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In the One Piece world, successful uprisings to seize power are rare. This isn't just because of the shifting perspectives of rulers across eras, but also due to public opinion, the will of the people, and the complex web of conflicting interests.
Rulers must juggle their authority with the immense responsibilities that come with it. Where should piracy be suppressed next? What should be the quota for this year's Heavenly Tribute?
From major government policies to the daily lives of citizens, everything demands attention. They must exhaust every means to maintain their dominance. It's not just about displaying "strength."
When raising the banner of rebellion, like the current Revolutionary Army, raw power might suffice initially. But could they govern effectively if handed the reins?
The answer? Likely not.
Look at the Allied Kingdoms and non-Allied Kingdoms they've incited to revolt. The Revolutionary Army overthrows one corrupt ruler only to install another, supposedly "just" one, and then abandons them, moving on to the next oppressed nation.
With the World Government and the Celestial Dragons weighing heavily on everyone's hearts, these actions are understandable. The Revolutionary Army lacks the capacity or intention to focus on post-rebellion governance.
But without those burdens? They might simply repeat the same pattern. In fact, it might not take long – perhaps the moment news spreads – before these freedom fighters become the very tyrants they despised.
However, these problems don't apply to Rowen. Unlike the short-sighted Revolutionary Army or pirates who revel in the moment, Rowen's ambitions embrace all perspectives. He views the world with the detached clarity of an outsider.
The past, even the mysterious Void Century, holds little interest for him. His sole motivation is to reshape the world according to his vision – that's his entire purpose.
Shanks suddenly understood this. He realized why Rayleigh sacrificed himself to aid the Revolutionary Army back then. Soryu (Azure Dragon) Rowen wasn't just an enemy of one faction – he represented an unprecedented force of change!
Pirates, the Revolutionary Army, and any other ambitious souls would need to unite against this monstrous force within the World Government.
Rowen had now taken the first step in his audacious bid for ultimate power. Through this brutal reality, he sought to shatter the Gorōsei's absolute authority.
And he might very well succeed.
Shanks realized, for better or worse, that he was witnessing a pivotal moment in history.
…
The Gorōsei fell silent. The long-mustached Gorōsei glanced at Ferrick, his fingers trembling slightly.
Imu had once ordered the extinguishing of countless "beacons" of hope that illuminated paths toward freedom. But they never imagined that one day, they – the ruiners themselves – would become thorns in someone else's side.
And that this challenge would arise from within their own government.
'Could they truly blame Rowen?' Even the most hot-tempered swordsman and the balding elder fell into a dark, wordless gloom.
They had tried their best.
But this era was simply too cruel. If you're unprepared, don't blame others for their ambition to challenge your throne. By fundamental principles of justice, Rowen's actions were righteous!
Suddenly, the Den Den Mushi rang. The long-mustached Gorōsei was startled and turned to look behind him.
On a finely carved, luxurious wooden table, a Den Den Mushi opened its eyes and began to chime.
Only Imu knew the number for this particular Den Den Mushi. In the past, every time Imu summoned them through it, they had felt a profound sense of honor.
But now…
Kā-chā!
As the long-mustached Gorōsei hesitated, the Den Den Mushi was picked up. Ferrick, leaning on his cane, spoke calmly: "Imu Sama, you've heard everything."
"With all the commotion outside, how could I not hear?"
On the other end of the line, in the Room of Flowers, Imu held a watering can, tending to plants. Beside them stood Vic, the butler and intermediary, holding the Den Den Mushi respectfully.
Even though the events were happening thousands of miles away, Imu's tone made it feel as if it were merely separated by a door.
"I deeply apologize! This matter—"
"Transfer Rowen's call to me," Imu interrupted Ferrick before he could finish his plea for forgiveness.
This dismissive gesture sent a chill through the Gorōsei, burdening them with unprecedented pressure.
Ferrick offered a bitter smile and glanced behind him.
After a moment of hesitation, the long-mustached Gorōsei stepped forward and placed the Den Den Mushi down.
"Moshimoshi, can you hear me?"
Far across the seas, aboard the Red Force:
"Is that…?!"
Bald Zero's face turned ashen with shock. He abruptly turned around and unleashed a palm strike, pushing away everyone on board, including Shanks.
Though they were too far away to hear the conversation, the mere possibility of overhearing it was something Zero could not permit. Imu reaching out through the Den Den Mushi to contact an outsider – someone other than the Gorōsei – was an unprecedented event of monumental significance!
Rowen immediately adjusted his posture, dropping to one knee.
"I can hear you, Imu Sama!"
Facing the godlike Imu, Rowen dared not let his guard down.
"You're ambitious, just like Orrick, Rowen," Imu remarked calmly.
The invisible pressure clamped down on Rowen's chest, making his heart race.
Imu continued: "But you understand boundaries better than he did. That's a quality I don't dislike."
"Ambition is a fine trait. Only those with ambition cherish what they possess and are driven to protect it at all costs, racking their brains to keep it safe – though it's a pity when it's misdirected."
Imu's tone was steady, devoid of anger or dissatisfaction.
This was true not only toward the Gorōsei but also toward Rowen.
For someone of Imu's stature, there was no need to get worked up over an incident that occurred once every few decades.
To Imu, it was merely a ripple in the vast ocean of their life – a speck of dust under the wheels of history.
If you're riding in a carriage and it jolts because of a tiny pebble, would you stop to smash that pebble in anger?
The answer, naturally, is no. Such trivial matters don't even register in the eyes of someone like Imu. To ignore them entirely is the ultimate expression of power.
"I am ashamed, my lord," Rowen humbly pleaded for forgiveness. "I acted out of unwillingness to accept defeat, leaving me no choice but to resort to these measures."
Rowen neither denied nor defended his actions.
To Imu, Rowen's true thoughts were irrelevant – just as others' opinions were meaningless to Rowen himself.
Regardless of the reasoning, disturbing Imu was an unforgivable offense for any subordinate.
"Hmm, see to it that this doesn't happen again. Understood?"
Imu's voice carried no hint of anger, sounding more like a kind elder advising a mischievous child.
However, Rowen could sense the undeniable finality behind those words.
"Understood, my lord!"
"Good. Now, have Shanks and his group leave… Oh, and don't actually hand over the Pure Gold to him. Just give him a box; that should suffice."
Satisfied, Imu nodded and continued, "By the way, do you have any interest in becoming the new Gorōsei?"
Becoming… the new Gorōsei?!
These words were like a thunderclap.
Not only did Zero nearly pop his eyes out of their sockets, but atop the Holy Land, the current Gorōsei closed their eyes in pained resignation.
They knew this was Imu expressing displeasure with them – something they would have to endure.
It was also an olive branch to Rowen, a definitive answer to his challenge.
In Imu's eyes at that moment, Rowen possessed all the qualities necessary for this chaotic era – far more so than the current Gorōsei.
With the Celestial Dragons plagued by disease and their future uncertain, the long-standing rule that "only Celestial Dragons may ascend to the position of Gorōsei" had quietly been broken.
(Chapter End)