Capone Bege’s heart turned cold instantly. Before Rowen could even look at him, he quickly waved his hand and said, “Wait! Vice Admiral Rowen, I think we can talk about this!”
“Talk? Sorry, I don’t think that’s going to be necessary,” Rowen sneered as he continue to speak. “You have only two choices, Capone Bege… Surrender or Die, or perhaps you can do both?”
If it was Sengoku giving the orders, there might be a chance for negotiation, but reality wasn’t a hypothetical. If Sengoku gave such an order, Rowen wouldn’t dare to disobey. At least, not until he was sure he could beat Sengoku, Rowen believed in being… true to himself! That was what mattered most!
‘These were three choices, right?! Surrender and then die, what kind of ghost option was that?!’ Bege’s mouth twitched as he thought about the choices he had been given.
But he didn’t dare to point out Rowen’s phrasing. Taking a deep breath, Bege said, “Vice Admiral Rowen, perhaps you don’t know, but Capone Family’s business is a legally protected operation under government law!”
“If you want to investigate me, please present an investigation order!”
Since beating Rowen was definitely impossible, Bege had to try to suppress him with momentum and logic… Roen saw that Bege’s left eyelid was suddenly pushed open like a door, and a small person inside threw out a white contract.
The little person turned around and saw Rowen staring at them curiously, and immediately closed the door in fright.
Bo!
The paper contract, a little bigger than a sesame seed, rapidly grew in size during its descent. By the time it landed in Bege’s hand, it was wider than a child’s body and Bege carefully handed the contract to Rowen.
“This is a military trade contract signed by the World Government. I have submitted 30% of my annual income to them on time! You can verify the specific amount, but I wouldn’t dare to deceive you!”
Rowen: “…”
F*ck!
No one dared to forge the World Government’s seal. That was a crime almost as serious as attacking a Celestial Dragon! So, the stamps on the contract told Rowen that this contract was genuine!
Bege handed over 30% of his annual income to the World Government, and in return, the government recognized the legality of his business. Additionally, there was a third party acting as a witness: “Gold Emperor” Gild Tesoro!
The leader of “Golden City” and the mastermind behind the world’s largest bank, Gild Tesoro.
Holding this contract, Rowen’s long-standing doubts were finally answered.
In the “Most Chaotic Sea” of the West Blue, with warlords everywhere and constant conflicts, how could Capone Bege, who had no remarkable background or outstanding abilities, dominate the underground arms market in the West Blue at such a young age and lose interest in land wars to become a pirate?
Did he really think everyone in the West Blue was a pushover?
He was no idiot!
But with this contract, everything changed. After all, having an officially recognized businessman meant having the means to make illegal arms dealers bow down.
The World Government coveted the profits from the arms trade, so they supported it in exchange for a share of the earnings. This move was truly unexpected and left Rowen dumbfounded!
Furthermore, he even considered the deeper implications of such a corporation. The sustained chaos in the West Blue might have intentional factors from the government at each point in time.
“Dirty Politicians!” Rowen muttered as he looked at the contract. Sengoku didn’t know this, so he agreed to Rowen’s proposal of attacking Bege. Now that the truth was before him and left Rowen stunned.
This was no longer just about a weapons smuggler; it involved the World Government. If Capone Bege went to report him now, he would have more than enough reason to lodge a complaint against him.
Seeing Rowen’s expression change, Bege breathed a sigh of relief.
It was good that Rowen felt wary, and it was good that he felt wary of them. Bege took out a cigar from a box with a pleased expression on his face and handed it to Rowen. After lighting it, he smiled and said, “I know Vice Admiral Rowen may think my business is shady, and it’s your duty to deal with me. I understand… I am also a straightforward person and absolutely won’t mind your actions!”
“Hmm… and then?” Rowen took a drag from the cigar, looking at it in surprise.
This was a high-end product he couldn’t find much with Zephyr! Truly he cursed the wealthy tycoon from the bottom of his heart!
“Since that’s the case, can you make them stop outside for a while?” Bege cautiously suggested, “After all, Capone Island is the root of the Capone Mafia Family and the symbol of the Capone Family.”
Rowen’s thoughts raced as he glanced at Bege, who was all smiles and nodded.
“Indeed, since the government recognizes your legitimacy, there’s no reason for me or the Shichibukai to exterminate you.”
Rowen was warning Bege not to think he could threaten him just because he was legal. Bege was legal, and so were they. Everyone was legal, so he should just swallow the loss and behave!
As expected, Bege’s face immediately changed when he heard this.
Even if he harbored a lot of resentment in his heart, he didn’t dare to openly accuse the Shichibukai.
Legitimate trading rights were not the same as the legitimate right to plunder. One was a scholar, and the other was a soldier; one was a merchant, and the other was a thief… How could you reason with them?
They had a big fist, and if they punched you, you deserved it!
At this critical time when the World Government needed the Shichibukai to stabilize people’s hearts, Bege’s appeal wouldn’t be taken seriously.
“I understand, I understand… After all, it’s all a big misunderstanding!” Bege put on a false smile while he cursed Rowen in his heart.
Sure enough, just like the reports said, this Vice Admiral Rowen was absolutely not an easy-to-deal-with general!
“That’s good. I will take care of it outside and try to mediate…” Rowen said, taking a drag from his cigar.
“Thank you for the trouble, Vice Admiral Rowen! After this… um, this way, Vice Admiral Rowen!”
After speaking, the two of them left, seemingly understanding each other without speaking.
As for the dead Vito, Bege didn’t spare him another glance. At this moment, the Den Den Mushi, which had been ignored all this time, suddenly trembled and spoke.
“Vice Admiral Rowen, if I report Bege to you, could you plead with the Fleet Admiral on my behalf?”
“I really don’t want to be pushed to Impel Down!”
“Huh?!”
In an instant, both Bege and Rowen had a change in their expressions. Rowen was extremely delighted, while Bege was furious.
Before Shiloros could explain the specific reasons, Bege’s body opened small doors one by one, and the little people aimed their artillery at the surroundings, pulling the triggers.
Bang… Bang… Boom!
(End of this chapter)
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