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"What did you just say?!!"
West Blue, Kano Country.
Rowen, who was seated across from the small Nation Lord enjoying tea, was stunned, holding the Den Den Mushi in disbelief.
"What did you just say?!!"
New World, [The Red Force].
Shanks dropped his roast meat on the ground, staring in shock at Mihawk with an astonished expression on his face.
"What did you just say?!!"
Grand Line, First Half. Ace, who had been tracking Teach to this point, looked bewildered and confused, grabbing the collar of a passerby with his mouth agape.
"No… it wasn't me who said it."
"It was reported by World Economy News!"
The passerby was almost in tears, terrified of being targeted by pirates for just discussing current events.
Ace: "…"
Everyone who knew Ace's true identity, upon seeing the newspaper or being informed, displayed the same incredulous expression.
This included… even Ace himself!
I've been captured by the Marines and am about to be publicly executed?
How did I not know about this?!
However, only a few were actually in the know.
To the outside world, the Marine's intention to publicly execute the Pirate King's heir was a powerful counterattack against the newly risen age of pirates!
It was a message to those who, emboldened by Sanko's arrival in the New World, believed their era had just begun, that their time was over. Anyone defying the tide of history would crumble before the justice of the iron cavalry.
Naturally, the forces supporting the Marines were cheering and spreading the news.
Meanwhile, the pirates were seething with anger, cursing the execution's failure in secret.
No matter what one thought of Roger, he was the symbol of the era of pirates… His heir could die at sea, in schemes and conspiracies, or even early death— it would be indifferent.
But he could not die at the hands of the Marines!
The impact on morale would be devastating!
Those not living in this era could not understand the pressure the Marines exerted on pirates.
Some more radical individuals even secretly banded together, planning a major action to prevent the execution from being carried out.
Upon learning of this, Kuma retreated into the laboratory under the pretense of needing to recover from injuries.
At this moment, Kuma was also quite anxious.
This is serious!
Why is the news spreading so fast?
Do you Marines react to every rumor?
Aren't you going to investigate whether he is really Roger's son?
I don't know anything, okay?
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
In the Fleet Admiral's office, Sengoku took some time to meet a guest. With a smile on his face, he said cheerfully:
"Colonel Shepherd, your success in capturing Roger's heir is greatly attributed to you. The Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) has already issued a commendation. I believe you will soon be promoted to Vice Admiral."
"Oh, not at all, it's all thanks to Fleet Admiral's foresight!"
The balding man in his fifties did not dare to take too much credit. After spending nearly a year in prison, he finally understood what real power meant.
Power is only genuine when it is substantial.
The powerless are merely shells.
Back in G-10, Shepherd was imprisoned for "mistakenly" entering a Marine branch without prior notice, and it took many connections to eventually get out.
The main reason was that Rowen had not taken any action against him afterward. As an insignificant figure, Rowen had no time to target him, which allowed Shepherd to escape.
Now, Shepherd sincerely said: "If it weren't for the Fleet Admiral's foresight in keeping the Marines stationed at Baterilla Island, I wouldn't have had the chance to make contributions with my guilty status."
"Thanks to the Fleet Admiral, I have today's success. At least half of the credit goes to the Fleet Admiral."
It was indeed a coincidence, as Shepherd did not dare to stay in Grand Line due to past events.
Even the Marine's Soryu (Azure Dragon), whom CP0's Rob Lucci was afraid of, was not someone a mere Headquarter prosecutor like him could confront.
So, after leaving prison, Shepherd promptly applied to serve in the Four Seas and eventually arrived at South Blue's Baterilla Island.
When he learned that even a Shichibukai-level monster like Kuma had been severely injured, Shepherd was very frightened, fearing that pirates might come back to attack.
Kuma had nearly lost his life blocking one attack; facing him would mean certain death for Shepherd.
Thus, fearing a counterattack from the enemy, Shepherd reported the still-uncertain situation as a confirmed fact, which, as expected, drew the Gorōsei's attention and led to the dispatch of a large army for protection.
Shepherd had a moment of unease, wondering if something had gone wrong.
But as the news spread, he began to doubt himself.
Could it be… possibly… maybe…
Have I really captured Roger's heir?!
Otherwise, why would the pirates be so agitated?
So, Shepherd got carried away.
To this day, Shepherd firmly believed he had captured Roger's heir.
Hearing him say this, Sengoku felt greatly reassured.
Look at this! What a level of ideological awareness?!
Someone named Aokiji, Kizaru, Akainu, or Kizaru, all of them should come and see this!
Yes, and especially that guy named Akainu, especially you!
Don't cause trouble and then make me take the blame. Only when you achieve results will you remember me.
This is the kind of subordinate I want!
Please give me a dozen more like this!
With this achievement, retirement and the Glory Medal are already a sure thing!
Perfect!
"Heh heh heh, your accomplishments are your own. As Fleet Admiral, how could I claim credit for them?"
Sengoku said sternly, while Shepherd, seeing through the pretense but not commenting, saluted and admitted his mistake.
Knock, knock, knock!
"Report!"
"Come in…"
Taking advantage of Supercharged Travel's speed, Rowen was the first to return. As he walked into the office, Shepherd nearly collapsed to the ground.
However, Rowen had no time to acknowledge him. After exchanging a glance with Sengoku to signal that his mission was complete, he took his usual seat.
Soon, one by one, the Vice Admirals from Headquarters arrived and took their places in the office.
Except for those who were unable to leave due to ongoing missions, almost everyone was present.
"Oh my, it's quite lively today."
Aokiji walked into the office, yawning. He scanned the Marine elite in the room, then hesitated for a moment before sitting next to Rowen.
At first, Rowen didn't understand why Aokiji would bother to get closer to him.
But it didn't take long for Rowen to realize Aokiji's intention.
When Akainu and Kizaru entered the office, they looked at the single remaining spot between Aokiji and Shepherd. For a moment, no one spoke.
Only silence and curious glances were exchanged, with everyone focusing their attention on Shepherd.
Shepherd: "…"
I must have met a fake Aokiji!
Rowen's mouth twitched uncontrollably.
Although there were no strict rules about seating arrangements for meetings, it was clear that Admirals were the ones most qualified to sit next to Sengoku.
They symbolized the strongest combat power within the government, formidable enough to suppress an entire sea!
And they deserved their due recognition!
This is why Rowen was used to sitting in the middle, leaving the front spots open.
Acting Admirals weren't the same as full Admirals.
Generally speaking, when one Admiral confirmed their position, the other two would default to the remaining seats, with only the order differing.
But now, with Aokiji sitting in the third spot and Shepherd filling the space in front of him, the remaining seat in the middle created an awkward situation!
"That's quite a ruthless move, Admira Aokijil." Rowen leaned in and whispered.
"Same to you, Vice Admiral Soryu."
Aokiji yawned indifferently, rubbing his tousled hair, and turned his drowsy eyes to Shepherd, saying, "I just heard some unpleasant rumors, so I wanted to test him a bit."
"Oh?"
Rowen's eyes narrowed as he began to form a guess.
(End of Chapter)