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“Heh… haha… Commander Kong, you’re quite the joker.”
After an awkward three seconds, Rowen thickened his skin and changed the subject: “Actually, I have a favor to ask today.”
“Don’t even think about it!” Kong shook his head immediately.
If the Marine’s Soryu (Azure Dragon) found something troublesome enough to ask him for help, Kong was 100% sure it would be a massive headache.
As for Rowen, you may find him absurd, his methods brutal, or lacking in respect, but you cannot deny his personal abilities.
No matter how tricky the task, if given to Rowen, he would make sure it was done thoroughly, reminiscent of the former Marine Assassination Force commander “Shadow Dragon”.
Yes, but the consequences could be unpredictable.
It could cause an even bigger mess, and those with weak hearts should seek medical attention immediately.
Like the incident at Impel Down…
“One trillion!”
“Hmm?”
Kong stopped in the middle of his tea and looked up.
“It’s just a small favor. As long as the Commander helps by saying a word, one trillion belly will be yours!”
One trillion! Even the Navy’s ten-year military budget isn’t that high!
In Kong’s hands, it could go a long way!
Kong’s expression remained indifferent to Rowen’s condition, but his eyes flashed with a dangerous signal: “Are you trying to bribe me, Rowen?”
“Taking money to do something improper is bribery. But this matter falls under the Commander’s jurisdiction, so it’s just a transaction.”
Rowen calmly met Kong’s gaze, unaffected by the threatening aura emanating from him.
Although they had never fought, Rowen was confident that Kong would be no match for him.
The reason was simple: Rowen was in his prime, and his regenerative powers ensured that there were no hidden injuries.
Compared to the centuries-old Kong, his advantage was considerable.
Kong had seen countless battles, rising from a Marine to his current position with a First Grade Glory Medal. He had seen it all.
Even the era when Roger, Whitebeard, and Golden Lion Shiki ruled the New World was only a passionate chapter during his tenure as Fleet Admiral, not even a third of his life.
So, like the current Zephyr, they could use their lifetime of experience to dominate Rowen under the same conditions.
But in a fight to the death, Rowen feared no one!
Unconquerable!
Seemingly intimidated by Rowen’s extreme confidence, Kong lost his composure slightly, then relaxed his arm muscles, which were as solid as rocky mountains, and raised his chin.
“A matter of duty? Let’s hear it.”
…
“Did he really say that?”
In the government headquarters building, in the room where the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) resided.
The elderly leader, Vic, was naturally sitting with the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars), looking surprised.
“Indeed.”
“Vic San, what do you think?”
The long-moustached Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) asked nonchalantly.
The Holy Land was their domain; nothing happened without their knowledge. The detailed report of Rowen’s conversation with Kong had been delivered to them immediately. Vic had just brought some refreshments and heard everything.
“He’s trying to form his own faction!”
Vic saw through everything at a glance and smiled, “How to proceed is up to you. The refreshments have been delivered, so I’ll say goodbye.”
“Alright, give our regards to Lord Imu.”
Vic nodded in acknowledgement, stood up, and left, leaving the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) room for discussion.
When he was gone, there was a moment of silence.
“What do you all think about letting Rowen form his own faction?”
“The CP organization has indeed declined over the years. Zero and Zero have to oversee CP0, and of the remaining members, only Rob Lucci shows much promise.”
“Barely showing promise means he’s not ready for major responsibility, right?”
“Rowen is still only a Vice Admiral. Is it too early to consider his own faction? Besides, the Independent Commission Against Corruption has drained too much strength from the Four Seas, and we have to consider the possibility that the Marines are understaffed.”
“So does that mean no one disagrees?”
Not opposed, just cautious.
“The Air Force and Scientific Force are unique within the Marines, but despite their significant contributions, they don’t even have a headquarters and are often compared, criticized, and even not recognized as an independent force due to their scattered nature.”
“Let’s consider this our compensation to him.”
The white curly-haired elder raised his head and said, “Besides, wasn’t the dissolution of the original force requested by the Celestial Dragons themselves?
Because they were taking over too much of the work of the CP organization, preventing the Celestial Dragon CP0 from expanding their reach too far.
If it had done more harm than good, this force wouldn’t have been established in the first place.
“Then, colleagues, those in favor of reorganizing the Marine Assassination Force, please raise your hands.”
Five hands went up, passed unanimously!
*Knock, knock, knock!*
“Report! Steel Bone Kong requests an audience!”
…
Naval Headquarters, Marineford.
In the Fleet Admiral’s office, Sengoku put down the Den Den Mushi with a horrified expression and looked at Rowen in disbelief.
“What exactly were you doing in the Holy Land?”
“Uh, spreading money… I mean, spending money!”
Rowen sat in the chair next to Sengoku, biting on a cigar with a look of financial pain.
Even with the Glory Medal, which made him superior to third-level officials, smoothing out the connections took a lot of effort from Rowen.
It didn’t hurt his body or his mind, but it hurt his wallet!
But because of this, the reorganization of the Marine Assassination Force was handled by the corrupt and cumbersome government with astonishing speed.
When Rowen returned to headquarters less than three days later, the new appointment order had already been delivered to Sengoku’s hands.
**[According to the needs of the changing times, after detailed discussion by the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars), it is hereby approved!
**Appointment: Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Rowen, code name Soryu (Azure Dragon), is hereby appointed the overall commander of the Marine Assassination Force, effective immediately, with full rights to interrogate, try, and punish criminals within his jurisdiction.
**All duties must be carried out with the overriding goal of maintaining the government’s rule.
**This appointment is effective immediately.
**Sea Calendar, February 16, 1520
**World Government (Seal)]**.
“Two command posts for one person. The last time that happened was probably centuries ago, right?” Tsuru sighed softly from the side.
Rowen was first the overall commander of the Air Force, now the overall commander of the Assassination Force, and still held the rank of Vice Admiral after passing the internal Admiral Candidate Evaluation.
What does it mean to be at the peak of your power?
That’s exactly it!
There are three major factions within the Marines: the War Faction led by Akainu, the Peace Faction led by Aokiji, and the Neutral Faction (Lazy Faction or Garp Faction) led by Garp.
With this new order, there may soon be a “Rowen Faction” as well.
This is because Rowen is no longer the carefree member of the Garp Faction; he is now formally involved in the power struggle and positioning himself as a leader.
“Won’t the Celestial Dragons give you trouble, Rowen?”
Sengoku wasn’t as optimistic as Tsuru. He looked at the shocked Tsuru, then turned to Rowen and frowned, “You know what I mean.
Tsuru: “…”
What exactly have you two grandfathers and grandsons been doing behind my back?! Why would the Celestial Dragons target Rowen?!
“They might, but it doesn’t matter.”
Rowen smiled, took the Glory Medal out of his pocket, and tossed it up and down.
Sengoku: “…”
Alright then!
He had almost forgotten that this boy had received the First Grade Glory Medal for a series of achievements!
First Grade Glory Medal!
Sengoku felt envious.
His greatest wish was to receive at least the Third Grade Glory Medal of the First Grade upon his retirement, and then go to the Celestial Dragon Houses, where he had been humiliated all his life, and eat and drink for free just to annoy them!
If the Glory Medal holder is shy and avoids trouble, then everyone can get along just fine.
If they’re like Garp, who doesn’t care, that’s fine, too, because being nagged won’t hurt them.
But if they are bold and reckless!
At this point, if the Celestial Dragons try to cause trouble, people could actually die! And they would die in vain, with no one to help them.
By and large, the Celestial Dragons maintain their esteemed status because the Glory Medal holders quietly contribute to ensure the government’s rule.
Regardless of Rowen’s motives, he has done something that stabilizes the government’s rule.
Therefore, no one can take away the special privileges he has earned.
—
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