Chrollo's voice took on a hypnotic quality, his eyes filled with a feigned, yet terrifyingly convincing, resolve:
"Look at this world, my friends. Look with open eyes. The Celestial Dragons treat human lives like blades of grass. The World Government uses tyranny to bleed nations dry. Entire civilizations are gasping their last breaths in this suffocating darkness."
His voice suddenly rose, echoing off the stone walls:
"But comrades, it does not have to be this way! I have seen a different world. A world where every man is equal, where children do not wake to the sound of cannon fire or the gnawing pain of hunger. In that place, the light in a child's eyes isn't clouded by fear. They read, they draw, they run in the sun. They are free to be whatever they dream—architects, artists, scholars. Their souls are not shackled by the bloodline they were born into!"
Chrollo looked at the ceiling, his expression a masterpiece of longing:
"That is not a phantom of Utopia. It is a reality that can be achieved—a civilization where civilization actually means something!"
Dragon was visibly moved, his hands trembling as he gripped his pen. "Is it... is it the Kakin Empire? Our spies in the Navy mentioned a hidden continent... is that where it is?"
Kakin? Chrollo thought, suppressing a smirk. Dragon, you've got a hell of an imagination. But hey, if you want to fill in the blanks yourself, be my guest.
Watching Dragon feverishly draft new Revolutionary protocols based on "Mass Line" theory, Chrollo felt a surge of satisfaction. These people were living in a world of pirates and kings; they stood no chance against the concentrated political philosophy of a modern-world "transmigrator."
Behind him, the Revolutionary officers were weeping openly. They no longer saw a pirate captain; they saw a visionary sent by the heavens.
"Thank you, Mr. Chrollo..."
The whispers of gratitude turned into a chorus. They bowed to him—some with more reverence than they showed Dragon himself.
---
While the Revolutionaries were busy digesting their new ideology, Chrollo stepped over to the unconscious Bartolomeo. It was time to harvest the "rent."
As his hand touched the mob boss, a translucent page manifested.
> [Paramecia: Barrier-Barrier Fruit]
> Effect: Generates indestructible barriers. Can block shockwaves, explosions, and be used as a physical ram.
> Weakness: Requires specific hand gestures; total barrier surface area is limited.
> Rarity: | Potential: | Utility:
> Appraisal: "Only those with a burning 'middle-school' spirit can find glory in a hand-sign—"
> Reward: Free Attribute Points.
>
>
Chrollo dumped all points into Strength, pushing his physical stats into a new tier. As his base power grew, his total aura capacity surged past a critical threshold.
Current Stats: Chrollo Lucilfer
Strength: (A)
Agility: (A)
Intelligence: (A)
Stamina: (A)
Aura (Nen): (Black Gon/Peak Tier)
Haki: Armament (Evolving toward High-Level)
Chrollo clenched his fist. The air around his knuckles distorted slightly. At over units of aura, he felt his Armament Haki beginning to compress and refine itself. He was approaching the level where "Internal Destruction" was only a matter of practice.
---
"Phinks," Chrollo called out, manifesting the light-green fruit. "Eat this."
Phinks didn't hesitate. He caught the fruit and bit into it, gagging at the foul taste but swallowing nonetheless. Green light flickered across his skin. He crossed his fingers, and a massive, dark-green barrier shimmered into existence.
The Officers gasped. To them, it looked like a divine blessing.
"The strongest spear... and the strongest shield," Chrollo murmured. "A perfect combination for a Vanguard."
One of the Revolutionary officers whispered in awe, "Is this the man sent to guide us? He gives out power like a god... He is simply a saint."
Chrollo turned back to Dragon, who had finally finished his notes. The "Saint" of the Spiders offered a thin, enigmatic smile.
"Now that the 'education' is finished, Lord Dragon... let's discuss the business. I have several tons of stolen 'Heavenly Tribute' gold, and I need a way to move it without the World Government tracking me. In exchange, I want your help finding a certain archaeologist currently hiding in the Grand Line."
Dragon looked up, his eyes sharp. "You mean Nico Robin."
"Precisely."
BOOM!
The ceiling of the basement suddenly buckled as an explosion rocked the building. Dust and debris rained down on the "Saint" and the "Revolutionary."
Through his km En, Chrollo felt a cold, murderous presence descending from above.
"It seems our audience has arrived," Chrollo said calmly, not even flinching as a piece of the roof fell beside him. "The 'Killing Machine' of CP9 is here."
---