One Piece: Signing In as a Pirate Begins with Roger's Execution

"Karl-sama, is it true? Are you really a Celestial Dragon?"

The plan had been fully laid out, and when it came time for discussion, Capone Bege's first question was a skeptical inquiry about Karl's identity.

It wasn't just him—Robin and the scholars from Ohara were equally doubtful.

They found it unimaginable that a Celestial Dragon would join the Marines, let alone proclaim a desire to reform both the Marines and the World Government, directly opposing the reigning Celestial Dragons in secret.

Such a scenario was beyond anything they had ever heard or seen before. It was utterly shocking.

"There's no need to doubt. If I weren't a Celestial Dragon, as Robin said, I'd either be dead or have left the Marines a long time ago.

But precisely because of my identity, I have the leverage to execute this plan. The West Blue is an excellent place to implement it.

Although the East Blue is under my jurisdiction as well, it's the homeland of both Garp and Roger, which makes it a region of much higher interest to the Five Elders compared to the West Blue.

Here, we can most easily carry out the universal literacy initiative. As for the specifics, you can research and plan them yourselves. After all, education is your area of expertise."

Hearing Karl's words, the room fell silent once more. No one knew how to respond.

The meeting continued in this strange atmosphere for about three minutes.

Karl had explained the plan in meticulous detail. As long as they followed his outline, there was little room for error.

They could tell Karl was genuinely committed to the cause of universal education, even at the risk of exposing himself to danger.

This made them question whether all Celestial Dragons were as despicable as the rumors claimed.

Karl casually patted Robin's head, reading her thoughts.

'Karl-nii is a Celestial Dragon and a Marine. I believe there are good people in the Marines—Kuzan and Saul are good people.

But are there good people among the Celestial Dragons? Are there others like Karl-nii among those scumbags?'

Robin's doubts were clear, but she didn't voice them.

Karl glanced around the room, noting that most of the attendees wore expressions of confusion and hesitation.

It was apparent his identity had sparked a glimmer of naïve hope in them about the Celestial Dragons.

"Ahem," Karl coughed, commanding their attention. "I know what you're thinking, but let me be clear: among the Celestial Dragons, I am an anomaly. They call me a monster.

All of them—every single one—are trash. That's all you need to know!"

Karl's stern reprimand was punctuated by a loud bang as he struck the table, startling everyone present.

What he didn't realize was that his words inadvertently insulted himself as well.

"Enough. If there's nothing else to discuss, this meeting is adjourned.

You have one month to prepare. By then, I expect to see a comprehensive education plan."

With that, Karl stood and left the room.

Everyone could see that Karl was in a foul mood; otherwise, he wouldn't have been so severe.

"You all continue. I'm going to check on Karl-nii," Robin said as she gathered her skirt and hurried after him.

Capone Bege silently followed suit.

The remaining scholars exchanged glances before sighing deeply.

"Let's not dwell on this. Karl-sama must be taking tremendous risks to support us in this endeavor.

It seems he genuinely intends to reform this world; otherwise, he wouldn't have developed such a detailed plan."

"Yes. Who would have thought Karl-sama was a Celestial Dragon? But he doesn't act like one at all.

In fact, I'd say he's more like an ordinary person, just like us."

"Karl-sama is far from ordinary. If he were, we wouldn't be here discussing this today."

"Let's get to work. We have a month to draft an education plan. Karl-sama has instructed us to keep a low profile and operate under the guise of the Red Church. Everyone, stay vigilant and cautious."

Meanwhile, Karl stood by the seashore, gazing silently at the rolling waves.

Small waves lapped against the shore as dark clouds gathered in the sky, signaling an approaching storm.

"Karl-nii! Why did you run off here?"

Robin's voice rang out as she caught up, breathless from chasing him.

Her frail stamina left her panting heavily.

"Robin, tell me—what does this scene remind you of?" Karl asked, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

"What does it remind me of?"

Robin pondered for a while but couldn't come up with an answer.

Karl chuckled softly, ruffling her hair before sighing.

"The little waves before us—they're just like ordinary people struggling desperately against the tides.

The oppressive clouds above are the burdens that hang over them, never truly lifting.

And this vast ocean? It's the cage that traps everyone. No one can escape its grasp—not even us.

And above this oppressive haze stands the so-called gods—the Celestial Dragons.

But those trash don't realize that they're just worms being bred in someone else's pen."

"Karl-nii! I won't let you talk like that! You're insulting yourself!" Robin protested, her voice full of indignation.

"Insulting myself?"

Karl paused, then burst into laughter, his voice growing louder and more hearty.

"Hahaha! You have such a peculiar way of thinking, Robin."

"If you hadn't pointed it out, I might've forgotten—I'm a Celestial Dragon too."

Karl gently tousled her hair again before turning his gaze back to the horizon.

Moments later, Capone Bege emerged from a nearby corridor, stepping up to Karl.

"Karl-sama, he's here."

"So soon?"

Karl's eyes narrowed as he knelt before Robin, meeting her gaze.

"Robin, you young people are the key to breaking these chains, but you must be honed and tempered.

I hope you'll help me see this plan through—it will be a trial for you as well. Can you do that?"

"No problem! No matter what Karl-nii says, I'll agree!"

Robin clenched her small fists with determination, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Karl smiled, genuinely pleased.

"Good spirit. Alright, head back now. I need to speak with Capone Bege privately."

"Okay! But, Karl-nii, you have to promise me something.

Stop insulting yourself, alright? And don't say such things—even if you're a Celestial Dragon. If the other trashy Celestial Dragons hear you, they'll come after you too."

"Got it. I'll be more careful from now on."

"Hehe!"

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