Mary Geoise. The Room of Authority.
"Samit has been killed."
"The information has already been sealed."
"At the scene, aside from the Marines, there were only CP agents. The slaves from the trafficking shop were taken by the killer. Suspected teleportation ability."
"Why 'suspected'?"
"So far, neither the Marines nor CP have been able to confirm the killer's identity. The appearance shown was Kuzan, the one we selected as the next admiral."
"However, CP's conclusion is that Kuzan is the one who killed Saint Samit. Not just the appearance, but also the ice ability."
"The Marines have provided an alibi. At that time, Kuzan was indeed in the West Blue."
Saturn, the Warrior God of Science and Defense, spoke calmly.
"Changing appearance, teleportation, freezing. That is already three abilities. According to lineage factor theory, unless the target is something non-human, this is unlikely."
"There are abilities similar to the Ice-Ice Fruit. The Snow-Snow Fruit, for example. There are also Mythical Zoans capable of producing freezing effects."
Warcury picked up a report. "The Marines' conclusion is ninjutsu. Borsalino saw hand signs when the freezing ability was used."
"Ninjutsu?"
Nusjuro tightened his grip on his blade. "Wano has always been closed off. Samit never went there. Given the way he died, there are inconsistencies."
Peter spoke in a low voice. "The opponent was cautious. According to the Marine report, after one clash with Borsalino, he avoided direct combat and relied on teleportation. Still weak, but very careful."
Mars, with long hair, gave his suggestion. "Have CP fully investigate teleportation abilities, imitation abilities, and ice-type abilities or users. Also investigate the slave records from that trafficking shop as a breakthrough point."
"As for the Marines, have Kong take responsibility and resign. He is still useful, but this will calm those people."
The others nodded in agreement.
No face. No trace of escape. Teleportation beyond even Borsalino's Observation range.
Even the rescued slaves might lead nowhere if the ability had been developed far enough.
The brutal death of Saint Samit caused unease among the Celestial Dragons.
Pressure quickly built within Mary Geoise, and that pressure would soon fall onto Marine Headquarters.
The Marines had failed to protect a Celestial Dragon and failed to capture the killer.
Kong's resignation seemed inevitable.
New World. An unnamed island.
Clap. Clap.
Standing atop a large rock, Rowan clapped his hands, clearly in a good mood.
"Alright, gather up."
"Stop looking like that. You're free now. Try smiling. If you keep reliving those memories every day, you won't survive."
Among the twenty or so people below, only a few responded with their eyes.
The rest stood there mechanically, as if following orders, their eyes empty.
Rowan sighed. The good mood from killing Samit faded slightly.
"Fine. I'll explain your choices."
"If you want to return to your family, I'll arrange it. Don't ask questions. Stay quiet until you arrive home."
"If you don't want to go back, I'll give you five hundred thousand Beli. You can start your own life somewhere. Same rule. Don't ask questions."
He paused before continuing.
"I have a dream. A world without slavery."
"One day, I might overturn this world. I might die trying. Those who follow me might die too."
"So… who's willing to join me?"
Silence.
Then, among the lifeless faces, someone slowly raised their head.
They stared at Rowan, searching for truth in his words.
All they saw was a white mask.
And eyes that carried a faint light.
"Oh, right."
"If you want to join me, you'll stay here for a month first. You'll be taught. Only those who pass will move forward."
"Without firm belief, you can't walk this path."
A hand rose.
Rowan looked over. "Made your choice?"
The mermaid girl spoke hesitantly. "Um… can I go back to Fish-Man Island? It's not that I don't want to…"
Rowan interrupted gently. "It's close. That's fine. I respect everyone's choice. Even if you want to join, you still need conviction."
Her eyes filled with gratitude. "Can you tell me your name? If you ever come to Fish-Man Island, I'll repay you. Also… can I see…"
Rowan shook his head. "No questions."
Secrecy mattered.
Even if they might become future members, they first needed to go through ideological training.
Only those who endured, who proved their resolve, would learn the truth.
About the Revolutionary Army.
About Spark.
About their purpose.
One month was only the beginning.
A floating ship approached from the sky.
A paw-shaped mark descended.
A group stepped down.
At the front was Dragon, holding the Chicken Talisman, and Kuma, who had sent the ship flying using his Paw-Paw Fruit.
Both wore masks.
The instructors they brought were the same.
They would take those willing to join and begin training on the other side of the island.
Kuma and Dragon would send the rest home, or to new lives, using their abilities.
No questions would be answered.
"Report just came in from Sabaody. A Celestial Dragon was killed. That was you, right?"
Dragon asked.
Rowan glanced at the people boarding calmly. "Don't worry. I retrieved every marked kunai. Aside from these people, no one can trace it back to me."
Kuma placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Be careful."
"Those creatures are not worth your life."
"Spark… represents the future."
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