Boom!
A few minutes ago, the sky was clear, but suddenly thunder roared, and dark clouds gathered. Workers who couldn't find shelter were soaked, scurrying to cover construction materials with rain tarps and taking refuge indoors.
Residents living in the Grand Line were familiar with the bizarre weather in this region, knowing that the climate near the islands was mostly calm, but not always. There was no panic, just everyone going about their business.
Inside a simple wooden hut designated for women and children, Koala was startled by the thunder. She turned to look at the sky, lost in thought.
"Koala, are you there?!"
A voice came from the Den Den Mushi, making Koala jump before she picked it up.
"Yes, I'm here."
"You scared me! I thought something had happened on your end!"
The man on the other side let out a sigh, ran his hand through his hair, and continued, "I'll inform the Leader about this. For now, don't make any hasty moves. I'll arrange for you all to leave one by one."
"Huh? Aren't we going to stay hidden?"
Koala looked surprised. "We finally found an opportunity to infiltrate Century City. Once it develops, won't it become like Golden City? Fujitora is not like Gild Tesoro!"
"Gold Emperor" Gild Tesoro had some grudge against the Celestial Dragons, making him an important recruitment target for the Revolutionary Army.
However, Gild Tesoro seemed to have become obsessed with money, disregarding the Revolutionary Army's overtures and stating that he would use money to make the Celestial Dragons submit.
Dealing with such a stubborn neutral party was a headache for the Revolutionary Army. They had tried to infiltrate Golden City several times to gather information but were always driven out. In the end, they even received an ultimatum that they would be reported to the government if they tried again.
Fujitora had no grievances with the Celestial Dragons and acted solely out of "virtue." It would be even more challenging if they didn't establish a foothold while Century City was still in its infancy.
"I know," Came the response from the Den Den Mushi. "But the other side's second gift is not killing you all! If we don't behave, they'll surely take action!"
"Then let them come! Free warriors fear no challenge!"
Sabo paused for a moment and asked, "Are you sure?"
Koala awkwardly tapped the back of her head, put her finger to her dimple, and playfully stuck out her tongue. "I was just kidding!"
Sabo sighed.
"Heh! Free warriors aren't afraid of death, but that doesn't mean we're willing to accept pointless deaths!"
Facing Rowen, the "Undying Vice Admiral"? Sabo went through the list of Revolutionary Army executives in his mind. Apart from the Leader, who was inscrutable, there were very few who could confidently declare victory. There were some evenly matched opponents, but none of them were in Century City.
Moreover, Rowen was not all of Marine. Alongside him were high-ranking combat forces of the same level like Momousagi and Chaton. Not to mention the three Admirals, "Marine Hero" Garp, and "Marine Fleet Admiral" Sengoku, who were above them.
Marine Headquarters, with its declaration of "Suppression of the Sea" and its use of the name "Justice," was undoubtedly the strongest force in the Sea, which even Yonko dared not easily provoke.
Once they provoked a full-scale retaliation from the Marine, they would be in constant danger of being overthrown!
Not to mention…
Above Marines, there was the World Government, which had ruled the world for centuries, shrouded in mystery, and whose details were unknown to anyone!
From the known information within the Revolutionary Army, "Steel Bone" Kong, the Commander-in-Chief of the entire army, and the man with the codename "0" from CP0 were two opponents who couldn't be ignored. Compared to them, the Revolutionary Army… ultimately had a weak foundation.
"Alright, I understand!"
Koala sighed with a hint of disappointment and told Sabo, "I'll have them stop all missions and wait for evacuation."
"At least we're still alive, Koala…"
Sabo comforted her, "As long as we're alive, there's hope!"
—
On the second floor of the palace, Fujitora listened carefully to Rowen's plan. He alternated between being amazed and having moments of revelation. He couldn't recall ever hearing such a bold plan in his decades of life, nor had he ever displayed such an expression of excitement.
But Rowen's demeanor was quite challenging for him.
Setting aside his character, Fujitora's appearance had no relation to amiability whatsoever! The menacing scar over his eyes even made him exude a touch of Haki. His appearance… was as sleazy as Kizaru's!
One was a sleaziness akin to that of a skinny old man, and the other was the sleaziness of a middle-aged man with a greasy look.
Facing Fujitora's sleazy, broad face with an expression filled with excitement, Rowen barely resisted the urge to correct him!
"Understood. If there's ever a time when I need your help in the future, feel free to speak up! I will do everything in my power to bring peace to this world!"
With that said, Fujitora respectfully held his sword with both hands and bowed to Rowen.
In comparison to his past actions, Rowen's plan was truly boundless. He had pondered before what changes he would make to the current state of Marine if he were an Admiral, but nothing had been as direct and audacious as Rowen's plan.
Rowen could trust him enough to share such an important plan with him, which was undoubtedly a testament to Rowen's confidence in him!
Fujitora, who lived by "virtue," had no way to repay this trust, except by risking his own life to help build the world that Rowen envisioned.
However…
"If we follow Vice Admiral Rowen's plan, someday we may find ourselves facing the Revolutionary Army."
Fujitora seemed somewhat hesitant. "Please forgive me, Vice Admiral Rowen, but I cannot deny his actions."
He was referring to "the most wicked criminals," the "Marine traitor" Dragon!
The Revolutionary Army, which aimed to overthrow the World Government, had so far liberated hundreds of countries oppressed by the Celestial Dragons. The government, concerned about its image, couldn't openly massacre these innocent civilians to silence them.
So, regardless of the means used, Dragon had given local civilians the freedom, peace, and, more importantly, "hope" they desired in the face of Celestial Dragon oppression. In terms of results, Fujitora admired his character and naturally didn't want to oppose the Revolutionary Army.
Rowen responded resolutely to this question, "If that day comes, he will naturally withdraw from the Sea."
"But if he has ambitions… Issho-San, you wouldn't spare a ruthless warlord who doesn't value human life, would you?"
"Of course not!"
Fujitora stated firmly, speaking with great solemnity, "If we manage to accomplish such a thing, and Dragon refuses to let go, I'll be the first to prevent him from going astray!"
"Very well!"
Rowen was very satisfied with this response and raised his teacup.
"So, Issho-San, do you agree to form an alliance with me?"
"Naturally!"
Issho also raised his cup, using tea instead of alcohol.
Bang! Rumble!
Dazzling thunderlight poured in from the window, illuminating Rowen's tall figure. Even though Issho was physically stronger and bulkier than Rowen, in the face of the shadow cast by Rowen, he appeared insignificant.
"Next, we'll wait for the Hundred Beast Pirates' counterattack… The Yonko Pirates haven't been challenged for too long. It seems the world has forgotten who the strongest force in the Sea is!"
"Haha… Hahaha!"
The arrogant and domineering laughter of the antagonist echoed on the spacious second floor of the palace. Then, thunder rumbled, drowning it in the awe-inspiring and earth-shaking thunder.
Fujitora didn't know what words to use to describe Rowen, but he knew his current choice was not wrong.
"Yonko, huh? Interesting…"
End of the Chapter.
—
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