For Luo Ning, raw strength reigns supreme. Any self-proclaimed overlord can be toppled with a single blow. As long as your power is sufficient, rights become irrelevant. Why fight for them when sheer might compels respect?
Rather than waste time on such endeavors, Luo Ning prioritizes his own growth in strength. It's that simple. The Revolutionary Army, despite potential victory, understands they're no match for Luo Ning's might.
Therefore, Luo Ning remains an independent force, and that will never change. Compared to managing a vast army, the current Impel Down is ideal, the best possible situation.
"I understand," Judge said confidently. "That's why I brought my daughter, Reiju. She possesses exceptional combat skills and remarkable genes. Her beauty rivals any!"
Judge felt certain of becoming an affiliated nation of Impel Down. He had studied the previous affiliated nations. Fish-Man Island offered a mermaid princess, Dressrosa offered Viola. Though she ultimately didn't stay with Luo Ning, her presence served a purpose – her observations about visitors weren't lost on Luo Ning. Wano Country, while seemingly unconnected to the numbers game, offered Kaido's daughter, Yamato, who aligned herself with Luo Ning. Additionally, Wano's current leader, Kozuki Hiyori, also appeared to harbor an interest in Luo Ning, essentially handing over the reins of the country. Whole Cake Island offered Charlotte Pudding, and Whitebeard offered his absolute strength. Even Amazon Lily, thier Empress Boa Hancock, resided in Impel Down.
Through extensive research, Judge concluded that offering a beautiful and exceptional woman was key. Germa 66 possessed such a woman in Reiju. In Judge's eyes, Reiju surpassed his sons in every way – appearance, strength, and ability. He was very optimistic about her prospects.
Of course, Reiju's individual strength is limited, making her a political bargaining chip in Judge's eyes. In this sense, there's no difference between Judge and Big Mom – they both view their children as mere tools.
Judge's child-rearing methods reflect this ideology. He wouldn't have modified his children otherwise. Only by considering them tools would such drastic reformations be deemed necessary. Even after their birth, Judge subjected them to constant, rigorous training, giving the impression he was raising an arsenal rather than children. Sanji, in particular, was ultimately cast out by Judge, who declared him unfit for the Vinsmoke family.
After all, no father, without provocation, would subject his son to an iron mask, confine him to a cell, and ultimately abandon him. Sanji's true father figure, in all honesty, was Zeff, who made significant sacrifices for him.
Judge views Reiju as expendable. If she can help him reclaim his lost power, he'd readily offer her up. In his eyes, she's nothing more than a tool.
"The entire world seems to have completely misunderstood me."
Luo Ning found himself exasperated. The Marines' past behavior was one thing, but now Germa 66 was resorting to the same tactics. Yes, he appreciates beauty, but he doesn't have indiscriminate tastes. These people are simply naive.
"Misunderstanding?"
The others below remained oblivious, but a smile played on Reiju's lips. While Judge's intel was accurate, she sensed there was more to it.
Outside analysis suggested Luo Ning had a fondness for beautiful women, and Reiju agreed to an extent. However, she believed there were certain criteria. The women who attracted Luo Ning likely possessed something special – a quality these others overlooked.
Otherwise, if mere beauty held such sway over Luo Ning, wouldn't his inner circle be filled with nothing but superficial people?
In Reiju's astute mind, nobody had truly grasped Luo Ning's preferences for women, and she herself was no exception. Just as his power and abilities remained a mystery, so did his taste in women. Everyone thought they'd unearthed a weakness, but they were mistaken.
Reiju, a woman of intelligence, was adept at reading expressions. Luo Ning's statement confirmed her suspicions.
Truth be told, she harbored a desire to leave the Vinsmoke family behind. If possible, she wouldn't mind becoming a jailer at Impel Down itself. After all, no one dared mess with Impel Down.
Reiju didn't wish to see the complete destruction of Germa 66, nor did she seek conflict. However, Judge and the others wouldn't grant her freedom. Ultimately, Sanji had sacrificed his own freedom to escape the family.
Unfortunately, there weren't many options that allowed her to have it all.
"Judge," Luo Ning declared, his voice cutting through the misunderstanding, "you, like many others across the seas, are mistaken. While I appreciate beauty, why do you think so few surround me despite the abundance of beautiful women? You haven't grasped the core principle here."
He narrowed his eyes at Judge. "Let me be very clear, Judge. You need to determine what you truly seek from Impel Down's support."
"Impel Down boasts several affiliated nations, but one ironclad rule binds them – absolute peace. Conflict and fighting amongst themselves are strictly forbidden.
"This is a non-negotiable prerequisite for membership. Affiliated nations don't engage in frivolous provocations.
"Currently, all our affiliated nations thrive within their own territories. They focus on development, not warmongering.
"Don't make assumptions," Luo Ning continued, his voice firm. "Even if you become a member nation, Impel Down won't back your city conquests. We are not a belligerent force."
Luo Ning's words shattered Judge's carefully crafted plan. The man's face contorted in disappointment. He'd envisioned using Impel Down's influence to reclaim his lost power, but with Luo Ning's refusal to provide military support, his grand scheme crumbled.
"Can't you reconsider?" Judge pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. This was one of his few remaining lifelines, and he wasn't ready to let it go.
"Through extensive research, Judge concluded that offering a beautiful and exceptional woman was key. Germa 66 possessed such a woman in Reiju. In Judge's eyes, Reiju surpassed his sons in every way – appearance, strength, and ability. He was very optimistic about her prospects."
"Judge views Reiju as expendable. If she can help him reclaim his lost power, he'd readily offer her up. In his eyes, she's nothing more than a tool."
Damn, what a terrible father he is.