Caesar Clown.
Others might not know this man's true nature, but Rowan, possessing knowledge of the future "plot," knew exactly who he was. On the surface, he was a Marine researcher, but behind the scenes, he maintained illicit and intimate ties with the Shichibukai Donquixote Doflamingo and even the Yonko, "Hundred Beasts" Kaido.
Furthermore, because Caesar's field of research was Artificial Devil Fruits (SMILEs), he was a vital asset to both Doflamingo and Kaido. If Rowan could get this man in his grasp, wouldn't that be equivalent to seizing Doflamingo's weakness directly?
Rowan recalled the arrogant swagger and smug grin Doflamingo displayed back at Marine Headquarters, and it rubbed him the wrong way. Giving that "Joker" some trouble before the Reverie sounded like a fine idea. As for Kaido, the Yonko backing Doflamingo? Rowan didn't give a damn about him.
With that in mind, Rowan spoke up directly.
"Sengoku-boy, leave this mission to the Old Man. However, I have one requirement."
"A requirement?" Sengoku looked at Rowan with surprise. He hadn't expected his teacher to be interested in a routine escort mission.
Rowan looked at Sengoku and said seriously: "Once Caesar is handed over to me, don't be in such a hurry to notify the people at Impel Down for the transfer. I plan to keep him with me for a while."
"Keep him with you?" Sengoku grew even more confused. "Master, what are you doing keeping a death-row prisoner by your side?"
Because Caesar's crimes were severe, he was essentially already a condemned man. In Sengoku's eyes, Caesar was useless to Rowan. He was merely a Marine scientist whose ambitions had bloated out of control. It was because of this that Vegapunk had kicked him out of the research team, leading Caesar to cause the gas explosion out of spite.
Moreover, after causing the explosion, Caesar had tried to frame Vegapunk. The power of the gas weapon had been so immense that it completely destroyed the research base on Punk Hazard, leaving many prisoners used for experiments with chronic illnesses. Because of this, the local Marines had captured Caesar and requested Headquarters to send someone to escort him to the Great Prison.
Why would the Old Man want such a cruel man? Besides, the intel stated that Caesar was a Logia-type Gas-Gas Fruit user, making him extremely dangerous.
Rowan laughed and shook his head. "Alright, Sengoku-boy, don't ask so many questions. I have my own plans for this fellow. I won't keep him for too long; once I'm done, I'll deliver him safely to Impel Down. During this time, just don't send the official report yet."
If Sengoku knew Rowan wanted Caesar as leverage against Doflamingo—and by extension Kaido and even Big Mom—he would never agree. Thus, Rowan chose not to over-explain.
Seeing Rowan's persistence, Sengoku finally sighed. "Fine. Since you have your own plans, Master, I won't pry. However, Caesar's ability is treacherous; please be careful."
"Relax, Sengoku-boy. Don't you trust my strength?" Rowan smiled.
"These are the files on Caesar, and the contact information for the base where he's currently held."
Just as Sengoku handed over the intel and the transfer order and prepared to dismiss the meeting, Vice Admiral Momonga suddenly stood up.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, may I serve as Vice Admiral Rowan's adjutant? I very much wish to travel to the New World with Mr. Rowan to gain some experience."
"Experience?" Sengoku blinked. He hadn't expected Momonga to speak up at this time with such a reason.
Momonga was already one of the strongest elite Vice Admirals. In terms of pure strength, only the three Admirals or veterans like Sengoku and Garp could suppress him. He had plenty of seniority and combat experience. Usually, Sengoku felt perfectly safe sending Momonga to solve difficult missions alone.
And yet, such an elite Vice Admiral was now asking to be an "adjutant" to learn under the Old Man? Normally, a Vice Admiral only served as an assistant when an Admiral was deployed. Though Rowan was an "Honorary Admiral," he was still a Vice Admiral by rank. According to regulations, an adjutant should have been a Rear Admiral.
"Indeed," Momonga nodded solemnly, then looked at the surprised Rowan. "Since I joined the Navy, I have heard many tales of Mr. Rowan's exploits and have always admired him. Now that Mr. Rowan has taken this mission, I hope to follow him, to have more contact with him, and to learn some techniques from his presence. Please give me this chance, Mr. Rowan! After all, in terms of seniority, I am your grand-disciple!"
By the end, Momonga—who usually maintained a stern face—actually flashed a brilliant smile.
Hearing this, several other Vice Admirals and Rear Admirals cursed Momonga's shamelessness in their hearts. Damn it, why didn't we think of that? To work alongside Rowan was a massive honor!
Rowan understood. This little "fanboy" of his wanted pointers, which is why he was gunning for the adjutant position. Rowan glanced at Sengoku, who was about to speak, and nodded to Momonga.
"Since you've put it that way, if I refused, I'd be a heartless old man. Fine, you'll be my second-in-command for this trip."
Upon hearing Rowan's answer, the other officers glared at Momonga with gritted teeth.
Damn! Vice Admiral Rowan actually agreed!Unfair!
They wanted to go up and shamelessly ask for a spot too, but Rowan had already declared that one adjutant was enough.
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