One Piece: Rise of Valoria

The banquet had ended, leaving only the sound of footsteps and faint murmurs as maids cleared the hall. William sat back in his chair, resting one arm lazily on the table while the other toyed with his cup. He looked at Dragon and smiled. 

"Well, now that we've shared food." He said casually, "let's share our ideas." 

Dragon gave a slight nod, leaning forward. "Alright. Should I start, or would you prefer to go first?" 

William waved his hand. "If you don't mind, tell me about the Revolutionary Army first. What do you stand for?" 

Dragon's eyes darkened slightly. "Our primary objective is to fight against the World Government and free all people from its tight grasp. It's an oppressive regime, and we aim to topple it." 

William raised an eyebrow. "And what have you accomplished so far?" 

Dragon sighed. "Not much, to be honest. We're still building our forces and establishing roots across the world. I understand the World Government's reach is vast, with over 900 years of history backing it. I know defeating them won't be easy." 

William leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. "I see. So, besides building your army, what has the Revolutionary Army done to make a name for itself?" 

Dragon folded his hands. "Most of our efforts go toward liberating individual islands. These are places where the local governments, under the World Government, oppress their own people to pay the Heavenly Tribute. We free them." 

Robin, sitting beside William, rested her chin on her hand. "And what happens to these islands after you liberate them?" 

Dragon hesitated. "They're free to do as they wish. We don't rule them." 

Robin's eyes narrowed slightly. "So, you overthrow the local governments, but you don't stay to enforce laws or protect the people?" 

Dragon shook his head. "No. After liberating an island, we leave. The World Government usually sends agents to arrest our soldiers if we linger." 

Robin's tone turned sharp. "So, you abandon these people? Without the World Government or Navy to protect them, what happens next? You leave them with no laws, no order, and no protection. Pirates, slavers, and criminals must thrive in such chaos. Civil wars might even break out. Do you realize that your so-called liberation is just another form of destruction?" 

Dragon's cadres exchanged awkward glances, visibly uncomfortable with her words. 

Robin continued, her voice colder now. "I understand why people around the world despise your Revolutionary Army. You aren't starting a revolution, you're creating chaos." 

Dragon's face tightened. "I'm aware of the consequences of our actions. But sometimes, we have no choice. Sacrifices are necessary for change. Tell me, Nico Robin, do you hate Professor Clover and the archeologists of Ohara?" 

Before Robin could respond, William spoke, his tone hard. "Don't compare my family to your army, Dragon." His eyes flashed dangerously. "Old man Clover and the others didn't know the World Government would destroy Ohara. They believed the worst-case scenario was imprisonment in Impel Down. But you..." William leaned forward, his voice low and fierce. "You know exactly what happens after you leave an island defenseless. Yet you still do it." 

Dragon raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "I meant no disrespect. I admired Professor Clover and what he stood for. But sometimes, doing what's necessary requires sacrifice. Now, you've made your intentions clear on that broadcast—taking down the World Government. How do you plan to do that?" 

William's glare softened, replaced by a confident smirk. "Glad you asked. The first step is building a force capable of standing against the World Government. Quality over quantity. Numbers don't matter at our level. A single Vice Admiral could crush an army of ordinary soldiers." 

Dragon nodded slowly. "And once your force is ready?" 

William grinned. "Then we go to war, starting with the weak seas." 

Dragon tilted his head. "What do you mean by that?" 

"I'm going to take over the East Blue and South Blue first." William said. "Then, I'll secure Paradise. Each territory will become part of Valoria. After that, it's a full-scale war against the World Government." 

Dragon frowned slightly. "That won't be easy." 

William chuckled. "It won't be impossible, either. I'm not starting until I'm sure we can win. For now, controlling the news is a priority, and I know just the man to recruit." 

Dragon raised an eyebrow. "You're talking about Morgans?" 

William smirked. "Exactly. He's already on the World Government's bad side, which makes him the perfect ally for us. Beyond that, we need resources, and the Heavenly Tribute is a good place to start. After that, who knows? Maybe I'll take over the Marines too." 

Dragon's expression turned serious. "That will be difficult. Most of them are fiercely loyal to the World Government." 

William chuckled. "Not all of them. Men like your father exist in the Navy, people with their own sense of justice. I've fought Garp before. I know he's not a mindless puppet. When the time comes, I'll bring him to our side." 

Dragon let out a sigh and leaned forward. "Now, the most important question: what will you do after you win the war against the World Government?" 

William tilted his head. "Have you seen my kingdom, Dragon? Read its laws?" 

Dragon nodded. "I have." 

"And what's your honest opinion about Valoria?" William asked, his tone calm but expectant. 

Dragon gave a small smile. "It's a good kingdom, actually, it's perfect. A model for what the world should be." 

William's grin widened. "That's exactly what I plan to turn the world into after taking down the World Government. I'll create a world where everyone is equal. A world without slaves, without injustice. A world where all races can live together in peace, just like here in Valoria." 

Dragon's voice softened. "That's the kind of world I want to live in." 

William said with a confident smile. "Then join us. Be our partner, Dragon. With your Revolutionary Army and our shared goal, we can make this world better together." 

Dragon hesitated for a moment, but then a determined smile spread across his face. "I've been thinking about this during my time here. And after seeing what you've built, after hearing your vision… Not just me, but all of us want to be part of Valoria." 

William laughed, standing to shake Dragon's hand. "Then from now on, you'll be Valoria's Supreme Commander. You'll oversee all military forces." 

Dragon stood as well, shaking William's hand firmly. "I'm honored. Let's change the world together." 

William grinned. "First, bring all your commanders here. They'll train under Rayleigh. Hand over your intelligence network to Shakky, she's our Director of Intelligence. As for the rest of your army, arrange them however you see fit." 

After the handshake, William turned his attention to Sabo, who was trying to sneak away. He caught the boy by the ear. "And you, little punk, are going to school." 

Sabo flailed. "No! I want to train, not sit in some boring classroom!" 

William laughed. "You can train with Koala and the others, but every kid in Valoria has to go to school. Koala, make sure he gets there tomorrow." 

Koala smirked. "Leave it to me, Brother William. I'll drag him there myself." 

Sabo panicked. "Not her! Please, I'll go willingly, just keep her away from me!" 

Everyone in the room burst into laughter, the tension lightened by the boy's antics. 

"Actually, I have a son too. I think I should bring him here to live in Valoria." Dragon said.

Ivankov clutched his chest dramatically. "Dragon-san, you have a son? I'm shocked! I think… I think I'm having a heart attack!" Then he paused and grinned. "Or maybe not! Hee-haa!" 

Koala gave Ivankov a strange look. "You're weird." 

Dragon turned to William. "Can you open a portal to the East Blue? I'd like to bring my son here as soon as possible." 

William nodded. "Of course. Let's go now." 

Before leaving, he looked at Shakky. "Keep an eye on the Heavenly Gold, will you? I'll need it soon." 

Shakky gave a knowing smile. "Got it." 

Turning to Hancock, William added. "Hancock, can you help with Ginny and Kuma's wedding? Make it special for them." 

Hancock smiled warmly. "Of course, Husband. As soon as Ginny is ready, we'll arrange everything." 

William nodded. "Perfect. I'll be back soon. If you need anything, just call." 

With that, William and Dragon stepped through the space portal William created, disappearing into the shimmering doorway.