In front of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Rosen didn't have to wait long. Less than twenty minutes after the officer who went to convey the message left, the closed door swung open again.
Not only had the officer returned, but beside him came a tall figure, as imposing as a general. His hair was dyed a striking red, and dark sunglasses covered his eyes.
"Nice to meet you."
"I'm Rosen."
"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Victor Seiji."
Seeing that Victor Seiji himself had come to greet him, Rosen was the first to speak.
In terms of authority, this man was second only to the Admiral candidates. For someone of his rank to leave his work and welcome Rosen in person Rosen would not respond with arrogance or indifference.
"It's been a long time, Admiral student. You really live up to your reputation."
As Victor Seiji's gaze fell on Rosen, a faint red light flickered beneath his sunglasses.
The pressure he sensed from Rosen
Almost like staring into the sun
Made him silently marvel.
This was truly a monster, the kind who could suppress legends such as the Lone Redfield and the Demon's Heir.
Such an aura. In all of Marineford, only a few could compare.
"But I suppose I should be calling you Admiral Rosen now."
Victor Seiji's words made it clear just how far his intelligence network reached.
"It seems I've found the right person."
Rosen noted the deliberate choice of words. As the Director of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Victor Seiji wasn't only strong… He was precise, meticulous, a man with eyes everywhere.
By calling him "Admiral," Victor Seiji was making a point: he already knew Rosen's true status, and he wanted that fact to be acknowledged.
"Come inside. We'll talk properly. And…" His gaze swept over the two who followed Rosen.
"…we also have two future colleagues with unlimited potential. Gion. Tokikake."
The fact that Victor Seiji called out their names, and even labeled them "Admiral-level," showed just how sharp his intelligence was.
He led Rosen and the others into the Investigation Bureau and up to his office.
When he pushed the door open, three seats had already been prepared, along with steaming tea and neatly set snacks.
"Please, sit. You three are rare guests. My office has never been very popular in Headquarters. Aside from my staff, no one comes here willingly. After all…" his smile carried a trace of irony
"most are afraid."
"Understandable,"Rosen replied calmly as he sat.
"Everyone has a dark side. And the Criminal Investigation Bureau doesn't just watch pirates or the Revolutionary Army. It watches the navy itself."
Exactly so. The Bureau was not only the navy's strongest intelligence arm, but also its internal watchdog. A sword of Damocles above the heads of every officer.
"Even you?" Victor Seiji tilted his head, amused. "You've got your own darkness, Admiral Rosen?"
"Of course." Rosen didn't Flinch. "I'm no saint."
"Then you still dare to walk in here?" The smile on Victor Seiji's lips grew playful.
"If I didn't come, would you stop staring at me?" Rosen countered.
Victor Seiji chuckled. "Interesting. Very interesting. I'll certainly keep watching you. The more capable a marine, the closer I watch him. Even the Fleet Admiral isn't exempt, not unless I leave this post myself. But…" his voice sharpened, "I don't target my comrades. Not you, not any marine."
He straightened in his chair, the easy banter fading.
"Alright. Enough small talk. My time is precious, and so is yours. You're headed for the North Blue to assume command, and I've got my own work. Let's be direct. What is it you want me to investigate? If it's within my reach, I'll help."
His hand tapped lightly against the desk.
"You're agreeing so quickly?" Rosen arched a brow.
"Two reasons." Victor Seiji leaned back.
"First, trivial matters don't reach me. With your strength, and your ties to Borsalino, Zephyr-sensei, and Admiral Sengoku, you can solve small problems with a single word. Second — I'm interested in you. The best way to understand someone is to see what they seek. And third…" a crooked smile crept onto his lips,
"Let's call it an investment. A good relationship with the next Fleet Admiral wouldn't hurt. I've made plenty of enemies in this seat. Staying here longer requires allies."
The words were laced with humor, but the truth behind them was obvious. The Director of the Marine Criminal Affairs made enemies simply by doing his job.Pirates, revolutionaries, even fellow marines — all had reasons to hate him.
"Help me with this, and one day my future self may be your backer?" Rosen asked lightly.
"Something like that," Victor Seiji said with a smirk.
"Interesting. But let me phrase it differently — if you can accomplish what I ask, I'll be glad to call you a friend."
Friend. The word was chosen carefully. Not backer, not subordinate — equal footing. Rosen knew well that a Fleet Admiral needed not just deterrence, but bonds. Allies. Trusted swords and shields.
Victor Seiji narrowed his eyes, considering. Then he gestured with a hand.
"Speak. I want to know what could possibly trouble you."
Rosen's gaze locked onto him, sharp as a blade.
"I want to know who was the pirate that killed Zephyr-sensei's family."
The air in the office froze.
"The pirate who killed Zephyr's family?"
Even Gion and Tokikake, silent until now, couldn't mask their reactions. Their expressions shifted, and both turned toward Rosen in surprise. None of them had expected this to be his request.
"…I don't know."
Victor Seiji was silent for a long moment before speaking.
"You're the Director of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service," Rosen pressed, his voice firm. "How could you not know?"
At that moment, Rosen unleashed his Observation Haki. He couldn't yet probe memories, but he could sense emotions and surface thoughts. And what he read confirmed that Victor Seiji was telling the truth.
"The family of an active Admiral, slaughtered by pirates…"
Victor Seiji exhaled slowly.
"That was an earthquake for the whole world."
"No different from the sudden appearance of another Yonko."
"If pirates could strike at the family of an Admiral, what safety did the families of other officers have?"
His tone carried genuine weight now.
"After that tragedy, Headquarters ordered increased protection for every officer's family. Those of lieutenant rank and above were granted permanent residency rights. The Marine Criminal Affairs and even Cipher Pol have pursued the case ever since. But the truth is…" he paused, then looked Rosen directly in the eye, "…there's been no trace. No culprit found."
Each word was deliberate.
...
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