Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
"So, Rowen used another woman's corpse to impersonate Carina. As a result, Tesoro thought Rowen was testing him. Instead of causing trouble, Tesoro not only didn't bother him but also compensated him with 10 Billion Belly..."
It took Sengoku a minute to organize his thoughts, and he sighed in amazement.
"Is money so easy to make?!"
Chaton: "..."
The focus isn't on that, okay? You're more concerned about who the substitute is than this!
But yeah, that's 10 Billion!
"The thoughts of rich people are truly incomprehensible..."
Sitting on the returning merchant ship, Chaton glanced at the trembling Carina beside him and clicked his tongue.
"Fleet Admiral, we've left Golden City. Should we inform Rowen to withdraw?"
"Not for now! If Tesoro is wary, let him be. Leaving early would only tip our hand."
"Understood!"
After ending the call, Sengoku looked at the Den Den Mushi arranged in a curved line in front of him, a smile playing on his lips.
"All sirs, I believe you've also noticed... If Rowen had any ill intentions, I would not have let such a person join our Marine!"
To test Rowen's loyalty to the Marine and the World Government, the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) went to great lengths, setting up this infiltration mission in Golden City as a key element to evaluate Rowen's commitment.
Sengoku couldn't deny that he felt uneasy about it.
At the same time, Sengoku harbored some resentment towards Rowen. The fact that he awakened Haoshoku Haki was communicated to the World Government with zero notice and only later to him.
He understood what Rowen was afraid of, after all, it was Haoshoku Haki. But such concealment was undoubtedly a sign of distrust! If those at the top didn't trust him, and those below also didn't trust him, did they think he, as Fleet Admiral, was made of clay?
At that moment, right in front of Sengoku, a Den Den Mushi with an old and bearded face slowly opened its mouth and said, "We don't doubt Soryu (Azure Dragon)'s personal abilities, but when another Haoshoku user appears in the Marine, we must be cautious... You should understand that, Sengoku."
"Yes, I know."
Sengoku nodded, recalling a name.
Monkey D. Dragon.
Although there were many Haoshoku users within the government and many individuals with Haoshoku in the New World, it was no joke.
The terrifying reputation of the "Qualities of a King" was just like the numerous kings from all over the world, not really a big deal when viewed collectively. CP0 Two Mountains was already a renowned top-tier Haoshoku user under government control.
Yet, when the Marine got Rowen, it triggered such a profound fear.
All because of Dragon's past mistakes...
A hint of resentment flashed in Sengoku's eyes, and he took a deep breath. "But I guarantee with my head that Rowen is an excellent soldier loyal to the Marine and the World Government!"
"Moreover..."
BuruBuru...
Just then, another Den Den Mushi on the other end suddenly emitted the voice of another Den Den Mushi. The Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) decisively interrupted Sengoku, preventing him from elaborating further.
"We'll talk later, Sengoku."
"I... understood."
Sengoku closed his mouth awkwardly. At the same time, he was curious about who had the qualifications to have the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) bring a Den Den Mushi when planning this grand scheme with him. Generally, even Celestial Dragons might not have that privilege.
On the other side, Mary Geoise, World Government Tower.
In the room on the top floor.
After hanging up the phone, the elderly man with the long mustache looked at his colleagues, picked up the Den Den Mushi that was making the "Buru, Buru" noise, and answered, "Is this the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars)? This is Vegapunk..."
"Regarding the research on the Thunder Cloud Dragon pattern, there have been new developments. Do you want to take a look?"
"Be mindful of your tone, Vegapunk!"
The Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) displayed a hint of impatience and sternly rebuked. However, he let this one slide, taking out another fax Den Den Mushi, and placing it next to the fax machine.
"Send the data over!"
"Yes, yes... I'll send it right away!"
Hiss, Hiss...
The rhythmic sound of printing quickly filled the room. The individuals separated the still-warm data sheets and examined them. The bald and irritable elderly man snorted and said, "Vegapunk, you should know the consequences of deceiving us, right?"
"Naturally, I am naturally aware of consequences!"
Vegapunk solemnly said, "Although I did consider compensating Vice Admiral Rowen in the process, the last incident caused him quite a bit of trouble. But the data on the sheets can withstand any verification and is by no means forged!"
"I guarantee it as a scientist!"
For Vegapunk, a proud scientist, to vouch for data meant there was no concept of forgery involved. Hearing this, the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) paused, his expression showing a hint of seriousness.
In the end, the elder with the long mustache spoke on behalf of the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars).
"Excellent, congratulations on the success of your research, Vegapunk! Now, please continue to integrate it into the Pacifista. That will be our main force to eliminate the threats in the seas!"
"I understand!"
Poi...
The Den Den Mushi emitted a peculiar sound and lowered its head, falling into a deep sleep. The Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) held the data, brows furrowed, and finally sighed.
"If what is written here is true, then it should be that thing... Should Vegapunk's experiments be terminated?"
"This matter should be decided by Im-Sama... However, before that, we need to resolve another problem."
The elder with the long mustache lifted his head, eyes gleaming.
At these words, the others looked serious.
The revival plan for the Ancient Weapons!
"Let's leave Rowen's matter at that... Firstly, during this critical period, we cannot afford to lose this combat force. Secondly, the Levely is about to begin, and the kings need the Marine to handle the transportation, soothing Sengoku. Lastly, a mere Goro Goro no Mi (Thunder Thunder Fruit) Ability user can't expose our secrets!"
"Agreed."
"Seconded!"
"Agreed!"
"Abstain..."
The elder with the long mustache deeply furrowed his brows, looking at the old man with curly white hair and a cane.
"Four votes in favor. Inform Sengoku."
...
Several days later, Golden City.
With Tesoro's provided gold card in hand, Fujitora had quite a play. For someone of his caliber, the sheer amount of money won couldn't bring much joy. What Fujitora truly enjoyed was the process of winning and losing!
Without relying on Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki), without resorting to cheating, and without seeking favors, he purely reveled in the ups and downs of the game—ups, ups, ups...
"I never expected my luck to be this good this year. It's truly unimaginable!"
Standing at the harbor, Fujitora, full of spirit, sighed.
In the past, his gambling odds were at most forty-sixty. However, in Golden City, it reached an astonishing ninety-ten!
If he hadn't seriously used Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki) to observe every gambler, ensuring they weren't intentionally losing to him, Fujitora would have thought this was a deliberate arrangement by Tesoro.
Indeed...
He guessed correctly!
Watching Fujitora, who was in high spirits, and the receptionist Baccarat, who looked spiritually deflated, Rowen wisely kept his mouth shut.
When you have a Luck-Luck Fruit Ability user absorbing others' luck, and you still can't win, only the possession of Naruto's luck might explain it.
Fujitora was kept completely in the dark about the Marine's mission this time. Since Rowen already owed him, he didn't want to dampen his mood over such a small matter.
Tesoro saw Fujitora enjoying himself and felt happy. Compared to Rowen, Golden City needed the direct deterrent power of Fujitora, a Shichibukai, more. After all, Rowen, as a Marine, had various checks and balances and was not entirely on their side.
At this moment, Tesoro walked up and said, "Fujitora San, I've already deposited the money you won through the bank. With this card, you can access any of my industries worldwide and enjoy the most exclusive VIP privileges!"
"Of course, Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon)'s gold card is indispensable. Here's yours!"
Tesoro might lack many things, but money is not one of them!
The two exchanged glances and each took their gold cards, marking a perfect conclusion to this journey.
Seeing this, Tesoro smiled even more, so much so that Rowen almost couldn't bear to continue deceiving him.
As the battleship carrying the two of them sailed away, Tesoro suddenly retracted his smile and snorted.
"Baccarat, contact Henry White, Teres, Umit, and Du Feld."
"Aren't they here to discuss business with me? Let's have a good chat!"
(End of this chapter)
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