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Half a month later, at Marine Headquarters in Marineford.
With a swift cut from the executioner's blade, a head filled with confusion and fear flew into the air, with blood spilling over the execution platform and still warm.
Jason's crimes were not deadly, but he was a pirate, born on Baterilla Island.
In the dominant theme of the era, the government executed pirates without hesitation, regardless of the severity of their crimes.
And the same goes for the reverse.
Even the deeply beloved "Marine Hero" Garp, no matter how many merits he had earned for the people, would be targeted by pirates if given the chance.
This is the Pirate Era!
A chaotic era where right and wrong are irrelevant, and only position and power matter!
The public execution had concluded, but the ensuing turmoil was just beginning!
In the Headquarters reception room, Sengoku methodically arranged his speech and read from it.
"...After a thorough investigation, we found that the person who arrested Jason, Colonel Shepherd, is highly suspicious. The information provided is falsified, without any concrete evidence, and are purely personal speculation."
"...Nonsense, the Nibelung Family is one of the most pure-blooded Celestial Dragons Families!"
"Orrick's aim was merely to create chaos and spread lies!"
"Think about it— doesn't his action seem to deliberately provoke conflict between pirates and the government? Who stands to benefit in the end?"
"That's right, the real culprit is... the Revolutionary Army!"
"...Why did the Soryu appear in the forbidden Pangaea City? Do you know what Pangaea City is? Why are you so certain that if you can't enter, no one else can?"
No matter how the public perceived it, the wave of unrest had to be addressed.
Make a big deal out of a small issue, and trivialize the big ones.
In short, Sengoku's responses were all about twisting the facts, avoiding key issues— he was truly a master debater!
The Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) had recently been busy aiding the Celestial Dragons... with detoxifying?
So they handed the matter over entirely to the Marine.
Standing in front of Bay Port, Rowen watched the Qilin ship returning for repairs and suddenly turned to say, "Welcome back, Admiral Aokiji. How did the mission go?"
"Well... there probably won't be any issues."
On the cobblestone path, Aokiji, pushing his bicycle, came over slowly. He then stopped, resting his right hand on the bike and rubbing his head with his left hand. "So, what exactly happened?"
"I saw the news in Alabasta and thought Morgans was going to declare himself king! Later, I realized it was real, so I rushed back."
Traveling from Alabasta to Marine Headquarters on a bicycle within half a month... It wasn't about how fast he was pedaling, but rather how low he was flying!
Why not just fly to the sky?!
Rowen stared in horror at the nondescript bicycle. In front of this bike, even the Warships began to look weak!
"As for the details, you'll have to wait until the Fleet Admiral is done dealing with those reporters to tell you... I can only say it's quite complicated, and it's not something that can be resolved quickly."
"But... Alabasta?"
Rowen suddenly remembered something and asked, "Has the pirate crisis in Alabasta been resolved?"
Before the Marine and BIG·MOM officially went to war, due to Cobra's weakness, Alabasta had been overrun by pirates, and the territory was almost lost.
Rowen only remembered that Koza, Princess Vivi's childhood friend, became a member of the Resistance and began reclaiming lost lands with his ragtag army.
"It's been resolved... Oh, right!"
Aokiji's mouth twitched as he chewed on the seemingly sophisticated term "eating melon," and suddenly remembered something. "Colonel Smoker played a significant role there. He should be rewarded when he returns."
He nodded and repeated with certainty.
"Yes, he definitely will."
Since the government would never publicize the role played by any Straw Hat Pirates in the restoration of the country, Smoker, who had been tailing... no, tracking them, became the perfect candidate to be credited for this achievement.
Just in time, the government also needed some positive news to offset the embarrassment caused by the public execution.
"Indeed, the plot is still following the original route, isn't it?"
Rowen pondered silently.
A few days ago, he noticed that Luffy's bounty had increased. Given the timing, it was just when they had arrived in Alabasta.
This led to a guess that Aokiji's answer confirmed his suspicion.
Such a terrifying convergence!
Even if the plot had been messed up, the growth path of "Child of Destiny"
Monkey·D·Luffy could not be interfered with by anyone.
In fact, the Alabasta in the original story, with just Crocodile, was less dangerous than the current pirate-infested Alabasta.
Successfully resolving Alabasta's crisis would only make the Straw Hats' growth even more terrifying!
"Oh right, how's Vice Admiral Garp doing recently?"
Rowen looked up, puzzled. "What's going on? He's eating and drinking as usual, except he's not allowed to take leave. Everything else is the same."
"Really?!"
Aokiji looked perplexed and rubbed his head. "He asked me to help suppress his grandson Luffy's influence, but with the big news they've stirred up this time, I don't have many good ways to handle it."
"After all, it involves the 'Devil Child' Nico·Robin and the Nefertari Family. The news can't be suppressed."
**"He actually... didn't get scolded?!"**
Aokiji summarized in disbelief.
Rowen: "Pfft!!!"
There are so many points of contention!
But...
"Nico Robin?!"
"You mean that Nico Robin who joined the Revolutionary Army? What was she doing in Alabasta?"
In the original story, Crocodile, being the only hope to access the Poneglyph, made Robin's presence in Alabasta understandable, given her life had been nearly empty for the past twenty years, having found nothing after leaving Ohara.
But now, with the backing of the Revolutionary Army, why is she still in Alabasta?
Wasn't the Poneglyph there already taken by Aokiji when Crocodile fell?
"Could the Revolutionary Army be making big moves in Alabasta?!"
"I don't know. I rushed back to personally report this to the Fleet Admiral... Can you check how the press conference is progressing?"
Rowen snapped out of his daze after two seconds, nodded, and listened carefully.
"…That concludes all the content I can address at this press conference. I hope everyone will not be swayed by provocateurs and make statements that could affect our unity."
Sengoku stood up and saluted the crowd.
"Now, the meeting is adjourned!"
Wow, Sengoku managed to turn the press conference into a battle briefing, threatening the reporters like sea stars... Rowen twitched his mouth as he listened to it all and nodded to Aokiji.
"It just ended. You should be able to find him in his office now."
"Thanks, then... see you, Rowen."
Aokiji yawned, waved his hand, and walked off, pushing his bicycle step by step.
"Salute!"
The soldiers by the roadside saw him and quickly put down their work, standing at attention and saluting to show their respect.
Rowen watched him leave, paused for a moment in silence, and took out the Den Den Mushi.
"Lord Zero, I have an important piece of information that could help you secure a wonderful retirement. Would you be interested?"
On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, Masked Zero was dealing with post-resignation handover tasks. Upon hearing this, he covered the microphone and nodded towards the assistant who was organizing files in the office.
After they closed the door, Zero sighed and said, "Vice Admiral Soryu, you helping me avoid trouble would be the greatest assistance."
"Ah, that's not true! We've known each other for years. When have I ever wronged you?! On the contrary, your several acts of kindness have been deeply remembered."
Zero: "..."
Please!
Don't hang onto that!
You indeed haven't wronged me, but that's because everyone you wronged is long gone, completely gone!
Can't you have a bit of self-awareness?
Zero wanted to shout this out but, considering the other party was a First Grade Glory Medal holder, even with the Celestial Dragons, he continued to smile bitterly. "Then... Vice Admiral Soryu, please go on."
"But I must say, I've already gradually transferred my authority to Zero. In the future, CP0 will only have Zero, so the help I can offer Vice Admiral Aokiji is limited."
"Don't worry, it won't require many resources. As long as Lord Zero stands up at a crucial moment and explains everything you've seen, that will be enough."
So it goes, just like that.
Zero: "…"
"I'm hanging up now. Just pretend nothing happened, okay?"
"Hehe!"
Rowen's expression was relaxed. "Naturally, you can... try."
Damn!!
Bang...!!!
At that moment, a thunderous roar suddenly echoed from above the Headquarters fortress.
The dazzling Buddhist Light illuminated the entire floor, and the terrifying aura like an abyss pressed down on the reporters who hadn't left yet, making them shiver with fear.
"Garp! Get over here!!"
Watching the reporters tremble like frightened quails, Rowen hung up the phone and blinked over to help them up. "Calm down, calm down."
"The Fleet Admiral has a few days a month when he's irritable. Just get used to it."
Reporters: "…"
I think, with a subordinate like you around, wouldn't his temper be anything but irritable?!
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(End of Chapter)
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