(Translator- From now on I won't make two parts of a chapter.)
Few were privy to the events that unfolded at the Marine Headquarters. Even if someone did know, they could only watch as Fujitora gradually solidified his position as a Shichibukai.
In a world where strength reigned supreme, and with Marine's reluctance to take action, Fujitora's power dominated the first half of the Grand Line. There were almost no means to counter him, let alone defeat him head-on…
Moreover, this was the Monster who could hold his ground against two Admirals simultaneously!
Thinking about the reputation that Admirals had built over hundreds of years, there were very few who dared to act against them…
After securing his position as a Shichibukai, Fujitora unsurprisingly took control of Gat Island and Navi Island. Using these two islands as a central point, he claimed dominion over the surrounding sea.
For those small areas that were neither Allied Kingdom Members nor on the Seven Routes, they hadn't attracted much attention from Marines so it was just a minor increase in vigilance.
However, various factions within the Underground World trembled, wondering how much protection money would be appropriate, thinking that Fujitora intended to establish his rule over these territories.
For a Shichibukai to do such a thing wasn't at all outrageous. If Fujitora continued to roam around without any fixed base, he would be seen as an anomaly.
After all, even "Tyrant" Kuma, who was friendly with the Marine faction, initially had plans to stake his own territory. "Hawk Eyes" Mihawk, even more so, had become the crownless king of Kuraigana Island, and the land that was once an Allied Kingdom Member was implicitly given to Mihawk.
And the result…
"Century City?"
Sengoku lowered his head, looking at the information, stunned. "What is that?"
"Uh… it's a casino!"
When Vice Admiral Momonga first received the report, his expression was much like Sengoku's.
Now, he hesitated a little before explaining, "Fujitora used his Devil Fruit ability to reclaim land from the sea using Aerolite. He connected Gat Island and Navi Island, forming a completely new island. He then intends to establish a comprehensive entertainment center centered around the gambling industry on this island."
"Like Gild Tesoro's Golden City?"
Sengoku was taken aback. He had even prepared plans for Fujitora to establish a force to clear pirates from the seas. After all, Sengoku could tell that Fujitora was an anomaly.
He wasn't like the other Shichibukai, who had a sense of being pirates themselves. He seemed more like a person of Justice who had taken on the role of a Shichibukai out of necessity.
But what I've waited for half a month is news that you want to open a casino.
Are you kidding me?!
"As of now… that seems to be the case."
Vice Admiral Momonga's lips twitched. He lifted his hand and turned a page of the information in front of Sengoku. Then he continued, "And he's asked if Marine is interested in investing. In exchange, he would entrust the security of Century City to us…"
"That Bastard!"
Bang!
Sengoku stood up with a thud, unable to contain his anger. "What does he take Marine for? Are we his guard dogs? This is simply unreasonable!"
"…And it includes 30% of the net profits each year… Well, I understand now!"
Vice Admiral Momonga had been waiting for exactly these words from Sengoku. His eyes lit up at the response, and after saluting, he said, "I will go refuse on his behalf!"
Regardless of Fujitora's character, Marine shouldn't compromise with a pirate! If Fujitora hadn't been sincere, inviting Marine to station forces and offering dividends, Vice Admiral Momonga wouldn't have cared.
His feelings toward Fujitora were complex. While he admired Fujitora's character, he also disapproved of his audacity. But since their respective sides had decided everything, being enemies took precedence over being friends.
Having said that, Vice Admiral Momonga turned to leave.
"Wait! How much are those dividends you mentioned?!"
…
The news of Fujitora's decision to establish Century City naturally wasn't kept secret. It was widely announced, causing a stir throughout the seas. His intention was to make the sea under his "rule" prosperous, giving the people a chance to make a living. So, when Rowen received Fujitora's invitation, he wasn't surprised at all.
"Are you sure you want to invest, Vice Admiral Rowen?"
In G-10's Branch, Dante looked at Rowen, who was about to set off, with a strange expression on his face. "You were just held accountable by the Marine Headquarters not long ago. Isn't this a bit exaggerated?"
It might have been a different story if it were someone else, perhaps someone like "Gold Emperor" Gild Tesoro. If he was investing in "Golden City," Gild Tesoro, Dante would wholeheartedly support the idea!
However, Fujitora had only recently been questioned about his connection with Rowen. They were the ones who orchestrated Edward Weevil's death. Now, they were openly and frequently interacting. Wasn't that a bit too blatant?
"Exaggerated? Based on what?! We shouldn't let go of easy money!"
Rowen sneered disdainfully, patting Dante on the shoulder. He then countered with a series of questions, "Is there any Marine regulation that forbids Vice Admirals from doing business? Doesn't your family run an iron goods business in the Headquarters' residential town? Did Fleet Admiral say anything?"
"Can you really compare the two?!" Dante looked at him in astonishment as he spoke. "But the other party is also a Shichibukai! And…"
"Why would he not invite others and only invite you? Do you think your influence is greater than that of three Admirals? Uh!"
Suddenly, Dante saw Rowen looking at him with a gaze reserved for someone who had said something ridiculous. He involuntarily shivered and asked in a low voice, "Did I say something wrong?"
"Dante, when you practice swordsmanship, make sure you don't end up with a rigid brain. Who else could he invite other than me?"
Rowen raised his thumb, pointing at himself, a wealthy person's smile on his face. "Apart from various scoundrels, among the clean High-Level officers of Headquarters, who could be wealthier than me?!"
"Even our toilets are made out of Seastone!"
"Those are unsold imitations that Bege uses to deceive unsuspecting buyers… Wait a moment!"
Dante quipped subconsciously before realizing it.
Right!
Apart from Rowen, who else at Headquarters could easily provide the funds to start building an entertainment city from scratch?
What's more important, Sengoku knew all about Rowen's wealth. As long as the amount was controlled, there was no reason for Sengoku to wonder where Rowen got so much money!
Fujitora is asking for investments from everywhere because he's currently strapped for cash. Who knows what the future holds?
Fujitora is asking for investments from everywhere because he's currently strapped for cash. Who knows what the future holds?
Gran Tesoro was far away in the New World. Most of the Nobles from the First Half had to risk their lives by sailing out just to get in on the excitement and it would be a near-death experience!
So, Century City has enormous development potential!
It's a fantastic opportunity to make money!
If you don't invest now, you might not have a chance in the future. Why not take the money that's there for the taking?!
Dante grew excited, nodding immediately. "I know what to do now!"
"Then I will leave it to you… By the way, remember to tell Caesar that I'm reducing the funds I've been providing for his research from today onwards! If he can't produce a simplified version of the Super Electromagnetic Cannon, he can play around on his own!"
Caesar had taken the 100 Million Belly that Rowen had given him and had been boasting that it was enough. But now, after so long, there wasn't a trace of progress.
If not for the consideration of being called a person with bad influence, Rowen would have gone to his doorstep and beaten him up.
'How can you dare to cheat even my money? Do you not know how to spell the word "death," Caesar?' Rowen silently thought in his heart.
"Don't worry, if he dares to deceive us, I'll show him what cruelty truly means!" Dante chuckled sinisterly, his eyes glinting with killing intent as he spoke.
Although Caesar suffered a great loss in the original story because of Straw Hat Luffy, his actual combat power wasn't that high. Often, battles were decided by information rather than strength, and that's where Luffy had been disadvantaged. With Dante's current level and his understanding of Caesar…
It was a sure thing that Caesar would get a beating!
"That's good. Handle it yourself."
With that, Rowen turned and boarded the aircraft. Soldiers on both sides responsible for leading the way stood with their hands behind their backs, looking at Rowen's departure with reverence.
Seeing this, Dante took a deep breath and led the Marine soldiers, shouting loudly.
"Attention!"
Shua!
"Salute…!!"
Bang!
The crisp sound of soldiers saluting echoed above G-10's branch. Rowen waved his hand, gesturing for the soldiers to take off.
(End of this chapter)
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