"So, it's that guy..."
Doflamingo's brow furrowed into a deep "V," his expression turning as dark as a stagnant pool. In that instant, memories of his recent visit to Marine Headquarters flashed vividly in his mind—the scene where he encountered that old man.
The man who had been challenged by his fellow Shichibukai, the World's Greatest Swordsman, Hawkeye Mihawk.
The Marine Godfather, Vice Admiral Rowan.
To this day, Doflamingo remembered the words Rowan had spat at him:
"I know your status as a Celestial Dragon is quite useful in front of those Five Elders, but here with the Old Man, it's worth damn all."
"After all, you don't have many peaceful days left."
And then, that slap he never saw coming.
"That damned old geezer!"
Doflamingo's face twisted with rage. He clenched his fists and slammed one into the wall. The sheer force caused cracks to spiderweb across the solid structure, while a powerful surge of Conqueror's Haki erupted from his body.
"Tell Trebol to send Dellinger and Lao G as well!"
Back at Headquarters, I couldn't do anything to you. But now that you've come out into the open, I'm going to make you pay the price you deserve!
"One Top Officer and three Officers—can they still not deal with one old fossil?!"
Sailing was always a monotonous affair. One day later, in a certain stretch of sea in the New World, a medium-sized warship was cutting through the waves at maximum speed.
Currently, in a shaded spot on the deck, Rowan was wearing sunglasses and lounging comfortably on a rattan chair. He held his large tobacco pipe, a table beside him stocked with fresh fruit and strong liquor. Looking at him, one wouldn't think he was on a high-stakes mission; he looked like he was on a tropical vacation.
On the forward deck, Vice Admiral Momonga was in a combat stance, his expression solemn as he faced Zoro. The Marines who weren't on duty were scattered along the railings, their eyes fixed on the duel.
After a long stalemate, Zoro's gaze sharpened. Sensing an opening, he lunged at Momonga. His speed was incredible—to the average Marine, he looked like a green blur.
"Coming!"
Seeing the charge, Momonga didn't hesitate to swing his blade.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Dense sounds of clashing steel rang out as sword-light flashed between them. After a fierce exchange, both men retreated simultaneously. Standing back, Momonga looked at the panting Zoro, his expression exceptionally grave.
Throughout this spar, he had held the absolute upper hand. Yet, the shock in his heart was not small. Despite Zoro being only seventeen, his sword techniques were incredibly refined. Every strike, whether in angle or power, was perfectly calculated. He constantly attacked from treacherous angles.
Momonga only held the lead because his combat experience vastly outweighed Zoro's.
Even an unofficial disciple is this formidable. Truly worthy of Mr. Rowan.
Momonga's respect for Rowan deepened. With just some casual pointers from the Old Man, a youth could possess such combat power. Momonga could clearly feel that if this boy were allowed to grow, he would certainly make a name for himself on the Great Sea. At the very least, becoming a Headquarters Vice Admiral would be child's play.
I hope I can get some pointers from the Master during this trip, too.
Momonga glanced toward Rowan, who was currently being attended to by female Marines, his eyes burning with fervor. But he quickly pulled his gaze back—Zoro was charging again.
"What tenacity. But as a Vice Admiral of the Headquarters, I can't exactly lose to a kid like you, can I?"
With a grin, Momonga raised his sword and met the attack.
An hour slipped by. Rowan, still lounging, seemed to sense something. He stood up and looked directly ahead. On the horizon, the silhouette of an island was becoming visible.
That was their destination: the island housing the Marine G9 Branch. Caesar Clown, the man connected to Doflamingo, Kaido, and Big Mom, was being held there.
Soon, the warship slowly docked at the G9 port. As the gangplank was lowered, Rowan was the first to step off, with Momonga following closely behind. Waiting at the port was the G9 Branch Commander, Vice Admiral Ethan, who immediately led his men in a salute.
"Greetings, Vice Admiral Rowan! Vice Admiral Momonga!"
"Mmh." Rowan, pipe in mouth, nodded and returned a simple salute. Momonga did the same.
Though the three held the same rank, there was a distinction between Headquarters and Branch Vice Admirals; a Branch officer was effectively half a rank lower. This was why Ethan saluted first. However, an elite like Momonga alone wouldn't usually warrant such extreme deference.
The reason Ethan was so excited—his hands practically trembling—was that the lead officer was the legendary Mr. Rowan! He had heard all about the duel between Rowan and Commander-in-Chief Kong. To Ethan, the plain-looking, seemingly Haki-less, and kindly old man before him was a peak powerhouse capable of defeating a former Fleet Admiral!
In Ethan's mind, Rowan's status was equal to Sengoku and Garp—perhaps even higher due to his seniority.
"Vice Admiral Rowan, Vice Admiral Momonga, you've had a long journey. We have prepared a feast at the base to restore your strength," Ethan said excitedly.
Rowan took a slow puff of his pipe and waved a hand with a smile. "No rush for food. First, take me to see the prisoner we're here to collect."
Caesar might be a lowlife, but the web of forces he was entangled in was too vast. Whether it was Doflamingo, Kaido, or Big Mom, if any of them decided to snatch him, a single Branch base would have a hard time stopping them. Rowan had come specifically for Caesar, and he didn't want any "accidents" happening on his watch.
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