One Piece: Nico Robin Collection

Chapter 149 Kaido, the Politician
Let's rewind to two days ago, to the Grand Line, to the Paradise Sea.

Above the vast sky, the Eternal Night sails with the wind, speeding along the route back to the Sky Island.

Caesar stood on the bow deck, his heart pounding with excitement.

Originally, he was targeting the Celestial Dragons this time, with the aim of getting his hands on the Pirate Empress Hancock.

Men are naturally driven by food and sex, and Caesar didn't see anything wrong with that. Besides, Hancock had a powerful and domineering women nation under her command, all of whom were brave and skilled warriors, making them a formidable fighting force.

At the same time, the powerful female army can also greatly motivate his male soldiers to strive to become stronger. After all, the women of Daughter Island value strength, and weaklings who don't even know how to be domineering are not qualified to get close to them.

But by a twist of fate, because he 'accidentally' revealed the Celestial Dragons' dirty secrets, Garp and a group of vice admirals were lured onto his pirate ship. At this point, Caesar no longer cared about whether or not he was the Empress.

One veteran lieutenant general who has at least reached the level of a general, two general candidates, Gion and Chaton, and five lieutenant generals from headquarters who are not under Im's control.

The five are Flying Squirrel, Fire Mountain, Doberman, Storoberry, and Bogart.

In addition, Caesar's collection also includes current Admirals Kizaru, Maynard, Onigumo, and Bastet, as well as Moria as an extra.

This lineup is far superior to that of a mere Pirate Empress.

Caesar could tell what was more important, or rather, he was realistic, since Hancock wasn't his woman yet.

So, the moment they got hold of the person, Caesar ordered them to proceed at full speed toward the Sky Island!

He wanted to take advantage of the fact that these people were still in a daze from being betrayed, and return to Sky Island as quickly as possible to confirm the matter!
With the sea breeze blowing and the mist brushing against his cheeks, Caesar glanced at the naval warships floating beside the Eternal Night, then smiled slightly and turned back into his cabin.

At this moment, the dining room of the Eternal Night was noisy. Garp, the backbone of the Navy Admirals, was spraying food crumbs from his scraggly mouth. He held a wine glass in one hand and put his arm around his grandson's shoulder with the other, laughing heartily at the other's helpless gaze.

"Hahaha, I didn't expect you to get so much stronger lately! You actually managed to take down a Shichibukai all by yourself? No wonder you're my grandson, hahahaha!"

"Ugh, Captain, what were you thinking, bringing this old geezer back with you?"

Upon seeing Caesar enter the room, Ace couldn't help but complain.

“Mr. Garp is very strong, and he’s also your grandfather. I’m doing this to prevent your family from killing each other.”

Caesar chuckled to himself, thinking that if he knew his fate in the original story, he probably wouldn't be complaining like this.

Then Caesar glanced around and saw Gion, Yamato, Baby5, Robin, Bonney and a group of girls sitting together. The girls were chatting noisily, and the atmosphere was quite harmonious.

As for Nami and Connie, they are currently in the observation room to control the ship's flight and course.

In contrast, the atmosphere on the men's side became somewhat awkward for a moment, since everyone had previously been on opposing sides. Apart from the two oblivious grandfather and grandson, Capuas, the others remained relatively silent.

Especially the several lieutenant generals of the headquarters, Chaton and Bogart were alright, one was outgoing and the other was Garp's second-in-command.

Among the others, Flying Squirrel, Fire Mountain, and Stromberg are doves. Although they are aloof, they don't seem to have any obvious hostility. However, Doberman's hostility is quite obvious. He just stood there with a dark face, arms crossed, leaning against the wall.

"Why are you standing so far away, Lieutenant General Doberman? Why don't you sit down and have a couple of drinks with me?"

Caesar greeted him with a cheerful smile.

"Hmph, I have no interest in getting close to pirates."

Doberman's face was grim as his cold gaze swept across the faces of Yamato, Robin, and Law.

"Pirate?"

Caesar raised an eyebrow: "What is Vice Admiral Doberman's definition of a pirate? Is it the pursuit of freedom, exploration, and treasure hunting? Or is it plundering civilians, robbing them for money, and murdering them?"

Doberman replied without hesitation: "The latter, of course!"

Caesar shook his head slightly: "Then there are no pirates here. Although I have men who were once pirates, they have never done such a thing. In fact, Law has treated many poor people for free and has also killed quite a few pirates."

"Although setting sail and becoming a pirate is not a good thing, I don't think it's an unforgivable evil. At least with their influence, it won't cause any serious consequences."

"And what about those two women?"

Doberman pointed at Yamato and Robin: "Kaido's daughters, the orphans of Ohara."

"Look what you said."

Caesar waved his hand lightly and casually patted Ace on the shoulder: "He also has the son of the Pirate King!"

The air suddenly went still, and two seconds later, a gasp erupted in the restaurant!
“Eh——?!!!”

"One Piece?!"

"son?!"

Gion, Chaton and the others looked shocked, and Doberman stared wide-eyed at Ace in disbelief.

"Wait, Garp, isn't this kid your grandson?" Gion asked in a trembling voice.

"what…"

Garp picked his nose and flicked his finger nonchalantly: "Ace was entrusted to me by Roger before he died."

"You seem quite calm. Because of this, the World Government killed quite a few innocent pregnant women back then."

Caesar glanced at Garp and said calmly.

Garp froze, his face turning somewhat grim, but he did not refute Caesar's words.

"But in the end, this is Roger's fault. I don't think an unborn child has committed any sin. If anyone is to blame, it's Roger for not keeping it a secret." Caesar waved his hand gently.

“That’s right, that guy is a bastard!” Ace clicked his tongue.

Upon hearing this, the lieutenant generals all stared in astonishment at this filial son.

“I know we have different values, but I hope we can find common ground while respecting our differences.”

Caesar said calmly, “We are all adults. You and I should know that the world is not black and white. Even in the navy, there are hawks and doves. Not to mention the whole ocean. To start a war over the slightest difference of opinion is the style of a dictator.”

"Politics is about making as many friends as possible and as few enemies as possible. My goal is to pacify this vast ocean. As long as it's not a matter of principle, everything is negotiable."

"That sounds nice."

Doberman scoffed, "If I remember correctly, you're supposed to be Kaido's ally, right? Allying with pirates? Is that your principle?"

"No, no, no, I must state one thing: Kaido is not a pirate, at least not anymore."

Caesar shook his head: "To put it more officially, you should call him the Admiral of the Wano Country Navy. He is the Admiral of the Wano Country Navy, recognized by the royal families of several countries, including Skypiea, Jaya Island, Alabasta, and Drum Country. He hasn't been involved in piracy for a long time."

"Naval...Admiral?"

Doberman was stunned for a while, then Karp burst out laughing.

"Puhahaha, Navy Admiral? That kid Kaido? Hmmhahaha..."

"Are you kidding me?" Doberman's face was also gloomy: "Isn't that guy one of the Four Emperors of the Pirates? Does being a National Guard Admiral mean he can just erase his past pirate career?"

Upon hearing this, Caesar raised an eyebrow, then turned slightly to the side, glanced around, and then, feigning caution, spoke in a low voice that everyone could hear: "Vice Admiral, have you heard of... the Seven Warlords of the Sea?"

"Hahahahahaha!"

Garp laughed even louder, Gion and Robin couldn't help but smile, while the other vice admirals looked speechless.

Doberman's old face was as black as the bottom of a pot, and his teeth were grinding. He was a lieutenant general, after all, and held a position. How could he not understand Caesar's meaning?
Kaido in the past was undoubtedly a pirate, and a very heinous one at that!
But now, it's not quite appropriate to call Kaido a pirate anymore.

Even if he committed heinous crimes, he was still a military leader of a country and a political figure. He had to acknowledge this identity because Kaido was a political figure recognized by multiple governments.

He may not acknowledge Kaido's legitimacy, but if he does not, Caesar can use the case of the Seven Warlords of the Sea to deny the legitimacy of the World Government and the Navy.

Because the royal families of the countries Caesar mentioned have formed a small political alliance, which, although small, is of the same nature as the World Government. This is an objective fact that cannot be changed no matter how much he tries to argue.

So, according to Caesar, Kaido today can be called a war criminal or a political prisoner, but he can no longer be defined by the Navy's simple good and evil standards.

Because all the evil deeds Kaido has committed in the past can now be considered national actions of Wano Country, and if we consider it that way, it has even reached the diplomatic level.

The past looting can be seen as confiscating the property of ships that trespassed into Wano Country's territorial waters, and the massacre can be seen as killing stowaways. As for why Wano Country's territorial waters have expanded so far, don't worry about that, because territorial disputes between countries have nothing to do with personal good or evil.

Caesar's move completely absolved Kaido of any blame; while shameless, it was surprisingly reasonable and legal.

"See that, Ace?"

Karp gave a thumbs up and pointed in Caesar's direction: "Politicians are all dirty-hearted. You must have been fooled by Caesar back then."

"So this is the captain..."

Ace smiled slightly and adjusted his hat brim: "To be honest, I think he's quite reliable. If my captain were a reckless guy like Luffy, I'd be in real trouble."

Luo nodded in agreement: "That's right. Being a little cunning is better than being brainless. If we're really talking about it, weren't half of the people on this ship tricked onto board?"

Robin shook her head: "No, Dr. Vegapunk was forcibly brought back."

Caesar: "..."

"Speaking of which, we ended up in this situation because of your careless words."

Gion rested her chin on her hand, looking at Caesar with amusement: "Shouldn't you give us an explanation?"

"Isn't it better than staying under that hypocritical justice? At least now you don't have to turn a blind eye to the Celestial Dragons' crimes anymore, do you?"

Caesar raised an eyebrow: "If I had to say, I've always been curious, everyone... when you've witnessed the Celestial Dragons' crimes, yet you still uphold the World Government's laws and raise your swords against those who seek history, truth, and equality... what does that feel like? Vice Admiral Doberman?"

"What do you see me doing?"

Doberman's face darkened again. He had been racking his brains for points to refute Caesar, but Caesar was now attacking him relentlessly!
"What kind of existence do you think the Navy is to the Celestial Dragons?"

Caesar said leisurely, "Miss Gion, do you still remember the God Valley incident that I told you back in the East Blue, the one that brought shame to Mr. Garp?"

Doberman fell silent, and Gion also fell silent.

Although it's hard to admit, the Navy is probably less important to the Celestial Dragons than even a dog they keep.

The Navy's justice is a joke in the face of the Celestial Dragons' power!
Not only Doberman, but everyone else also wore somber expressions and remained silent for a long time.

After a long pause, Gion finally sighed softly: "Perhaps you're right, it's time for the Navy to seek change, but how can you guarantee you won't be the next Celestial Dragon?"

"Um…"

Caesar pondered for two seconds before solemnly proposing, "How about this? I'll give you a child. That way, you'll have a hostage, and you won't have to worry about me losing control. What do you say?"

Gion was stunned on the spot!

How can a person be so shameless?!

The next second, Chaton exploded too!
"You bastard! What are you saying?! I, Kaji, am the man destined to become Gion's husband!"

"You have even less of a chance."

Gion rolled her eyes at him before turning to Caesar and chuckling softly, "As for Caesar... unfortunately, although I'm very interested, our ages don't seem to be a good match, and besides, I prefer men who are more devoted."

"I'm very loyal too!"

"you sure?"

"I have always only liked beautiful women."

"Oh, is that so? Hehe~"

Upon hearing this, Gion immediately covered her mouth and chuckled. Meanwhile, Kaji, with his small eyes wide open, stared at Caesar with the kind of husky pointing at someone, giving him a look that said, "Hey bro, what's wrong with you?"

"Yeah hahahaha!"

Upon hearing this, Garp burst into laughter: "Don't let Gion's youthful appearance fool you, she's already over forty. She's old enough to be your son's mother!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Garp felt a chill run down his spine.

Turning her head, she saw Gion holding the hilt of Kinpira's sword, looking at her with a frosty expression.

"What does it matter? Robin's almost thirty, isn't she?"

Ace scratched his head, then turned to Robin and asked, "Doesn't Caesar prefer older women?"

"Oh, is that so?"

Robin smiled immediately, then slowly got up and walked outside. As he passed Gion, he gave her a meaningful look.

"Ah, I'll go up to the deck for some fresh air too."

"I'm going to the deck for a smoke."

"Let's go together..."

Caesar helped Yamato up and got up to leave. The others also got up one after another. Even Doberman, who was still bothered by Caesar's theory, was sweating. He took the cigar that Huoshaoshan handed him, put it in his mouth, and quickly left the room, closing the door behind him.

"Oh!!!!"

As soon as everyone left, a pair of grandfathers and grandsons let out a bloodcurdling scream from the restaurant behind them.

Caesar: "As expected of a general candidate, he's really impressive. I've never seen them scream this badly when I beat them up."

Everyone: "..."

(End of this chapter)