunder flag waving high on its mast.
"Captain, are you sure they'll come to challenge us?" Bullet asked, his excitement barely contained. "You said those pirates would dare to die for this."
Kaito relaxed, a faint smile on his lips. "Maybe. Or maybe they're just afraid." His tone was calm, but his eyes held a dangerous promise. "Either way, just be ready."
"Shouldn't we recruit more people first?" Redfield suggested. "If we strike at the Four Emperors, we'll need all the strength we can muster."
"There's no rush to gather many," Kaito replied, shaking his head. "If we recruit too soon, when the war comes, too many will be exposed."
He paused, then added, "Enjoy yourselves here for now. I must leave for the Revolutionary Army."
Issho looked worried. "You want to go alone? The Revolutionary Army is massive—third only to the World Government and Marine. It's dangerous."
Kaito shrugged, a steady glint in his violet eyes. "I need to go alone. Dragon can't stop me."
Redfield frowned. "You're sure this is safe?"
"Don't worry about me," Kaito said confidently. "I trust you all to hold down the fort. I'll see Dragon myself."
With that, Kaito drew in a slow breath, focused, and then soared into the sky, lightning flickering faintly around him. In seconds, his figure vanished into the darkness.
Once he was gone, Redfield smiled, a quiet determination in his eyes. "Let's not worry too much. With the captain's strength, the Revolutionary Army won't restrain him. Meanwhile, we'll show the world we exist."
Bullet stretched, cracking his joints noisily. "Some pirates might come soon. Do you want to test them?"
Redfield nodded. "Go ahead. But take it easy—you just got healed."
Bullet grinned fiercely. "No worries, I'll warm up."
He stomped off toward their ship, bones clicking as he moved, eager for action.
Kaito's journey back to the Grand Line was swift. The air around him crackled with grey lightning as he flew across the sky, until in just a couple of hours he reached the Sabaody Archipelago.
Using an illusion technique to mask his identity, he slipped into the black market. There, he secured a navigational log pointing him to Baldigo, the Revolutionary Army's stronghold. With this in hand, he took flight again, his path lit only by the pale glow of the crescent moon and countless distant stars.
When he arrived, Kaito descended quietly onto the deserted shores of Baldigo. He frowned at the calmness of the island. Something about the situation felt off.
He approached a large iron gate. With a mechanical click, it swung open, and a figure stepped forward—Koala, an officer of the Revolutionary Army. She wore a pink outfit, red-goggled cap, her short orange hair glowing dimly in the moonlight, and her heel made soft clacks on the ground.
"Welcome, honored guest," Koala said softly, though surprise flickered in her eyes. "Dragon-sama has been expecting you."
Kaito arched an eyebrow. "How did he know I was coming? I'm supposed to be busy in the New World."
Koala lowered her head slightly. "That's not for me to say. Please, come inside."
She led him through winding, shadow-filled corridors until they entered a warmly lit hall. There, Dragon-sama sat on a simple but dignified mahogany chair. Two cups of tea steamed gently on a low table beside him. The aura he radiated was calm, majestic, and quietly authoritative—a leader born, not made.
Standing discreetly behind Dragon was Sabo, his second-in-command. His eyes tracked Kaito cautiously, intelligent and wary.
Dragon gestured for Kaito to sit. Without hesitation, Kaito took a seat and raised the teacup to his lips. "How did you know I would come here?" he asked, amused.
Dragon reached down and picked up a nearby pigeon, stroking its feathers with calm precision. "Our intelligence isn't only on the ground," he replied softly, "it's in the sky, too."
Kaito's eyes narrowed slightly, delighting in the confirmation. "Lightning, hmm?"
Dragon nodded. "Your power is very visible, Kaito. It's been noticed."
Kaito leaned forward, placing his teacup down gently. "I didn't come merely to visit," he said steadily. "I want the Revolutionary Army to join my pirate crew."
As soon as he spoke, Sabo's face hardened. "Impossible," he said angrily, voice ringing in the silent room. "Absolutely impossible."
Dragon's expression remained calm, but his eyes glinted dangerously. The atmosphere tensed, charged like a storm waiting to break.
Kaito sipped his tea, his smile steady. "Trust me. If you refuse, you will lose."
Sabo drew his sword lightly, stepping forward, but Dragon raised a hand to stop him.
Kaito didn't flinch. He set the cup down and continued, voice calm but resolute: "I did not come here for mere honor. I came because I want to unify this chaotic sea. I want to end its turmoil. I will lead my crew and your forces together to overthrow the World Government."
The room was utterly still now. Sabo's grip on his sword remained tight, but Dragon's face softened, though his eyes stayed sharp.
Sabo broke the silence first. "You want to take down not only Marine, but also the Four Emperors? Do you truly believe you can?"
Kaito smiled and nodded. "I do. Your ideals and mine align. But you must see: you don't need to stay separate. Join me, and we'll build something new—something strong enough to change the world."
Dragon considered Kaito for a long minute. Then he spoke, tone steady, measured: "Your vision is bold. But this is not a small undertaking. The Four Emperors are not easily toppled."
Kaito rose to his feet, as he stretched his back nonchalantly. "I know. But I have no base here, no name beyond the storms I bring. Next time, when we meet: we talk business again."
He bowed lightly, neither proud nor submissive. Then he turned and began to walk out.
Dragon watched him go. Quietly, he said, "You don't have to do this alone. Take your place in our fight—and together, I believe your vision could become real."
Kaito paused at the door, giving a small smile over his shoulder. "One day," he said softly.
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