Every king in the hall wanted to know one thing: would the abolition of the Shichibukai be a boon or a bane for their own borders?
But the Five Elders had no intention of letting Rowan continue his lecture. "Save your 'thoughts,'" one said icily. "Regardless of the reason, the Royal Shichibukai system will not be abolished."
Hearing this definitive refusal, Rowan simply smiled and stood up.
"Since the Lords Five Elders have put it that way, I won't waste any more of your breath."
Without another word, Rowan turned to leave the conference room, flanked by Kizaru and Akainu. He had said what he came to say; whether the Elders agreed was no longer his concern.
However, just before crossing the threshold, Rowan paused and looked back over his shoulder, his eyes narrowing behind his glasses.
"Even though you disagree with my proposal, I feel compelled to offer a reminder: the Shichibukai are dangerous entities who hold both freedom and status in their hands. No matter how obedient they appear on the surface, they are, in essence, enemies of the Navy."
He paused, letting the silence hang. "Take Doflamingo—he managed to become the Underworld's 'Joker' right under your noses while hiding behind his dual titles. I doubt the backgrounds of the other Warlords are any cleaner. If I happen to uncover evidence of their crimes, the Navy might find itself compelled to act immediately... perhaps without the time to report to the Holy Land first."
"I'd hate for you to say I didn't give you fair warning."
With that parting shot, Rowan stepped out of Pangea Castle. Following him out in a silent show of unity were the three Admirals, Fleet Admiral Sengoku, and Commander-in-Chief Steel Bone Kong.
The kings and ministers watched them go, their faces etched with gravity. But the Five Elders? Their expressions were beyond grim.
A threat!
This was a blatant, naked threat! Rowan was telling them to their faces: Even if the Warlords are your chosen tools, if I want to move against them, I won't be looking for the World Government's permission.
He was declaring that while the Navy remained technically under the Government's banner, it was no longer under their command. It followed Rowan. The very fear that had kept the Elders awake at night had just been confirmed by the man himself.
The Godfather's Leisure
The next day. The training grounds of Marine Headquarters.
"Gum-Gum...!"
A red blur flashed across the field as Monkey D. Luffy sparred with the Marine Hero, Garp. A crowd of Marines, including several Rear Admirals, watched the exchange with jaws dropped.
"Tsk, tsk. So that's Garp-san's grandson? With that kind of combat power, I'm not even sure I could beat the kid," one Rear Admiral remarked with a wry smile.
"I heard Luffy's skills were all personally polished by Mr. Rowan."
At the mention of that name, the soldiers nearby instinctively turned their heads toward a figure lounging in a wicker chair nearby. Their eyes were filled with pure, unadulterated reverence—as if catching a glimpse of Rowan was a blessing from the heavens.
Even though Rowan was right there, enjoying the sea breeze, not a single soldier slacked off. On the contrary, they trained harder. Rowan's status was now absolute. In just two months since his return, he had defeated Mihawk, repelled Kaido, and personally executed Doflamingo.
Every Marine believed that under the Godfather's lead, the Navy's Justice would eventually blanket the entire world.
Rowan, however, paid no mind to the adoring gazes. Dressed in casual clothes and wearing sunglasses, he sat under a massive parasol that shielded him from the harsh sun. On a small side table sat his pipe and a flask of fine liquor.
His peaceful retirement-vibe was interrupted by a tall, elegant figure walking toward him.
"Mr. Rowan," a soft, gentle voice said as she handed him a newspaper. "Sister Tsuru asked me to bring today's headlines for you to see."
It was Vice Admiral Momousagi (Gion), her long, graceful legs moving with poise.
"The paper?" Rowan opened his eyes and raised an eyebrow. Had the news of Doflamingo's death traveled that fast? If Tsuru had sent Gion personally, it had to be significant.
Rowan sat up and took the paper. Gion, quite naturally, moved behind him and began to knead his shoulders. She had clearly practiced; her technique was perfect, easing the tension in his muscles instantly.
As Rowan scanned the headlines, he let out a dry chuckle. "Tsk. These journalists really do love a circus."
The front page featured the events at Mariejois. There were even photos of Rowan pinning Doflamingo and the aftermath of the "Heavenly Yaksha's" demise. Unsurprisingly, the press painted Rowan as a saintly savior of the world, listing every one of Doflamingo's exposed crimes.
However, as Rowan flipped to the second page, his expression shifted subtly. A completely unexpected report caught his eye.
Red-Haired Territory, New World.
On the Red Force.
A rookie member of the Red-Haired Pirates ran into the cabin, his face pale with panic. "Chief! You need to see this report immediately!"
Shanks, who was mid-drink with Yasopp, looked at the panicked youth. "Joyce, you've got an 80-million Berry bounty. Why are you acting like a green recruit?"
The rookie, Joyce, wiped sweat from his brow. "Chief, stop teasing me and just look! Something massive has happened!"
"Something massive?" Shanks frowned, reaching for the paper.