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It's a well-known fact among many fans that the headquarters of the Revolutionary Army is located on the "White Soil Island" of Baltigo. However, for the indigenous people of this world, Dragon's hideout has always been a mystery.
Some even doubted the existence of a Revolutionary Army headquarters altogether.
Because not even a shred of useful information has ever been found.
However, Sengoku didn't share this skepticism.
Coming from the Marines, with his vast knowledge, Dragon dared to raise the banner of rebellion against the government, naturally understanding the importance of a centralized headquarters for the Revolutionary Army.
But because Dragon knew the Marines and the government too well, understanding their every move, their searches repeatedly failed.
"Is this information confirmed, Fleet Admiral?"
Standing at the helm of the headquarters, Admiral Akainu stood up, silencing the noisy chatter with his intense gaze.
It wasn't that he didn't understand hierarchy; it was just that the matter was of great importance and allowed no room for error.
For Akainu's doubts, which were also shared by everyone else, Sengoku remained calm, wearing an expression that seemed to say, "I knew you would ask."
"Take a look. These are the photos sent by our informant."
Sengoku reached into a drawer in front of him and pulled out a stack of printed photos, distributing them to everyone.
Rowen held his own copy, looking at the militia training in a large playground, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
"I didn't expect Fujitora to have such a knack for gathering information!"
Yes, he was the informant, but it was Fujitora who handed the information over to Sengoku.
Rowen didn't want to explain to Sengoku how he knew about the location of the Revolutionary Army headquarters, when he found out, why he didn't mention it earlier, and other troublesome questions...
Ever since the incident where Dragon disrupted Teach's plans in the New World, Rowen while recovering from his injuries, had secretly sent Fujitora to search for Baltigo, preparing for future confrontations.
It was a difficult mission.
As an unknown, impoverished, and unheard-of individual from a non-Allied Kingdom Member, many large-scale chambers of commerce didn't have a Log Pose pointing to Baltigo.
The Marine Headquarters definitely had sea maps marking it, but what excuse could Rowen use to access the information?
Nami's dream was to draw a sea map of the entire world. In this world where technology was lacking, a detailed map was more valuable than Seastone in terms of strategic assets!
Each request to access it had to be recorded.
Therefore, this was an irregular mission with unknown difficulty.
But if the "Benevolent Hero" Fujitora wanted to do something, the people who benefited from his kindness would gladly lay down their lives for him. Even if there was no difficulty, they would create one just to help him. He was the best person for the job.
Previously, from Law's mouth, Rowen learned that Robin had been knocked away by a Kuma. Sorting through the known clues, he roughly guessed Dragon's intentions.
The stolen data probably contained a lot of ancient text they couldn't decipher, so they needed a scholar who could help decipher it, hence the decision to take Nico Robin.
In this regard, Rowen could only sigh. Dragon, who came from the Marines, truly understood the principle of "high walls, deep granaries, slow kingship."
As the saying goes, the rabbit doesn't eat the grass near its burrow... Oops!
The most dangerous thing is also the safest. Even he and the Marines didn't discover Robin's whereabouts near Moria, but Dragon knew all along. He just didn't act, not wanting to alert the enemy.
This kind of handling had a strong Marine flavor to it, making Rowen, who was familiar with the way Marine spies operated, couldn't help but feel that Sengoku and the others were nurturing a tiger to their own detriment.
Just one photo of a small-town training militia wasn't enough to serve as evidence. Even the presence of the instructor, "Fish-Man" Hak, who was training these people, wouldn't cause much more than surprise since he wasn't listed in any wanted posters.
But in the distance of the photo, on the second-floor balcony adjacent to the playground, the two figures chatting and laughing caught everyone's attention.
One was a chubby man in luxurious silk robes, and the other had only half his face visible, but anyone present could easily recognize him...
Monkey D. Dragon!
"The chubby man's name is Andrew Morley, the mayor of Jasmine Town in Baltigo. This photo comes from a local newspaper... According to reports, after Jasmine Town was invaded by bandits, the militia was trained by bodyguards arranged by a businessman named 'Venus' who operates domestically."
At this point, Sengoku's lips curled up, sighing, "Dragon hid really well!"
"Even the locals in Baltigo have no idea about their true identities, so it's no wonder we couldn't find them."
Because in the eyes of anyone other than those in the know, there was simply no one named Monkey D. Dragon there!
There was only a businessman from Venus who operated in all directions domestically.
Because he was a businessman! What else do they do besides running around to make a profit?
"That's great!"
Akainu exclaimed, pounding the table in excitement. "So, even if Baltigo isn't the headquarters of the Revolutionary Army, it's definitely an important stronghold for them. Otherwise, Dragon wouldn't have stayed there for so long."
"Yes, that's precisely why I called you all here!"
Sengoku nodded solemnly, looking at the Marine Pillars of State in the office, and said earnestly, "Launching a surprise attack on Baltigo will be a tough battle! Do you all have the confidence to take it down?!"
"Yes!!!"
Including Rowen, all the Vice Admirals stood up in a neat salute, answering loudly.
"Very well, I'll now arrange the manpower."
"Chaton, Mehnard, Dalmatian!"
"Here!"
"The three of you, as add-ons to the Headquarters Giant Species Vice Admirals, will immediately set off for the New World G-5 Branch to support the front lines."
"Understood..."
The conference room fell silent for a moment, then there were feeble responses.
"Well, cheer up, you two! We're all quite old now, so let's leave the opportunities for young people to shine."
Chaton said, nudging Rowen with his eyes.
Rowen gave him a thumbs-up!
With this arrangement, Chaton was basically out of the running for Admiral, provided he didn't mess up himself. Sengoku, considering various factors, probably also saw this, hence why he sent him to the New World.
Ignoring the subtle gestures below, Sengoku continued, "Large-scale military operations are easily leaked and discovered by them, so we need to settle things quickly on Baltigo."
"Tsuru, Momousagi, Rowen, Vice Admiral Momonga, you'll bring the Aircraft Force and set off. Surround and eliminate from all sides, making sure not to let anyone escape!"
"Understood!"
That's the reason Rowen had to hand over the information.
Firstly, as the overall Dictate of the Aircraft Force, he was the highest-ranking Dictate of the Aircraft Force, and in certain situations, even Sengoku's orders didn't override his.
Too many Battleships couldn't be mobilized to besiege the Revolutionary Army to avoid leaking information, so the likelihood of him, as the overall Dictate, being deployed was extremely high.
Secondly, his deployment to the New World would only add fuel to the fire, so did Sengoku send him there out of boredom? Was it amusing to turn Kanto stew into tempura?
However, after his Awakening, Rowen's strength was comparable to an Admiral's, so leaving him at the Headquarters would be a bit of a waste, leaving little room for choice.
Finally...
After saluting, Rowen looked up and met Momousagi's warm gaze, his mouth twitching.
Well, sometimes it's not so great when women are too strong-willed.
Just look at it this way, if Momousagi wasn't so assertive, she should have been the one going to the New World frontline this time, and Rowen would stay at Headquarters. Tsuru obviously supports Momousagi taking the lead, otherwise she wouldn't need to step out of the door.
But because of Momousagi's influence, she willingly puts herself in the field... which forces Sengoku to bring himself along to maintain balance.
With such great achievements, if Momousagi solidifies her position, it won't be so easy for Sengoku to push Rowen into higher positions in the future.
After the Devil Fruit Awakening incidents, Marine isn't lacking in skilled individuals, what they lack is military merit, it's all about accumulation!
Give Momousagi another two years of practice time, even if the story repeats itself, Fujitora and Ryokugyu wouldn't be able to become Admirals overnight.
But, the outcome is still pretty good!
Rowen smiled innocently while Momousagi snorted and turned her head away, refusing to look at him.
The only issue is...
"I think Rowen's strength is not weaker than mine now, but after all, he's younger and lacks experience! Considering the gravity of the situation, Fleet Admiral, it's better for me to go, and he can handle things at Headquarters, right?"
Akainu crossed his arms, lowering his baseball cap, making it hard to see his eyes.
Rowen: "..."
The office fell into silence, everyone turning their heads, looking worried.
Oh my goodness! Even Akainu is being reasonable now!!!
(End of this chapter)