One Piece Thundergod Marine

However, the suspicion remains just that— suspicion. With only these few clues, Rowen alone already had a long list of potential suspects in his mind.

Tesoro was just one of many potential suspects. There were still plenty of others, so he didn't stand out.

"Sir, we found something in the cabin..." 

A CP0 agent approached and whispered in Lucci's ear.

"What? Are you sure?!"

Lucci's eyes widened in shock, and then he solemnly walked back to the others and said, "Sir, after analyzing the navigation log, my subordinates have confirmed that the last stop this ship made was at Century City."

"After that, it sailed straight here, where it was attacked."

**Century City?!**

Bald Zero's aura suddenly surged as he turned to look at Rowen.

After all, Century City was Rowen's money tree!

But he quickly shook his head. "It couldn't have been Fujitora Issho. If it were him, there wouldn't be any clues left behind."

For someone of Rowen's or Issho's caliber— natural disaster-level powerhouses who possessed the means to erase all traces of their actions— if they had done this, Saint Charlos would likely be classified as missing because no one would ever find his body.

Leaving behind so many traces when you could have destroyed the evidence? That would be absurd.

Even if it were a frame-up, it wouldn't be so sloppy.

"Then let's go there. Maybe we can find some clues," Rowen said. To prove his innocence, he offered, "Also, Zero Sama, the Gorōsei have already approved our previous plan. We need to handle both tasks with equal diligence."

"I'll leave the investigation of Century City to you. I need to stay here and oversee things."

Since the investigation into the Shichibukai was so significant, Rowen, as the Chief Dictator of the Assassination Force, naturally needed to remain on-site.

Handing over the Century City investigation to Zero would further demonstrate his transparency and fairness.

"If this matter is connected to Soryu (Azure Dragon) (Rowen), then Century City may reveal nothing at all," Zero thought to himself, a bit unnerved. Then he snapped out of it. *What's wrong with me?*

The hostility he felt within himself had interfered with his thinking— a sensation he had never experienced before. Frowning silently, he shook off the feeling.

"Alright, I understand," Zero finally nodded, agreeing to the plan.

He then added, "However, we didn't bring a ship with us this time. We'll need to borrow one from Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon)."

"That's simple. No need to be so formal, Zero-Sama," Rowen waved his hand, and Dante stepped forward to listen.

Soon after, Dante left, and shortly thereafter, a war aircraft descended slowly, lowering a soft ladder for boarding.

"You may use this aircraft. It will allow for quick travel. After you're done, it will return to base on its own," Rowen said.

"Thank you!" Zero replied.

After sending off the special investigation team, Rowen gave further instructions: "Collect the bodies and transport them back to Headquarters. Notify their families to come and claim them… Even though they weren't our colleagues, they still worked for the government. The fact that they died for justice while guarding the G-10 Sea gives us a connection."

"Inform Headquarters that the compensation will be doubled, and I will personally cover the entire amount. Understood?"

"Yes, Vice Admiral!" A nearby soldier responded enthusiastically.

Protecting the Celestial Dragons was no small task, and under normal circumstances, failing to do so without facing consequences was already considered lucky. Compensation, let alone doubled compensation, was unheard of.

Today, Rowen not only publicly spoke up, preventing their families from facing an investigation but also offered double the compensation. This bold gesture would undoubtedly raise his prestige even higher within the Marines.

Dante, observing all this, couldn't help but feel a twitch at the corners of his mouth.

Suddenly, he understood why he was always the one doing the grunt work.

*Even though you're the mastermind, you're acting so virtuous now?* 

Just the sheer audacity of it made Dante feel ashamed of himself.

---

Meanwhile, not far from the G-10 Sea, a pirate ship lazily drifted along the water.

Today, the sun was shining brightly, and Nami, humming a tune, brought out a beach chair and sat on the deck to sunbathe. Beside her were pastries carefully prepared by Sanji. With the warm afternoon sun, a good book, and a cold fruit juice in hand, everything felt perfect.

Except for the idiots making a racket nearby.

Thinking of this, Nami turned her head in annoyance.

*Glug Glug Glug!*

*Splash!*

"I can't take it anymore… gasp… gasp… I'm suffocating!" 

Usopp lifted his head out of a tub of water, gasping for air, then looked at Luffy, who hadn't moved at all.

"Wow, Luffy, you really can hold your breath for a long time!!"

Three minutes later…

"Hey, Luffy, how long are you going to keep holding your breath? The contest is over."

Usopp sighed in exasperation. *His desire to win is a bit too much, isn't it?*

Saying this, he gave Luffy a slap on the shoulder.

*Bang… crash!!*

"Oh no, everyone, Luffy drowned!!!"

"What happened?!"

"Ah! Luffy isn't breathing! Quick, get a doctor… Oh wait, I'm the doctor!"

"Seriously, can't you all calm down a bit?" 

The deck descended into chaos, while Sanji, carrying a tray of sandwiches, emerged from the kitchen, grumbling in annoyance.

The next second, he set down his cigarette and, with a graceful step, spun over to a white round table, wriggling like a caterpillar.

"Robin-San~~! Please try the love-filled sandwich I made for you!"

"Hehe, thank you," Robin, with her long, straight black hair, closed her book elegantly and smiled slightly.

"Sanji, could you please bring me some more pastries?" Nami asked.

"With pleasure, Nami-san~~!" Sanji replied eagerly.

This marked the second month since the Straw Hats had left Alabasta. As heroes, their pirate status would undoubtedly cause trouble for Vivi, so they quietly slipped away and continued their journey.

However, as newcomers to the Grand Line, little did they know what kind of hell awaited them ahead.

*Boop…*

Suddenly, Nami felt the Log Pose tremble and looked down.

"What's going on… is it malfunctioning?"

Seeing the Log Pose pointing straight up into the sky, Nami was filled with shock.

"Wait, I think I've heard about something like this before."

"Nami-San, here's the cake you wanted!"

Sanji bounded over to her side, but then noticed the serious expression on Nami's face. He quickly toned down his usual antics and asked earnestly, "Is something wrong, Nami?"

"Ah! I'm such an idiot, really…"

Nami suddenly wailed, collapsing onto the table. "I can't believe I forgot— we're on the Fourth Route!!!"

"What happened?"

Hearing Nami's "scream," the rest of the Straw Hats gathered around her, curious.

"Sanji, you didn't do something to Nami, did you?" Usopp eyed Sanji suspiciously. "How could someone who calls himself a knight do such a thing!"

"Bakayaro, stop talking nonsense!" Sanji shot him a displeased glance.

At that moment, Robin, who had been quietly watching from a distance with a smile, suddenly noticed the odd angle of the Log Pose on Nami's wrist. Her eyes widened in shock.

"Could it be!!!"

"Ah, it's over… we're doomed," Nami leaned back in her chair, pressing the back of her hand against her forehead. "I can't believe I forgot something so important… This is the Fourth Route!"

"What's so bad about the Fourth Route, Nami? I think I've heard about routes or something," Luffy asked, looking puzzled as he ate cake.

Everyone else: "..."

*Did you eat what happened at Twin Cape Lighthouse?*

"Wait, you idiot, why is the cake I made for Nami-san in your hands?!"

"Oh, you mean this?" Luffy, oblivious to Sanji's dangerous glare, said, "I saw Nami wasn't eating it, so I took it."

Then, with a serious expression, he added, "We shouldn't waste food!"

*Hiss… You make a good point!*

For a moment, Sanji was speechless.

"If it's the Fourth Route, I've heard some rumors…" Zoro, who had woken up at some point, was now leaning on the hilt of his sword, gently rubbing the handle of Wado Ichimonji with his thumb.

"Isn't it the route that confirmed the existence of Sky Island, causing quite a stir a few years ago?"

"That's right! But that's not the main issue…" Nami nodded. "The key point is, the other half of Sky Island is called Jaya Island."

"And Jaya Island is home to a Marine base, which is under the command of Marine Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon)!"

Robin added, her voice trembling, her body subtly shaking.

*Marine Soryu (Azure Dragon)!*

Hearing that name, everyone froze, their eyes filled with unmistakable fear.

(Д≡д)!?

"Huh? Huh? Is this Marine Soryu (Azure Dragon) really famous?" Usopp nervously glanced around, unsure of what to do.

In response, Sanji took a long drag from his cigarette and let out a deep breath.

"Ignorance is bliss, Usopp!"

---

(End Of Chapter)

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.