Sengoku's somewhat sorrowful gaze made Rowen shiver involuntarily, unable to suppress a chill running down his spine.
However, he maintained his resolve and forced himself to stay calm as he said, "It's just... it seems there's some dispute among the Celestial Dragons on the Ark. CP0 Two Mountains is on-site and hasn't given me detailed information."
Just the Celestial Dragons?
Sengoku breathed a sigh of relief.
Thank goodness...
Garp, growing increasingly impatient, interjected directly,
"What's the big deal? What kind of important news is that?"
"Watch your words, Garp!"
Kong, known as "Steel Bone," glared at him disapprovingly, causing Garp to awkwardly set aside the donut he had been eating.
After a brief hesitation, he swiftly stuffed half the donut into his mouth and turned his head to the side, chewing.
Kong: "…"
I really want to punch this asshole!
"It's probably related to Orrick's betrayal, involving some Families supporting him from behind the scenes. Lord Imu definitely won't let these guys off the hook."
Tsuru, the Great Staff Officer, spoke calmly at this moment.
However, similar to Sengoku's thoughts, the internal strife among the Celestial Dragons had nothing to do with the Marines. They had already caused plenty of trouble for the Marines, and it was quite restrained that they hadn't made a fuss about it!
Moreover, isn't there CP0?
As a direct force of the Celestial Dragons, it's their job to take the blame first.
"Hmph!"
Kong's face grew dark upon hearing that.
These assholes, how did things get so messed up after leaving the Marines?
Is this how you command troops?!
His disapproving gaze shifted to Sengoku, causing the latter to shiver.
Goodness, it's going to be a mess!
Rowen observed the expressions of everyone present, feeling no disturbance inside, and even found himself wanting to laugh.
I hope you can still laugh after all the Celestial Dragons mutate.
The Nether River Virus isn't like ordinary toxins...
Its unique parasitic nature means no blood serum or antidote can control it. Once infected, the only way to remove it is through physical extraction.
It replicates itself in various bodily fluids through a process of replacement.
In freshwater, it replicates as freshwater.
In seawater, it replicates as seawater.
In blood, it replicates as blood, performing the same function of oxygen transport and impurity removal as normal blood.
Through this incredible "mimicry" and "replication," the host gradually transforms from a "human" into "it."
Ultimately, it takes over the brain and controls the body!
To perform an operation, one must replace all bodily fluids.
This is beyond the capabilities of typical surgical operations, rendering it incurable!
Only someone with the power to control Life Return can detect and expel the foreign entity immediately upon infection.
Expecting the Celestial Dragons to have that level of strength is less realistic than hoping they would suddenly repent and stop their misdeeds.
Without this special nature, Rowen wouldn't rely on the Nether River Virus to solve the Celestial Dragons problem... After all, as World Nobles, any issues would be resolved with the combined efforts of the world!
Masked Zero's handling was very appropriate.
Having experienced parasitism, he keenly noticed this and chose to keep it hidden.
If the Celestial Dragons knew their time was running out, under the threat of a countdown to death, these World Nobles, who have lived in a sheltered environment since childhood, might cause unforeseen chaos!
So...
In this light, has the Celestial Dragons elimination plan been completed?
Rowen pondered silently.
His sole purpose in designing this plan was to fundamentally eliminate the greatest unstable factor affecting his rule over the world: the Celestial Dragons!
The Celestial Dragons are a small group, restricted by an insular system that only allows intermarriage. Many Families have only one line, with numerous early deaths, deformities, and incompetents, totaling fewer than a hundred individuals. They are exceedingly rare.
Currently, over 90% of the infected Celestial Dragons are in a death-knell situation.
The plan was executed flawlessly!
After all, who would have thought that the one who wanted the Celestial Dragons wiped out the most would be the esteemed First Grade Glory Medal holder, Rowen, the Marine's loyal dog in the eyes of the government?
There isn't even a blood feud between them.
Unless someone can foresee Rowen's ambitions!
When the killer's motives are hidden in their heart, any detective would be stumped.
So... has the entire plan been completed?
Rowen scratched the back of his head.
Why do I keep feeling like I've forgotten something?
---
Mary Geoise, Room of Flowers.
"Imu Sama!"
Vic, escorting Lirisk, arrived back at the Room of Flowers. Before them, the core controllers of the government, the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars), were kneeling in respect.
In this hall, which symbolized the true core of the government, a large section had collapsed. Moss-covered stones had fallen among the flowers, giving the once beautiful garden a more desolate air.
Seeing Vic's arrival, Imu nodded silently.
"Take him away. Keep him well-guarded."
It was clear that Imu had no interest in speaking with Lirisk.
"Yes!"
Vic nodded in confusion. As the son of the main culprit, didn't Imu have any questions to ask?
And where was Orrick?
After Vic left, Imu turned his gaze to the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) and said slowly, "Do you have anything to say?"
"I'm deeply sorry, Lord Imu!"
The five men bowed their heads deeply. The Gorōsei with the goat-like beard had a grim expression but spoke in a calm tone, "Orrick conspired with three Families to stage a deception and secretly controlled the signal relay tower. We were aware of this but failed to report it. This is our dereliction of duty!"
Previously, they knew what was happening at the signal relay tower.
After all, fishing required some bait.
Moreover, at that time, the Fishing Plan did not include the sudden capture of Roger's illegitimate son... In the Gorōsei's view, it was merely Orrick rallying allies and choosing a discreet location for a secret meeting.
But no one could have foreseen that this oversight would allow Orrick to take over the signal and broadcast the footage.
This was undoubtedly the Gorōsei's own fault, a serious dereliction of duty!
"And you? Do you have nothing to say?"
Imu gave a nod of acknowledgment and shifted his gaze to the eldest among the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars).
"Nibelung Ferrick!"
The elderly man with white curly hair and a beard-covered mouth leaned on his cane. Upon hearing his name, he closed his eyes and spoke slowly.
"Lord Imu."
"I have always remembered my vow from years ago. Before my death, I would never reveal anything about what we have protected to Orrick."
"However... I underestimated Orrick's ambition, which led him to extremism."
"This fault, all of it is due to me alone. I am willing to atone it with my life!"
The others trembled slightly, wanting to say something but choosing silence under the weight of Imu's imposing gaze.
Is it truly so?
The secret had been passed down through royal lines, only to be handed to the next generation when the previous informant was near death.
This was an oath sworn by their ancestors 800 years ago under the gods' witness. Was it truly Ferrick's fault that Orrick went to extremes because he was not informed in advance?
Imu's gaze swept over the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) and lingered on Ferrick as if trying to see through him.
"I've heard that you have repeatedly abstained from decisions regarding Rowen... Tell me why?"
"Hiss!"
The Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) were shocked.
Suddenly recalling the times Ferrick had abstained from decisions related to Rowen, including the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, rewards for lightning stimulation devices, etc., was it not Ferrick who had repeatedly abstained?
Why?
When did Ferrick become so concerned about Dragon Rowen?
After a long silence, Ferrick finally responded.
"Because in him, I see the past Orrick... I am wary of him, wishing he would be eliminated quickly; yet I also have hope, hoping he does not die prematurely."
The Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) were left speechless.
To see the past Orrick in Rowen meant Ferrick held a similar view of his own son?
At this moment, Ferrick continued,
"I believed that if there is anyone in the world who can stop Orrick, I believe it is only Rowen!"
"Because they are kindred spirits!!"
---
(End of Chapter)
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