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Just as Vic was about to draw his rapier to protect Vegapunk, Rowen's killing intent abruptly dissipated.
"Since this involves the Celestial Dragons… I'll let it slide this time."
'Phew…!'
Vegapunk let out a long breath of relief and nodded repeatedly.
"Please rest assured, Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon). My research into your blood is purely out of scientific curiosity. The Lineage Factor technology is already sufficiently advanced— there's no need to use you as a primary model."
This wasn't meant to be boastful but was rather an attempt to reassure Rowen and avoid provoking him further.
No matter what Vegapunk's true thoughts or intentions were, he couldn't risk Rowen turning his murderous intent against him.
Through years of study, Vegapunk had come to understand the sheer terror of the "monster" standing before him— a being formed from those unscientific cells.
Rowen's existence was an abyss far more fearsome than any Devil Fruit— a taboo so profound that Vegapunk dared not explore it fully.
Self-replicating blood?
Compared to what Vegapunk had uncovered later, that feature was almost trivial.
Seeing this, Caesar pouted in disappointment and threw up his hands. "Boring!"
Noticing Vic's intensely hostile glare, Caesar quickly changed the subject.
"Oh, by the way, Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon), give me another vial of your blood. All our existing samples are clones, and their effectiveness isn't even close to the real deal."
Rowen's body relied on energy to sustain its regenerative capabilities— a synergistic process where both elements were indispensable.
Once separated from his body, his blood lost much of its potency.
If cloned using artificial means, its effectiveness would plummet further, rendering it almost useless— completely overrun by the Nether River Virus.
This was why Caesar had been so eager earlier. Their experimental materials were genuinely running out.
"Here."
Without a second thought, Rowen pulled a syringe from his arm. He had already grabbed one from the table earlier and drawn his own blood before Caesar even finished speaking.
Expressionless as he waited for the needle wound to heal, Rowen couldn't help but ask, "But honestly, do you think this method will actually work?"
Cloning hearts and livers for transplants was one thing, but cloning bodily fluids?
The complexity of human bodily fluids, which sustain life, was almost unfathomable.
Replacing them seemed nearly impossible.
On Earth, Rowen wouldn't have even considered it plausible.
"As unbelievable as it sounds, we have to try... If necessary, we could harvest tissue samples, clone full bodies, and install control chips," Vegapunk said with a bitter smile. "As long as they can 'live' and appear normal in public, that's enough."
"This is also... 'that person's' will."
The symbolic significance of the Celestial Dragons far exceeded their practical existence. They represented the government's absolute authority— a sacred, untouchable institution.
If something were to happen to the Celestial Dragons as a group, the consequences would be catastrophic.
This system, which had loomed over the world for 800 years, would crumble, unleashing waves of unimaginable chaos across the seas.
After all, if even the highest rulers, the self-proclaimed descendants of the gods, could disappear, what authority would the government have left?
It would be akin to a feudal kingdom losing its monarch without an heir to inherit the throne.
This was reminiscent of the internal strife in the Flower Capital years ago. Were it not for Rowen's decisive intervention, the result would have been nothing but devastation.
History was rife with such tragedies— terrifying and cautionary.
'Imu' would never allow such a scenario to unfold with the government.
Even if it meant turning the Celestial Dragons into thoughtless puppets controlled by chips, 'Imu' would ensure the name "Celestial Dragons" would not fade into history.
To achieve this goal, any means were justifiable.
"That's... truly pathetic."
Once the exalted nobles of the world, the Celestial Dragons had now been reduced to mere experimental subjects, stripped even of autonomy.
Even though Rowen himself had played a part in bringing about this outcome, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow.
History had once again proven that with enough audacity, anything was possible.
"But since you already know how terrifying my blood is, are you really sure things will go the way you expect?"
Rowen grinned faintly, his tone laced with an edge.
"Hmm? What did you just say, Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon) ?"
Vegapunk, puzzled, turned toward him with a questioning look.
''It's nothing. I was just wondering— do I only need to provide a few blood samples?''
"It would be best if you stayed here to assist with the experiments. At this stage, we can't predict what issues might arise... Is Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon) planning to leave?"
"Not at the moment. But once the battle for the Fleet Admiral's position is resolved, I might have to."
"Cough cough.' That's exactly it…"
Vic interjected with a couple of coughs, explaining, "While you've been busy here with experiments, Marine Fleet Admiral Sengoku has submitted his resignation. The new Fleet Admiral will be chosen between Akainu and Aokiji."
"And once one of them takes over, the vacant Admiral position will be filled— by Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon) ."
''By Soryu?''
''Does that mean… Admiral?!''
The laboratory fell silent. Everyone turned to the towering figure, their disbelief giving way to a collective shiver.
''This is truly peak madness!''
Using the blood of a bona fide Marine Admiral for experiments?
Just moments ago, they had toyed with the idea of imprisoning him, using the pretense of saving the Celestial Dragons to turn Soryu (Azure Dragon) into a permanent experimental subject.
But now…
Thank goodness no one had dared voice the idea!
Otherwise, out of the thousand researchers here, surviving even in double digits would have been a miracle.
Vegapunk, momentarily stunned, glanced at the calm-faced Rowen and then gave a self-deprecating smile.
Really, was there anything surprising about this?
With Soryu's (Azure Dragon) strength and accomplishments, becoming an Admiral was a natural progression.
Although Vegapunk regretted the potential loss of Rowen as a research assistant, he understood that as an Admiral, Rowen would no longer be at his disposal like Kuma had been.
Even the Pacifista project, which transplanted Kizaru's Glint-Glint Fruit abilities, had relied on Kizaru's whims.
''Marine Admiral.''
The gap in status between an Admiral and a Vice Admiral was like heaven and earth.
"Very well. If there's nothing pressing, Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon), feel free to leave. However, if needed, we hope Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon) won't mind returning to assist."
As an Admiral, they lacked the authority to force his involvement. Better to go along with the flow and earn his goodwill.
Besides, wasn't Rowen still under 30?
That would make him the youngest Admiral in Marine history— a promising future lay ahead.
"Then I'll take my leave for now. Don't worry— I'm aware of confidentiality principles. No one will know what I came to the Holy Land for."
"Since that's the case, Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon), this way, please!"
Vic nodded in agreement, extending a hand to guide Rowen out.
---
Rowen's visit to the Holy Land had been witnessed by many. However, overshadowed by the news of his imminent promotion to Admiral, no one knew what he had done there.
Most assumed it was a routine summons by the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) to assert their authority.
This wasn't unusual.
Even the Fleet Admiral wasn't completely unrestrained in their actions. Admirals, as the true aristocracy of the Marines, bore the responsibility of upholding the dignity of both the government and the Marines with every word and deed.
While Vice Admirals often included morally questionable individuals, there were virtually no such instances among Admirals.
This wasn't just because Admirals were fewer in number or significantly more powerful. It was also because the government placed unparalleled importance on them— monitoring their every move and not tolerating misconduct.
Put bluntly, only Admirals and the Fleet Admiral were seen by the Gorōsei as the "real Marines"—people worthy of recognition.
Everyone else? Merely cannon fodder to bolster numbers.
---
In the G-10 Base commander's office, Rowen sat casually sipping tea. With an air of indifference, he asked,
"The government has run out of ideas— they're even targeting me. How are things on your end? Any progress?"
"We've identified one of Kaido's munitions factories. No reports from our spies yet," Tesoro replied cheerfully.
"However, the island's defenses seem lax. I'm considering creating some chaos to give our spies a better opportunity—or perhaps even seizing it outright."
"Don't alert them, Tesoro," Rowen said, his tone slightly admonishing.
"Our biggest advantage is staying in the shadows while they remain exposed. Kaido might not be clever, but he has enough smart people around him."
Tesoro's tone paused slightly at Rowen's words, and he nodded in response. "Understood."
"By the way," Rowen continued, "increase the efforts to locate the ''Tremor-Tremor Fruit'', ''Mera-Mera Fruit'', and ''Dark-Dark Fruit''. I'll have Dante assist you covertly. Make sure that neither the Marines nor the government gets their hands on them first!"
"I understand!"
Tesoro knew full well that Rowen disliked surprises. The potential of those three Devil Fruits was widely recognized, and allowing them to fall into the wrong hands was out of the question.
Compared to the rest of the League members, Tesoro's unique advantage lay in his far-reaching network of influence, something Rowen, as a Marine with a clean public image, could not replicate.
For Tesoro, ensuring success in this task wasn't just about fulfilling Rowen's expectations—it was about proving his worth within the League.
It was also about survival.
From the moment he had poisoned the Celestial Dragons, there was no turning back. The further he drifted on this inescapable "pirate ship," the clearer it became: survival meant fully supporting Rowen in achieving his goals and becoming the new ruler of power.
"One must always be prepared for the unexpected," Rowen murmured to himself after ending the call.
Lighting a cigar, he stared silently out the window.
His opponents weren't just pirates— they could include the Marines as well.
Unlike those novel protagonists who climbed the ranks by defeating enemies step by step, Rowen was treading a path that pitted him against the entire world.
---
'(End of Chapter)'