One Piece Thundergod Marine

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If Akainu were standing here at this moment, Sabo's threat would hold no weight. As long as he could eliminate the criminals, Akainu would turn a blind eye, no matter how great the sacrifice was. 

But Rowen couldn't do that. 

Even if he wanted to, he couldn't act on it. 

He was the Marine's appointed Admiral Candidate, but the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) and Sengoku would not want another "Akainu" to take an Admiral seat. 

They were satisfied with Akainu's loyalty and obedience to orders, but having another dual-edged officer like those from the War Faction was enough with just Akainu. 

In other words, the government needed them to have different personas to ensure the Marine remained vibrant and competitive, rather than a "one family rules alone" autocracy. 

Rowen represented a new emerging force within the Marine, an independent faction. Even Aokiji, whom Sengoku held in high regard, could become a target because of the need to balance the War Faction and Peace Faction; why would Rowen be any different? 

If he became the second Akainu, Rowen guaranteed his position as Admiral would be at risk. 

Sabo's move was akin to seizing upon Rowen's only non-weakness... 

**Ambition!**

From the day he decided to challenge the highest seat of power, Rowen had not stopped moving forward, steadfastly pursuing his goals. 

As long as he didn't back down, this weakness would remain valid. 

Naturally, this was something only a few, including Sabo and Rowen, were aware of. In fact, one could say Sabo's understanding was purely speculative, based on Rowen's leniency towards the Revolutionary Army in the past. 

So, to everyone else, Rowen's hesitation seemed touching. 

"Order the attack, Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon) !" 

Law did not hide the fact that he was a Shichibukai willing to obey Rowen's orders, stating resolutely, "We would rather die than let them live!" 

He was already accustomed to death as a doctor. 

He wasn't afraid of death; he feared dying without value. 

If the lives of him and others could bring about the downfall of the Revolutionary Army, Law was more than willing to make that sacrifice. 

"Law's sentiment is my sentiment, Rowen." 

Ain emerged from the shelter, her delicate face filled with determination: "Marine will never bow to criminals!" 

"Honor in death, disgrace in life!" 

Dante: "…"

So at this moment… 

Shouldn't I also express my stance? 

As Rowen's most trusted confidant from the beginning, if he didn't align himself with Ain and the others, it would seem like he was afraid of dying. 

But that would be stupid!!! 

(╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻

Dante turned back with an exasperated expression and suddenly met the uncertain gaze of Henry. 

Like Dante, Henry was contemplating the issue. 

However, Henry was not clear on what Rowen intended to do, so their glance turned into a cross-channel conversation. 

"Rear Admiral Dante, what should we do?" 

Henry made a face at Dante, clearly considering him to be the same type as himself. 

"Realistic guys aren't trustworthy, after all." 

Dante observed him with amusement, returning his gaze. 

"Just act as if we don't know? How can we do that?!" 

Henry widened his eyes slightly, seeming incredulous. 

"Oh, looks like you sensed my killing intent towards him. Then let's arrange something when we get the chance." 

Dante thought silently, a smirk forming on his lips. 

Henry fell silent, then took a deep breath and nodded. 

"I understand, then let's act as if we don't know!" 

Dante: "…"

What just happened?! 

Σ(д;)! 

Why is he suddenly looking at me so obsequiously?! 

The mental sparring between the two… if battling wits with the air counts as a kind of sparring, let's set that aside for now. 

Having heard everyone's thoughts, Rowen remained silent for a few seconds before raising his head and looking down at Sabo. 

"I can let the Straw Hats leave…" 

"Rowen!" 

"Vice Admiral!" 

Ain and the others exclaimed in shock, their faces filled with pain. 

If only they had been a little more careful, if only they could have been a little stronger, this situation wouldn't have happened.

If Rowen were to let the Straw Hat crew go, as the Base Head, he would undoubtedly bear the main responsibility, adding a blemish to his otherwise flawless and even perfect record.

"Well then…"

At that moment, Rowen's lips curled into a smirk, and before Sabo could relax, he continued, "Which of you will choose to stay behind?"

Huh???

Everyone was taken aback by his words, their expressions varying.

Indeed, this was the Rowen they were familiar with! 

You can make a small profit; I will never lose.

They almost forgot that if they wanted to complete this deal, someone had to keep an eye on the Super Electromagnetic Cannon above. Without the threat of the Super Electromagnetic Cannon's firing speed, Rowen wouldn't be easily intimidated. 

Moreover, since someone had to stay behind, what were the chances of the opposing side perishing together? 

If it were ordinary soldiers, the answer would be almost 100 percent! 

If that's the case, why should Rowen agree to this deal?

G-10 was going to be destroyed anyway, so why not all happily get blown up together? 

Unless… that person held enough weight! 

Someone capable of making Rowen give up the pursuit and choose to stay behind voluntarily.

So yes, they could leave, but someone had to remain to hold the line.

**Bang!!**

As he finished speaking, thunder surged above the distant horizon. Sabo and the others turned to look, witnessing the thick, liquid-like blue and white lightning swirling in the sky, enveloping the entire G-10, creating a scene reminiscent of doomsday.

"Just to be clear, if the person who stays behind isn't of enough significance, then you all might as well go die!"

**Bēng Kā!!**

Fireworks burst forth brilliantly, illuminating the Sea with a stark white light. However, unlike the sunlight, this brightness sent chills down Sabo's spine.

In response, Ain and the others wore strange expressions.

Well, even as the threatened party, Rowen was still that domineering man who held the initiative…

But.

Couldn't he refrain from betting our lives, you asshole?! 

(╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻

Fortunately, they understood Rowen's reasoning; after all, this was the best approach available.

Although it seemed like the Revolutionary Army was using G-10's safety as leverage against Rowen, he still held the upper hand.

The decision to trade G-10 for the entire group's departure rested firmly in Rowen's hands.

Using this point, Rowen flipped the threat back at them, forcing the opposing side to make a choice…

**Whose life to abandon!**

Loss? 

That was out of the question.

The original plan was only aimed at Kuma, and now there was an unexpected gain. Aside from being annoyed by Sabo's threat, Rowen actually gained more; it was merely a matter of how much he gained or lost. 

"Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon), are you really going to threaten me?" 

Sabo's face turned extremely ugly, realizing he was outmatched and left without any means to employ his cunning.

In this Sea, ultimately, power spoke volumes.

"No, how could you think such a strange thing?" 

Rowen looked surprised, laughing, "I'm helping you find a way out! Just think about it, if we randomly choose a soldier who isn't of enough significance to perish with us, why would I agree to this deal?" 

"Why not part ways, exchanging your lives for theirs… and in the end, I could just use the money to rebuild G-10; I'm sure the Fleet Admiral won't blame me." 

"Don't you think that makes sense?"

"You…!!" 

Anger flashed in Sabo's eyes as he clenched his teeth until they bled. 

Rowen ignored him, slowly walking over to Kuma, grasping the end of the thunder halberd and shaking it slightly, causing Kuma to emit a muffled groan. 

"**Naturally, this guy is the exception.**"

"He belongs to our Marine Scientific Force; the ownership isn't yours. Understood?" 

"**Asshole!!**"

Sabo glared at Rowen's treatment of Kuma as if he were an object, feeling his rage boil over, ready to rush in for another fight.

But at that moment, a soft voice stopped him.

"Calm down, Sabo; he's not wrong." 

"Ace?!" 

Sabo turned abruptly, looking at the swaying figure standing up unsteadily, his voice faltering, "Your body…" 

Even if Ace could speak rationally, he hadn't fully escaped that raging state. It was an irreversible process, at most akin to Monet's condition, retaining some awareness, just as previously mentioned with the "Living Fruit." 

Looking at his uncontrolled hand, which emitted flames, Ace shook his head: "You and I both know that saving Luffy is impossible without paying some price." 

"Since that's the case, let this older brother pave the way for you." 

This Sea ultimately spoke through strength.

Regardless of how much effort one puts into scheming and planning, whether to kill or spare you depends on your mood.

Rowen taught Sabo an important lesson that Dragon couldn't: no matter how well-planned or perfect a scheme is, it can't compete with the displeasure of the one who holds the power!

To grasp that delicate line that would thoroughly enrage Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon), Ace knew that someone had to pay the price of their life to quell Soryu's wrath.

That person wasn't him; it was Sabo! 

**(End of Chapter)**