Headquarters Fortress, Fleet Admiral's Office.
Tsuru set down her binoculars and remarked casually, "It seems that Law would rather follow Rowen than follow you... Do you think it's because Corazon's death made him feel that if he followed you, he'd meet a similar fate?"
From this angle, the cliffside was clearly visible. Although they couldn't make out what the two were saying, Law's oath of allegiance was unmistakable.
At Tsuru's words, Sengoku's expression darkened.
Corazon's death was an accident because he never imagined that Vergo, who was then a Rear Admiral and had achieved great success in his undercover mission, would be a spy for the Donquixote Family.
Otherwise, why would Vergo be removed from his position so swiftly after Mozambia reported him?
Once Sengoku confirmed Vergo's identity, he immediately thought of Corazon!
"Hmph, I don't care about him!"
Sengoku munched on senbei with a scowl, steam coming out of his nostrils. "Since he's accepted Law, if anything happens to Law in the future, I'll hold him responsible!"
"Yes, yes... But I don't think Rowen will refuse to deal with this trouble."
Tsuru stopped teasing the annoyed Sengoku and returned to her seat, a smile appearing on her old face.
"To be honest, Sengoku, what do you think of Rowen?"
"He's a promising individual, just a bit late to the party!"
Sengoku said with some regret.
If Rowen had appeared twenty years earlier, perhaps there would have to be some rearrangements among the Three Admirals now.
And he wouldn't have to agonize between Akainu and Aokiji.
Compared to the extreme Akainu and the lazy Aokiji, Rowen, with his exceptional talent and cunning, was undoubtedly the most suitable successor.
But now...
His methods were a bit immature.
His strength was a bit lacking.
And the troubles... a bit too many.
Thinking back to their previous discussions about the power struggles at the upper echelons, Sengoku rubbed his temples.
"A storm is brewing!"
...
Grand Line, Century City.
Accompanied by dazzling electric lights, two figures appeared outside the pavilion. After landing, Law's legs gave way, and he rushed to the edge of the pool, vomiting profusely.
"Ugh!!"
"Tsk tsk! Your body can't handle it, huh Law? Is it too much for you?"
Rowen teased, sipping from his teacup.
"Who told you not to wear a diving suit and oxygen tank because you found it dirty? Regretting it now?"
Supercharged Travel was a unique method of movement for Thunder-Lightning Humans. If ordinary people didn't prepare properly, death was the only outcome.
The high-speed movement turned the air into sharp blades, capable of lifting tons of steel with ease. Just the pressure alone could be fatal.
Furthermore, the high altitude and low temperatures caused rapid heat dissipation from the body, leading to a rapid drop in body temperature and eventual mummification.
At the same time, the heavy wind pressure made breathing extremely difficult, adding to the misery.
The fact that Law could withstand it and only feel dizzy and nauseous at the end was proof of his formidable strength.
Well, this was also partly due to Rowen's slowing down at critical moments.
Otherwise, under the intense frictional resistance, even he would have been torn to shreds by the terrifying wind pressure and had to maintain Elementalization throughout.
"I... *urp*"
With an annoyed roll of his eyes, Law barely managed to utter a word before another wave of nausea overwhelmed him, causing him to vomit again.
"So miserable!"
Listening to the sound of retching, Fujitora was thankful for his lack of vision and said to Rowen, "Vice Admiral Rowen, what do you mean by..."
If he was only responsible for transportation, Rowen could have left Law to meet up with the crew at the port. But bringing him back to his residence balcony must have meant something had gone wrong.
Rowen didn't conceal anything about it and said straightforwardly, "From now on, Law is also a comrade. We're short-handed right now, and every additional person means more strength."
"But Fleet Admiral is well aware of his situation, so..."
"Hmm???"
Fujitora's grip on the teacup tightened suddenly, then he nodded earnestly. "Understood."
Rowen's intention was clear: to make Law, like him, a Clear Chess Dark Piece!
But...
To bring back a promising new pirate recruit after just one trip, Vice Admiral Rowen's actions were still as unexpected as ever!
Fujitora sighed deeply in his heart.
"Hey, are you... talking about me?"
Law shook his dizzy head and stood up, looking puzzled.
Without medication, even a doctor would be powerless against motion sickness.
"Come over and have some water, Law. I need to discuss a mission with you," Rowen called out. At his words, Law stumbled over, swaying like a drunkard.
Sinking into the chair, Law grabbed the teapot and drank greedily, only opening his eyes after a while, sighing deeply. "Ah... I feel alive again!"
His head buzzed, feeling like a thousand needles were piercing through it. Only those who experienced it would understand!
Only three people knew about Law's visit to Marine Headquarters. After Law pledged allegiance to Rowen, both Rowen and Sengoku, sharing the same mindset, treated Law as a hidden piece in the pirate camp.
Naturally, this also had Sengoku's tacit approval. After all, Rowen was in a precarious position and needed to build his own team.
In the realm of high-level power struggles, one wrong move could be disastrous!
In his dazed state, Law heard Fujitora say, "Due to my favorable attitude towards the government, the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) are very satisfied with the current Shichibukai lineup, so now is not a good time to overthrow them."
Law: "???"
Was this so stimulating?!
To start discussing the Shichibukai system right away!
Even though Law had just finished drinking a pot of tea, he felt his throat drying up.
Vice Admiral Rowen, indeed, was planning something big!
"As expected..."
Rowen nodded.
Without the "Root of Sin" Doflamingo and the "Nation Robber" Crocodile, the current Shichibukai, including "Moonlight" Moria, could be considered relatively straightforward individuals.
In the absence of major upheavals, the Shichibukai system would only become more stable.
"The 'Pirate Empress' Boa Hancock was invited to become a Shichibukai after only one expedition, earning the government's respect. Her strength is extraordinary... And with the entire population of Amazon Lily ready for battle, causing trouble for her is like declaring war against a country, not something to be taken lightly!"
Hearing Fujitora's summary of the information, Rowen glanced at Law, who held his breath, starting to have some guesses.
"Kano Country's Sai conducts arms trading in West Blue with government backing. Although he's not strong in combat, his position as a Shichibukai is the most stable!"
Fujitora pondered for a moment before continuing, "Among the remaining candidates, worth considering are 'Hawk Eyes' Mihawk, the 'Tyrant' Kuma, and 'Moonlight' Moria from the Florian Triangle."
Fujitora held Jinbe's position as a link between Fish-Man Island and the government in high regard. Naturally, he didn't want to make things difficult for Jinbe.
At the same time, Rowen had taken some benefits and promised to protect Fish-Man Island, so it couldn't be now, even if it was necessary.
"Considering the strength comparison among the three, in my opinion, Moria is the best target!"
"Moria?" Rowen stroked his chin, pondering for a moment. "Tell me about your investigation findings."
Knowing the original story wasn't everything; even Crocodile could contact the "Assassination King" Jino to ambush Rowen. Who knew what other tricks the other Shichibukai had up their sleeves?
Following the original story blindly often led to pitfalls.
So, to be on the safe side, Rowen asked Fujitora to gather detailed information on the Shichibukai to formulate a plan.
For the past two years, Fujitora had been busy with Century City matters, spending the rest of his time on these tasks.
"Yes, there are three points in total!" Fujitora dipped his fingers in tea and outlined them on the table.
"Firstly, Moria lacks a certain foundation compared to other Shichibukai."
"He once challenged Kaido in the New World and failed, with all his companions killed, leaving him alone. Now, the entire Moria Pirates crew consists of only a few members, mostly small fry, and they keep to themselves, having little contact with the outside world."
"Even the wandering hero Jinbe has the connections left by the Sun Pirates, rallying support with a single call."
"But Moria has nothing, so there's no need to worry about getting involved in any major troubles."
"This is the first factor."
Fujitora nodded at the table and continued.
"Secondly, Moria is the most likely to provoke enemies among all the current Shichibukai."
"He was greatly traumatized by the death of his comrades and now harbors a desire for revenge against Kaido, relying on his Undead Zombie Legion."
"And the shadows that make up the Zombie Army come from the living who were lured into the Florian Triangle. Who can guarantee that there aren't individuals with strong backgrounds among them?"
"Attacking him would be very easy to justify."
Rowen nodded, finding Fujitora's investigation results similar to what he knew from the original plot.
Hmm? Why isn't the Empress the one most likely to provoke enemies?
This question could have different answers depending on one's perspective...
"Lastly..."
"Strength!"
Fujitora paused, smiling.
Who is Mihawk?
The World's Greatest Swordsman!
Who is Kuma?
A former Sea Pirate known as the 'Tyrant'!
Their strengths, each capable of taking on a country, were no joke. There was no need to be in such a rush to die.
"So... what's your opinion, Law?"
Hearing the question, Law tightened his grip on Kikoku. "Well, I believe I can do it! But I need some time."
Realizing that Law now understood, it meant that Rowen intended to replace Moria and become the new Shichibukai!
Law couldn't help but be amazed by their plan.
But more than that, he felt a burning excitement!
(End of Chapter)
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