Chapter 21: Shadows in the Eastern Waters

Observing the boy in the film, it's hard to believe an eight-year-old could say such things. It's not too deep, yet it's beyond what you'd expect from a child.

In this crazy and gloomy world, it feels like a refreshing stream runs through everyone's hearts.

Roger: This kid has a knack for leading.

Roger had to acknowledge that the boy left quite an impression on him.

Setting everything else aside, just these words alone, even with Roger's vast experience, he'd never heard anyone say something like this before.

In contrast to the dreams and freedom sought by pirates, it's more practical and straightforward.

Compared to the grand and controlled justice upheld by the Marines, it's more down-to-earth and deeply connects with people.

Against the harsh and dark rule of the World Government in the guise of order, it appears brighter and more appealing.

In comparison to the self-proclaimed gods, the distant Celestial Dragons and nobles seem more human.

Despite the two parties' differing positions, identities, and even ideals, Roger highly respects this young man.

He firmly believes that this individual has the power to revolutionize the world truly.

It's not that he caused the tumultuous changes in the era of great pirates; rather, he genuinely establishes a new order for this world.

Kaido: Hmph, it's just empty talk. Do you grasp the bottom line? What good is a weak populace? The conflicts initiated by the powerful are the source of all transformations, deciding everything.

BIGMOM: The so-called people need to coexist peacefully under the guidance of the strong; that's sufficient.

Kaido and BIGMOM rejected this way of thinking.

Instead, they felt an indescribable sense of disgust deep within.

For Kaido, who values strength, and BIGMOM, who rules with absolute control, why would they concern themselves with the survival of the so-called lower-class individuals?

They don't even view these people as fellow beings; they see them as nothing more than ants.

Pirates share a similar sentiment.

Within the Marines, there's a distinct interpretation of Roja's words in this moment.

"That's a nice thing to say, that kid."

Garp grinned.

He didn't overthink it; he felt that Roja's words were accurate and straightforward, and they were good words.

"How can it be that straightforward? Frankly, it's ultimately a disruptor of order. The breakdown of order only leads to war. After the war, it's the people who suffer injuries."

Sengoku shook his head.

He understood that what Roja said was true.

However, being right doesn't necessarily mean it should be pursued. Everyone yearns for an ideal world.

Yet, radical revolutions only breed chaos and war. Sengoku leans more towards preserving the current order than disrupting it. At least this way, there's still some fundamental order intact.

"Speaking, that's quite something."

Beneath the Sakura tree in the Kamabaka Kingdom, the dragon spoke, almost squeezing these words out.

Not because he couldn't comprehend it but because Roja's words and ideas deeply stunned him.

Saying there's no right to speak without research might sound simple, but it holds weight.

But what about putting it into action?

Long Zai heard the words about having no right to speak without investigation, and he felt justified.

Because he believed he had been thoroughly researched.

But now?

He discovered that his supposed research was too basic.

He only observed that the people's lives were difficult, with slaves and beggars in society and the nobles being cruel.

But what makes the people's lives difficult?

He doesn't know.

He is unaware of the basic costs for people, the amount of food produced on one acre of land, and the tax revenues in different regions.

Upon reflection, does he genuinely comprehend the lives of the common people at the grassroots level?

As Roja mentioned, do individuals like them, once they transcend a certain class and observe things from an external standpoint, develop significant subjective illusions?

"The revolutionary army faces a major challenge. If we can't address it, I fear we may never succeed in toppling the World Government, or worse, we might end up becoming another World Government."

Dragon took a deep breath and expressed.

Unintentionally, a layer of cold sweat formed on his body.

Initially, I didn't see any issues, but reflecting on the Revolutionary Army now, it seems my once-thriving force appears to have been more of a mirage.

"True."

Even the shemale king, Ivankov, was breaking into a cold sweat at this moment.

Despite being a king, the Kamabaka Kingdom, a realm of human monsters, differs from ordinary kingdoms.

Her kingdom is perhaps the most unique among all, making it incompatible with other territories controlled by the Revolutionary Army.

"I might understand why he could take over from Dragon as the leader of the Revolutionary Army in another world."

Sabo expressed with a long exhale.

It's not to diminish the dragon's accomplishments but to convey admiration for the leader of the Revolutionary Army in that alternate world.

Their current leader, Dragon, has performed admirably.

Yet, one has to acknowledge, at a profound level of thinking, the accurate comprehension of the Revolutionary Army.

Like a born leader of the Revolutionary Army, this eight-year-old boy managed to overshadow the dragon.

"Yeah, it's truly astounding. Now, let's observe how he executes the intricate operation."

Longan's eyes brimmed with anticipation.

Comrade.

An insight into the revolutionary transformation.

It has immensely benefited him.

Next, witnessing the actual operational process again would be tens of thousands of times more valuable than the resurrection card reward for the Revolutionary Army.

["Where do you plan to conduct research?" Fujitora inquired.]

["East Blue." Roja answered spontaneously.]

["Oh, why?" Fujitora pondered. "East Blue is the most peaceful and affluent region under the World Government."]

["For this reason, we should initiate our investigation in East Blue. The most tranquil and secure location is also where the World Government's system and order are at their most flawless."]

["It's only by scrutinizing the place with the most impeccable system and order that we can discern issues within the structure established by the World Government."]

["If the call for revolution can be identified in the serene East Blue, then the desire and necessity for revolution will only intensify in other regions."]

["Likewise, in a tranquil setting, the economy and people's well-being remain intact. Mr. Yixiao, there's much for us to understand. Revolutionaries must comprehend not only how to topple the nobles but also how to construct a prosperous nation and order."]

["Our objective isn't merely to overthrow the current order and sow chaos. Our goal is to dismantle the oppressive system and institute a superior order."]

["Learn through investigation, refine through practice, and ultimately contribute to the public."]

["Thus, the initial step is the East Blue investigation."]