As long as the World Government got what it wanted, why keep Vegapunk, the creator, around?
Wouldn't he influence the World Government's control?
He didn't care about dying, but he still had many undeveloped ideas in his mind.
If Kongtai could truly overthrow the World Government led by the Celestial Dragons, could he still support him?
No, given Kongtai's personality, he wouldn't take the position left vacant by the Celestial Dragons' deaths.
And the one most likely to take that position in this world was the Revolutionary Army.
His eyes lit up at this thought.
Given his relationship with Dragon, as long as there was money, Dragon would absolutely support his various research endeavors.
Vegapunk couldn't help but show an expectant smile at this thought.
Instead of secretly using World Government funds for various research within the World Government, it would be better to overthrow the World Government led by the Celestial Dragons with Kongtai. Then he could conduct research openly and without reservation.
The more he thought about it, the brighter Vegapunk's eyes became, and the more his smile spread across his face.
Now that he knew the World Government's trump card was Pluton, and Kongtai could fight the Celestial Dragons, the World Government would have no secrets.
And their goal of overthrowing the World Government led by the Celestial Dragons would no longer be impossible.
Kongtai stared at Vegapunk's constantly changing expression, feeling a bit bewildered.
His sudden arrival was actually very simple: he just didn't want Bartholomew Kuma to follow his original historical trajectory.
Irreversible memory loss. He didn't know if he could reverse it, but since he had encountered it, he might as well try to prevent it.
After all, although he had no particular friendship with the Revolutionary Army, he considered Ivankov a friend. It was only natural to lend a hand to a friend's friend in trouble, wasn't it?
Shaking his head, he ignored Vegapunk and looked at Bartholomew Kuma again, smiling, "Actually, I met Sabo in Dressrosa."
"Sabo?"
Bartholomew Kuma was somewhat puzzled by Kongtai meeting Sabo, but after thinking about what the Revolutionary Army had done in Alabasta and Bass, his expression showed understanding.
"I haven't seen that kid for years. Dragon must be letting him out now, probably to act on behalf of the Revolutionary Army."
He didn't ask Kongtai how he knew his identity or how he knew Sabo's name.
In his opinion, the Revolutionary Army had met Kongtai a long time ago, and Ivankov was friends with Kongtai. Perhaps Kongtai could even contact the Revolutionary Army!
Just like Dr. Vegapunk, who wasn't part of the Revolutionary Army but held friendly feelings towards them.
Sabo was trained by him, Ivankov, and Dragon together, so he was well aware of Sabo's talent.
However, compared to the person in front of him...
He glanced at Kongtai and Bartholomew Kuma couldn't help but shake his head. Compared to Kongtai, Sabo clearly wasn't on the same level.
"Yes! It was Sabo."
Kongtai nodded, then took off the wine gourd at his waist, pried open the stopper, tilted his head back, and took a big swig. Then he walked up to Bartholomew Kuma, raised the wine gourd, and smiled.
"Want a drink?"
Looking at the wine gourd extended in front of him, Bartholomew Kuma hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. "I haven't drunk alcohol in a long time. I've quit."
"Quit?"
"Yes! Because..." At this point, a hint of wistfulness appeared in Bartholomew Kuma's expression. "Because drinking leads to mistakes!"
Ever since he was captured by the Marines and went undercover, he hadn't touched alcohol.
Sometimes, for the sake of ideals, one had to give up certain things.
"That's a pity," Kongtai retracted his hand and shook his head when Bartholomew Kuma refused. "This is wine I brought from Skypiea. It's absolutely exquisite. If you don't drink it, it's your loss!"
He then tilted his head back and took another drink, before looking up at Bartholomew Kuma. "Actually, if you had contacted Dragon, you would know that I told the Revolutionary Army in Dressrosa that I was going to Mary Geoise. And they said they would go with me then."
"Go together?" Bartholomew Kuma had vaguely guessed it when Kongtai mentioned Sabo.
If he could see the benefits of Kongtai going to Mary Geoise for the Revolutionary Army, how could Dragon and the others miss such a golden opportunity!
It was a pity that his communication with Dragon was only one-way. To avoid exposure, Dragon couldn't contact him.
Therefore, even though it was such a big matter, after nearly half a month, he, one of the highest-ranking cadres of the Revolutionary Army, knew nothing about it.
However, it wasn't too late to know now. At least his experiment hadn't truly begun.
With this thought, he cast a grateful look at Kongtai.
To have complete memories and know what it meant to ask someone to give them up—how cruel and difficult it was.
Especially when some scenes in his memory, even if he died, he never wanted to forget.
Who would want to become a cold machine when they could be a person with flesh and blood and feelings!
"Actually, there's one more person who will be going with me then."
Kongtai put down his wine gourd and spoke again.
"Who?"
"The Red-Haired Pirates."
"Red-Haired?" Bartholomew Kuma and Vegapunk, who had just emerged from a flood of thoughts, both showed surprised expressions upon hearing about the Red-Haired Pirates.
The Red-Haired Pirates were not this kid's pirate crew!
Although they didn't know much about Shanks, they had heard news of the Red-Haired Pirates massacring cities and destroying islands.
For such a true pirate to accompany Kongtai to Mary Geoise was somewhat surprising to them.
What they didn't know was that these news reports were actually intentional on Shanks' part.
It wasn't him who massacred cities and destroyed islands, but his daughter, "Uta."
The higher-ups in the Navy knew this, and the World Government knew it, but they didn't know what method Shanks had used to suppress this matter, making it fall upon him in the end.
However, this had nothing to do with Kongtai.
As for whether Shanks' true identity was a Celestial Dragon, why he could have a private meeting with the Five Elders, and what his purpose was in going to Mary Geoise, in Kongtai's eyes, none of it mattered.
Because no matter how much of a conspiracy there was, in the face of absolute power, any conspiracy was just like a paper tiger.
He didn't know about the others, but there was one thing Kongtai could see clearly: Shanks and the entire Red-Haired Pirates were not evil people.
That was all he needed to know. The rest would be revealed with time.
"With his involvement, the chances of success would indeed greatly increase."
Although they didn't know why Shanks was joining, both Bartholomew Kuma and Vegapunk had to admit the strength of Shanks and his Red-Haired Pirates.
With the addition of the Red-Haired Pirates, the chances of overthrowing the World Government led by the Celestial Dragons were indeed greatly enhanced.
"Then I'll join too."
At this moment, Vegapunk spoke. "Actually, although I've been researching my own ideas over the years, I've also done some research on the orders given by the World Government."
"If I can dedicate myself wholeheartedly during this time, I should be able to complete that weapon before you, Mr. Kongtai, go to Mary Geoise!"