After expressing his gratitude face-to-face and letting go of the stone in his heart, Law felt much more relaxed. His whole being radiated with a bright spirit, and even his previously pale face now bore a few traces of a smile.
"I suspect that Fleet Admiral Sengoku is unaware that Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon) knows so much information... Cora San, as a spy, has been silently working behind the scenes. And there are many other Marine heroes like him."
"As his foster father, Fleet Admiral Sengoku's lack of gratitude is the best way to remember Cora San."
"Hmm?"
Upon hearing this, Rowen let out a soft sound of surprise, curious. "What's this? Do you want to meet Cora San's foster father?"
Law hesitated in his tone, then nodded.
"I guess I can't hide anything from Marine Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon)."
"In addition to expressing my gratitude to you in person, another purpose of my setting off to the Grand Line was to meet Fleet Admiral Sengoku. I hope Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon) can facilitate this!"
Although Sengoku had not shown his true self to Rowen, he was still a highly respected Marine Fleet Admiral. Apart from the Gorosei (Five Elder Stars) who held more power than him within the government, no one else held higher authority.
Without a qualified recommendation, it wasn't easy to meet a Marine Fleet Admiral.
However, in the World Government, aside from the Gorosei (Five Elder Stars) and Celestial Dragons, all other individuals, including Marine Fleet Admirals, Army Fleet Admirals, CP1-9, and the previous generation Marine Fleet Admiral, this generation's Commander-in-Chief "Steel Bone" Kong, were just pieces, existing to protect the "core" of the government.
"I see..."
Rowen squinted, making a bold guess in his mind.
Law's desire to see Sengoku was probably not as simple as just for Corazon!
However, Rowen wouldn't voice this speculation but simply nodded, looking pleased.
"Since you have gained a new lease on life thanks to Corazon, and if we consider it, Sengoku is also your elder. It's good to go and meet him."
"Very well, leave it to me! I can't possibly stop a junior from meeting his elder, can I?"
Jinbe chuckled awkwardly, not finding a retort. He felt that something was off but couldn't pinpoint the key point. However, Fujitora, understanding Rowen's nature of seizing any opportunity, knew he must have some plan in mind.
"Thank you, Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon)!"
Law composed himself and bowed again.
"By the way, I remember you mentioned that you came here with companions. Now go find them and get ready. We'll set off later."
Law wasn't foolish. Upon hearing this, he instinctively glanced at the other two Shichibukai, nodding. "Yes!"
*Click...*
The latch clicked lightly. Inside the Garden in the Sky, Rowen took a sip of tea. "I wonder what brings Jinbe San here today?"
Rowen's purpose in coming here was solely to meet Law, and if there wasn't anything important, Fujitora wouldn't have let Jinbe come along.
Jinbe knew Rowen was shrewd and didn't dare to deceive him. "Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon), I'm here to discuss a collaboration with you."
Although Jinbe had more experience and seniority than Rowen, Sea strength was paramount. The older one was, the more it meant they should be replaced.
Now, Rowen's combat power far surpassed Jinbe's, so Jinbe naturally lowered his tone.
"Hmm, go on, then."
Rowen responded casually.
Jinbe was also one of the Oka Shichibukai, and he bore the heaviest burden among them, laying a solid foundation for cooperation.
If possible, Rowen wouldn't mind.
Seeing this, Jinbe took a deep breath and began, "I am here on behalf of King Neptune of Fish-Man Island, seeking Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon)'s protection for Fish-Man Island!"
"Hmm???" Rowen looked utterly confused.
Then Jinbe promptly explained the reason for this request.
It all began with Jinbe's involvement in Teach's betrayal last year. During the Battle of Mustache Town, Teach, a longtime companion, left the Whitebeard Pirates, and later Rowen even wounded Whitebeard himself with a single blow.
Certainly, for a Monster like Whitebeard, that injury was nothing significant, but afterward, Whitebeard became wary of Rowen's deterrent power. The Whitebeard Pirates took no retaliatory action, and their reputation plummeted.
As Whitebeard's reputation declined, the islands under his protection began to feel the effects.
Among them, Fish-Man Island, situated at the gateway to the New World, was hit the hardest.
Two hundred years ago, the World Government and Fish-Man Island signed a treaty, making it an Allied Kingdom Member and outlawing the slave trade to curb the rampant capture and sale of Fish-Men and Mermaids.
However, despite the ban, such activities continued.
Especially since the start of the Pirate Era, Fish-Man Island, due to its unique geographical location at the entrance to the New World, had no way to stand alone.
Later, Whitebeard saw all this and, generously endorsing his old friend "Sea Knight" Neptune, raised the banner of the Whitebeard Pirates on Fish-Man Island, effectively suppressing such activities.
Although there were still many Fish-Men and Mermaids being sold as goods in the Sabaody Archipelago, as the playground of the Celestial Dragons, no one dared to directly kidnap people on Fish-Man Island.
The title of "strongest in the world" was not to be easily trifled with.
In the aftermath of last year's turmoil, people gradually realized that Whitebeard wasn't as formidable as they thought!
A Marine Vice Admiral, at most a candidate for Admiral, was enough to make him cautious and hesitant to retaliate.
As a result, Fish-Man Island suffered.
Kidnappings, which hadn't occurred for several years, began to happen frequently again. Neptune was greatly troubled but unwilling to let his old friend Whitebeard continue to endanger himself.
So Jinbe came to find Rowen.
To put it bluntly, Fish-Man Island's plight was entirely caused by the strong position of the Marines. As government lackeys, they made Whitebeard wary, and naturally, others took advantage of the situation.
But Jinbe didn't say it like that. He simply flattered and requested assistance from Marine Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon), who was now feared in the New World.
As compensation, Neptune was willing to pay a reward.
After listening to Jinbe's story, Rowen remained silent, closing his eyes and tapping the tabletop, contemplating the pros and cons.
Jinbe nervously watched him.
Neptune was also at his wit's end.
Either they continued to request Whitebeard's help, which could cause serious harm to him, betraying a friend for the sake of national peace—an act Neptune couldn't bring himself to do.
Or they requested assistance from the Marines and the government, which would undoubtedly be inviting trouble.
Everyone knew that the Marines were just the government's lackeys and couldn't interfere with government officials and Noble families, who happened to be the main buyers of Fish-Man Island slaves.
"Jinbe San originally intended to seek help from the old blind man, but Century City has already made me weary. Besides, I and Jinbe San are both Shichibukai. If we openly join forces, it may lead to some unfavorable speculation by the government."
Fujitora explained why Jinbe had appeared there and smiled apologetically at Rowen. "So I recommended Marine Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon) to him... With your personal prestige, as long as you stand up to endorse Fish-Man Island, whether it's the government or pirates, they'll have to stop or face your wrath."
"Oh? Is my reputation that valuable?" Rowen chuckled, opening his eyes and glancing at Fujitora.
Fujitora smiled awkwardly and didn't answer.
But he wasn't wrong.
In the year 1519 of the Sea Calendar, in this era, Rowen's personal prestige was comparable to that of a Marine Admiral. And due to a series of extraordinary achievements and past experiences, even the Yonko dared not easily provoke him.
Moreover, within the government, he had the support of a certain Celestial Dragon family. His audacious act of striking Celestial Dragons had not only gone unpunished but had been publicized.
Now, Rowen had invisibly gained the reputation of a powerful force and was still a member of the Marines. With an unblemished identity, he was a complete thorn in the side, and whoever provoked him would suffer.
As long as he publicly endorsed it, not to mention completely resolving the slave trade, Fish-Man Island could at least settle down and thrive.
But there was one question...
Why?!
Why should Rowen risk offending Celestial Dragons, government officials, and various royal families to endorse Fish-Man Island?
And by doing so, even if Whitebeard could understand his old friend Neptune's concerns, how would the Whitebeard Pirates view it?
Being in the world of martial arts, one had no choice. The will of the masses was the best poison for types like Whitebeard who valued family above all else.
So...
"Speak your terms, Jinbe!"
Rowen's gaze was stern as he looked directly at him and said, "Don't talk about how protecting Allied Kingdom Members is our duty. You're a pirate, and I'm a Marine. I don't trust you!"
"So let's stick to practical matters."
(End of Chapter)
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