After all, in the eyes of various factions, if even the Marines themselves shamelessly intervene, why shouldn't we be allowed to enter?
The current stability of Angel Island was indeed established on the foundation of the G-10 Branch's military suppression, but it was equally built upon the G-10 Branch's extreme reverence for Angel Island's sovereignty, leading by example.
Rowen wasn't unwilling to take action, but he simply couldn't.
Once this door was opened, it would be impossible to close it again! The atmosphere in the office was somewhat heavy. The G-10 Branch had the power and the opportunity to bring peace to Angel Island, but the cost of temporary peace was that Angel Island would be invaded by various factions.
"Is there really… no other way?" Cricket asked with a bitter smile on his face as he clenched his fists. The hard-won peace and the resolution of misunderstandings were things Cricket, as a descendant of the Mont Blanc Family, didn't want to see the land his ancestors and good friends had lived on become rampant with wickedness.
Right now, it was just smuggling, but who could guarantee that in the future, those smugglers who were dissatisfied with Gan Fall wouldn't openly rebel and force Gan Fall to step down, opening up Dial trades?
Once it reached that point, even without Marine's retaliation, more and more people would come to rely on Dial trading for their livelihoods.
Over time, generations later, the people would lose their spirit to strive and become numb, and lifeless, and Angel Island's fate would be sealed.
"No, it's actually quite easily resolved! I happen to have some matters to discuss with Gan Fall, so I'll make a trip there."
To Cricket's surprise, Rowen, who had just shown a troubled expression, had a rapidly changing expression, appearing relaxed and at ease.
…
Angel Island, Port Fair.
This port, funded by the Marines, housed a large number of Marine personnel. They were the only permitted anchorage point for the Aircraft Force in the White Sea, bearing a great responsibility, and serving as a safe haven for the Aircraft Force.
The White Sea was only ten thousand meters above sea level. Although Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki) extended upward several times more than horizontally, in the face of Rowen's unreasonable Heart Network, it still fell within Blink Range.
Zi Zi!
Faint blue electric currents flickered as Rowen appeared out of thin air in the empty space of the port. A passing patrol soldier glanced at him, then continued his patrol… only to quickly turn his head, rubbing his eyes.
"Vice Admiral Soryu!"
A slightly nervous salute echoed in the quiet port. During the time when there were no aircraft coming and going, Port Fair was extremely quiet. This shout was particularly clear, quickly grabbing everyone's attention.
After recognizing Rowen, Port Fair erupted in excitement.
"It's Vice Admiral Rowen! Quick, gather everyone!"
"Get yourselves together, everyone! A senior official rarely visits like this!"
Soon, a formation of three hundred soldiers stood neatly spread out in front of Rowen. Captain Henry, leading the formation, snapped to attention with a "thud," shouting loudly.
"Report!"
Bang!
The three hundred soldiers immediately followed, the sound of their hands hitting their foreheads echoing loudly.
Rowen's promotion to Admiral candidate, while having the same authority as a Vice Admiral, had a completely different future. As a member of the G-10 Branch, serving under such a promising senior official, the soldiers took great pride in it!
The smuggling issue in Skypiea wasn't the first time it had happened. There were even a few audacious individuals who attempted to sneak into the aircraft and safely reach the Blue Sea.
Since they also knew that the G-10 Branch had no authority to deal with them, if they were discovered, they would simply be sent back. But if they weren't discovered, wouldn't they make a huge profit?
Only Gild Tesoro and Rowen likely knew just how terrifying the true power of capital was in this world.
So, in order to suppress these audacious rogues who didn't take the Marines seriously, while Rowen was preparing for the war against the Hundred Beasts Pirate Crew, Dante sent Henry to Skypiea to manage Port Fair.
"You're all looking sharp. Well done!"
Just a casual compliment made the soldiers excited, their faces flushed. Nowadays, Rowen holds such prestige within the Marines.
"For Justice!"
The soldiers shouted in unison.
"Very good! Henry, arrange for a few people to accompany me. I'm going to meet with Gan Fall."
"Understood!"
Feeling excited, Henry rubbed his hands together, his eyes darting around. He eagerly approached Rowen and asked in a low voice, "Vice Admiral Soryu, are we going to take action?"
"I've gathered information about the Dial production sites and the layout of the Upper Yard. As long as you give the word, we can take it in a day!"
Saying this, Henry discreetly handed Rowen a scroll, and without surprise, it contained the layout of the Upper Yard.
Rowen was rather speechless. Since the looting of the Capone Mafia, Henry seemed to have flipped a switch. He used to be a straightforward soldier with realistic expectations, but now he had this kind of determination. Planning to loot Skypiea? Why not aim for the sky while you're at it?!
Er… Wait, you're already in the sky!
"Don't talk about this casually, Captain Henry. You know that just based on what you said earlier, I could send you straight to Impel Down, right?"
Rowen's voice carried a hint of severity, causing Henry to break out in a cold sweat.
"Yes, I understand, sir!"
"Alright, go select the team…"
"Understood!"
After taking a few steps, Henry realized something was amiss. Where's my map? He turned back, only to find that the scroll in Rowen's hand had long since disappeared.
Henry: "…"
No wonder I'm the big guy!!
…
The divine abode of Skypiea still stood atop the massive beanstalk of the Upper Yard. However, with deepened exchanges and the arrival of large quantities of soil, the Upper Yard was no longer exclusive to the residents of Angel Island.
After all, just like the Angel Island residents smuggling Dials, who cared about this bit of Vearth when compared to the vast expanse of the Blue Sea, dense with islands like stars?
The proactive Skypieans no longer paid attention to the Upper Yard, and naturally, the Shandians had nothing to say.
Now, the entire Shandian tribe had moved to the Island Cloud that covered the "Gold Land" Shandora, continuing to serve as guardians of their Shandora. Gan Fall didn't naively believe that the rift of four hundred years could be eliminated in just one year. After providing the necessary food and supplies, he allowed the Shandians to fend for themselves.
Under this tacit understanding, Skypiea transformed from an environment of constant conflict into a harmonious world characterized by overall peace and minor friction.
Beneath the colossal beanstalk, the God's Officer squad, having received prior notice, stood in formation. They wore light gray jumpsuits, with continuous patterns embroidered on one side.
Thankfully, perhaps to highlight the distinction between God's Officers and ordinary Skypieans, this group of muscle-bound men didn't tie their hair into twin tails.
"Vice Admiral Rowen, welcome to the Upper Yard!"
Gan Fall personally led the team, immediately welcoming Rowen and his group. He showed no arrogance as a ruler.
In today's Skypiea, where ordinary Skypieans were well acquainted with the Blue Sea, as the ruler of the Upper Yard, he was even more aware of the power and authority held by this young Marine before him.
For Skypiea, it was an absolute catastrophe!
Faced with such a huge disparity in strength, he couldn't summon any arrogance at all.
It had to be said that in most cases, older people were easier to deal with than younger ones. Wyper had once considered using violence to take over the aircraft and punish the Skypieans, but Gan Fall didn't dare entertain even a hint of such a thought.
"Gan Fall-San, your words are too heavy. To be frank, I've come here today with a favor to ask."
"Oh?"
Gan Fall narrowed his eyes. Being able to establish good relations with this Admiral candidate was definitely more advantageous than not. He immediately smiled.
"Well, if I can assist Vice Admiral Rowen, Angel Island will spare no effort!"
"Please, this way!"
(End of this chapter)
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