At the same time, an unexpected turn of events unfolded in Sake Capital, catching both Rear Admiral Harry and Rosen off guard.
The rear admiral, who was once on the fast track to success, received an official dismissal notice from Marine Headquarters the following day.
The reason cited was his failure to maintain security in Sake Capital during a critical moment, leading to the death of Captain Luka—a severe dereliction of duty.
This came despite the fact that Harry had submitted a report detailing how Luka had previously attempted to assassinate him.
However, instead of clearing his name, his report was suppressed by unseen forces within Marine Headquarters.
As a result, he was officially relieved of his rank as rear admiral and stripped of his status as a Marine altogether.
The decision left Harry in a daze.
But through a vice admiral friend at Marine Headquarters, he learned that the move had been orchestrated by high-ranking officials within the World Government.
The order bypassed Fleet Admiral Sengoku and was executed under Admiral Akainu's authority, with the cooperation of several vice admirals.
A single rear admiral like him had been rendered completely insignificant.
And truth be told, from a practical standpoint, he had indeed failed in his duty.
During the chaos, he had gone missing.
"Power?!
"Is the Navy supposed to uphold justice, or is it just a stage for political games?"
"Why…"
"Harry, your family has already been evicted from the headquarters town."
Another devastating piece of news hit him like a hammer.
Harry snapped.
Drawing his weapon, he unleashed his fury, slashing at everything in sight—walls, desks…
Only after he had exhausted his rage did he regain his composure.
If justice could not be found within the Navy, then he would seek it elsewhere, out on the vast ocean.
One day, he swore, he would drag those corrupt figures down from their high thrones.
At least he had already made arrangements for his children's safety.
But before leaving, he entrusted their care to the next rear admiral assigned to his post—an old friend from his academy days.
A man deeply committed to the ideals of Marine justice.
Yet, Harry wondered how long his friend could hold out against the tides of power.
Would he stand firm?
Or would he eventually be swept away?
For now, his priority was to retrieve his family, ensure their safety, and then set sail to find answers.
Could power really determine everything?
He refused to believe it.
The world was descending into chaos, yet the Marines chose this moment to exile his family.
Did his years of service truly mean nothing to them?
"Hahaha…"
Harry suddenly found it all laughable.
He thought back to Crocodile's actions.
And now, in his eyes, the Navy had done something far worse than any pirate ever had.
How ironic.
---
Meanwhile
Rosen remained unaware of these events.
He was busy in the training area, honing his mastery of Haki.
Nearby, MR. 5 and Valentine were also training intensely—so much so that even Rosen was surprised.
He soon realized that simply being around him caused their bodies to enter a highly energized state, with fatigue recovery drastically accelerated.
After the battle at Sake Capital, he had noticed his own recovery speed increasing.
Through multiple tests, he discovered that his "Vitality x2" ability not only accelerated healing but also enhanced stamina and vigor in a surrounding area.
This included his own body—his old scars, including the horizontal scar on his face, had begun to fade.
It even raised the question:
Could his lost arm regrow one day?
For now, that seemed impossible.
But what about "Vitality x10" or "Vitality x20"?
If those levels granted such abilities, then this power would be as valuable as a top-tier Devil Fruit.
Due to Bones' condition, MR. 5 trained relentlessly, even diving into books on explosives, gunpowder, and advanced technologies from isolated islands.
Rosen noticed but said nothing.
He also distributed the "Rokushiki" training regimen to everyone.
Given Rosen's physical condition and strength, he had already met the requirements to learn the Six Powers.
After focused training and refining his technique, he was the first to master "Moonwalk," the ability he needed most at the moment.
For others, however, mastering it wouldn't be so easy.
Rosen especially hoped Bones could learn the Six Powers.
With his "Quick-Slash Fruit" ability, his combat power would soar.
But for now, Bones had to rely on medicine and Rosen's "Vitality x2" to stay alive.
The poison had seeped into his lungs—curing it was nearly impossible.
That was why Rosen had never bothered demanding an antidote from Onigumo.
First, Onigumo wouldn't have given it.
Second, even if he had, it wouldn't have worked.
And third, sparing Onigumo would have been a liability.
Any slip-up could have led to Onigumo escaping or leaking information about their ambush.
Killing him was the safest option.
Now, their destination was Lantis Island—an island ravaged by disease and almost entirely sealed off by Marine Headquarters.
But if Trafalgar Law was there, he might be able to cure Bones.
After all, Luffy had survived far worse.
Repeatedly pushing his body beyond its limits, yet Law had still saved him.
That meant his medical expertise, combined with the powers of the "Op-Op Fruit," was formidable.
If Rosen had no knowledge of Law's existence, he might have accepted fate.
In this era, death was a constant.
But since he knew, he had to try.
This journey wouldn't be short.
Along the way, they would stop at several islands to restock supplies and recalibrate their Log Pose.
Their route was mostly horizontal, sailing eastward.
Sake Capital was located in the Grand Line, close to the South Blue.
Crossing the Calm Belt would lead directly to the South Blue.
Now, their course was set eastward, in the direction of the East Blue.
The voyage was estimated to take about two weeks, not counting the stops needed to record their route.
Rosen had hoped to purchase a Log Pose directly pointing to Landis Island, but none existed.
Perhaps because the island was currently under a semi-lockdown.
"Boss, Landis Island was once a private garden for a World Noble.
"It was also known as 'God's Garden.'
Although the Celestial Dragons reside in the Holy Land, some unique or special islands are gifted to them as tributes.
However, five years ago, a chemical factory leak contaminated the island, leading to its abandonment.
All island residents were placed under strict quarantine.
The disease is said to be highly contagious.
The island is now essentially a prison—entry is permitted, but no one is allowed to leave.
Around the island, there are eight smaller isles forming a ring, each with a Marine outpost.
Anyone attempting to leave is shot on sight."
Robin relayed all the information she had gathered.
It included historical background, regional geography, and potential risks.
Rosen frowned.
A plague?
A chemical leak?
And a Marine blockade?
None of it seemed ordinary.
There was more to this than just an outbreak.
And the involvement of the Celestial Dragons only made things more suspicious.
(End of Chapter)
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