"Salute to Vice Admiral Rowan!"
Vice Admiral?!
As Major Loska's voice fell, the hearts of the remaining hundred-plus Marines shuddered in unison. As soldiers of a remote branch, where would they ever get the chance to cross paths with a high-level leader like a Vice Admiral?
Whether from Headquarters or a major branch, a Vice Admiral was a legendary figure to them, existing on a plane far above their own.
At that moment, any thought of following Colonel Morgan vanished. Their minds went blank for a heartbeat before they collectively snapped into a crisp, reverent salute toward Rowan.
"Salute to Vice Admiral Rowan!"
Long accustomed to such scenes, Rowan gave a simple, practiced return salute before barking out a command in a cold, authoritative tone.
"All soldiers of the 153rd Branch, hear my orders!"
"Morgan, former Colonel of the 153rd Branch, has abused his power and acted with extreme tyranny. He is hereby stripped of his rank and title! All units are to assist Luffy in taking him into custody immediately!"
"Understood!"
A hundred voices roared in unison, the sound shaking the very foundations of the street. It was a magnificent, revitalized display of military spirit.
Inside the tavern, the few sycophants who had followed Morgan outside saw the display and felt their knees turn to jelly. They collapsed to the floor in despair.
It was over...
They never imagined that this ordinary-looking old man was a Vice Admiral. And besides... the name Rowan... why did it suddenly feel so hauntingly familiar?
Half a day later. Shells Town, Food Food Tavern.
The proprietress, Ririka, watched a large group of Marines busily carrying timber and tools back and forth, feeling a profound sense of surreality. Only twelve hours ago, the residents of Shells Town had fled at the mere sight of these men. Now, they were actively repairing her tavern.
She knew the reason for this dramatic shift in attitude lay entirely with the old gentleman who had eaten at her table.
What was his name again? Oh, right. Rowan.
According to the stories being told by the busy Marines, this old gentleman was a legendary figure in the history of the Navy.
"Mama, Mama! I told you that Grandpa was amazing!"
Little Rika, having just run back after bringing water to the young soldiers, looked at the tavern—which had been restored to pristine condition in just half a day—with a beaming smile. She jumped into Ririka's arms, boasting proudly.
"Little girl, do you have any idea who that Grandpa really is?"
Major Loska, having finished processing Morgan's imprisonment, walked into the tavern. He stood before the mother and daughter and smiled at Rika.
"Who is he?" Ririka asked, tilting her head.
"That Grandpa is one of the most legendary figures in our Navy," Loska explained. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Vice Admiral Garp, and even Admiral Zephyr... they were all personally trained and mentored by Mr. Rowan."
As he spoke, a flash of undeniable pride crossed his face and the faces of the soldiers nearby. To have fought—even for a moment—alongside Mr. Rowan was an achievement he would boast about for the rest of his life.
"Hmm... never heard of them," Rika said after thinking for a long time, shaking her head with childlike honesty.
But then, a bright smile returned to her face. "But I know he's super strong! Grandpa promised me that when I grow up, he'll teach me how to be strong so I can join the Marines and punish the bad guys!"
She punctuated this by waving her tiny fist, looking remarkably adorable.
"Gahahaha!" Loska burst into laughter at her antics, and the surrounding Marines joined in with a warm, collective roar of amusement.
But Rika suddenly looked up and said, "Uncle Major, you look much better when you smile. Usually, when I see you patrolling the streets, your face is so scary."
Loska froze. Recalling the past year of living like a hollow shell of a man, he let out a silent sigh of regret.
Fortunately, today, Mr. Rowan had exorcised the demon of Shells Town. From now on, he could be a proper Marine again, fighting for true Justice.
With that thought, Loska suddenly snapped to attention and saluted Ririka and the little girl in her arms. "For the past year, we have failed you all. From this day forward, we will strive to do better! Please, lend us your support!"
"Colonel Loska of the 153rd Branch, and all my men, offer our sincerest apologies and respect!"
After subduing Morgan, Rowan had placed a call to Sengoku. Beyond requesting an escort to take Morgan away and suggesting they deal with the pirate "Kuro of a Hundred Plans" (who was currently hiding at Kaya's estate), Rowan had recommended Loska for the promotion to Colonel of the 153rd.
Sengoku, naturally, had agreed without hesitation. This was why Loska now introduced himself with his new rank.
As Loska's voice fell, the Marines in the tavern, one by one, offered a deep, respectful salute to the mother and daughter. The weight of the gesture was no less significant than the salute they had given Rowan.
Looking at the sincere eyes of the soldiers, Ririka could no longer hold back her emotions. She covered her mouth as tears flowed freely. But her eyes were full of relief; she knew the good days had finally returned to Shells Town.
"Yes... yes... let's work together."
On the shimmering surface of the sea, Rowan's small sailboat drifted once more with the wind.
Back in his usual spot at the stern, Rowan reclined comfortably with his arms behind his head. The gentle sun spilled from the sky, and with a smile, he took a slow pull from his pipe, the white smoke instantly dispersed by the warm sea breeze.
"Great-Grandpa, you looked so cool back in town! All those Marines only listened to your orders—you were like a great General from a storybook!"
Luffy, who was currently learning how to navigate the current, spoke with unconcealed excitement. Even after half a day, the memory of that scene kept his adrenaline high.
So this is what Great-Grandpa and Grandpa are like in the Marines? It's too cool!
Looking at Luffy's longing expression, Rowan smiled calmly. A Vice Admiral of the Headquarters—was that not exactly what a General commanding thousands was?
"Cool, wasn't it?" Rowan laughed. "Want to be as cool as your Great-Grandpa? If you're willing to become a Marine, I guarantee you'll be even more impressive and powerful than that."
"Huh? Join the Marines?"
Luffy's expression stiffened. To be honest, for a split second, he had actually felt a spark of temptation. But thinking of his dream, he shook his head like a rattle.
"Nah. It's cool, but that's not the life I want."
Rowan wasn't angry at the answer. He simply asked with a smile, "Then what kind of life do you want?"
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