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"Hiss... to think... you're actually willing to go this far?"
Hancock looked at Sabo in shock, then glanced at Dragon and the other top cadres of the Revolutionary Army. Their expressions, as always, were unwavering and burning with conviction.
"This is only natural, Hancock," Rowen said as he puffed on a cigar.
"Compared to us, the Revolutionary Army trying to gain recognition from the whole world, especially from those Allied Kingdom Member nations used to standing above others, is nothing short of a pipe dream."
"It's a result of lacking comprehensive strength in influence, awareness, and trust."
"Even now, in many remote corners of the world, the Revolutionary Army is still equated with pirates, seen as dangerous and wicked villains to be avoided at all costs."
"So, it's impossible for them to take the reins of power. The conditions just don't allow it."
"Besides, rather than causing potential chaos in the name of power and repeating the tale of the dragon slayer becoming the evil dragon, it's more in line with their usual style to withdraw at the height of the tide… Don't you think I'm right?"
The last sentence wasn't addressed to Hancock, but to Sabo and Dragon.
The latter didn't respond immediately, instead staring at him sternly and saying:
"The only condition is that you don't become the evil dragon!"
If the Marine force led by Rowen became the next World Government, or even showed signs of heading that way, they would never let him off.
"Got it, got it…"
Rowen raised his hands in mock surrender, then paused and chuckled: "But I don't think you'll get the chance."
"You of all people should know best the changes I've personally brought about!"
On this point, Rowen had absolute confidence.
No wonder they chose to ally with him…! At that moment, Hancock suddenly understood.
Admiral "Soryu (Azure Dragon)", a name dazzlingly radiant in this era.
The pirates out at sea and the various factions focused on his victories, stunned by his overwhelming strength, and gave him the title "Thunder God."
But to ordinary citizens, Rowen was more like a hero.
From the development of the lightning stimulation device that boosted Marine combat power, to multiple trans-sea purges; From establishing the Independent Commission Against Corruption to the now-flourishing construction of transportation networks,
Behind every effort for the people's benefit, there was always Rowen's presence.
Some of them were even changes directly pushed forward by him.
The pirate era wasn't ended by brute force or domination. It was because people finally had a reason to live, saw that the times were gradually improving, and chose from their hearts to reject the chaotic life of drifting. That was what truly ended the pirate age.
To pirates and the Revolutionary Army, Rowen was by no means a good person.
His reputation was built atop countless lives, forged in the blood of his enemies.
The number of pirates and Revolutionary Army members who died by his hand had long surpassed five figures.
But to the common folk, Rowen was a true hero.
He single-handedly rewrote the course of history!
With that in mind, as long as the Revolutionary Army stayed true to its ideals, there was no reason for them to refuse cooperation with him.
After all, if even they changed and grew ambitious, Rowen would be the first to take them down!
But…
"It won't be that simple."
"Hmm?"
"I mean, changing the Marines…"
Hancock took a deep breath, pushed aside her doubts, and looked seriously at Rowen. She shook her head.
"Vice Admiral Momousagi once told me that the Marines and the government are bound together at the root. Unless the source is cut off, nothing can truly change... But if you do cut it off, then the Marines would lose their foundation altogether and just fall from one abyss into another. Things still wouldn't get better."
To this, Rowen narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Gion… huh? That woman sure does talk a lot of nonsense."
To be fair, what are the Marines?
They're nothing more than a military force under the World Government,
And not even the only one at that.
Above them all is the Commander-in-Chief of the Three Military Forces, "Steel Bone" Kong, who oversees the Holy Land's Guard Army, the Allied Kingdom Member United Army, and their Marines.
No matter how many thoughts or ideas they may have, it doesn't change the fundamental difference in status. Even if they aid the wicked and serve evil, they do so within the bounds of their duty, no one can fault them for that.
But now, to break away from the World Government and declare independence, regardless of right or wrong, this act alone has already stripped them of their identity as Marines.
No one would see them as noble, even if they're doing noble things.
This is something Momousagi realized as well, which is why she worked so hard to become an Admiral, because she understood that only by becoming an Admiral could she gain the voice and authority to change the Marines according to her own ideals.
She chose a path different from Dragon's, but still pursued the same goal of change, with unwavering conviction.
"But precisely because of that, we have no choice but to do it... Burn the boats, cut the roots. If we keep leaving ourselves a way out, what can we ever truly accomplish?"
Suddenly, Rowen spoke words that made everyone's hearts tense. Then he burst into loud laughter.
"Besides, you still don't know, do you? This era has brought with it a heaven-sent opportunity."
"What is it?"
In response, Sabo and Dragon exchanged a glance and nodded.
"It's a long story. Let's leave this place first, then we'll talk... Soryu (Azure Dragon), we've seen your sincerity. Now, it's time for you to see ours."
"Oh? So you're finally letting me see it?"
Rowen removed the cigar from his mouth, the corners of his lips curling upward.
"Your secret weapon!"
A few days later, a piece of news shocked the entire world.
Not long ago, one of the Oka Shichibukai, the "Pirate Empress" Boa Hancock, announced her betrayal of the World Government and joined the ranks of the Resisters, causing an uproar across the seas.
Unlike the well-known anti-government group, the Revolutionary Army, this was the first time a direct subordinate of the government publicly rebelled.
Her declaration caused an unprecedented tremor throughout the world.
However, just as the world was holding its breath for what would follow, hoping to see the government thrown into disarray,
Another shocking piece of news broke out.
Amazon Lily, was gone!
Not only had the Kuja Pirates vanished without a trace, but even the island itself, deep within the Calm Belt, home to Empress Hancock, had completely disappeared from the sea.
What was left behind was a barren wasteland, mountains flattened into plains, lush forests turned into dry desert.
Thunder rolled in the skies over the ruins of Amazon Lily. Though it lay within the Calm Belt, the terrifying dark clouds refused to disperse.
This was the work of the Soryu (Azure Dragon)!
One glance at the photographs, and everyone instantly recognized who had done it.
Soon after, the newspapers published the official statement:
"The Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock, has publicly declared rebellion and plotted treason. Her crimes are immense and unforgivable! She has been stripped of her title as one of the Oka Shichibukai. Amazon Lily is deemed an accomplice and has been eradicated as a warning to others!"
"Let this be a lesson, do not be deceived or act irrationally!"
For the first time, a photo of the long-mustached Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) appeared in the newspapers, revealing to the world one of the key figures in control of the World Government.
His speech was published word for word, and anyone reading it could see the killing intent in his eyes.
With the allied forces of Orrick and Kaido threatening from without, and the Revolutionary Army spreading rebellion from within, the patience of the Gorōsei had reached its breaking point.
Their response now: swift and ruthless.
Twenty years ago, during the Ohara incident, they had still gone through the motions, launching a Buster Call with great fanfare to intimidate the world.
But this time, Rowen acted alone.
Not only did this inspire even greater fear in the strength of a Marine Admiral,
but it also demonstrated the resolute determination of the Gorōsei.
"Forget it. If the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up. We don't know anything."
Those who had been sharpening their knives, waiting to take advantage of the Revolutionary Army's declaration of war, now quieted down completely after seeing the news.
They pretended like nothing had happened and returned to their everyday lives.
The power of one man alone was enough to suppress an entire wave of rebellion.
(End of Chapter)