"You're totally different from the stuck-up government type I imagined," Franky said, sitting cross-legged across from Luffy. "I thought you World Government guys all had stern faces and spoke fancy nonsense. You know, with cigars clenched in your teeth, looking like someone who owes you a hundred million berries."

Luffy wasn't offended. Instead, he laughed heartily, small sparks dancing in his eyes. "Hahaha! The Government is the Government, and the Marine is the Marine. Though there is one guy in the Marine who's always chomping on cigars just like you described. But I'm nothing like those guys."

"That's an understatement," Iceberg interjected. "Most admirals would have leveled half of Water 7 by now just for being in the presence of someone with Franky's reputation. You've got the power to do it too—I've heard stories about what happens when Admiral Luffy gets serious."

Perhaps not wanting Luffy and Franky to waste any more of his precious wine, Iceberg had consumed most of the remaining bottle in less than ten minutes. Now slightly drunk, his cheeks flushed red as he slurred:

"Idiot, what are you even talking about? You're barely competent as a traditional Marine officer yourself, secretly working with the Revolutionary Army behind the scenes while pretending to enforce the World Government's version of justice. You're just as much a bastard as the rest of them."

Luffy looked speechlessly at the drunk shipwright who clearly couldn't control his mouth after a few drinks. He turned to Franky, who was staring at him with wide eyes, and shrugged casually.

"I just do what I think is right," Luffy admitted openly, electricity crackling softly around him. "The lightning never strikes where I don't want it to. At least the Revolutionary Army is much better than the rotten World Government, don't you think?"

Franky's hand, holding his cola bottle, froze midair. His face cycled through expressions of confusion, shock, and utter bewilderment as he processed what he'd just heard.

Holy crap! What did he just hear?!

Admiral Luffy—the same man who had killed Kaido of the Beast was secretly supporting the Revolutionary Army?!

No one would believe this if it got out—it was too outrageous! Moreover, wasn't Luffy afraid that Franky might report him? He'd just revealed classified information to someone he'd met barely an hour ago.

Franky couldn't decide if Luffy was incredibly brave or incredibly stupid.

Iceberg, suddenly realizing he'd said too much, looked alarmed. But when he remembered they were alone in the room and he knew Franky's character well enough, he relaxed slightly. He gave Luffy an apologetic look and was about to warn Franky to keep quiet.

Before he could speak, Franky raised his cola bottle with a broad grin. "So, we're on the same side after all! In that case... cheers to the Revolutionary Army!"

Luffy clinked glasses with him. Seeing this, Iceberg sighed with relief and raised his glass as well.

"Cheers to the Revolutionary Army!" they echoed in unison.

Franky had good reason to toast. It was with the Revolutionary Army's help that he'd escaped the CP9's pursuit. Under their protection, he'd hidden offshore for several months. Though he never officially joined them, he'd formed a bond with the revolutionaries.

Iceberg himself also owed the Revolutionary Army. In truth, the three of them could indeed be considered allies of a sort.

With their guards down, they chatted more freely. Franky was especially curious about why a legitimate Marine man—would get involved with the Revolutionary Army.

Luffy didn't hide anything further, openly revealing Dragon's true identity as his father.

Both Franky and Iceberg were stunned, their faces registering complete disbelief.

"No wonder you're both a Marine admiral and a Revolutionary spy," Iceberg murmured. "You've inherited your grandfather's Marine blood and your father's revolutionary spirit."

"The perfect double agent," Franky whispered in awe.

Iceberg asked, surprised: "So, is Vice Admiral Garp also part of the Revolutionary Army? Are you two staging some kind of revolution from within the Marine?"

Luffy quickly waved his hands "No, no! He's not involved at all. Don't ever mention this around him. The old man has no idea what I'm doing. If he found out, he'd probably hunt me down himself!"

While they were talking, Franky seemed to remember something. His voice suddenly trembled with excitement as he asked:

"I saw in the news that the famous scientist Dr. Vegapunk was taken by the Revolutionary Army. Do you have any information about him? Is he okay? The Revolutionary Army didn't hurt him, did they?"

His tone grew increasingly passionate as he continued: "I've seen the blueprints for the Stormbreaker, and I heard the Stormbreaker weapons systems were designed by Dr. Vegapunk himself!"

Franky's eyes were practically sparkling now. "The man's a SUPER genius! His work on cyborg technology is what inspired many of my own modifications." He pounded his metal chest proudly. "It's incredible that such a genius exists in this world! If I ever got the chance, I'd really love to meet him!"