Chapter 104: The Revolutionary Army

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Upon learning about Sabo's whereabouts, Ace decided to join Noir in searching for him.

Cretin, after careful consideration, chose to first consult the Revolutionary Army's leader, Monkey D. Dragon. 

Noir was unaware of the details of their conversation, but ultimately, they agreed to Noir's request, granting them a meeting.

However, only Noir and Ace were allowed to approach the Revolutionary Army's base. The others had to remain behind.

Using a coated ship to evade the Marines' search, Noir and Ace were eventually brought aboard a large vessel by Cretin.

The ship was filled with Revolutionary Army soldiers. A few days later, they arrived at an island.

The island was bathed in the warm glow of spring sunshine. Its architecture had a distinct Gothic charm.

On the surface, everything seemed normal. But Cretin revealed that everyone on this island nation, even the king, was a member of the Revolutionary Army.

Noir was impressed. Dragon's audacity and methods were remarkable. Many people in the world opposed the Government, but few managed to actively rebel.

With his ideals and charisma, Dragon had transformed the Revolutionary Army into a formidable organization, a thorn in the side of the World Government.

Ace leaned against the mast, gazing at the island in the distance. Impatience etched on his face, he asked Cretin, "Is Sabo really coming here?"

Cretin gave him a weary look. He'd asked that question countless times over the past few days.

"The leader said Sabo is on his way back from a mission. He'll stop by on his return journey."

Seeing Ace's mixture of anticipation and anxiety, Noir offered words of comfort. "Don't worry, Sabo will definitely remember you."

Ace gave him a grateful look and nodded.

Soon, the Revolutionary Army ship docked. Cretin led them ashore.

They traveled by sea to the kingdom's capital, stepping into a bustling town where the citizens greeted them with reverence.

Ace, puzzled by the respectful behavior, asked, "Why do they treat you with such respect?"

Cretin smiled at the crowd, then lowered her voice. "Secretly, I'm a Revolutionary Army soldier. Publicly, I'm the kingdom's eldest princess."

What?

A trust fund kid in the Revolutionary Army?

Noir also lowered his voice. "So, you'll be the queen someday?"

Cretin sighed, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "Because of that, I'm secretly the heir apparent, and publicly, I'm the commander of the kingdom's Knight Order."

What kind of twisted logic is that?

Noir and Ace exchanged bewildered looks. "Huh?"

Cretin explained that although she was destined to inherit the throne, she had no desire to do so.

Cretin had her own beliefs. She didn't want to rule the kingdom, so she kept her dual identity as a princess and a Revolutionary hidden from her people.

Her subjects believed that the eldest princess had died years ago, unaware that she had become the commander of the Knight Order.

This young woman didn't want to be confined to a single nation. She yearned for a life of adventure, fighting for justice.

But in Noir's opinion, this was a classic case of "first-world problems."

Why did these rich kids always refuse their inheritances and insist on starting their own businesses?

If it were Noir, he'd be living a life of luxury.

Now he understood why the Revolutionary Army could use an entire kingdom as a base. They had a princess who was itching to escape!

Cretin led Noir and Ace to the royal palace, where they met the current king.

He was a sturdy man with a head of white hair. He looked healthy but had dark circles under his eyes, suggesting a lack of sleep.

The king greeted his daughter and, upon learning that they were allies, smiled and explained to his guests, "Cretin doesn't want to be queen, so I had to make another one."

"As a fellow man, Mr. Noir, you understand that making babies is hard work..."

Noir and Ace nodded understandingly.

It could be worse. If Cretin had been a boy, her father probably would have resorted to corporal punishment.

After bidding farewell to her father, Cretin led them through the palace gardens. She pressed a hidden switch near a wall, revealing a staircase leading down.

"Let's go. Mr. Dragon is waiting for you."

Ace eagerly descended the stairs, followed by Noir and Cretin. They walked through a narrow passage, and suddenly, their surroundings opened up.

There, underground, was a spacious hall. Several muscular men were carrying heavy crates.

Ace sniffed the air. "Smells like gunpowder."

Noir realized, "So, this is one of the Revolutionary Army's arms procurement sites."

Cretin didn't deny it. "Our country is rich in mineral resources. It's ideal for weapons development and is a world-renowned exporter of ore."

As they walked, Ace asked curiously, "I haven't asked yet, what's the name of your kingdom?"

Cretin smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, our kingdom is called the West Wind Kingdom."

"..."

That name sounds a bit… odd.

Noir felt his perception of the world shifting. He twitched his lips. "You said you were in the Knight Order. What's its name?"

Cretin looked at him strangely. "What? The Knight Order? It's named after the kingdom, of course."

Alright, there's a first time for everything.

As long as the vice-captain wasn't named Viola, he wouldn't truly believe he'd time-traveled…

The Revolutionary soldiers, upon seeing Cretin, stopped their work and saluted, clearing a path for them.

They reached a room in the center of the hall without any obstacles. Cretin knocked gently and led them inside.

A mysterious figure in a black coat stood waiting for them. Cretin announced, "Leader, Mr. Noir and Fire Fist Ace are here."

Dragon, his face obscured by his hood, revealed a fierce expression as he grinned. "Welcome, gentlemen."

Ace scanned the room, disappointment evident in his voice. "You said Sabo was here. Where is he?"

Noir, on the other hand, was intrigued by Dragon's face, half of which was covered in a strange tattoo.

Such a cool tattoo. Could it really be the result of Garp's slipper?

Unfazed by their lack of response, Dragon turned to Ace. "Sabo is returning from a mission. He should arrive shortly."

"What mission?" Ace asked, his curiosity piqued.

Dragon glanced at Noir. "It's a major operation we're undertaking with Mr. Noir. I can't reveal the details yet."

Ace's eyes widened. He looked at Noir. "So, you're going on a mission with Sabo?"

Noir corrected him, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "It's not a fight, it's official business."

"That doesn't matter." Ace sat down on the floor, crossing his arms. "I'm going too. I want to see how much Sabo has improved over the years!"

Noir and Cretin exchanged glances, a knowing smile spreading across their faces.

With just a few words, they'd gained another ally...

Dragon nodded. "Very well, you can join Mr. Noir."

Noir gave Dragon a subtle look. He'd agreed so easily again.

Stealing the Heavenly Tribute was likely a diversion. The Revolutionary Army must have another objective in mind.

But that wasn't Noir's concern. He was only interested in the money! 

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