"At that time…" Rowen gazed calmly at Issho's cloudy, greyish-white eyes, which had opened wide, "It will be a catastrophe for all living beings!"
If someone else were to say these words to Issho, he might scoff at them. After all, the Marines had always been obedient government lapdogs, following orders without any second thoughts.
They would voice their opinions on the suitability of Shichibukai candidates, but they would never directly contact Issho and secretly plan an elimination mission as Rowen had done.
The credit Rowen gained from dismantling two Shichibukai, Crocodile and Doflamingo, had earned him intangible capital and reputation. Compared to any dissatisfaction and pressure he received from the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars), the benefits were more evident.
At least in the current state of the seas, anyone who faced Rowen, the one who single-handedly annihilated two Shichibukai, wouldn't be able to accuse him of anything regarding this matter.
Issho hesitated a little. Edward Weevil, a pirate with a bounty that had exceeded 500 Million Berries several years ago, was someone who gained all the worst qualities of humans. How could he not see through his character at his age?
Just as Rowen had said, although the remaining five Shichibukai posed minimal threat to the world's peace after the removal of the "Nation Robber" Crocodile and the "Celestial Dragon Pirate" Doflamingo, if another Shichibukai like them emerged, the world's situation would continue to spiral into chaos, leaving more victims in its wake. In this respect, their objectives were entirely aligned.
Edward Weevil must not become the seventh Shichibukai!
"Vice Admiral Momonga has already set off more than two months ago. I believe that soon, Issho San will hear the news of Edward Weevil officially becoming a Shichibukai…"
Seeing Issho hesitate, Rowen decided to add more fuel to the fire: "According to the information I've gathered, his ambitions go beyond the First Half of the Grand Line… With the convenience and privileges of being a Shichibukai, he'll gradually expand, aiming directly for the New World Yonko!"
"At that point, even if the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) order his elimination, it will be too late to prevent the chaos that will arise in his wake."
Rowen omitted the part that unless one of the Yonko fell, Miss Bakkin would never consider venturing into the New World. He directly informed Issho of the result.
This was the truth!
But the best lies were a mix of truth and falsehood.
So Issho sensed the sincerity in Rowen's tone. While this statement might not be 100 percent true, it held about 70-80 percent credibility to it!
After a long contemplation, Issho finally controlled his emotions which had been fluctuating due to shock, and sat down slowly. He then asked, "What result does Vice Admiral Rowen want? Killing him seems like it would only bring trouble, right?"
After all, Edward Weevil was to be a Shichibukai; could they just kill him like that?
"The backlash from the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) against abolishing the Shichibukai system is going to be stronger than I had initially anticipated. Additionally, the Shichibukai system has been deeply rooted in the seas for over twenty years. Now is not the best time to abolish it…" Rowen's statement was astounding, leaving Issho even more dumbfounded.
"That's why I'd like to invite Issho San to replace Edward Weevil as a new Shichibukai after his elimination, you will be representing pirates!"
"Since we can't resist the system, let's make the Shichibukai System disappear at its roots!"
Not to make "Shichibukai" disappear, but to erase the "wicked" from the Shichibukai system! Among the current Shichibukai, apart from Moria, the others were not a concern, and the situation was quite favorable.
Edward Weevil, as an unstable element, was the rat's excrement in this pot of soup that needed to be removed!
Issho's character was beyond doubt. If he were to become a Shichibukai, he'd probably be even more passive than Mihawk…
The worst outcome would likely be a surge in the gambling industry in his territory!
But what could that really amount to?!
This time, Issho remained silent longer than before.
He picked up a cup and rolled it back and forth between his hands, occasionally bringing it close to his nose to inhale the aroma of the wine. When the last remnants of the Pirate Ship had been burned to ash, scattered like a black haze, Issho finally spoke.
"I, as a pirate, will eliminate Edward Weevil and demand to become a Shichibukai from the World Government…"
Hearing this, Rowen's anxious heart finally eased.
"But!"
Bang!!
Suddenly, Issho let out a low growl. The sand around them sank, and under the influence of chaotic gravitational waves, it scattered like foam.
In the blink of an eye, the vast beach completely vanished!
Sea water flooded into the suddenly appearing circular pit, making a clamorous shā shā sound, then crashing onto the round pillar at the center of the pit, which was less than three square meters in size.
Upon closer inspection, this pillar was actually formed by countless loose sand particles that had been forcibly compressed by gravity!
Purple gravitational waves radiated from Issho's shoulder, resembling ribbons. In conjunction with Issho's currently imposing and fierce aura, it was like a Fierce Tiger about to pounce, poised to strike!
His greyish-white eyes locked onto Rowen, and Issho said with deliberate emphasis, "If Vice Admiral Rowen breaks his promise, everything that has transpired today will be an everlasting testimony of our relentless pursuit in the future!"
Dīng Díng Díng…
At this moment, Rowen effortlessly flicked a coin, and in the next moment, his arm transformed into lightning, moving with lightning speed. Thunderclaps accompanied the dīng dāng sound as the coin was suddenly "plunged" onto the back of his hand.
"Believe me, that day will never come… By the way, just drinking is dull. I guess heads… What about you?"
Issho was surprised for half a second, then waved his hand to summon the wine jug that had fallen into the sea. He held it between his arms, then answered resolutely.
"I guess tails!"
(End of this chapter)
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