Phoenix Reborn In One Piece

Ryuen returned to the Dream Explorer, and the two ships slowly drifted apart. 

"Ryuen, what did that Jonathan guy talk to you about?" Nami asked eagerly the moment Jonathan's warship left. 

"Nothing much. Just Sengoku up to something again, wanting us to cooperate..." Ryuen then explained Sengoku's plan. 

Everyone was speechless. 

"Sengoku is really overestimating himself. I heard he's supposed to be some kind of 'strategist'..." Daisy said with clear disdain. 

"Hehehe~~~" 

"Well, you can't really blame him. He doesn't know what we're capable of, so it's natural he'd make a mistake like this," Nojiko chuckled. 

Nojiko was right. Sengoku's thinking was too one-sided. 

It wasn't just Sengoku—everyone who was in the know thought the same. They all believed that the Dream Exploration Team was about to lose its official status. 

The so-called 'inspection' from the World Government was nothing more than a formality. 

After all, on paper, the Dream Exploration Team was under Saint Lindgas, a descendant of the Marcus family. 

So even though Saint Isred had support from multiple families, they still had to put on a show. 

"Nami, contact Morgans. Since the World Government has made its move, we can't just sit back and let them have their way. It's time to cut them off at the root," Ryuen said with a faint smile. 

"Ryuen, you're planning to use public opinion?" Robin immediately picked up on his intent. 

"Exactly. The officials handling this inspection are obviously Isred's people. 

But what if they end up saying that our expedition is perfectly fine, that Isred himself gave us high praise, and that all of this gets published in the newspapers?" Ryuen grinned. 

"I get it!" Nami immediately understood his plan. 

"I see now. This is a great idea!" Nojiko's eyes sparkled. 

"Ufu-fufu-fufu~~~" 

"Our captain sure is sneaky. Well then, I'll take care of preparing their statements," Robin said, covering her mouth as she laughed. 

"Uh… (ˉ―ˉ?)" 

"Can someone explain this to me?" Leah looked completely lost. 

Daisy and Anya were just as confused, while Kuina and Hog remained calm—they clearly understood what Ryuen was planning. 

"*Ahem…*" 

"Nojiko, explain it to them. I'll contact Morgans," Nami said with a smug look after clearing her throat twice. 

--- 

After a quick discussion, Morgans immediately agreed. He promised to send reporters from Jaya Island straight to Long Ring Long Land. 

Their mission? To interview the World Government officials in charge of the inspection. 

"Alright, let's go meet Isred's lapdogs and shut them up for good!" Ryuen said, his voice carrying a chilling edge. 

As soon as Ryuen finished speaking, the rest of the Dream Crew also wore cold expressions. 

Did these lackeys really think they could control them? Not only was that impossible, but they were going to make sure these lackeys met their end! 

As for Sengoku's plan? Sorry, but it didn't align with the Dream Crew's interests. 

The Dream quickly arrived in the waters near Long Ring Long Land. As they approached the island, they spotted the government vessel and three Marine warships. 

"Hahahaha~~~" 

"Dream Exploration Team, we've been waiting for you here for a long time!" Fred shouted arrogantly as soon as he saw the Dream appear. 

A while ago, the Dream Crew had wiped out all the bounty-hunting pirates on Jaya, leaving Fred holding onto a grudge. Now, he finally had the chance to regain his pride! 

The people around Fred also had smug expressions. They truly believed they had the Dream Exploration Team trapped this time. 

"Ohhh~~" 

"Dear examiners, you've worked so hard. We're really sorry for making you wait so long." 

"So, to make it up to you, we've prepared a feast. Please, enjoy it!" Ryuen stood on the deck, smiling as he called out. 

Fred and his men exchanged glances. 

They understood each other's thoughts—they believed the Dream Exploration Team was surrendering to them. 

The Marine officers also turned their full attention to the Dream Exploration Team, their gazes filled with hostility. The Captains, in particular, had especially menacing eyes. 

After all, the credit for the Jaya operation was supposed to be theirs. 

But the Dream Exploration Team had taken everything from them—how could they not be furious? 

The three members of the Donquixote Family also watched the Dream Exploration Team with cocky expressions. 

Bellamy might not have been an official officer in their family, but he was still one of them. They had to restore their reputation. 

"Hahahaha, since Captain Ryuen is so gracious, it would be rude for us to refuse!" Fred laughed loudly. 

"Hehehe~~~" 

"Please, come aboard. We can talk while we eat." Ryuen politely invited the lackeys onto the ship. 

Fred and his men didn't hold back, walking onto the Dream Exploration Team's ship with an air of arrogance. 

"The Marines don't need to come. This is an internal matter of the World Government—you're not qualified to listen." Hog blocked the Marine officers who were trying to follow. 

"What do you mean by that?" Vice Admiral Guillotine said, his face darkening. 

"Exactly what I said. After all, you're just Marines, while we are officials of the World Government." Ryuen turned and gave Guillotine a cold glance, his tone full of disdain. 

"You bastard!" Guillotine roared in fury. "What the hell are you saying?! I'm a Vice Admiral of Marine Headquarters!" 

He was livid and was about to make a move when Fred spoke up. 

"Vice Admiral Guillotine, just wait here for a bit. We'll settle everything quickly and be right back." 

Guillotine was stunned. He hadn't expected Fred to say that, but he swallowed his anger and nodded. 

After all, the leader of this mission was Fred, a high-ranking official of the World Government. 

Ryuen ignored the Marines and led Fred and his men toward the ship's dining hall. 

As soon as they entered, the rich aroma of delicious food filled the air, making Fred and his men light up with excitement. 

"Yahaha!" 

"Looks like Captain Ryuen is very sincere. Actually, this situation isn't impossible to discuss… but you understand, don't you?" Fred didn't sit down right away. Instead, he looked at Ryuen with a knowing smirk. 

"Hehehe~~~" 

"Of course I understand. And Fred, very soon, you'll understand even more." 

Ryuen's expression suddenly changed from warm and friendly to ice-cold and murderous. 

"You… what do you mean…" 

"I…" 

"Bang… Bang… Bang…"

Before Fred could finish his sentence, he and his companions suddenly felt dizzy. Moments later, they collapsed at the restaurant entrance. 

"Tch~~~" 

"And you guys thought you could eat food made by me? Keep dreaming!" Anya scoffed. 

After saying that, she kicked Fred twice. 

—— 

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