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Reorganizing the Assassination Force was undoubtedly something that the previous government would never have allowed.
It was a compromise, one that involved preserving the pride of the Celestial Dragons.
But it happened, signaling that the government had indeed started to change.
So then… what is the purpose of our existence?
To manipulate the people and rebel for power?
Dragon fell into deep thought.
Absolutely not!
The Revolutionary Army was never about selfish gain!
If there were no oppression in the world, they would rather disband immediately than provoke conflict just to justify their existence.
So then...
Should they preserve some remnants, as Rowen suggested?
No, that wouldn't work either!
Dragon was even more distrustful of the government and the Celestial Dragons than Rowen imagined... Wait a minute!
Celestial Dragons?!
Dragon's pupils suddenly contracted.
How had Rowen bypassed the Celestial Dragons?
That towering force over everyone's heads—who could guarantee that they wouldn't continue to act with impunity?
Unless…
Thinking of a certain possibility, Dragon's mind shook violently.
"It seems Soryu (Azure Dragon) has been hiding a lot of information!!"
He had long known that Rowen was not to be underestimated.
The man's ambition and boldness had left a deep impression on Dragon ever since Rowen had refused to reveal Kuma's true nature.
But he never imagined Rowen would make such a bold move!
Don't ask for proof—Dragon just believed that whatever the truth was, this man before him was somehow pulling the strings behind the scenes.
As countless thoughts raced through his mind, Dragon composed himself and, appearing weary, said, "You've won, Vice Admiral Soryu."
"But just as you said, I don't trust you!"
Before Rowen could celebrate, Dragon's words pulled him back to reality.
"So?"
"So, please leave!"
Dragon replied irritably, "Whether the government has changed as you claim, I believe my comrades will see with their own eyes and make the right decision."
"It's not over yet— the show has just begun!"
In other words, Dragon wasn't thinking from the perspective of the Revolutionary Army's leader anymore. He was leaving the decision to those who followed and trusted in their judgment.
Tch!
As expected of Dragon.
Seeing this, Rowen felt a sense of regret in his heart. This kind of man truly had grand ideals, but his convictions—or rather, his stubbornness—could not be easily shaken, no matter how dire the situation.
Unless he witnessed it firsthand, all the words in the world would be meaningless.
Rowen knew this all too well.
"Alright then... In that case, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
With a cold smile, Rowen stood up, tossed his cigar to the ground, and crushed it underfoot. "Everyone has to pay for their choices. Instead of hoping for forgiveness afterward, it's wiser to hesitate a bit more when making decisions."
"I'll make sure that before you die, you witness the day the Revolutionary Army falls, Dragon."
With that, Rowen shook his head, flung his Justice cape over his shoulder, and walked out.
Since Dragon wouldn't cooperate, Rowen would have to use his own methods to gradually dismantle the threat of the Revolutionary Army.
How could he tolerate others snoring beside his bed?
The Revolutionary Army, with its goal to overthrow and rebuild the government, was something Rowen would never allow to exist.
As Rowen left, Dragon silently clenched his fists.
So it's finally happening, Soryu!
If you can pull it off, then we... will accept death!
But if you can't... the will of freedom and the flames of resistance will never die!
...
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
"So, you didn't get anything out of him?" Sengoku frowned as he asked.
"No, there was something worthwhile."
Rowen shook his head, exhaling a puff of smoke. "At least from his reactions, it's clear that the contingencies Dragon set up depend heavily on the situation at the time... And everything that happened after his capture undoubtedly disrupted— or even inadvertently sabotaged— the Revolutionary Army's expansion. That's something Dragon could never have anticipated."
"Indeed..."
Sengoku nodded, contemplating.
After all, who could have predicted that Rowen, after his Awakening, would be so perfectly attuned to the Goro Goro no Mi (Thunder-Thunder Fruit), skipping the initial buildup phase and entering the second stage of fusion, which, combined with his near-immortal traits, allowed him to decisively kill BIG MOM?
And who could have foreseen that Orrick would betray the government at that precise moment, stirring up big news and causing turmoil in the seas?
If anyone had that kind of foresight, Dragon's capture would never have happened... Remaining free outside would have been far more valuable than being locked away in Impel Down.
"Additionally, through my conversation with Dragon, I discovered a secret!"
"Hmm? What is it?"
Sengoku perked up, intrigued.
"I believe we have a traitor among us, someone colluding with the Revolutionary Army!"
Sengoku: "..."
He really wanted to punch someone!
Isn't that obvious?!
The organization has expanded to such an extent that it would be a miracle if the enemy hadn't infiltrated and planted spies! It's not just the openly visible Marines; even within the secretive Revolutionary Army, the government has its own agents embedded.
However, these agents currently hold low-ranking positions and haven't been able to access any core information, which is why they haven't taken any action yet.
"No, no, no, I'm not talking about us; I'm talking about someone higher up... and their position must be quite significant!"
Noticing the killing intent in Sengoku's eyes, Rowen, driven by a strong survival instinct, quickly added, "Don't you find it strange, Fleet Admiral? During the public execution, there was a huge commotion at sea, yet not a single Revolutionary Army member stepped forward to disrupt it."
The only major incident was when a member of an allied kingdom declared independence, and even that happened before the public execution, which prompted Aokiji to personally handle the situation.
"It's as if they knew there was something fishy about the public execution and deliberately avoided it."
"You mean to say that this mole holds a high position within the government?"
Sengoku quickly grasped the implication and frowned.
"Who could it be?"
"I suspect... it's one of the Shichibukai!"
Rowen replied solemnly.
*Gasp...!!*
Sengoku sharply inhaled.
Indeed, the Shichibukai, as a special group, hold a significant position within the government. At the same time, since they are essentially pirates, their trustworthiness is questionable.
Additionally, they tend to act independently, rarely following government directives beyond fulfilling their contractual obligations, making them prime suspects.
"Don't let this leak out. If the Assassination Force is short on personnel, you can put other tasks on hold. Investigating the Shichibukai's true nature should be the top priority. Understood?"
"Yes!"
Rowen responded with a serious expression, saluting in acknowledgment of the mission.
*Bang!*
At that moment, the office door was forcefully pushed open, and Tsuru walked in with a grim expression. Seeing the two engaged in conversation, she spoke up, "Something big has happened, you two!"
Rowen: "..."
Sengoku: "..."
Exhausted, Sengoku rubbed his temples and asked seriously, "What is it?"
"Saint Orpheus Charlos... is dead!"
"It was a targeted assassination!"
*Crash!*
Sengoku knocked over his chair and barely managed to steady himself by grabbing the desk, and raising his head with bloodshot eyes.
"What did you say?!"
...
Saint Orpheus Charlos... Rowen had to dig deep into his memory to recall the name.
"Has Tesoro finally made his move?"
Standing at the bow of the Qilin, with the sea breeze rustling his cloak, Rowen silently pondered.
"But why him?"
"Vice Admiral Soryu, the incident occurred in the G-10 branch's waters. I believe you'll need to give the government an explanation."
Bald Zero approached from behind. Unlike the masked agents in white suits flanking him, his face was always exposed, and now his expression was so dark that he looked ready to tear someone apart.
Rowen frowned slightly, unable to understand where Bald Zero's hostility toward him was coming from.
Just as Rowen was about to speak, Ain, unable to hold back any longer, coldly interjected.
"Whether the incident falls under G-10's jurisdiction is still unclear. The body was simply found in our waters... Does Chief Zero have any evidence linking this to G-10?"
"Or perhaps, do you know something you're not telling?"
Well done, Ain!
Rowen silently praised Ain in his mind.
Bald Zero's face darkened. Such a provocative question was something he absolutely couldn't respond to.
Otherwise, whether it was slandering a First-Class Noble or withholding information, either accusation could land him in Impel Down to receive "special treatment" as the new CP0 Chief.
"You sharp-tongued little brat!"
Zero glared at Ain, gritting his teeth in frustration.
"Now's not the time to argue over who should take responsibility, Chief Zero."
After having his fun, Rowen knew when to stop. "Let's go check out the situation first."
"If this matter is indeed connected to G-10, I assure you, I'll take full responsibility."
"Hmph! Can you even afford to take responsibility?!"
Bald Zero snorted coldly, turning his head away without saying another word.
...
(End of Chapter)