One Piece: Signing In as a Pirate Begins with Roger's Execution

"Koushirou-sensei, did you even listen carefully to what I just said?

The Revolutionary Army's goal is noble. Once you join us, we'll share life and death together as comrades, advancing hand in hand!"

Dragon's voice was impassioned as he shared his ideals, doing his utmost to persuade Koushirou to join the Revolutionary Army.

At present, the Revolutionary Army was pitifully small, with fewer than a hundred members altogether.

In terms of top-tier combat strength, Dragon was the only one they could rely on. If he couldn't find a trustworthy master to assist him soon, his plans would have to be delayed by several more years.

However, it was clear that Koushirou wasn't buying into Dragon's rhetoric.

He calmly set his glasses on the table, took a sip of steaming tea, and said,

"Every word you said, I understand individually, but when you string them together, it somehow becomes perplexing."

"Honestly, I was confused by this theory at first, too. But over time, I came to understand that it's the only way to achieve true global harmony!

So, Koushirou-sensei, please! I, Monkey D. Dragon, rarely beg for help, but this time, I am sincerely asking you!"

Dragon lowered his head, his tone earnest, fully expressing how much he valued Koushirou.

Koushirou noticed Dragon's sincerity. Though he had some thoughts, he ultimately sighed.

"To be honest, it's not that I don't want to join you; it's that I can't.

Dragon-san, while we do have a personal friendship, my child is about to be born. I can't leave them behind."

"Your child is about to be born? That's wonderful news. Congratulations, Koushirou-sensei," Dragon said with a sigh.

Knowing that Koushirou was expecting a child only made it more impossible for him to join the Revolutionary Army.

No one would willingly risk their life and oppose the World Government, especially not with a newborn child to care for.

More importantly, if Koushirou agreed, he'd have to bring his wife and child along, wandering from place to place and enduring hardship.

Even Dragon himself couldn't bear the thought of his own family suffering such a fate.

Much less Koushirou, a kind and gentle man.

So, Dragon could understand Koushirou's refusal.

"In that case, let's set the Revolutionary Army business aside for now and enjoy some tea as old friends. How does that sound?"

"That would be ideal," Koushirou replied, visibly relaxing.

Dragon's lengthy speeches had been giving him a headache, but now that Dragon had shifted gears, Koushirou felt much more at ease.

Meanwhile, Dragon smiled sheepishly and said,

"My wife has also been talking about wanting a child, so we're planning to have one in the next year or two. That way, I can settle my family's concerns and focus fully on my work."

"Is that so? Then let me offer my early congratulations. I hope you and your wife are blessed with a child soon," Koushirou said.

"Haha, thanks! And congratulations to you as well, brother!"

As Koushirou and Dragon chatted, a voice suddenly boomed from the entrance, interrupting them.

"Dragon! There are Marines in the village! Should we…?"

"Eh?! What?!"

"How did this Marine get here so fast?!"

The loud figure was none other than Ivankov, the Okama King.

Karl had encountered Ivankov earlier in the streets. Before Karl could capture him, Ivankov had fled.

Karl then instructed Bellemere and Kuro to return to the ship, while he followed Ivankov.

Using his Observation Haki, Karl had sensed Dragon's presence and tracked it to this location.

Ivankov, traveling on foot, naturally lagged behind.

Seeing Karl, Ivankov was immediately on high alert. If Dragon gave the order, he was ready to attack.

"Dragon, is this guy one of your subordinates? Next time, you might want to assign someone sharper to stand guard—his reflexes are embarrassingly slow," Karl said, shaking his head in disappointment.

Dragon sighed, then waved dismissively.

"Ivankov, head back to the ship. This Marine and I know each other. There's no danger here, so don't worry."

"But Dragon…"

Ivankov hesitated, but after glancing at Karl's smug expression and Dragon's calm demeanor, he reluctantly left.

"So, this must be Koushirou-sensei? It's an honor to meet you! I am Marine Captain Karl."

After Ivankov left, Karl ignored him entirely, instead turning to Koushirou and offering a respectful bow.

"You know me?" Koushirou asked, puzzled.

"Haha, I've heard of you. I have a small connection with Gol D. Roger and heard your name from him," Karl lied casually. After all, Roger was dead; no one could verify the truth.

"Roger mentioned me? That man truly was a genius, capable of achieving so much more. It's a pity he died so young…"

Koushirou paused, then adjusted his glasses and studied Karl carefully.

"Your name is Karl, and you resemble him greatly. Could it be… are you the Marine who declared at the execution platform that you would oppose all pirates?"

"Heh, that's me," Karl replied with a proud smirk, folding his arms.

Dragon, sipping his tea, watched Koushirou's expression closely, ready to act if necessary.

Koushirou's face shifted through a range of emotions before he finally sighed, removed his glasses, and released his grip on his sword, Wado Ichimonji.

"Enough. The dead are gone; there's no point in saying more. Kid, while I'm still in a good mood, you'd better leave now!"

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