This novel is finished, and I have posted all the advanced chapters on my Patreon https://www.patreon.com/darkshadow6395
Screeeech…!
The shrill screech of metal echoed as Rowen pushed open the rusted iron gate and walked out.
Behind him, Imu's eyes slowly narrowed, his killing intent flaring violently.
"That little brat…"
Orrick had never revealed what means he used to survive, yet despite that, Rowen had never once let down his guard. It wasn't the kind of caution born from facing a strong opponent, it was the result of pure calculation.
Only Imu himself knew that, during their meeting, he had secretly made several attempts to strike... yet every one of them had failed.
Instead, it was Rob Lucci who had accidentally triggered one of Imu's attacks. But to avoid alerting Rowen to his true weakness, Imu had been forced to spare Lucci's life.
"I'll have to be careful with this one… he's not simple."
Letting out a faint sigh, for the first time in centuries, Imu felt a sensation he hadn't experienced in ages, a headache.
There was a subtle detail, one easily ignored under the weight of Rowen's earlier domineering presence…
Why did Rowen bring Lucci with him? Was it really just to show defiance, to slap Imu in the face and provoke him?
No, that was merely the method, not the goal.
Imu saw it clearly. Rowen's true intention was to use Rob Lucci to test him. If Imu lost his temper and struck out, he would have fallen right into Rowen's trap.
After all, only Imu himself knew that his greatest trump card wasn't his power, it was that Rowen didn't understand him.
Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. That truth applied anywhere.
However, if Imu had attacked, even accidentally killing Rob Lucci in anger, Rowen could have analyzed Lucci's death to gather valuable information about Imu, and use it against him later.
If Rob Lucci knew this truth, he'd probably burst into tears. He was nothing but bait, deliberately brought in by Rowen to die, and by sheer accident, he'd survived.
Seated in a cold, ash-grey chair engraved with the emblem of the Admirals, Imu closed his eyes and tapped the armrest rhythmically.
"But because I didn't kill him, you've grown even more cautious. You must have realized I'm hiding some ability from you…"
"I might have reasons not to strike at you, but I have no reason to spare a mere CP0 agent. Sigh…"
He rubbed his temples, sighing again in frustration.
"A brilliant open trap…"
No matter whether Imu killed or spared Lucci, Rowen stood in an invincible position, he got the answers he wanted either way.
Then, afterward, Rowen had pointed out Imu's weakened state so smugly, like a child flaunting victory, only to turn around and use it as bargaining leverage in their information exchange.
Everything… was calculated.
"Still…"
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Imu's lips. He slowly raised his head, eyes glinting darkly.
"You've reminded me of something, Soryu (Azure Dragon)…"
"This world… has no need for a god."
…
Outside the Room of Flowers, Rowen lit another cigar and took a deep drag.
Ssshh… exhale…
From the bloodshot veins in his eyes, it was clear that their earlier confrontation had not been easy for him either.
"Lord Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars)!"
Seeing him emerge, Kong froze for a moment, then quickly bowed in salute. Lowering his head, shock filled his eyes, He actually came out alive?!
Why? Had the being inside… finally lost the strength to fight?
But no matter the reason, one thing was certain: Right now, Rowen ruled the World Government single-handedly. As a subordinate, Kong's only duty was to obey orders. That was the face they had to show the world, as long as the Holy Land remained stable, the allied kingdoms would stay subdued, and the world would remain at peace.
As the Chief Commander of the three armed forces, every one of his movements was being watched by those with sharp eyes.
"Chief Commander Kong," Rowen said with a faint smile, glancing at him. "From now on, there's no such title as 'Gorōsei'…"
"Address me as… Lord One-Star Dragon."
"One-Star… Dragon?" Kong's expression stiffened, but he dared not question it.
"Yes, Lord One-Star Dragon."
'Pfft!' Rowen couldn't help but laugh, patting Kong's shoulder.
"I'm joking, don't take it seriously. Just call me by my codename."
…but you didn't deny the first part…
Suppressing the shock in his heart, Kong continued respectfully, "Understood, Lord Soryu (Azure Dragon)."
And with that one sentence, he understood completely, the prestigious title of Gorōsei had officially become a thing of the past. From this day forth, the Holy Land would recognize only one name, Soryu (Azure Dragon).
Carefully skipping over the delicate topic, Kong gave his report:
"My lord, the citizens of the Holy Land have been safely resettled. They are deeply grateful to you, Lord Soryu (Azure Dragon). In addition, I have already dispatched troops to Sabaody's newspaper office to issue an announcement, to officially make the news public."
Normally, the change of leadership in the Holy Land didn't need to be broadcast, a private notice to the allied kingdoms would suffice. But last night's chaos couldn't be concealed. The damage to the Holy Land had been seen by too many eyes.
In such a time of fear and unrest, Kong intended to use Rowen's authority to intimidate the nations and calm the storm. With Soryu (Azure Dragon) in the Holy Land, who would dare cause trouble?!
Furthermore, Rowen's earlier plan had worked perfectly. Under CP0's direction, the citizens who lost homes and loved ones during the riot didn't hate him for letting Kaido go. Instead, they wept with gratitude, believing they were alive because Rowen had swallowed his pride to protect them.
Kong twitched the corner of his mouth. Clearly, he wasn't cut out to be a politician.
Rowen, however, wasn't surprised by the outcome. Skipping the rest of the obvious commentary, he said calmly,
"Good. Keep an eye on the situation, especially those officials. The moment anyone stirs up trouble, have them arrested immediately."
"Yes, my lord!" Kong straightened his back, thumping his chest.
"I swear on my life, I won't let a single one escape punishment!"
For the sake of the Holy Land's stability, Kong would rather kill by mistake than let a schemer go free.
Noticing the chilling killing intent in Kong's eyes, Rowen couldn't help but feel a trace of pity for those ambitious fools who might be scheming something. After all, anyone capable of becoming Marine Fleet Admiral isn't someone who hesitates to kill. Even an old dog still has three fangs left. And now, with himself backing the old man from behind, if something were to be discovered, that scene would be… tsk tsk!
But, what's that got to do with me?!
Rowen shrugged and continued speaking.
"By the way, send someone to notify Fujitora. Tell him to immediately gather workers and materials. The Holy Land is severely damaged. If we don't rebuild it properly, what will we do when the next Levely comes around in two years? We can't just cancel it again, right?"
The Levely of Sea Calendar Year 1522 had already been forcibly canceled due to the declaration of war by Orrick and Kaido. Building an entire city was not something that could be accomplished overnight. It was almost 1524, and by the time the next Levely convened in 1526, they couldn't very well have the kings of various nations discussing treaties inside tents, could they?
The relationship between Fujitora and Rowen was no longer a secret; Kong merely nodded to show his understanding. With 'Ma·Issho·Yun' (Fujitora) taking the lead and 'Ro·Bill·Gates·En' (Rowen) publicly expressing his support, restoring the Holy Land to its former glory in a short time wasn't just a dream.
That, was the power of money!
"My lord, several Allied Kingdom Members have called to express their condolences."
At that moment, Rob Lucci, still bandaged and limping, approached respectfully to report. The scene of Rowen clashing head-on with Imu had nearly scared Lucci to death. Now that Rowen had come out alive, Lucci could only look up to him in awe, as though gazing upon a god.
Ignoring the fanatic glow in the eyes of this idiot, Rowen thought for a moment before grinning.
"Condolences, huh? Those guys sure aren't coming with good intentions!"
Condolences, my ass! Those Allied Kingdoms, driven half-mad by the crushing Heavenly Tribute, were probably delighted that the World Government was in trouble. After all, with pirates suppressed so thoroughly by the Marines, they no longer desperately needed Marine protection.
However…
"The Heavenly Tribute?"
A fierce gleam flashed in Rowen's eyes, sending chills down the spines of both Kong and Lucci.
Was he planning to set them up?
The Heavenly Tribute no longer had much purpose now that the Celestial Dragons were gone, but abolishing it outright would be like admitting everything.
"Tell them this: the civilians of the Holy Land have suffered terrible losses, they can barely feed themselves. We need massive financial aid. This year's Heavenly Tribute will be increased by 20%."
Kong and Lucci: "..."
They both understood the reasoning, but a 20% increase?!
"Lord Soryu (Azure Dragon)… isn't 20% a bit too much?" Kong couldn't help but protest.
For most Allied Kingdoms, paying the annual Heavenly Tribute already required the effort of their entire nation. Adding another 20% could easily spark rebellion. Let's not forget, the Revolutionary Army had always been eyeing the Holy Land hungrily, and their greatest strength came from those very civilians crushed under the weight of the Heavenly Tribute.
"Who said I'm increasing it for everyone?"
Rowen looked at Kong strangely, then grinned.
"Didn't they call to express concern? You've got to give them a chance to show that concern, right?"
"Also, notify Morgans immediately. Have him, on behalf of the Holy Land's people, publicly thank these 'benevolent' nations for their generosity."
The World Economy News was the largest newspaper in the seas, closely tied to the World Government, essentially its mouthpiece. With them spreading the news, the whole world would soon know about these countries' so-called "acts of kindness."
And that word "immediately" clearly meant: notify first, collect later. Once the news was out, there would be no backing out. The duck was already on the chopping block.
Both men twitched at the corners of their mouths but nodded in agreement.
"Do you know what kind of people are most likely to rebel?"
Suddenly, Rowen's tone turned cold. Before either of them could answer, he continued:
"The ones who've eaten their fill!"
"The first batch of nations to jump up in protest, there won't be a single poor one among them."
"Report!"
A messenger ran over, unsurprisingly, another Marine, his eyes burning with the same fanatic devotion Rowen had long grown used to seeing.
"Lord Soryu (Azure Dragon)! Marine Rear Admiral Koby is on the line!"
"Oh? Take me there!"
For Koby to call now, it must be something important.
"Yes, sir!"
As Rowen walked away, Kong thought for a moment before asking quietly: "Do you think Lord Soryu (Azure Dragon)… was right?"
Lucci bowed his head, recalling something carefully. "Seems like it. The Saint Louis Kingdom, the Galt Kingdom… they're all filthy rich, strong militaries too."
"Then squeeze them ruthlessly!" Kong's face turned vicious as he growled, "I'll order the nearby Marine branches to monitor the process. The royal families will definitely pay up!"
Lucci: "..."
"Cruel… but I like it!"
The two men looked at each other and smiled knowingly.
(End of Chapter)