Translator: PapaSmurf0700
In Mary Geoise, within the hallowed Chamber of Authority, a heavy silence hung in the air.
"We gravely underestimated that boy," the blond-haired Gorosei said, his voice a low rumble. He was the only one among them who had spoken to Bai Ye directly, and the memory left a bitter taste of frustration and anger.
"A mysterious origin, an inexplicable power..." the Gorosei with the large build added, his eyes scanning a dossier. "If it were merely that, we could manage it. But now, he harbors such dangerous ideas."
The bald, sword-wielding Gorosei, standing by the window, wore an equally solemn expression. "In the eight hundred years since the founding of this World Government, we have erased entire legacies. Even the remnants of the 'D' clan were systematically purged from history." He turned to face the others. "Is it possible this 'Priest' has found a contingency they left behind?"
The speculation hung in the air, chilling the room.
"Unlikely," countered the Gorosei with the grand beard. "While the ideas are dangerous, his are... different. They are not the same as the ones held by our ancient enemies." He paused, as if the words themselves were difficult to form. "This boy's thinking is more advanced. More insidious. The consequences he could bring about are far more severe."
"Could he be a descendant of that lineage? One of the original 'D'?" the bald elder mused, picking up another document. "After all, not everyone wears their initial with pride. Take this one, for instance, traveling with the Straw Hats." He slid the paper across the table. "If not for recent events, we would never have known his full name."
On the document was a name that now carried immense weight: Trafalgar D. Water Law.
-----
"Trafalgar D. Water Law," he said, his voice level and cool. "The 'D' is an inherited will. 'Water' is the name I was forbidden to speak."
Now that Bai Ye, the Priest, finally had a moment, Law wasted no time. "At first, I only sought you out for a simple alliance, Priest-ya. But after hearing your broadcast, my ambitions have changed." He locked his gaze on Bai Ye. "Before we go any further, I need you to hear my story."
The tale was a brutal one, a story Bai Ye already knew from the original plot. Law was born in Flevance, the "White Town," a city that once shimmered like a fairy tale. Its people were prosperous, their wealth derived from a unique mineral found only in their soil: Amber Lead. This versatile substance was used in everything from paint to weaponry, making Flevance a jewel of the North Blue.
But the World Government had known a dark secret for a hundred years. Their own scientists had discovered that Amber Lead was toxic, causing a slow, agonizing death that was passed down through generations. They concealed this truth, needing the people of Flevance to continue mining the valuable resource.
When the inevitable poisoning began, a sickness the world had never seen, the Government acted swiftly to contain not the disease, but the secret. They declared Flevance a plague zone, walled off the entire country, and lied to the world, claiming a deadly contagion was spreading. Then, they ordered the extermination of every man, woman, and child.
Law, just a boy, was the sole survivor, escaping by hiding among the piled corpses that were carted across the border. He hated Doflamingo for killing his mentor, Corazon, but his true enemy, the source of all his pain, was the World Government.
And yet, he had never acted on that hatred. Like everyone else, he had been conditioned to see the World Government as an immovable mountain, an absolute power.
But now, Bai Ye had chipped away at that mountain. Luffy had openly declared war on it. The world was changing, and Law's own resolve was hardening.
"I never would have considered it possible before today, Priest-ya," Law concluded, his story told. "But I want to join forces with the Straw Hat Pirates. When it comes to tearing down the World Government, you will find no better ally."
Bai Ye had always had a personal liking for Law. Furthermore, the man's Ope Ope no Mi was one of the most mysterious and powerful Devil Fruits in existence. While its ultimate technique, the Perennial Youth Operation, held no appeal for Bai Ye, the sheer utility of Law's abilities was undeniable. The Straw Hats were on a collision course with the masters of this world; they would need every powerful ally they could get.
So, when Law made his request, Bai Ye naturally agreed... that Law would have to convince Captain Luffy himself. And knowing Luffy, Bai Ye suspected Law would soon find himself "tricked" into a joint training regimen, unofficially binding him to their cause.
With the matter of Trafalgar Law settled, Bai Ye finally had the chance to speak with the other man he had been waiting for: Monkey D. Dragon.
-----
On a nameless island shrouded in the Rainbow Mist, two figures sat opposite each other. Between them, a large jug of sake and two simple cups. The scene had the air of a legendary meeting, a "summit of heroes over wine."
Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, broke the silence. "It has only been a single day, yet I can already see that your short broadcast will have an impact many times greater than all the efforts of our army over the past decade."
He looked at the young man before him—a boy not much older than his own son—and set aside the air of a seasoned veteran. In terms of pure strength, Dragon was a force of nature. But when it came to striking at the heart of the World Government's authority, he had to admit, the Priest was in a league of his own.
"In your eyes," Dragon asked, his tone one of genuine curiosity, "what does the future hold for the Revolutionary Army?"
The question solidified the weight of the moment for Bai Ye. He met Dragon's gaze. "Mr. Dragon, you surely understood the true purpose of my broadcast."
Dragon nodded. He knew this was a test, a way for Bai Ye to gauge his understanding. "You exposed the World Government's secret support of the human trafficking rings and the Celestial Dragons' cruelty to their slaves. You did this to turn the people against them, to shatter their image as benevolent rulers."
He continued his analysis. "At the same time, you used the Whitebeard Pirates as an example, painting the World Government as just another violent organization vying for power. You didn't preach or command; you simply laid out the facts and allowed the world to draw its own conclusions. It's a far more potent method of sparking rebellion than our revolutionary slogans. It's likely why the Government was so quick to agree to your public demands."
Dragon's breakdown was sharp, insightful. He had seen the ripples Bai Ye had created.
After listening, Bai Ye simply shook his head and set down his cup. He looked up at Dragon, whose expression was now one of confusion.
Bai Ye leaned forward, his voice barely a whisper.
"Is that all you saw?"