Rowan asked in a deep voice, "On what grounds? You should know that even as the Supreme Commander, if more than half oppose you during an expansion meeting, you must abide by the established rules."
Dragon nodded. "I understand. I only wish to clarify that Vegapunk is not our enemy."
Not an enemy?
Rowan could not agree with that.
In the future he remembered, Vegapunk's stance might indeed align with theirs, but his research would become one of the greatest threats.
The weapon in Imu's hands atop Mary Geoise had erased the Kingdom of Lulusia from the sea with a single strike. Its power caused earthquakes and tsunamis across the world, raising sea levels.
It was only through the Mother Flame developed by Vegapunk that the weapon gained sustained operational capability.
Yes, the Mother Flame had originally been conceived as an infinite energy source for the entire world.
But once it fell into Imu's hands, it became nothing more than a tool to maintain the Celestial Dragons' rule.
In a world of supernatural power, a revolution from the bottom up was already extraordinarily difficult. Much of it depended on Haki.
But even Roger's Haki had limits.
Could Kaido, later known as the strongest creature on land, withstand such a strike? Could the Barrier-Barrier Fruit, which even Oden's blade could not cut through, block an attack capable of annihilating Lulusia?
Impossible.
As a leader guiding revolution, Rowan could not entrust countless lives to the uncertainties of fate or the negligence of an enemy.
"Dragon…"
Behind his mask, Rowan's gaze hardened.
"What do you think revolution is? People holding hands and singing until the tyrants of Mary Geoise surrender? Or do you believe your own peace of mind can outweigh the countless lives sacrificed for it?"
For the first time, the two stood in disagreement.
And for the first time, Rowan's voice carried a trace of mockery.
"I told you long ago that a revolution from the bottom up is arduous and drenched in blood. Vegapunk is no ordinary man. With the Brain-Brain Fruit and his talent, a single Vegapunk can rival the entire Navy. Do you understand that?"
The entire Navy?
Dragon halted mid-step. Even he was shaken by such words.
He understood Vegapunk's importance, but to rival the Navy…
The Navy's highest combat forces included the Fleet Admiral, Garp, and the three future Admirals, along with numerous Vice Admirals and Admiral candidates.
Was that truly possible?
Yet these were Rowan's warnings, delivered as "Ember," and based on the future he had seen.
Memories of Loguetown resurfaced in Dragon's mind, along with Vegapunk's arrival at Ohara today.
Was Rowan deducing… or had he truly seen the future?
At that moment, Rowan placed his hand on Vegapunk's shoulder.
A black spatial coordinate flashed briefly.
Ideally, he would have placed the mark on Vegapunk's head, but remembering how the scientist later divided his brain, Rowan chose not to risk it.
"Um… perhaps we can discuss this," Vegapunk said cautiously.
Rowan shook his head. "There's nothing to discuss. Even if I allowed you to go to the Marines, I could retrieve you instantly when you decided to leave."
"But even so, I cannot guarantee you won't provide them with technological power. Once you leave my sight, when you depart would be entirely your decision. In that time, anything could happen."
Vegapunk sighed. "If that is the case, what difference is there between you and them?"
Their eyes met.
Rowan did not avert his gaze.
"The difference is this. With the Revolutionary Army, you can develop technologies that truly serve humanity. You can design defensive weapons… for example, energy shields capable of protecting entire islands from attacks descending from the sky."
Rowan thought again of Imu's devastating strike.
"What I have seen is the energy you created being used to annihilate an island. Your research allowed their weapon to overcome its limitations."
Vegapunk froze.
Seen?
Was it some kind of special ability?
After a long silence, he sighed and looked from Rowan to Dragon.
"If the equipment and funding fail to satisfy me, I will ultimately leave the Revolutionary Army."
Vegapunk met Rowan's gaze.
"I have witnessed too much suffering. I have also seen how power corrupts those who attain it. I am merely a scientist. I can study technology, but I cannot study the human heart."
"They are the tyrants of this world. But those who rise to power inevitably change. Infinite energy will be used by rulers to maintain control. It will create endless resources… and endless oppression."
Dragon immediately refuted him.
"An inexhaustible source of energy… Yet those who build their happiness upon the suffering of others have never considered themselves human. Your assumption is wrong."
Wrong?
To some extent, Vegapunk had been forced into his position. He did not dwell on the matter. Instead, he turned to look at the Tree of Knowledge.
"That old man chose to stay behind, didn't he? Compared to him, I fall far short."
Rowan placed a hand on his mask. Lowering it slightly, he bowed.
"It was not only Dr. Clover. Every scholar who chose to remain understood what awaited them. Their research had already been discovered by the World Government. It was impossible for Ohara to have only one or two scholars."
"To preserve the flames of the future, they made their choice. They chose death to conceal the remaining scholars and protect those priceless records."
After paying their respects, Rowan led Dragon and Vegapunk away.
Once more, Ohara sank into silence.
Only the corpses of World Government agents lay scattered across the ruins, unattended.
"Buru buru… buru buru…"
A Den Den Mushi rang, but no one answered.
Mary Geoise, the Room of Authority
"Vegapunk has disappeared."
"The CP agents escorting him from Punk Hazard to Ohara were all killed in front of the Tree of Knowledge."
"He was acquainted with that old man from Ohara. But who took him away?"
"Whoever it was, Vegapunk must be found. Among MADS, he alone is the true core."
"According to CP's report, the time interval was short. Yet no ships were seen leaving the waters around Ohara."
"Since the Sabaody Archipelago incident, these insects have begun to change. It may soon be time for another great cleansing."
"Has the user of the Clone-Clone Fruit still not been identified?"
"After that incident, he appeared again during the Ohara affair and intercepted Sakazuki. However, he merely allowed the refugee ships to escape and made no direct contact with them."
"This feeling is most unsettling…"
"He bears no 'D.' Perhaps he is merely someone who harbors hatred toward the Celestial Dragons, not an inheritor of that will."
"Additionally, armed forces calling themselves the Revolutionary Army have emerged in certain nations along the Grand Line."
"A member nation reported them previously. Investigate them. If convenient, we may even allow them to grow. Some insects have begun to disobey."
Marine Headquarters, Marineford
"Bang!"
Sengoku slammed a report onto his desk. The communications officer who had just entered collapsed instantly.
The burst of Conqueror's Haki was far beyond what he could endure.
"Shiki…"
The report detailed the escape of the Golden Lion, Shiki. In all these years, he was the first prisoner ever to escape from Impel Down.
The power of the Float-Float Fruit granted him an overwhelming advantage at sea. Moreover, the resolve to sever his own legs was not something an ordinary person possessed.
His ability to fly made it impossible for Marine Headquarters to intercept him. Even at Borsalino's speed, Shiki had vanished long before reinforcements could arrive.
After venting his anger, Sengoku regained his composure.
The Float-Float Fruit was formidable, but Shiki was no longer in his prime. Since the Battle of Edd War, he had suffered from the ship's wheel embedded in his head, and now he had also lost his legs.
The man who once forced Pirate King Roger into a desperate situation was no longer at his peak.
Knock. Knock.
"Come in."
Another communications officer entered, glanced at his fallen colleague, and delivered his report.
"A Celestial Dragon has been killed at the Sabaody Archipelago. Vice Admiral Borsalino has already departed."
In an instant, Sengoku thought of the cloaked figure.
At a time like this…
Another one had been killed.
One Hour Earlier, Sabaody Archipelago
Since the last Celestial Dragon was killed, incidents of slave trading houses being massacred and buyers being ambushed and slain had occurred one after another. Even the lawless zones from Grove 10 to Grove 29 had remained unusually quiet for some time.
All dark dealings were forced underground. Even the Celestial Dragons of Mary Geoise, who had initially cursed in outrage, restrained their desires after witnessing the horrific corpse of Saint Samite.
However, fear is an emotion that fades with time.
In just a few months, these parasites could no longer restrain themselves and began cautiously returning to Sabaody Archipelago.
Wherever they passed, the populace fell to their knees. Such privilege made them feel superior, like gods. Gods who looked down upon everything.
Today was the happiest day of Tesoro's life.
After finishing the day's work and receiving his wages from the tavern owner, he finally gathered enough money to buy Stella's freedom.
During this period, all slave markets had been shut down. It had taken him a long time to locate another one.
As soon as his shift ended, Tesoro hurried toward the slave shop, clutching the bundle that contained every Berry he had saved over the past three years.
But when he arrived, he froze.
Guards surrounded the entrance.
They were protectors of the Celestial Dragons, servants of the World Government. Their presence could only mean one thing. A Celestial Dragon was inside selecting slaves.
Tesoro clenched his fists, praying desperately that Stella would not be chosen.
Half an hour later…
One by one, the selected slaves were led out with iron collars locked around their necks. A Celestial Dragon, fat like a pig, dragged the chains with cruel delight.
Among them was Stella.
What should he do?
No. He couldn't let them take her.
Tesoro sprang to his feet, pushing past the kneeling crowd and charging forward.
But he had only taken two steps.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Three gunshots struck him. Blood poured from his abdomen, yet he remained standing, his gaze fixed on Stella among the slaves.
"He's just a civilian. He must be connected to one of the slaves chosen by the Celestial Dragon."
"We thought he was an attacker. But daring to offend a Celestial Dragon has already sealed his fate."
After reporting, the CP agents stepped back.
The gunshots startled the Celestial Dragon, and the kneeling crowd trembled in fear.
Attacking a Celestial Dragon would summon an Admiral immediately. Even an insult could bring disaster upon them.
The Celestial Dragon, who had nearly wet himself, realized Tesoro was not wearing a cloak. His fear quickly dissipated.
Bang!
Another bullet struck.
The Celestial Dragon walked forward and, under CP protection, kicked Tesoro away.
"Despicable vermin! You almost scared me!"
He raised his pistol again and pulled the trigger.
"No! Don't!"
Recognizing Tesoro, Stella rushed forward. But the Celestial Dragon showed no mercy.
Shot after shot struck him. For his own amusement, he deliberately avoided the heart and head.
Blood spread across the ground.
Driven by sheer will, Tesoro looked at Stella as she ran toward him and forced a smile.
"I… I've saved enough money. I can take you away. I can… take you away."
Blood flowed from his mouth, yet he reached for the collar around her neck, trying to unlock it.
No matter how hard he struggled, his strength continued to fade.
Tears filled Stella's eyes as she held his hand, her face adorned with the gentle smile he knew so well.
"Once chosen… it cannot be changed. You know that."
At that moment, the Celestial Dragon grew furious after exhausting his ammunition.
Seeing this, he yanked the chain, dragging Stella away.
"Meeting you… made me happy."
Tesoro, weakened by blood loss, struggled to rise.
His spirit and will forced his body to move.
Thud.
A foot stomped onto his back, pressing him into the pool of blood.
"If you want to die, I'll send you on your way later. But don't try to stand up now. Try to make our job easier, kid!"
Pinned to the ground, Tesoro struggled helplessly.
If only he had gathered the money sooner… even a single day earlier…
"Ah!!!"
A cry of despair echoed through the air. It also reminded the Celestial Dragon that the disgusting insect was still alive.
The Celestial Dragon, who had been about to leave, stopped. He turned back just in time to see a CP agent stomp down, silencing the scream.
"So noisy… Now it's finally quiet. Filthy insect."
Note: The giants such as Saul do not appear this time. Since Olvia was not arrested, she was never released by Saul. As a result, there was no scene of salvaging books during the Buster Call.
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