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Rowen slightly squinted his eyes as he looked at Sanji, and under Zeff’s watchful gaze, he slowly opened his mouth to speak after a brief pause, “I hope so.”
Currently, Sanji is undoubtedly a “qualified” chef.
But to call him “world-class” was still far from the truth.
However, this commitment and sincerity a chef shows towards their guests is something that only skillful chefs cannot replicate.
Zeff breathed a sigh of relief; as long as he didn’t anger the man before him, that was all that mattered.
Marine Soryu (Azure Dragon)’s oppressive presence was terrifying for someone like Zeff, an old pirate who had retreated from the Grand Line.
Vazat discreetly wiped the cold sweat from his face and stepped forward, bowing slightly as he invited, “Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon), please come this way.”
Rowen quietly glanced at him, saying, “After the meal, I expect you to provide me with a reasonable explanation, Vazat San.”
A high-level manager who had controlled the Assassination Force’s East Blue information network for nearly thirty years— wanting to escape the Marine’s grasp was no easy feat.
The reason Rowen had set the meeting time for “11 o’clock” was that he needed to investigate Vazat’s background, and through that information, the reason why Vazat invited him to meet at Baratie became apparent.
However!
An army should not tolerate compassion!
Even if there was the slightest potential threat, Rowen would not allow them to live.
More than 80% of the Marine Assassination Force’s work couldn’t see the light of day; if exposed, it would have a devastating impact on the government’s rule, inadvertently benefiting pirates and the Revolutionary Army. Naturally, the fewer people who knew about this, the better.
Sensing the killing intent in Rowen’s gaze, Vazat felt a bitter taste in his mouth. But when he thought of the eyes of his wife and children waiting for him at home, his expression remained calm, and he nodded quietly, “Understood.”
Due to the exclusive reception for one guest, all the extra tables and chairs in the restaurant were removed and stored away, leaving only a long wooden table near the window.
The round glass windows were pushed open, allowing diners to enjoy the beautiful view of the sea, listen to the crashing waves, smell the salty sea air, and dine with the gentle sea breeze.
“Listen, Sanji, don’t bring your childish temper in front of that gentleman.”
“Do whatever he says, understand?”
In the back kitchen, Zeff’s face was grim as he knocked on Sanji.
Because of Sanji’s “boastful words,” Rowen specifically requested him to cook, rendering all the food ingredients Zeff and others had prepared early in the morning useless.
Zeff had great confidence in Sanji’s cooking, but he was worried that Sanji might show his quirky temper and be impulsive like he had been with previous customers.
“I know, old man, don’t treat me like an idiot!” Sanji replied impatiently.
He could also see the fear in Zeff and the others towards that particular guest in the restaurant. Marine Soryu (Azure Dragon) was notorious, especially after the incident at Impel Down, where he was viewed as an evil demon by the entire world.
Faced with such a decisive and formidable character, Sanji thought that if the other party wasted food, he should, perhaps, probably, be able to endure it…
Right?
With Sanji in charge of cooking, and only a few assisting him, the other chefs outside had left Vazat no choice but to act as a waiter.
Everyone knew that the relationship between Vazat and Soryu (Azure Dragon) wasn’t as simple as it seemed on the surface, so no one found this somewhat degrading action strange.
Waiting for the food to be served was quite boring, especially when there wasn’t a single person present who qualified to sit with him.
Rowen, eager to see what Sanji would serve him, picked up a wine glass and reached for the World News nearby.
“Shocking! Marine Soryu (Azure Dragon)’s Frequent Outings— Could It Be Because of Him?”
Rowen: “…”
“Sanji, the dishes must include some poultry. No matter what, it has to be there!”
“Yes, I know.”
In the kitchen, Sanji, who had just finished cleaning the scallops, agreed, rubbing his chin, “This is troublesome! The poultry flavor is so strong, how should I integrate it into the seafood menu?”
Rowen glanced past the article by Morgans and continued flipping through the pages.
“Revolutionary Army’s Big Move! Red Line Falls!”
“Oh? Interesting.”
Having traveled back and forth across the sea for several months, Rowen was a bit out of touch with the latest information. With Chaton and Zephyr keeping an eye on things, he didn’t need to bother with minor matters anyway.
He immediately opened the newspaper and scanned it carefully.
“Today, the King of Lagar Country, located at the southern end of the Red Line, has gone to the ‘Holy Land’ Mary Geoise to seek aid… It is reported that in the area surrounding Lagar Country, a total of seven countries have declared independence. The simultaneous announcement of independence by so many nations is unprecedented and has drawn widespread attention from all sectors.”
“…A government spokesperson stated that the declaration of independence by these countries is unpopular, and they have dispatched the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, Kong, to take action. They hope that all countries will recognize the needs of their people, voluntarily hand over the remnants of the Revolutionary Army that spread lies and confusion, and the government will let bygones be bygones.”
It’s not that the entire Red Line has fallen; it’s just developments happening in one corner of the Red Line.
Such a sensationalist headline…
“Morgans is itching for trouble, isn’t he!”
Rowen chuckled coldly, then furrowed his brows.
The government might call them “remnants of the Revolutionary Army,” but have you ever seen a faction of remnants larger than the complete organization itself?
Dragon had made an excellent strategic move.
Rowen knew Kuma, Koala, Sabo, and even Fish-Man Haku. Those two shocking “gifts” had made Dragon realize that his presence was not safe for the Revolutionary Army.
He didn’t know how much Rowen actually understood, but the Revolutionary Army couldn’t afford to gamble or take any risks.
So, he decisively broke up the organization, using the Marine’s attack on Baltigo as an opportunity. With extraordinary courage, he seemingly accepted his fate, all to hide the true strength of the Revolutionary Army, eluding the eyes of the Marines— or more specifically, Soryu (Azure Dragon).
The Revolutionary Army is different from the pirate Yonko. What is most important to them is not their leader but a belief.
Rowen might trace Kuma, track Koala, or pursue these tangible individuals, but could he stop the spread of their ideals, the transmission of their will?
Dragon is indeed a true hero!
Because he guessed correctly.
Without Dragon, without Baltigo, Rowen’s understanding of the Revolutionary Army had decreased to an unprecedented level.
He couldn’t even be sure if the Kingdom of Kamabakka would continue to be the Revolutionary Army’s secondary headquarters. After all, “Okama King” Emporio Ivankov was still imprisoned in Impel Down.
The hands that clutched the Revolutionary Army’s vital throat remained tight, but when there was no throat, it was no longer a vital point.
At the same time, this meant that even if he knew about Kuma’s true identity, Rowen would have to consider whether acting against him would mean completely losing the trail of the Revolutionary Army, thus ensuring Kuma’s safety.
This truly was a strategic two birds with one stone.
Since coming to this world, Rowen had faced failure in the strictest sense only once.
It wasn’t the defeat on the New World front months ago but rather the loss to Dragon, falling short in terms of courage and resolve.
“Sorry for the wait. Here’s your appetizer and a hearty seafood and vegetable stew.”
At this moment, Sanji came out, wearing a spotless white apron and pushing a dining cart. He lifted the silver cloche, and a rich yet delicate aroma exploded in the air. The crystal-clear drops of broth looked like pure water with no impurities, but the fragrance was mouth-watering.
Noticing Rowen’s subtle sniff at the air, Sanji smugly smirked, “Naturally, I prefer to call it Century Soup!”
Rowen: “…”
What the heck! World-Class Soup!
Wrong universe, buddy!
_(End of Chapter)_
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