"Devil Fruit user?" After his first strike failed, Rosen didn't continue attacking. Rufus gave off a dangerous aura, and the way he could silently nullify attacks made Rosen more cautious.
"Correct. Facing ruthless pirates like you, you need ways to protect yourself. Please, have a seat." Rufus gestured to the sofas and personally served coffee to everyone.
"There's nothing to discuss. Andia and the Kingdom of Paradise aren't for your interference," Rosen stated bluntly.
"I'm Rufus, CP0 Deputy Commander, though pirates tend to call us Celestial Dragons' lackeys." The atmosphere instantly cooled at his words.
"CP0!" The Empress' face darkened.
Even Rosen was surprised—an infamous underworld figure turned out to be the CP0 deputy commander.
Rosen didn't fully understand the World Government hierarchy, but he knew being second-in-command of CP0 was extraordinarily rare. No wonder Rufus was so formidable.
What puzzled Rosen was why Rufus revealed his identity. Staying hidden would have been more advantageous.
"Well, they're right to call us that—we do serve as their lackeys," Rufus said, then thought for a moment before nodding.
"You mean if negotiations fail, CP0 will intervene in Andia's affairs?" Rosen initially struggled to understand, but it quickly became clear.
"Talking to smart people is easy. And it's not just CP0—four kingdoms are nearest to Andia. Three could launch attacks anytime. Surely you wouldn't let that happen," Rufus sipped his coffee.
"Of course, and if I die by accident, it won't just be CP0 involved," Rufus warned, his eyes glinting dangerously.
Crocodile—difficult to deal with. He just tried to kill me?
"What do you want?"
"Initially, it was simple—money and personnel. But I'm still a government official. In the Andia incident, your pirate crew was very active. I should have arrested all of you, but my strength wasn't enough. So I compromised: no matter how, I want my people controlling the two fortresses of Andia." Rufus traced the coffee cup's rim seriously.
Hathaway and Enel were ready to act; the Empress watched like a spectator, wondering if Rufus would compromise.
"No," Rosen shook his head. No need to argue that Andia wasn't his concern—Rufus's words made it clear Andia would have its share.
"Think carefully. My demands aren't excessive. Andia doesn't belong to you. Your people can make money here, establish trade guilds, obey the law, but the fortresses are off-limits, and you can't recruit. I'll grant tax exemptions."
"Are you dismissing beggars?"
"Up to you. If you want war, go ahead. Ocean warfare—how many troops do you have? And this isn't the World Government's directive, just your idea. How much will you expose?"
Rufus paused, set down his coffee, and considered: "And if I refuse?"
"Simple—kill you. Since it's face-off already, that's the worst-case scenario. As you said, Andia wasn't ours, so forget it," Rosen said expressionlessly.
"Would you really do it?"
"You leave me no choice."
"Fine, fine. Your terms are accepted." Rosen waited for a counter, but Rufus agreed.
"Sir," a guard cautioned.
"No matter. Nothing is mandatory; every plan has a success rate. If we had to fight every kingdom, it would be exhausting. Fine as it is," Rufus said casually.
Rosen remained silent. Rufus's thinking was hard to read. Legally controlling the two fortresses made a huge difference. Calling Rosen a beggar envoy wasn't unfair.
Rosen had expected bargaining; he knew Rufus's position was sensitive for both him and Andia. Mishandling it could undo all their efforts. Yet Rufus agreed.
Even as Rosen left Rufus's residence, he frowned—did Rufus really agree so easily?
"Monitor Rufus's trade guild closely. Report any anomalies immediately," Rosen arranged, determined to watch him regardless of his intentions.
"Sir, we really were sent off like that?" An underling was skeptical—Rufus was a figure of influence in both legitimate and underground circles, yet he agreed without haggling.
"Don't be short-sighted. He's not an ordinary pirate—he has grand ambitions. Such pirates will aid us eventually without consuming our strength. Celestial Dragons aren't easy to defeat; an extra force is hope. Let them take the lead."
"But we can't let them think we're weak. If the Revolutionary Army or the Emperors think we're pushovers, what influence will we have?" the underling argued.
"Reasonable. Then let some minor pirate crews attack Andia to announce our presence," Rufus suggested.
"Agreed."
"Done, then."
…
"Dawn, prepare to set sail. Enel, handle your tasks. We're heading to Sabaody Archipelago. This is a major event decades in the making; Morris and the others left ahead."
Rosen had intended to take only essential personnel, leaving some leaders behind. But the upcoming war at the summit would be a clash of the strong—a great opportunity for growth.
"Setting sail?"
"Prepare. Departure in the next couple of days."
"Xia, discuss anything with Alice," Rosen instructed.
"Understood."
"Robin, have we arrived?" Rosen stood on the Dawn, watching the sunset. The summit war was about to begin. After this, the sea's balance would shift, and the struggle for the throne would start.
"Marine Headquarters' compulsory summons? Hmph, I won't go," the Empress said, having received word from Snake Island, but she had no intention to attend.
"Hathaway, are you going to Sabaody because of Whitebeard and Marine Headquarters?" The Empress considered the timing of their departure.
Hathaway looked at Rosen, deciding whether to reveal the reason—but she felt it wasn't necessary.
"We owe you a favor. If you refuse the compulsory summons and risk losing your Shichibukai title or your country is invaded, we'll assist you," Rosen said bluntly.
"Who needs your help? Stop assuming," she replied.
(End of Chapter)