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"Oh? Share your thoughts."
Sengoku's eyes narrowed slightly. Although Rowen was not known for his intellect, his scheming abilities were not to be underestimated.
Especially two years ago, during the series of major actions in the New World, where he single-handedly outmaneuvered Whitebeard and the Revolutionary Army, earning him a reputation as a formidable adversary.
Having both strength and brains, Sengoku had no objection to giving such a rising star more opportunities to show his prowess.
"Firstly, we need to consider the starting point."
Rowen, upon receiving permission, began to speak slowly: "Why are the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) choosing to execute Jason in the Holy Land? Even the Pirate King Roger was only executed in Loguetown."
"The Holy Land sits atop the Red Line, high above the world, and is the most important core of the government. Why would they suddenly choose to intervene in the sea now?"
"The Fleet Admiral mentioned that it's to show our resolve in combating pirate activities… I doubt that's the whole story."
Pirate activities are a long-standing issue. The government suddenly deciding to intervene in such a manner seems rather out of place.
Sengoku's expression tightened as he realized Rowen's unique position among the higher-ups. He knew that Rowen must have understood some inside information that was not available to outsiders.
Combining with what he knew, Sengoku decisively spoke up: "Indeed. And the second point?"
He moved on from the topic.
Others were puzzled but, being seasoned Vice Admirals, they remained silent and did not interrupt.
"The second point is the benefit!"
"Previously, the government has been aloof, distant from the common people. This time, broadcasting the public execution of a criminal from the Holy Land is the best opportunity to show the true face of the Holy Land and tell the public that it is just like any other place."
"Compared to an unseen sovereign who controls life and death, a visible sovereign with two eyes and a mouth is undoubtedly more relatable."
As Rowen finished, Shepherd hesitantly raised his hand: "Um… Vice Admiral Soryu, saying 'the Holy Land is just like that' might not be appropriate?"
He had gained early release through illegal means due to his connections within the government, and the authority of the Holy Land was the root of his predicament. He had to step up to maintain the dignity of the Holy Land.
To this, Rowen waved dismissively.
"There's nothing inappropriate! Don't forget, the Celestial Dragons have already personally intervened, fought with me, and made it public."
"The Celestial Dragons need to remain aloof, but what the government wants is the recognition of the people."
"Moreover, even if they do not gain recognition, it will only increase fear, which is beneficial for governance."
This was similar to the reasoning behind the starting point.
In terms of showcasing oneself, Orrick had indeed made a misstep.
"Ahem, let's move past Rowen."
Sengoku almost choked on his saliva.
Why does it always come back to the conflict between the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) and Orrick?
Is this never-ending?!
"Understood!"
Rowen nodded and continued: "Lastly, the third point."
Sengoku clutched his chest, feeling short of breath.
There's a third point?!
I know you have the protection of a First Grade Glory Medal and no one can touch you, but… I don't have such protection!!
What if the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) later accuse me of failing to maintain control?!
I'll be the scapegoat again… Why did I say "again"?
"Uh… Don't worry, the reason for the third point is quite normal."
Seeing Sengoku's dark expression, Rowen awkwardly preempted with an explanation.
Sengoku weakly waved his hand, signaling Rowen to continue.
Rowen shrugged and continued.
"The third point is safety!"
"Safety?"
Everyone was momentarily stunned by the word, then came to realization.
Indeed.
There is probably no place safer than the Holy Land in this world.
On the periphery, there is the Marine Headquarters, the strongest force in the Grand Line capable of stirring up a storm.
On the inner periphery, the 'Steel Bone' Kong, Commander-in-Chief of the three armies, has been stationed inside and outside the Holy Land for years, creating an impenetrable defense.
At its deepest levels, there are still hidden old strongmen from the Sea Era and CP0's Two Mountains stationed long-term.
Even if Marineford were attacked back and forth two or three times, it would still be within the manageable range for the Holy Land.
It's absolute, full-proof defense!
If the public execution is located in the Holy Land, the issue of potential pirate retaliation considered before would be rendered moot.
Throw Rowen and Kizaru into the sky, without upper-level permission, and forget about aircraft and bubble elevators.
Anyone trying to climb up barehanded like Tiger will face a much more tragic end!
Since such unprecedented actions had never been taken before by the Holy Land, everyone almost forgot the formidable trump cards the Holy Land held.
Looking back, there really seems to be no safer place for a public execution than the Holy Land.
Rowen observed the expressions of everyone, grinning: "I'm sure everyone has seen it… So, these are my views on the matter."
"Good ideas, but…"
Tsuru, the advisor, frowned and began to raise objections.
It wasn't her intention, but it was her duty.
"It still doesn't avoid the fact that this could make the Holy Land appear to fear pirates and reflect poorly on the Marine's capability."
"Then let's invite some people to witness the event. We can use it to show them how to 'ask the monarch to enter the urn'."
Rowen smiled, his white teeth gleaming with a chilling aura: "If they come, we'll take them all at once."
"If they don't come, we can use the opportunity to propagate that pirates are cowardly."
"With the Holy Land's foundation, I don't believe there is anyone in this world who can resist this overwhelming celestial might!"
Hiss… What a vicious scheme!
A chorus of gasps filled the conference room.
Rowen's final remarks, filled with Haki, were indeed a reflection of reality. If the pirate era had intensified as it did in the original story, the government wouldn't have had the confidence to regard the world with such disregard.
However, the series of actions taken after Rowen joined the Marines had transformed the situation in just a few years, making it more dramatic than the previous decades combined.
This led to the unprecedented weakness of pirates, and the current tense situation bore a resemblance to the twilight of the gods and a final frenzy.
Thus, the World Government of today was almost unshakable!
With such formidable confidence, Rowen's plan was a blatant scheme, guaranteed to succeed without loss, a surefire profit.
For a moment, the people in the conference room looked at Rowen with a peculiar gaze—less warmth and more awe… akin to the way they would look at Sengoku.
They thought to themselves.
"Such a cunning schemer!"
Sengoku felt very uncomfortable under those peculiar gazes, his eyes widened as he glared at them, causing others to twitch their mouths and shift their gazes.
He then smiled.
"Indeed! This plan is highly feasible!"
"Everyone think about it and see if there is anything to add. If there are no objections, I will reply to the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) accordingly."
The Vice Admirals shook their heads, preferring to leave the professional matters to the professionals.
They were more suited to charging into battle than playing political games.
"I have a question."
Suddenly, Aokiji, sitting beside Rowen, weakly raised his hand and said, "I'd like to ask Colonel Shepherd a question."
Rowen raised an eyebrow.
Here it comes!
Garp, of course, knew that the person currently imprisoned in LV.6 Thunder Hell was not Roger's son.
But Aokiji had previously made startling remarks, so he must have caught some hint of the truth.
Although the true identity of Jason couldn't be confirmed, Shepherd probably couldn't provide evidence proving Jason's real identity either.
If anyone was to be blamed, it was Shepherd's extreme fear of death.
Only by escalating the matter could he receive the highest level of protection from the government.
Surviving amidst the non-existent remnants of the Roger Pirates.
In other words: Outwitting the air!
Rowen's previous groundwork was all to prevent this situation from occurring, as he knew that even if the truth was revealed in the end, the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) would have to swallow the bitter pill.
As he had said, this was about internal power struggles within the Holy Land, requiring an excuse rather than evidence.
(End of Chapter)