Chapter 424 Winning Over Trafalgar Law

A silence enveloped the surroundings as Rowen spoke confidently, and the treasure map that had puzzled everyone for so long finally revealed its true form.

Vice Admiral Comil was left dumbfounded, then he chuckled wryly, "So that's it. There was no mystery at all! The answer was right in front of us; we just couldn't see it."

"It seems that only Rowen, as a Thunder-Lightning Human, could pull this off, right?"

Aokiji seemed quite relaxed about it.

As Rowen had speculated, Aokiji had guessed that it was a map within a map, but he couldn't determine the position of each silver thread, nor could he figure out what pattern the pigments on top would form when combined.

Only Rowen, with his unique Thunder-Lightning Human ability to sense metal and magnetic fields, could ignore the distracting colors and see through to the essence.

At his words, the others nodded in agreement.

As a Logia user of the Goro Goro no Mi (Thunder-Thunder Fruit), Rowen's special sensitivity to metal and magnetic fields was no secret. Without Rowen's unique ability to sense metal, even if they knew the answer, they would need to perform complex operations to extract the threads without making mistakes, lest the pattern change and cause trouble.

"Now that the answer is revealed, I'll take my leave."

With a casual wave, Aokiji headed towards the door.

The Vice Admirals pondered the bold black letters on the treasure map for a moment, but no one thought of challenging Rowen for the treasure.

There was a fundamental difference between Marines and pirates, and even more so for the Vice Admirals of Headquarters.

Since Rowen had acquired the treasure map, the right to seek the treasure naturally belonged to him.

Their curiosity now lay only in what treasures the pirate who had cleverly hidden the treasure map had left behind.

Opinions were divided for a moment.

As Aokiji left, the Vice Admirals bid their farewells and gradually dispersed.

As Vice Admirals, their schedules were busy, and it wasn't easy to take a few days off to participate in the auction at Headquarters.

Most of the time, there weren't as many people gathered here. Usually, there was only an old man from the government overseeing the items the Vice Admirals wanted to sell. It was only on the days when the auction was held that everyone was actively summoned.

Bringing up the rear, Vice Admiral Momonga handed Rowen a badge. "If you need to come back, just show this badge."

"But remember, Rowen, once you step out of this door, don't mention anything about what happened here to anyone."

While nothing here could be considered evil, it was far from being just. The Vice Admirals had long passed the age of being radical, so they could accept the darkness of Headquarters.

Most soldiers believed that Justice was fueled by passion, but passion was something that could easily be extinguished with just a small spark.

The badge was about the size of a thumb, with intricate patterns embossed on the black surface, resembling a complex mathematical problem that made Rowen feel dizzy with just one glance.

It was evident that these patterns existed not just for aesthetic purposes but also served as a cipher to represent identity.

"Don't worry, I know the importance of discretion!"

Rowen pocketed the badge, waved his hand, and left with Vice Admiral Momonga.

"Hmph!"

A gust of fragrant wind blew as Momousagi, with Kizaru slung over her shoulder, swiftly passed by Rowen. A faint sound lingered in the air, but fortunately, no altercation ensued.

Vice Admiral Momonga chuckled as he watched them go, sighing, "Hmm, youth is a wonderful thing..."

...

Stepping out of the Underground, Rowen sensed that Law was no longer in the Fleet Admiral's office.

On a grassy patch near the edge of a cliff, Law sat clad in a long coat and a spotted hat, cradling his sword "Kikoku."

His feet dangled over the edge of the cliff, his gaze fixed on the distant sky, lost in thought.

Zi Zi!

The sound of electricity crackling, Rowen emerged from the void, puffing on a cigar. "Did you get the answers you were looking for?"

If Tsuru could guess it, Rowen could too. Law's current demeanor spoke volumes.

For Supernovas like Law from the original story, aside from the initial reaction of "Oh, it's him!", Rowen had no additional fondness.

Just look at what happened to Drake and Capone Bege; Rowen took them out one by one without a shred of sympathy.

But Law was an exception.

If possible, Rowen would recruit him as his right-hand man because... he possessed the Perennial Youth Operation, which could grant eternal youth!

Not coveting such a thing would be abnormal!

He had only two planned outcomes for his life: either to die in battle while constantly challenging himself or to commit suicide when he could no longer find a challenge in life.

Dying of old age was absolutely intolerable!

Law was startled by the sudden appearance of Rowen's figure. But upon hearing Rowen's question, he quickly regained his composure and sighed.

"I guess so!"

Doflamingo had a saying that resonated with Law: "A child who doesn't know what 'peace' or 'war' truly means holds completely different values."

Law used to think that as long as he found a reason to fight for Corazon, he would be able to accept it easily and no longer feel lost.

Because in his heart, he and "Mr. Cora" were of the same ilk, having lived in the dark side of the world since childhood, with the same values.

But the answer is quite obvious...

Doflamingo was mistaken.

Children who do not know what "peace" is also hold completely different values!

To sacrifice oneself for the greater good, Law respects his benefactor Corazon greatly, but he doesn't want to become him.

But the unfortunate truth is that the Operation-Operation Fruit has bestowed upon him the ability to sacrifice himself for others, thus entangling him in a certain fate.

Should he resist fate or submit to it?

Should he adhere to his own principles or sacrifice them for others?

Despite seeing everything clearly, Law not only fails to gain enlightenment but becomes even more confused.

"In reality... there's only one origin, right?"

Taking in Law's expression, Rowen took a drag from his cigar and squinted as he spoke.

Law was taken aback, turning his head. "Vice Admiral Rowen, you!"

The origin?

What is the origin?

The World Government is the origin!

"Don't be so surprised. I'm not the only one who wants to change the government."

Tch!

Rowen leaned his Thunder Dragon Crescent-sided halberd against the grass and sat down, crossing his legs. "Even ordinary people like you feel despair towards the government. It's not surprising that there are a few pioneers among us Marines."

"And my goal isn't to overthrow the government, but to change it! Discard the dross and retain the essence..."

Rowen didn't mind speaking these words, nor was he afraid of being heard.

In fact, the reason he didn't make as much noise as Dragon did was simply that their understanding of the government differed.

Like Roger, Dragon believed that the government was irredeemable and must be toppled by fostering virtue, enlightening the people, and empowering them, so that ordinary people dare to dream and pursue, leveraging an unstoppable momentum to dismantle the government's rule.

It was a confrontation between tyranny and freedom, a life-or-death struggle.

And it was also the theme of the times.

But Rowen didn't agree with this approach.

From everything he had done, whether it was the Super Electromagnetic Cannon, the Lineage Factor, the Thunderous Stimulation Device, the Aircraft Force, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, and so on, all were based on the existence of the government itself.

He sought to replace rather than destroy.

There were benefits to both radical changes and meticulous adjustments.

Roger and Dragon were prodigies of their time, and under their efforts, the government's rule was on the brink of collapse. Their wills might well be fulfilled in Luffy's generation.

But these two were just simple Resisters; they only saw the "World Government."

In an era of pirates, let Roger achieve what great feats he may, he also committed great sins.

Weakness is the original sin!

Roger and Dragon were powerless to directly change the government, so they chose to incite the masses and usher in the tide of the times.

It couldn't be called wrong, but it certainly wasn't right.

They ignited sparks on the vast grasslands, waiting for a wildfire, but they didn't consider how many creatures dependent on the grasslands for survival would be burned.

Perhaps in the eyes of such great men, these sacrifices were "necessary."

But Rowen didn't agree with this approach!

There was only one reason...

Rowen disdained to tread the path already trodden by pioneers!

So he pointed directly at the corrupt source and believed that his own strength was enough to change the government!

What if the road ahead was fraught with difficulties?

He just needed to forge ahead.

What joy in life could there be without risks, and what fear in death?!

Law didn't know Rowen's thoughts, but he could sense the determination in Rowen's tone.

At the same time, he thought of the legends Rowen had created. In just a few years, from being unknown to becoming world-renowned.

"Perhaps... he really can do it!"

Suddenly, Law's eyes brightened.

He felt that a new path was opening up before him, and the doors to the New Age were swinging wide open.

The seeds had been sown and were about to take root and sprout.

Rowen bit his cigar and spread his hands forward.

"I have a plan that requires the help of many people, Law!"

"Would you like to become the blade in my hand, to cut through thorns and thistles for me?"

"Hehe, Fleet Admiral Sengoku said the same thing, but he doesn't have your courage... If possible, I'd like to refuse."

A smirk appeared on Law's lips as he stood up, hoisting Kikoku onto his shoulder.

"But it seems I have no choice, and I don't want to choose..."

Bowing slightly, Law respectfully saluted, "Trafalgar D. Water Law, at your service, Vice Admiral Rowen!"

(End of this chapter)

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