Just as pirates dream of becoming the "Pirate King," to win glory, status, wealth, and power, in the Marines, nine out of ten soldiers also dream of becoming an "Admiral." It's a symbol of the World Government's top-level combat power, a presence that can intimidate the small fry with just a name, maintaining peace in their respective domains!
For someone to join the Marines and not aspire to become an Admiral, even Rowen, a transmigrator, couldn't be an exception.
So, it was clear that Smoker, who had once dreamt of becoming an Admiral, didn't seem out of place at all; it was almost expected.
Obviously, Rowen's presence had made Smoker, who had been idling in Loguetown, feel a sense of urgency. He had heard of this Marine super rookie who had been shaped in recent years, but his limited perspective had prevented him from taking those rumors and news seriously.
But now, with Vice Admiral Momonga's endorsement, Smoker knew that the world didn't revolve around him. Without his Smoke-Smoke Fruit abilities and without Rowen and his Goro Goro no Mi (Thunder Thunder Fruit), there were others ready to step into his shoes.
This was something Smoker couldn't accept!
Call him sentimental, call him arrogant, but anyone, upon realizing that the people around them were advancing towards their dreams and even getting closer than themselves, would feel a sense of urgency.
Whether it was for glory and vanity or simply to realize a dream, Smoker couldn't allow himself to continue drifting aimlessly.
He needed to go back!
Even if he had to start from being an ordinary soldier!
Rowen could understand Smoker's thoughts. In fact, it was an idea he had entertained for a while. However, instead of entrusting it to Smoker in a "request," it was more effective for him to bring it up himself. It also put his mind at ease.
Immediately, a slight smile curled up at the corners of Rowen's mouth as he said, "Considering you're my senior brother, I'll help you go to the Fleet Admiral and plead your case..."
"Thank you!"
Smoker breathed a sigh of relief. For someone as proud as him, saying such words was already quite incredible. If Rowen had refused, Smoker wouldn't have known what to do.
"However!"
But then, Rowen's drawn-out tone caught him off guard.
"However... can you let go of Loguetown?"
"If you're not here to keep order, a large number of pirates from the East Blue, no longer suppressed, will flood into Loguetown. Given your years of suppression in the East Blue, you can imagine how terrifying the backlash will be."
"And... even if you want to go back, can you let go of those soldiers who have been working tirelessly for you? Like that girl named Tashigi, you should know that with her level of strength, even if she goes to the Grand Line, she'll be nothing more than cannon fodder."
The Grand Line, known as the "graveyard of pirates," was also the "graveyard of Marines." Normal humans with regular physiques simply couldn't survive in that perilous sea. Even without pirate threats, the climate and environment alone were enough to wipe out regular soldiers.
Sailing in the East Blue was already dangerous enough, but experienced merchant fleets could still travel between different islands.
However, the Grand Line was a place even experienced merchant fleets wouldn't dare venture into lightly. Each voyage risked the lives of everyone on the ship. The information isolation between islands wasn't something the World Government didn't want to solve; it was that they truly couldn't overcome the might of nature.
In other words...
They were too weak!
At his current level, Smoker didn't have the strength to protect his subordinates on a perilous journey in the Grand Line. If he were a War Faction officer like Akainu, he wouldn't care about the lives of the soldiers.
If they couldn't keep up, it was their own inadequacy. However, Smoker, educated by Vice Admiral Momonga, was destined not to adopt the War Faction's iron-blooded approach.
It was very realistic and very cruel.
This was Smoker's biggest weakness!
Despite his tough exterior, looking fierce and difficult to get along with, he was actually a very gentle man.
Gentle to the point where Rowen even felt he wasn't suited to be a soldier. But he couldn't deny the shining points of humanity within him.
Smoker fell silent as Rowen directly presented the biggest challenge before him.
After so many years, he had even become familiar with every street and every resident of Loguetown, including those shopkeepers who complained about him.
Taking his own team into the dangerous Grand Line just to realize his own selfish ideals, Smoker was sure that the soldiers would have no complaints. Even if they knew it was a death sentence, they wouldn't hesitate. But Smoker couldn't forgive himself.
"So, what you're saying is...?"
Smoker knew Rowen wouldn't speak without purpose. A man who had been designated as the future Admiral and backup Admiral had deeper intentions than the average person.
"Our next destinations are Branches 16, 17, and 173 in the East Blue. These three branches form a triangular pattern. There have even been incidents of branch Colonels fleeing out of fear in the past," Rowen said, shifting the conversation to seemingly unrelated matters.
Smoker instantly understood his intentions. He mentally simulated the geographical locations of the three mentioned branches and ventured, "Are you suggesting that while you go to Branch 173, I should advance scout Branches 16 or 17?"
"Not only that!" Rowen liked talking to intelligent people. They didn't need to waste words explaining too much, and it brought a certain pleasure to his mind.
"I also want you to establish a special agency responsible for subsequent supervisory work. Worms like these can't be cleaned up completely. People can change their minds. The current Justice soldiers can't guarantee that they won't go back to their old ways."
"The Fleet Admiral may think that clearing out a batch of worms and assigning trusted officers from Headquarters to take over is enough to solve the corruption problem in the Four Seas branches, but I don't think so."
"Only when the Sword of Damocles hangs over the head of the Four Seas branches will they carry out their duties with trembling hearts? This will address the corruption problem at its source."
"Even if the supervisory agency becomes corrupt, we just need to investigate from the source. There's no need to make a grand show like this time, mobilizing the entire East Blue!"
Hiss...!!
Smoker listened in astonishment, staring at Rowen in disbelief.
"Will the Fleet Admiral agree to this?!"
"Naturally, he won't!" There was already an existing institution responsible for inspecting various branches of the Marines. The Rear Admiral who appeared once and was then locked in Impel Down came from there.
Now, setting up a separate agency would undoubtedly dilute the responsibilities of the existing one. To put it bluntly, it was a power struggle! Sengoku, who made maintaining stability his life's creed, would naturally not agree to this risky plan.
"So, this is your value of existence!"
"Using the East Blue as an experimental unit, I can show the Fleet Admiral the benefits of doing things this way! Delegate power to the Four Seas branches instead of constantly holding it at Headquarters. Fight fire with fire, adapting strategies to the local conditions."
"Only when the experimental unit succeeds in gaining the Fleet Admiral's approval, will this achievement certainly allow you to return to Marineford! It won't take more than two years, and you can do whatever you want with full legitimacy."
"Considering your reputation in the East Blue, there couldn't be a more suitable person for this..."
At this point, Rowen made a joke.
"The White Hunter" Smoker, due to his influential connections, was not only feared and respected by pirates but even the highest Dictate of the East Blue, Commodore Pudding Pudding, found him troublesome.
This was a blunt and straightforward guy who didn't hesitate to throw punches at anyone who crossed him. Who dared to provoke him?!
If you couldn't beat him, who could you reason with?!
"And... two years will be enough for you to train your trusted subordinates."
"If they still don't meet the mark by then, I believe you'll be able to let go and let them stay in the East Blue in peace, won't you?"
And... even if the experimental unit succeeds, the lion's share of the credit goes to you. I'm just a negligible executor, right?
And... even if the experimental unit fails, the biggest fault lies with me. I have very little connection to you, the mastermind behind this plan, right?
Smoker's eyes were full of shock, and he looked as if he was meeting Rowen for the first time feeling utterly astonished! If not for the fact that he had spontaneously decided to return to Headquarters, Smoker would have thought that Rowen had calculated him long ago, deliberately luring him into this trap.
In fact, Smoker guessed right!
Rowen, with the advantage of the plot knowledge, had already set up this grand scheme.
This was a drama that would completely overturn all Marine branches worldwide!
Even if corruption continued, it would have to be within his watchful eyes, within the range he allowed.
This was one of Rowen's guiding principles, aiming to rule the world!
Smoker asked with a wry smile on his face, "I think 'Resourceful General' suits you better than Fleet Admiral Sengoku..."
He couldn't match Rowen's ability to scheme.
"So... what will this agency be called?"
But upon careful consideration, it didn't seem so bad.
He was just a grunt used to solving everything with his fists. With Rowen's status and his own strength, clearing up the biggest problem in the East Blue branches was no trouble at all.
Upon reflection, he even felt a little excited!
"Independent Commission Against Corruption!"
"Remember this name that will soon resound throughout the world!"
Rowen raised his cup, containing freshly squeezed orange juice.
"So... do we have a deal?"
Smoker smiled wryly and then looked at Rowen seriously.
"We have a deal!"
Clang!!!
...