Sabo and Koala exchanged curious glances, while Dragon studied Rolan with calm seriousness. Unlike Dragon, the two juniors clearly thought Rolan was exaggerating.
Rolan noticed every subtle shift in their expressions. His tone stayed flat, detached, as always.
"To fix a broken nation, the first step is simple. The people at the bottom must actually feel happy with their daily lives."
"Happy?" Sabo and Koala tilted their heads, confused, but slowly nodded. Even if they did not fully grasp it, they sensed Rolan was not lying.
Seeing their silent approval, Rolan continued, "So, do you know what truly prevents people from reaching that happiness?"
The three shook their heads. Sabo and Koala were unsure, and Dragon simply waited.
"That obstacle is power."
Sabo and Koala looked even more confused, but Dragon's eyes sharpened with faint understanding.
Rolan continued, "A kingdom isn't held up by its throne or its generals. Its foundation is the common people."
Dragon leaned forward, absorbing each word. Even Sabo and Koala finally began to follow the logic.
"So, if you want the people to be happy, you lighten their burdens and ensure their interests are protected."
Dragon immediately reached for pen and paper, but Rolan waved him off lazily.
"There are too many details to list. When you visit my nation, you will understand what separates my methods from yours."
Dragon froze mid-writing, then sighed and nodded. "Then I will trouble you in the future, Rolan."
Rolan finished the last sip of his coffee and stood up. "Good. Then let's move on to cooperation."
Dragon's expression brightened. He had already assumed negotiations had failed, but Rolan brought it back himself.
He quickly nodded. "Of course."
Rolan's voice remained calm and unhurried. "In the end, the Ion Tempest Pirates will clash with the World Government. When that time comes, I expect your Revolutionary Army to stand with us."
"Hm?"
Dragon blinked. He had expected a demand for territory, soldiers, or control. But this was unexpectedly simple.
"That is all?" he asked in disbelief.
Rolan tilted his head slightly, thinking. "Oh, right. One more thing."
His gaze sharpened just a little, though his expression remained indifferent.
"Do not interfere with the actions of the Ion Tempest Pirates."
Dragon's heart tightened. The warning buried in that sentence was unmistakable.
He swallowed. "May I ask what actions you refer to?"
Rolan scratched the back of his head, expression unreadable. "Hard to explain. You will understand when it happens."
Koala muttered under her breath, "You could just say nothing..."
No one else heard it, but Rolan did. He simply spread his hands. "Some things are better shown than explained. You'll understand when you visit my country."
Dragon pressed on, "Then when will you take us to see your capital?"
"When I have fully secured a foothold in the New World," Rolan replied with an indifferent tone. "You won't be disappointed."
Dragon exhaled softly. Of course. A man of Rolan's caliber saw the New World as the only true battlefield.
Rolan rose to his feet. "That covers everything. I will take my leave. I hope our cooperation is smooth."
Dragon quickly stood as well. "Allow me to see you out."
Sabo and Lina followed.
Suddenly, Sabo stepped forward, eyes burning with determination. "Rolan, I want to know how strong you really are."
Rolan met his gaze and sighed inwardly. Someone always wanted to test him.
"Fine. Come. I'll show you the strength that shakes the World Government."
Koala rolled her eyes, muttering her annoyance, but they all headed out.
---
In an open training field, the two stood opposite each other.
"Sabo," Rolan said casually, "go ahead."
Sabo took a breath, coating his pipe with Armament Haki until it gleamed black. "Be careful!"
He launched forward, cracking the ground beneath him as he swung straight at Rolan's head.
Rolan did not move.
The pipe smashed into him with a blast of sparks, the impact echoing across the field. Sabo stared in disbelief. It felt like he had struck pure Sea Stone.
He leapt back, landing with tense focus.
Rolan rubbed his head lazily. "Not bad. Try something stronger."
Sabo gritted his teeth. He formed a Dragon Claw with his right hand, Haki condensing sharply.
"Dragon's Breath!"
He lunged.
Rolan calmly raised two fingers and caught the attack. A shockwave burst outward, shaking the mangrove roots. Within a moment, the stalemate shattered and Sabo was thrown back like a broken kite, smashing into a giant mangrove trunk.
Koala sprinted toward him, but Rolan appeared beside Sabo instantly using electromagnetic movement. He pulled Sabo free from the crushed bark and returned him to the field.
Sabo coughed up blood, and Koala rushed to his side, shooting Rolan a resentful glare. Rolan looked away, awkward but unapologetic.
Sabo stared at Rolan, overwhelmed. This gap was monstrous, far beyond what he imagined. Even Dragon had never felt this untouchable.
The reports about Rolan defeating three Admirals suddenly seemed understated.
The doubt in Sabo's eyes deepened. Why was he still so far behind despite all his training? Everyone praised his talent. Yet before Rolan, his efforts felt meaningless.
Rolan read his thoughts instantly.
"You don't need to be discouraged. My situation is different from yours." His tone softened only slightly. "Your talent is real. It rivals my two disciples."
Sabo blinked. "Wait… are you some kind of ancient monster?"
Rolan flicked him sharply on the head. "I turned eighteen this year."
Sabo stared blankly.
Rolan continued, "You know my disciples already. Ace and Luffy."
Sabo's eyes widened.
Rolan then took out an Animal-type Devil Fruit from his storage and placed it into Sabo's hand.
His body dissolved into electromagnetic energy as he left, his voice echoing faintly near Sabo's ear.
"You are their sworn brother. I do not have many gifts. This one is for you."
---