One Piece: King of the World

Chapter 293: None of Us Are Soft-Hearted

Back in the early days, when Dragon first established the Revolutionary Army, they were indeed idealistic, perhaps even naive. They dreamed of evenly distributing power and wealth, believing that true equality could be achieved.

The results, however, were disastrous. Although their revolutions succeeded multiple times, corruption quickly took hold of the new ruling class. Attempts to evenly distribute power and wealth only led to greater instability, fracturing once-unified nations into chaos.

This caused Dragon to reflect deeply. Over time, he gradually shifted his perspective, coming to understand that social classes were, in some ways, a necessary structure.

As a result, the Revolutionary Army refined its approach. Through trial and error, they developed new policies rather than simply overthrowing regimes and installing complete equality, they now sought to find suitable rulers, support their rise to power, eliminate oppressive governance, and regulate authority.

Gone were the days of dreaming about a utopian world free of class divisions, because it simply wasn't realistic.

"I told you a long time ago," Claudius said with a chuckle, "until human productivity reaches the point where it can meet everyone's needs, class conflict will never disappear. Now you believe me?"

For true equality to exist, humanity would likely have to advance into an interstellar era.

Only when there were abundant resources enough to fulfill every person's needs would class distinctions start to fade.

With machines and artificial intelligence replacing human labor, perhaps then a society without hierarchy could exist. But for now?

Claudius didn't believe for a second that intelligent creatures could overcome their own nature.

Where there are people, there will be conflict.

Where there is conflict, there will be struggle, winners and losers.

And when there are winners and losers, naturally, there will be hierarchy.

And hierarchy, at its core, represents class.

"You're right," Dragon murmured, not arguing the point.

"Maybe our ideal society will emerge one day," Claudius continued. "But not now. Not in this chaotic era. Right now, the world needs a government, a strong, unified force to maintain order."

Dragon was silent for a moment before finally asking, "So... is that what you want to become? The King of the World?"

"That's right," Claudius admitted without hesitation.

A strange light flickered in Dragon's eyes. After a brief pause, he asked, "And then what? Is that all you wanted to tell me?"

"A powerful voice doesn't have to mean oppression," Claudius said with a sigh. "I need enough authority to reshape the system, to change the world. You already know what I intend to do."

"You once told me," Dragon said, his voice carrying a hint of emotion, "that the people are water, and a ruler is a boat. Water can carry a boat... but it can also overturn it. Because of that, the people must always come first, the nation second, and the ruler last. Do you still remember those words?"

"Of course I do," Claudius nodded.

Before Dragon could say more, Claudius continued, "That's why I need to consolidate all power, to establish a new ruling class, one that governs according to our original ideals. I want to eradicate corrupt leadership, ensure people's livelihoods, and advance society."

"And then?" Dragon pressed. "How can you guarantee that your version of the World Government won't become just as corrupt as the current one?"

Claudius paused for a moment before laughing. "Dragon, aren't you being a little too nosy?"

Dragon was taken aback by the remark. He frowned and asked, "What the hell do you mean by that?"

"I can only guarantee one thing," Claudius said. "That during my rule, things will remain as I envision them.

But beyond that? A hundred, two hundred years from now, when we're nothing but dust, do you really think we'll still have control?

History is shaped by trial and error. Humanity must make mistakes before it can find the right path.

So go ahead—you keep trying your way, and I'll keep trying mine. In the end, we do what we can in our time. That's all there is to it."

Dragon fell silent.

After a long pause, he finally asked, "Is this what you meant by constitutional monarchy?"

"Something like that," Claudius admitted. "But at the start, I won't be giving up power.

First, I need to reshape the world the way I envision it. Then, I'll begin decentralizing authority.

At that stage, I'll establish a framework of laws to curb the excesses of the ruling class, gradually opening pathways for the general populace to rise in status. That's how we'll transition to a constitutional monarchy."

Of course, on the surface, this might make it seem like the Donquixote family would only be nominally ruling over the world, relinquishing most of their authority.

But Claudius wasn't about to tell Dragon the real plan, how he would consolidate power through a shadow network of economic and political influence.

In the end, whether it was wealth, power, or class itself, the world would still be controlled by those who owned the resources.

"...I'll need time to think about it," Dragon finally said.

"I think the Revolutionary Army could play a vital role in all of this," Claudius continued smoothly. "You could serve as an oversight force, ensuring that the legal system adapts to different regions. Doesn't that sound like a good platform for your ideals?"

Dragon let out a chuckle. "Are you actually offering me a position?"

"How about Minister of Civil Affairs in the new World Government?" Claudius joked.

Dragon smirked. "You make it sound tempting. Honestly, I am intrigued. But this is too sudden, I need time to consider it."

"No problem," Claudius replied. "At the very least, I hope you can give me an answer before the World Summit begins."

"I'll do my best," Dragon sighed. "But in the meantime, send me an official document outlining your proposal. You just threw a lot of ideas at me, and I need time to process it all."

"No problem," Claudius said, satisfied.

Teach hadn't originally planned to take the position, but now that he thought about it...

Wouldn't being a commander make his plans easier?

For example, if Marco or Thatch went out for a drink, he could follow them without raising suspicion. And if he needed to disappear later, being a commander might grant him more freedom.

With that thought in mind, Teach grinned and said, "Ze hahahaha! Pops, I refused before because I didn't think I was strong enough. But now that I've got the Dark-Dark Fruit, I feel invincible! I'll take the position!"

His arrogant words made the others chuckle, no one took them seriously. They just assumed he was in high spirits.

Whitebeard nodded. "Alright. From today forward, you are the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, Teach."

"Ze hahahaha! Thanks, Pops!" Teach said, putting on an exaggerated show of excitement.

Marco clapped his hands. "Well then, since Teach finally got his Devil Fruit and we filled the Second Division spot, how about we celebrate with a banquet?"

"Yeahhh!!!" the pirates cheered.

Whitebeard laughed. "Kuhahahaha! Young ones! Break out the sake! Let's drink!"

In high spirits, he threw a punch into the air.

The sky split apart. The sea churned violently.

The Whitebeard Pirates erupted in cheers. The energy was electric.

But Teach...

Teach stood there, watching the distant tsunami waves.

There was greed in his eyes. A hunger that burned deep inside him.

The Dark-Dark Fruit was already his. Now, the next step was the Tremor-Tremor Fruit.

Of course, when he was buttering up Whitebeard earlier, he had said, "The Tremor-Tremor Fruit is only the strongest because it's in your hands, Pops!"

But deep down, Teach knew—

The Tremor-Tremor Fruit was the most powerful Paramecia ability.

And he had spent decades watching Whitebeard wield its terrifying power.

He had no doubts, if he could seize that fruit, he wouldn't even need to master it.

With just a little time to combine its power with the Dark-Dark Fruit, he would become unstoppable.

No one in the world could rival him.

Teach had spent years analyzing Whitebeard, his strengths, his weaknesses.

There was no question, Whitebeard's greatest strength was his devastating attack power.

When he went all out with the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, it felt like he could shatter the world itself.

But his weakness...

Newgate's physical endurance wasn't on the same level as the other top monsters of the sea.

Kaido had his immortal body.

Big Mom had her iron-like defense.

But Whitebeard? His raw durability was not his strongest trait.

And that was the flaw Teach planned to exploit.

His plan was simple:

Use the Dark-Dark Fruit for defense, absorbing and negating damage.

Use the Tremor-Tremor Fruit for offense, unleashing destructive force.

Together, they would make him invincible.

Just thinking about it made his heart race.

His blood boiled.

His ambition burned.

He wanted to strike now but Marco suddenly handed him a sake cup.

"Come on, Teach! Let's toast! Today's a good day!" Marco grinned.

Teach snapped out of his thoughts, suppressing his emotions.

A sinister grin spread across his face. "Ze hahahaha! You're right, Marco! Today is a good day!"

***

This book is completed so you can read all chapters on: /Blownleaves.