"Don't be so impulsive, Dragon."
Kevin was fully aware of the strategic importance of the Flying Thunder God Technique in the world of One Piece. But this world wasn't like the Naruto universe—this was a world whose story hadn't yet reached its conclusion.
The bloated parasites atop Mary Geoise, the Five Elders, and Imu's grip on the world remained shrouded in mystery. Apart from the erasure of the Lulusia Kingdom, very little was known.
Under such circumstances, unless one could unleash a power akin to Android 18 or Cell—capable of sweeping through everything—Kevin preferred to unite every possible force.
As for One Piece's so-called protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, Kevin's very appearance had already altered the trajectory of the world.
At the very least, Dragon was now entertaining the idea of formally transforming the Freedom Fighters into a Revolutionary Army two years earlier than in the original timeline. Whether he'd still deliver a fatal blow five years later was now uncertain.
"You should understand just how important this ability is to a military force."
Dragon's gaze sharpened. "Compared to the Grand Line, the Four Blues are relatively calm. We can gather supplies and food there. But each crossing of Reverse Mountain requires the protection of powerful allies."
"Even so, it still demands massive time, manpower, and resources. But this—"
Lifting the trident-shaped kunai in his hand, Dragon continued, "With just two of these—one placed in the East Blue and the other in the New World—we could move supplies in an instant…"
Before he could finish, Kevin cut him off.
"You seem to have forgotten I also said this ability's effectiveness depends on my stamina. Carrying people or small items is fine, but full shiploads of supplies? You're overestimating me."
Supplies—by definition—aren't rations or arms for a few dozen people. We're talking about provisions and equipment for thousands.
Transporting such mass with the Flying Thunder God would exponentially drain his stamina.
[Note: The Flying Thunder God Technique includes only Flying Thunder God and Flying Thunder God: Guiding Thunder. During the Nine-Tails Incident, the full process showed clear use of sealing techniques. In a flashback before the event, Kushina asked Minato if he was still practicing sealing that day. Minato replied he had plans to train the Rasengan with Jiraiya.]
Kevin's words gave Dragon pause, and he soon realized how unrealistic his earlier expectations had been.
If it couldn't be used to mass-transport resources, then the technique's tactical mobility for individuals didn't warrant keeping Kevin on standby at all times.
"…Sorry."
Dragon sat down again, massaging his forehead before pouring himself a drink. "It's just… a power like yours holds incredible strategic value."
Kevin replied, "The Door-Door Fruit can achieve a similar effect. But apparently, the World Government doesn't find it particularly valuable."
Dragon chuckled. "They don't care about the transport cost of non-essential things—because those costs aren't on them. But for critical assets, do you think they'd ever allow someone to open a door in Mary Geoise?"
A heavy silence fell between them.
After a moment, Kevin spoke up.
"These space-marked weapons aren't limited to just three. Once you leave, I'll need you to mass-produce a batch. In two months, I'll deploy coordinates. I also need you to figure out a way to distribute some across the Four Blues and the Grand Line."
Dragon blinked, then nodded.
"With that, you could appear anywhere in the world at a moment's notice. That would certainly be… convenient."
Kevin looked him in the eye.
"It's not about convenience. Frankly, I want to test something—to see if I can change the very foundation of this world."
Dragon looked puzzled again, but Kevin didn't elaborate. Instead, he asked,
"What are your next steps?"
Dragon replied, "Over the years helping non-member nations, I've met some like-minded allies. I didn't have a clear goal before… but now I do."
Kevin smiled.
"Emporio Ivankov, right? That guy will probably introduce you to Bartholomew Kuma. After all… Kuma is a very gentle man."
Kuma. Dragon heard that name once again.
Soon after, their meeting concluded.
Dragon took the three urgently crafted trident kunai, while Kevin filed his report and boarded a Navy warship back to the West Blue.
From this day on, thanks to Shadow Clones and the Flying Thunder God Technique, two versions of Kevin would operate simultaneously across the seas.
One would be known as "Fireseed," co-founder of the Revolutionary Army.
The other would be Seaman First Class Kevin, stationed at Lasgapu Town in the West Blue—the man who once executed Gol D. Roger.
Prison Dimension
Recently appointed Head Warden Gol D. Roger was bored out of his mind, wandering around the strange space.
The prisoners in Corridor Six had long since been incinerated, with Corridors Seven and Eight in much the same state.
Having passed the phase of novelty, Roger now felt like he was rotting in idleness.
"When's that kid coming again?"
"These boring days… I wish I could go on an adventure…"
"After becoming warden, my sin value gets absorbed automatically. That black fire… I wonder how painful it is to be burned by it? Those guys howled for a full day—it must hurt, right?"
And then there was Rouge… Would their child be a boy or a girl?
Twenty years from now, would the kid make it to Laugh Tale?
He had boasted to Rayleigh it would be his son, after all…
At that moment, a figure appeared in the center of the prison.
Roger's soul perked up instantly and waved.
"Yo! You're here, little sir?"
Kevin sighed, looking toward Roger.
"Even after hearing what happened… you're still this carefree? I remember you didn't allow your crew to harm civilians. With that kind of heart, shouldn't you feel at least a little regret?"
Roger waved dismissively.
"You've got it wrong, little sir. You see… the Pirate King is the freest man in the world. I didn't allow my crew to harm civilians simply because I didn't like it."
"If someone repaid me with kindness, I'd gladly help them take on a powerful enemy. Why? Because it makes me happy! That's what drives me."
"Golden Lion once asked me to rule the world with him. Even though he was clearly full of hot air, I don't like ruling anything. That's why—even against overwhelming odds—I'd still say no. Because that… is freedom, little sir."
Freedom, huh?
Kevin thought of Luffy.
Maybe that's why the Revolutionary Army and pirates often walk the same road—but never stand on the same ground.
As for Kevin's own path, it had always been with the Revolutionary Army, not with the pirates.
"This place is boring, little sir. When can I stretch my legs? I can take you to a sky island—the king there is an old friend of mine. There's even a city made of gold! Cool, right?"
Roger's soul laughed boisterously, showing off his tales of adventure—but not a word about Laugh Tale.