The news of the war's end spread rapidly to every corner of the sea. Regardless of whether it was the "War Madman" Kaido, a Yonko reigning over the New World, the pinnacle of pirates, or the clash with Marine, it was enough to capture everyone's attention.
West Blue, East Blue, North Blue, South Blue, the seven major sea routes of the Grand Line— no place was exempt from discussing this matter.
Ordinary people cheered and celebrated Marine's victory, while pirates cast wary, even fearful glances toward Marine Headquarters. Many of them, caught between their dreams and uncertain futures, lost their sense of direction amidst despair, engaging in wicked acts across the sea, venting their final frenzy.
In the Florian Triangle Sea, inside a terrifying three-masted ship.
Bang!
A massive figure knocked over a chair. Gecko Moria, one of the Shichibukai, held his head in pain, huddled in a corner.
"It's impossible! How is this possible?!!"
That was "Hundred Beasts" Kaido!
To be defeated so thoroughly?! As someone who had challenged Kaido before, Moria knew all too well about Kaido's might and brutality. While Kaido had faced defeat in the past, it was never so complete!
The war brewed for a week, only to end in a single day! Kaido fell into the sea and disappeared, Jack was killed, and King was heavily wounded… Meanwhile, on the Marine side, apart from regular soldiers and battleships, every notable commander was alive and well!
This was an unequivocal triumph!
Marine Headquarters trampled on the reputation of the Yonko, firmly establishing themselves as the strongest force in the Grand Line!
From now on, no one would have the confidence to underestimate the Marines. Even the most arrogant and audacious pirates would have to bow their heads to Marine's status.
…
Moria couldn't believe this news. He clutched his head, biting his fingers, and looked around with bloodshot eyes. Not far from him, Nico Robin looked at him with a hint of disdain, then opened a newspaper.
Rowen was a monster!
Robin had seen this about him when her former boss, Crocodile, fell. That man couldn't be judged by common sense. Rather than the widely discussed results of the war, she was more interested in the small square news tucked away in the corner.
"New Shichibukai 'Fujitora' Issho suspected to Appear in the New World; Century City Denies Reports."
Combined with the rumors that Queen didn't make it to the battlefield in time…
"It seems like they've discovered some big secret!"
Her beautiful eyes curved into a line as Nico Robin picked up a steaming cup of tea and took a sip.
…
Just as Rowen had speculated, by personally slaying Jack in this war and sending Kaido plummeting into the depths of the sea, he became the most dazzling star! Now, walking on the square of the Headquarters, even the Vice Admirals voluntarily stopped in their tracks, saluting him first.
No matter how powerful Rowen was before, how many hearts he won over with his Thunder-Lightning Stimulation Device bringing about changes for Marine, his influence was limited to regular soldiers and low-ranking officers.
Apart from the G-10 branch, most Headquarters commanders merely regarded him with interest, not genuine admiration.
But with this exaggerated and dazzling feat now established, even the most aloof commanders had to give a thumbs-up and say, "Impressive!" The Hundred Beasts Pirate Crew's strength was clear to every Headquarters officer.
Faced with the crew that had plagued the sea for decades, being able to kill "Jack the Drought", sink "Hundred Beasts" Kaido to secure victory, and single-handedly end the war swiftly— this was an incomparable achievement!
This wasn't something that could be achieved by just putting in effort!
The difficulty was like reaching for the sky! Even if Rowen never achieved any other military feats in his lifetime, just these two things alone would be enough to ensure a lifetime of prosperity.
If all the soldiers were asked to rank the Vice Admirals of the Headquarters, Rowen had a good chance of making it into the top three!
The first place was undoubtedly the old stalwart, Garp. As the "Marine Hero," his fame in the sea rivaled even that of the "Pirate King" Roger. Decades of accumulated reputation had deeply ingrained his name in the hearts of all, making him incomparable.
The second place could go to Vice Admiral Momonga, or perhaps Momousagi and Chaton.
The former, with his unwavering sense of justice in the face of wickedness, and his exemplary care for his subordinates, fulfilled countless Marine fantasies about "Justice." The latter two were hailed as "Admiral Candidates" and enjoyed unimaginable popularity.
To outshine other seasoned Vice Admirals like Yamakaji, Dalmatian, Strawberry, and even the Great Staff Officer Tsuru to make it into the top three was a testament to Rowen's current prestige!
Marine Headquarters, Scientific Force.
Rowen greeted people along the way as he approached the grand white building of the Scientific Force. The moment he appeared, a puff of smoke "whizzed" over.
"Vice Admiral Rowen, over here!"
Caesar Clown was still dressed in his flamboyant yellow and black suit, draped over with the white coat of a researcher. He wore a pair of black pointed shoes, giving him a rather mismatched look.
Seeing that face, which was gaudy and extravagant from head to toe, like a cheap cowherd, Rowen instinctively took a step back and repeated his earlier move, extending his arm to block in front of him.
"Don't come any closer, talk from there!"
Caesar: "…"
So, why are you giving me that look? Why do I sense a hint of fear in your eyes? Could it be… that the rumors are true?!
Casting a resentful glance at Rowen, Caesar stood at a distance, unwillingly saying, "Vice Admiral Rowen, you must hand the mission over to me this time! You don't know how long that asshole Vegapunk flaunted in front of me!"
"Are we not on the same team?"
Caesar turned his face away, on the verge of tears, as if Rowen was a heartless person who had abandoned him.
"Stop! We only have a sponsor-researcher relationship!"
Rowen shuddered, his whole body covered in goosebumps as he looked at Caesar.
For a straight-talking man like him, Caesar was an absolute weapon! "Then you should definitely hand the mission over to me!"
Caesar didn't notice Rowen's unusual reaction. After all, in his eyes, Rowen had never approached within a meter of him. So, this was normal.
He complained indignantly, "Vegapunk is just a biologist. What does he know about weapon manufacturing!"
Why does this feel like a deja vu of "Oda is just a manga artist? What does he know about being the Pirate King"?! Rowen looked at him with an odd expression.
Indeed, Vegapunk's actions were more in line with those of a biologist. His discovery of the Lineage Factor had solidified his position as the foremost biologist. However, even if Vegapunk was weaker in other aspects, he was still stronger than you, Caesar! All you know how to do is create poisonous gas cannonballs to kill people! And!
"The Super Electromagnetic Cannon that you simplified cost 100 Million and its power decreased by more than three parts. Fleet Admiral almost ordered the project to be scrapped…" Rowen sneered, making Caesar break into a sweat.
"Was it because my funding wasn't sufficient, or…"
Before Rowen could finish, Caesar immediately began to fidget.
"Hehehe, it's normal for the early stages of an experiment to progress slowly… really! I've already figured out the trick now! Just give me a little more time, and I'll definitely create a Super Electromagnetic Cannon that satisfies the Fleet Admiral!"
"Oh? Is that so?"
Rowen's lips curled up, saying calmly, "What about the third phase of the Thunder-Lightning Stimulation Device? The Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) are probably getting impatient…"
Shua… Hua La La!
Large beads of sweat dripped from Caesar's forehead. Because Sengoku was very dissatisfied with his progress, he had put too much effort into the Super Electromagnetic Cannon recently. It had been almost half a year since the last experiment with the third phase of the Thunder-Lightning Stimulation Device!
Such a long time without a statement from the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars)…
No statement was the worst news!
"Sorry, I have something else to attend to. I'll leave first!"
Caesar no longer cared about asking Rowen for the mission. He turned around and transformed into a plume of white smoke, drifting towards the Scientific Force building.
He probably wouldn't be coming out to enjoy the sun for a few months.
After seeing off Caesar, Rowen smiled and turned to Kizaru, who had appeared at some point.
"Admiral Kizaru, long time no see!"
(End of this chapter)
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