One Piece Thundergod Marine

You can read ahead up to 90 chapters on my patreon and I've also activated (date to date) subscription model on my patreon https://www.patreon.com/darkshadow6395

As long as I reach 200 dollars on my Patreon, I will post 10 extra bonus chapters per month in batches of 5 for that month. If I reach 300 dollars then I will post 15 extra bonus chapters in batches of 5 for that month. If I reach 400 dollars then I will post 20 extra bonus chapters in batches of 5 for that month. So come and support me.

''Straw Hat Pirates:''

- ''Captain'': "Straw Hat" Monkey D. Luffy, East Blue, record omitted, bounty 150,000,000 Belly.

- ''Combatant'': "Pirate Hunter" Roronoa Zoro, East Blue, bounty 80,000,000 Belly.

- ''Navigator'': "Cat Burglar" Nami, East Blue, bounty 20,000,000 Belly.

- ''Sniper'': Usopp, East Blue, bounty 40,000,000 Belly.

- ''Ship Doctor'': Tony Tony Chopper, Grand Line, bounty 100 Belly.

- ''Chef'': Sanji, East Blue, bounty 0.

'Pū Chī…'

Seeing Chopper's bounty of only 100 Belly, despite his ability to overpower CP-9 in his monster form, Rowen was deeply amused and couldn't help but laugh.

The sight of Sanji still having a bounty of 0 only made him laugh harder.

However, noticing Sengoku's disapproving gaze, Rowen explained, "Sorry, Fleet Admiral. Why does Chopper have a bounty of only 100 Belly?"

100 Belly!

That's less than the cost of buying a pack of cigarettes! Who would even bother trading a bounty of 100 Belly for a bounty? Not to mention, just selling him by the pound would fetch more!

Indeed, while the Straw Hats' bounties have increased from the original story, Chopper's bounty of 100 Belly is simply perplexing...

"Drum Country… no, it should be called the Sakura Kingdom now."

Sengoku gave him a stern look and said, "Former King Wapol, after being defeated, started a metal business. He used his influence to contact the government and sought to increase the bounties on the Straw Hats."

"But he was too stingy with his money and only gave the raccoon a symbolic 100 Belly, which is why you're seeing this."

Rowen immediately understood.

It must be that Wapol used his metal business as leverage in a deal with the government, who agreed to raise the bounty. However, since Wapol was unwilling to spend more, he ended up giving Chopper a bounty of 100 Belly.

Well, at least it's higher than the 50 Belly from the original story!

"Ha ha ha ha ha, this is hilarious! Is he trying to be a comedian?!"

Wapol turning an inspirational story into a comedy show— what a piece of work!

"Enough, I didn't call you here just to watch a comedy!"

Sengoku waved his hand impatiently, clearly frustrated with Vice Admiral Garp, and said seriously, "What I want you to focus on is the page behind."

"Behind?"

Rowen hesitated for a moment, flipped the page, and his expression turned serious.

''[Location Unknown]'': "Devil Child" Nico Robin, West Blue Ohara's orphan, bounty 78,000,000 Belly.

"So, it's confirmed that Nico Robin has joined the Straw Hats?"

Rowen slightly narrowed his eyes and tapped the table.

"Why?"

In the photo, Nico Robin was sitting on the deck of the [Going Merry], sunbathing. 

She seemed to be saying something that made Sanji, the perennial pervert, nosebleed, while Chopper looked shocked and Luffy laughed heartily.

As a background, Zoro was leaning against the railing, sleeping, with the vast sea stretching out in the distance.

Nami, the "Cat Burglar," was not in the picture— no doubt, she was the one who took the photo.

"I don't know; that's exactly why I called you."

Sengoku spoke gravely, "Although I hate to give special treatment, Monkey D. Luffy and his crew's threat to the government has been growing."

"From their initial small-time troubles to clearing up the Alabasta pirate chaos, their power and influence have been rapidly increasing."

"Now, with Nico Robin added into the mix! Honestly, Rowen… if I asked you to eliminate them, would you agree?"

This was a clear indication of a kill order!

Even knowing that Luffy is Garp's grandson!

"That's such a pointless question!"

Rowen smiled, "Have you ever seen me show mercy to Ace's subordinates?"

Every member of the Blackbeard Pirates perished in that storm, except for Ace himself, who, using his Elementalization advantage, was eventually captured by Rowen himself.

Thinking of that, Rowen felt a twinge of pain in his wrists.

There was no doubt that the day he briefly clashed with Shanks was the most humiliating day of his life.

To escape, he had even used Thunder Cloud to sever his own hands to break free from Seastone's handcuffs.

He had shown Shanks his resolve and ruthlessness, but what he saw in himself was pure shame!

"So, your purpose in calling me here is…"

"No, not yet. There are more pressing threats than the Straw Hats."

Rowen's gaze sharpened.

"Dragon!"

To find out why Robin appeared in Alabasta, aside from Kuma, who knows only Rowen, the next person to consider is the Revolutionary Army Leader, Dragon, who has been under a suspended death sentence in Level 6 of Impel Down for two years!

"You need to go investigate this personally, Rowen."

"Just provide us with a direction for the investigation, no need to uncover too much."

"If not…"

A hint of struggle flashed in Sengoku's eyes. "We cannot let Luffy become the next 'Fire Fist' Ace!"

Sengoku saw Luffy's growing threat as similar to Ace's— an innate talent, a capability that can shine brightly.

If Luffy were to become another one of Sanko's subordinates, it would be like an earthquake for the Marine.

Garp's reputation as the "Marine Hero" would lose its luster.

Especially considering Luffy has had a mysterious connection with Shanks for a decade since he set out to sea, this possibility is even more amplified.

"I understand."

Rowen nodded, aware of the seriousness of the situation.

At present, the Straw Hats are not a major concern. As long as they are not killed off by the plot, any Headquarter Vice Admiral has enough strength to suppress them.

Thus, Sengoku's greater concern is rightly the movements of the Revolutionary Army.

"However, I feel like I should ask Kuma… I have a sense that something has been overlooked."

---

Leaving the office, Rowen was on his way back to the Assassination Force Underground Base when he unexpectedly encountered someone at the corner.

"Admiral Aokiji? What are you doing here?"

This area was restricted, and only Rowen and relevant personnel were permitted to enter.

Then, Rowen slapped his forehead. "Almost forgot, you might not know yet?"

"The auction has been moved to Drilling Square. From now on, this will be the base of our Assassination Force."

"No, I'm naturally aware of that… Actually, I came to find you, Rowen."

After the battle with the BIG·MOM Pirates, Aokiji had remained at the headquarters to maintain balance and did not participate in the New World War. 

Thus, it was easy to notice the major construction work happening at Drilling Square.

With that said, Aokiji straightened his body from leaning against the wall, rubbed his head, and said, "It's about Jason."

"Oh?"

Rowen's eyes narrowed slightly as if understanding something.

"This isn't the place to talk. Let's discuss it at my home."

---

At Rowen's home in the "Rooster Head" courtyard area reserved for the Headquarter officers.

"Sorry, I haven't been home for a while. The fridge only has beer that hasn't gone bad… make do with it."

Placing a can of beer on the table, Rowen opened one for himself and took a swig, enjoying the late summer sun.

"Dūn dūn dūn… Burp!"

"Comfortable!"

Feeling satisfied, Rowen burped and tossed a shrimp into his mouth, asking, "What does Admiral Aokiji want to discuss with me? Isn't the matter with Jason already settled?"

Looking at the gout-friendly dishes, Aokiji's mouth twitched… As expected of the Undying Vice Admiral, even the snacks are so unique!

Hearing Rowen's question, he took a sip of beer and, after a moment, asked, "Actually, Jason doesn't have to die, does he?"

"Yes, he doesn't have to die, but it's more useful that he does."

Rowen answered without hesitation.

"I'm honored and relieved that you took the time to discuss this with me…"

"Actually, you don't need to be so kind, do you?"

Aokiji fell silent, suddenly troubled, and rubbed his head.

"So, I want to become Fleet Admiral to change all of this… I really can't accept sacrificing some people."

"But you must accept it!"

Rowen spoke firmly. "I understand your thoughts. You believe 'Justice' varies among different perspectives and changes with positions, so you don't question others' 'Justice'… This is your 'Easy-going Justice.'"

"But have you considered that this way of thinking is too narrow, too selfish?"

"Selfish?"

Aokiji looked up, asking, "Why do you say that?"

Here it was, the chance to change Aokiji's fate!

Rowen slightly smiled, started turning his brain, and prepared to use his silver tongue to persuade… no, to convince Aokiji.

---

(End of Chapter)