After the meeting dispersed, Sengoku asked Rowen to stay back for a private discussion, addressing some crucial matters.
"Not long ago, scouts reported that Katakuri underwent Big Mom's soul interrogation and has regained trust. Whitebeard Pirates issued a statement declaring their separation from Teach, causing a significant decline in Whitebeard's prestige. Fujitora Issho officially invested in Golden City, and Tesoro contacted the leader of the Underground World for discussions on a new round of collaboration. So, Rowen, should you not tell me what exactly you are planning?" Sengoku inquired.
Though Rowen's actions seemed discreet, they couldn't escape Sengoku's watchful eyes. Throughout Marine history, their information network has been unparalleled at sea. While Rowen's activities appeared unrelated, Sengoku sensed a whiff of conspiracy.
Like Stand users, they are bound to be attracted to each other!! This saying applied equally to these two foxes.
Sengoku didn't care when Rowen had teamed up with Fujitora. The matter of Fujitora toppling Edward Weevil was no longer relevant. However, Sengoku was well aware that the young Marine before him wouldn't engage in futile endeavors.
Stirring chaos in the New World, rallying his own forces – if Rowen had no purpose, Sengoku would do a headstand on the spot!
Observing Sengoku's profound gaze, Rowen subtly curled his lips.
Finally, the time has come!
Ever since he boldly unveiled his plans with the Yami Yami No Mi (Dark-Dark Fruit) to scheme against Teach, Rowen had been prepared for Sengoku's inquiries. The matter had become too significant, attracting even Dragon's involvement. Concealing it completely was impossible.
Unexpectedly, Dragon intervened, exposing his plot to assassinate Whitebeard.
After all, in his eyes, Whitebeard posed no threat compared to Dragon.
Huh?
What if there's a war on top after Whitebeard's death?
That is none of my concern!
Rowen only devised plans at the most opportune times. With his strength, he had no need for the meager advantage of foresight from the original story.
Initially, Rowen didn't plan to kill Whitebeard. It was only Dragon's sudden visit that sparked his interest. Together with Fujitora and Dragon, he would be tempted to kill even Kaido.
However, thanks to Dragon's interference, the plan backfired.
Life is eight parts unfulfilled and nine parts suffering. That's what they say.
The two men silently locked eyes for a few minutes. Rowen calmly began, "Fleet Admiral, I aim to usher in a New Era!"
"Oh?" Sengoku raised an eyebrow, pulling out a bag of senbei. "Continue..."
"An era without Yonko, without Shichibukai, where the citizens have laws to rely on and can earn a living in a peaceful society!"
Within the Marines, not many favored the Shichibukai system. It wasn't surprising for Rowen, who could awaken Haoshoku, to express such sentiments.
Sengoku nodded, seemingly treating it as an inconsequential topic. "So, you arranged for Katakuri to return. You exploited his desire to protect his younger siblings, forcing him to sever ties with BIG·MOM. You orchestrated Teach's departure, causing a significant blow to Whitebeard's reputation..."
"That's correct."
"Nonsense!!" Bang! Sengoku suddenly slammed the table, leaving a deep palm imprint. "Do you know that solely based on everything you've done, I could kill you right now?"
"Then let the situation continue to escalate, until the day pirates run rampant, or until the Revolutionary Army counterattacks the World Government?!"
In the gleaming light, Rowen met Sengoku's gaze fearlessly, even as the imposing figure of Great Buddha manifested behind Sengoku.
From Luffy's perspective, the Pirate Era was a time full of dreams and passion, an era where young men aspired to freedom, chasing golden dreams!
But from Rowen's viewpoint, any unconstrained freedom was poison! Pirates were the tumors of this world, and tumors had to be eradicated!
The one from the Lirisk family had ambitions, Dragon had ambitions, and he too had ambitions!
Standing at the pinnacle of strength, standing at the summit of authority – to make the world submit!
Dreams?
Rowen had them too!
But his dream would become the nightmare of countless people!
Sengoku cast a deep look at him and suppressed his voice, "You're too radical, Rowen! Don't you know what the World Government stands for? Marine's duty is to uphold the rule of the World Government, not to change the world!"
"Your actions will ruin you!"
As Fleet Admiral, the fact that Sengoku could say such heartfelt words indicated that any lingering animosity toward Rowen had long dissipated.
"But doing nothing is also a slow death!" Rowen uttered a statement that furrowed Sengoku's brow, followed by a sigh.
"Moreover, I'm already on this pirate ship, and there's no way for me to disembark now."
"Huh???" Sengoku was suddenly stunned, his eyes widening, and his mouth twitching uncontrollably. After a moment of astonishment, he released a breath and sat back in his chair.
"So, it's Orrick, isn't it?"
Sengoku was well aware of the kind of person Orrick was. In recent years, the Nibelung Household, rooted in Mary Geoise, could be considered the uncrowned king, even causing the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) to consider his opinions.
As World Nobles or Celestial Dragons who had relinquished ruling authority but retained privileges, their actions had long caused considerable discontent among the upper echelons of the government.
But Orrick, as the ruthless patriarch of the Celestial Dragons, was powerful and decisive. No one could touch him.
A coup d'etat!
Suddenly, the term popped into Sengoku's mind. His brain buzzed, and he felt a bit weak in the limbs.
After a long pause, he suppressed his throat and asked, "What are you planning to do?"
"I am not planning to do anything..."
Rowen also relaxed and returned to his seat.
"I'll do whatever the orders are, regardless of whether they're fighting to the death or not."
"Moreover... strength is the fundamental factor!"
"As long as I am powerful enough, anyone who tries to move me will have to think twice before biting into this tough bone."
"Wise choice!"
Sengoku sighed in relief. He thought Rowen would actively intervene in the power struggles at the top, but Rowen had long had his own plan.
At this moment, Sengoku also understood why the Nibelung Household had been so supportive of Rowen all along.
After all, anyone with clear eyes could see that Rowen was not a small player to be trifled with. In this Marine era, where the Revolutionary Army was peeking for power and the Pirate Era had just been curbed, Rowen's current strength and status made anyone think twice before taking action against him, presenting a formidable and invaluable aid.
Therefore, Orrick had tied Rowen to his own chariot through Lirisk, using him as a bargaining chip.
This also explains the reasons behind Rowen's offenses against the Celestial Dragons in the past, without facing any voices calling for his punishment. In Orrick's eyes, Rowen was a useful tool to challenge the authority of the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars).
Rowen, on the other hand, ignored everything and followed orders. This way, both sides had no excuse to target him.
It not only preserved himself but also prevented the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) from being wary of the Marines, a wise move of appearing foolish.
And furthermore...
"In addition to your actions in the New World, making everyone at sea fear and dread you, your true purpose is not against the Yonko like Whitebeard or the Revolutionary Army. It's a way of warning those above through these actions, telling them that you have the power to overturn the table and make them act more cautiously and restrained."
Sengoku's frog-like eyes gleamed behind his glasses, the more he looked at Rowen, the more pleasing he found him.
"I see, thank you for the trouble, Rowen!"
"No need! Just find me some less trouble, old man!"
Rowen rolled his eyes, "If I hadn't beaten Lirisk in Pucci, I wouldn't have had so many troubles!"
"Am I not suffering in the middle?!"
Whether it was Jino and Crocodile's rebellion in Flower Capital, or Pucci's chaos beating Lirisk, leading him into Orrick's sight, it was all a consequence of Sengoku's earlier distrust and probing of Rowen.
If he hadn't been trapped in the quagmire, making Rowen extremely irritable, understanding that in the system, a man had no power and was difficult to move a step, he wouldn't have set ruling the world and reaching the pinnacle of power as his challenge.
At that time, Rowen was just a Rear Admiral, having been in this world for less than a year, with no foundation to speak of.
If the external pressure hadn't been too great, prompting him to stir up trouble actively, Understood being within the system, where a man had no authority, he wouldn't have challenged himself to rule the world and reach the pinnacle of power.
It's not me who's wrong; it's the world!
In other words...
Sengoku came out and took the hits!!
Of course, Sengoku was still unaware of these details, but listening to Rowen recounting the past, Sengoku, who rarely showed an old face, blushed slightly, patting his chest, "Since you've brought it up to this point, I will naturally support you. Katakuri and Teach, right? Leave the follow-up arrangements to me!"
Resourceful General Sengoku was not lacking in using his brains when it came to scheming and machinations.
"That's good. I'll take a step first..."
Sengoku was momentarily puzzled, asking, "Where are you going?"
"I am going back to confinement! This trip out doesn't count towards my restricted time!"
(End of this chapter)
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