Not just dissatisfied!
Rowen believed that Sengoku was now contemplating even harsher measures against him.
If he dared to appear in front of Sengoku right now, Sengoku would truly unleash a “MAX version” of the Impact of the Buddha and be done with it!
In just three short days, the appointment letters had all been issued. This meant that the matter had definitely not followed the usual procedures. It was directly approved by the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars), establishing the Independent Commission Against Corruption in the Four Seas.
And the reason the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) agreed, without a doubt, was because of the incident with Golden Lion Shiki.
To put it bluntly, the smooth establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption this time was due to Rowen’s confidence, stemming from his slaying of Golden Lion Shiki without receiving any rewards.
Added to that was the double pressure from the mysterious figure behind Golden Lion Shiki, suspected to be a high-ranking government official. It forced the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) to open the back door for him!
A subordinate Marine pushing the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) to make concessions?
This was like a tale from a fantasy realm!
And the crucial point wasn’t whether the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) had truly acquiesced, but rather whether Marine was allowed to do this.
The answer was clearly no!
Overstepping boundaries in any way was an absolute taboo!
So, Sengoku didn’t need to know what the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) were thinking. He only needed to understand that he mustn’t let Rowen off easy, and he needed to show the attitude befitting an organization under the World Government.
As the appointment letters were distributed, sure enough, one day later, the news spread rapidly worldwide through the new newspapers.
The issue of Marine’s miscreants had always been a hazy topic, something acknowledged but not openly discussed. Even if someone was caught red-handed, the renowned stabilizing force of Marine usually dealt with it internally, blocking the information to maintain the government’s image.
Now, with Marine boldly establishing the Independent Commission Against Corruption, it was like shattering a window paper. They were setting up nationwide oversight, and the news caused a sensation, stirring waves of shock and excitement throughout the seas!
The parties concerned weren’t the various factions; Marine, under the instruction of the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars), was clearing out internal corruption, and they had no right to intervene. They only lost some financial support.
But for the common people, they were suddenly hit with this earth-shattering news!
Many civilians who had suffered under the oppression of Marine miscreants were even more excited. They talked about it while eating and working. Some, even more fervent, hailed Sengoku as the “Most Justice Marine in History,” suggesting statues be erected in his honor and offering their utmost reverence.
…
Grand Line, Water 7.
In a dim corner, a disheveled man crouched in the depths of a dirty alley, his eyes vacant as he stared at the newspaper in his hands.
On it was logged the news of the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, with four Vice Admirals from Headquarters personally taking charge, aiming to restore peace to the seas.
“If… only it had happened earlier.”
Suddenly, the man clenched his fists in resentment, tears streaming down his face.
He thought of his hometown in North Blue, the city that vanished in cannon fire.
He recalled his fellow villagers and elderly who were shot in line for not having enough money to buy their lives, as well as his beloved daughter.
A year ago today, he was at home preparing dinner for his daughter’s birthday. A year later, he was barely surviving at sea, fleeing in fear.
If only it had happened earlier!
Dá Dá Dá!
At this moment, footsteps echoed, and a figure in a cloak, skulking about, entered the alley and stopped beside the man.
“Captain…”
“The food and fresh water are ready. We can set off anytime.”
“Good!”
The disheveled man stood up, his eyes bloodshot.
“Is the Eternal Pose to Whiskey Peak still there?”
“Captain! Are you…?!”
The newcomer was suddenly taken aback, looking up in disbelief.
“He’s clever and cunning. Even this Marine cleanup of corruption in the Four Seas couldn’t catch him.”
“Jack, we’re the only survivors of that massacre. I’m going back to expose that asshole!”
The pirate named Jack fell silent, and he, too, saw the newspaper on the ground. One minute later, Jack looked up, his gaze determined.
“Where you go, I go, Captain!”
Before long, a pirate ship sailed out of the underground harbor of the Galley-La shipbuilding company. Strangely, they didn’t head for Sabaody but instead set off in the opposite direction.
This same scenario was playing out not only in the Grand Line, but also in West Blue, North Blue, South Blue, East Blue, and various other regions.
In this world, there were countless pirates who had taken to the seas due to the oppression of Marine miscreants and Celestial Dragons.
When they couldn’t even survive themselves, they cared little for Justice and peace.
Although the Celestial Dragons still loomed like a colossal mountain over the world, now all the pirates forced to take to the seas saw a glimmer of hope. A hope for the restless spirits of the departed, a hope for vengeance for their own families and compatriots.
This was the true shift in the “landscape”!
If one were to truly measure the impact of this change, it might even surpass the fall of a Yonko, creating waves that were even more tumultuous!
…
East Blue, Loguetown.
“Are you sure you won’t come back to the Grand Line with me, Koby?”
Rowen turned around and looked gravely at the slightly slender figure before him. Compared to when he had first brought Koby on board, the current Koby had grown a few centimeters taller.
The baby fat on his face had disappeared, and he now appeared leaner and more robust. The outline of the future Colonel Koby could already be discerned.
“In my G-10 branch, you’ll receive much better training, and compared to East Blue, the Grand Line is much more interesting,” Rowen remarked.
Due to the unexpectedly swift establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, Rowen left the remaining branches 16, 17, and 173 as training grounds, entrusting them to Smoker.
This time, Koby also came along with the ship, experiencing combat firsthand and leaving with a Cross-shaped scar on his forehead. Yesterday, when he unwrapped the bandage and looked at the crimson scar, Rowen couldn’t help but reflect on the convergence of timelines.
In the original story, Koby later bore a scar on his forehead. Of course, it definitely wasn’t from being captured by Arlong during the Fish-Man pirate group cleanup in Cocoyasi Village.
That had been a grueling battle, and Smoker had also been seriously injured! Much like the Sand-Sand Fruit, the Smoke-Smoke Fruit was susceptible to liquids, and while Arlong and his pirates Fish-Man Karate might not have been particularly refined, it was more than sufficient for dealing with a Smoke-Smoke Fruit Ability user.
Furthermore, both Smoker’s “smoke form” and Rowen’s “Violent Ape of Hell” were solidified forms resulting from the amplification of their fruit abilities. They were easily vulnerable to opponents seizing opportunities to make physical contact. In a moment of distraction, Smoker’s left hand had nearly been bitten off by Arlong!
This experience made Koby and Smoker recognize their own insignificance. After returning last time, Koby had surprised him by expressing the desire to stay with Smoker. But the reason was different from what he had anticipated; Koby’s gaze was incredibly sincere.
Now, facing Koby’s final refusal, Rowen took a deep breath and eventually nodded firmly.
“I’m just a burden right now, Vice Admiral Soryu.”
“I don’t want to trouble you. When I become a true Marine warrior, strong enough to assist you, then I will go to the Grand Line and follow you!”
This was Koby’s aspiration!
He had already realized that even the Valueless Soldiers on the Qilin ship were no pushovers. The amount of training they underwent daily was more than many officers in Loguetown could handle. In comparison, Koby, who still received special attention from Rowen, felt even more embarrassed.
He wasn’t afraid of being ridiculed; he was only afraid of embarrassing Rowen. Regardless of whether Rowen thought the same way or not, Koby was convinced that he wasn’t yet worthy of standing by Rowen’s side.
Who could deny a man’s persistence?
Faced with Koby’s response, Rowen pursed his lips.
“Alright, since you’ve made up your mind, then go as you please.”
“Yes! Thank you, Vice Admiral Soryu!” Koby saluted joyfully, standing tall and straight.
After they finished their conversation, Smoker, leaning on a crutch with his left hand in a cast slung across his chest, approached them.
“At most, two years, and I’ll be in the Grand Line!”
With his current strength, he could already venture into the Grand Line. Even though he had taken a bit of a hit in the battle against Wicked Dragon, it couldn’t be denied that Smoker possessed a strength level comparable to a Headquarter Colonel.
However, he wasn’t going alone. He would bring along his subordinates who had devoted themselves to him for years, the somewhat airheaded Tashigi, and the pink-haired little devil that Rowen had brought on board.
The two-year time frame wasn’t just a deadline he set for himself, but also the final deadline he set for everyone else.
He wouldn’t stand still any longer!
This was the Justice in Smoker’s heart!
“None of my business!” Rowen shot him a glare without a trace of warmth and turned to board the ship.
Koby’s words, filled with reverence and admiration, were understandable. However, Smoker regarded him as a rival, and Rowen didn’t have the time to sympathize with someone who saw him as a rival and as a man.
Smoker’s mouth twitched, and he briskly turned away.
Not only in terms of strength but also in status!
Through the Independent Commission Against Corruption incident, he realized that the extent to which he could implement his beliefs within Marine Headquarters was limited. On the other hand, when Rowen intervened, all problems were easily resolved. This was what was known as “authority.”
Since he disapproved of those bureaucratic officials who held their positions without doing anything, he would make himself an upper-level figure they didn’t dare to meddle with! Instead of going with the flow as he did in the past.
After many years, Smoker’s fighting spirit was reignited.
“Rowen, set off!” Vice Admiral Momonga, his face dark, sidestepped the tearful-eyed Tashigi. Over the course of nearly half a month, Tashigi had come to view him as the greatest mentor in her life.
Vice Admiral Momonga, however, had no interest in acknowledging this blockhead disciple. She was the most foolish swordsman he had ever encountered!
Honk, Honk!
The ship’s whistle sounded, and as he watched the massive fleet gradually recede, Smoker stood at the port without a cigar in his mouth, his voice ringing out solemnly.
“Salute!”
‘The planned storyline for the Arlong pirate group was initially considered, but upon reflection, it was deemed unnecessary. Even considering them as mere leveling monsters would be too generous, and having Rowen step in to save the day would seem too contrived. Thus, the detailed outline for the East Blue arc, originally intended to span ten chapters, was compressed to five, and ultimately, it was decided to skip it entirely.’
(End of this chapter)
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