When Rear Admiral Carmage, standing opposite Rowan, heard him utter such "arrogant" words so calmly, he froze for a second before his entire face flushed a deep crimson.
The words the old man had just spoken were a blatant slight against him! Moreover, it wasn't just a slight against him alone—it was an insult to every Rear Admiral present in the conference room!
"Since Mr. Rowan is so confident, I won't be polite. Count me in!"
After a brief silence, another officer with a single star on his shoulder stood up. He walked over with a solemn expression, fixing his gaze on Rowan as he took his place beside Carmage. He snapped a sharp salute. "Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral, Pierre. Greetings, Vice Admiral Rowan!"
This man had sharp, piercing eyes, and as he spoke, three hideous scars near his mouth twitched, giving him a look that suggested he was anything but a pushover.
"Me too!"
Not long after Pierre joined Carmage, a third Rear Admiral stepped out. He moved to Carmage's other side, saluted with a grin, and said, "Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral Hayden. I take the liberty of challenging Vice Admiral Rowan; I hope you won't take offense."
Three of them—all elite Rear Admirals of the Headquarters!
When these two saluted, Rowan nodded generously, returning the gesture simply without putting on the airs of a senior. He looked at the three men before him, each with a different attitude, then scanned the room once more. "Any others?"
Seeing Rowan's reaction, the three Rear Admirals stiffened, their brows knitting in displeasure. What did the old man mean? Even with the three of them together, it wasn't enough?!
"Since Mr. Rowan is so straightforward, I'll join this challenge as well!"
Just as the room fell into a collective silence, a middle-aged man with a thin mustache beneath his nose stood up and smiled at Rowan. He wore a pinstriped suit, sported a mohawk, and had a sharp, capable countenance. A long katan with a floral handguard hung at his waist. There was a faint smile on his lips as he looked at Rowan.
As this man stepped forward, the expressions of every Rear Admiral in the room shifted instantly. On the "Justice" coat draped over his shoulders, the rank insignia shimmered with two gold stars.
Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral—and an elite among them—Momonga!
"Vice Admiral Momonga..."
Seeing Momonga step out with a smile, even the three Rear Admirals saw their expressions change. Without waiting for Momonga to speak, they instinctively took a step back, clearing the center for him.
While Carmage was confident in his own strength and felt he was ready for the Vice Admiral seat, he knew there was a vast gap even among Vice Admirals. The man walking toward them, Momonga, was a top-tier powerhouse even among the elite of the Headquarters. A Vice Admiral of this caliber had the qualifications to trade blows even with the Shichibukai. They knew the distance between themselves and Momonga was still immense.
Momonga didn't stand on ceremony. He walked to the front of the trio and gave Rowan a perfectly standard, respectful salute. He grinned. "Mr. Rowan, you are the mentor of my own teacher, Zephyr. According to the hierarchy, I should call you 'Grand-Master.' I hope you won't find me impolite for this."
In truth, Momonga hadn't stepped forward out of dissatisfaction over Rowan's rank restoration. He simply wanted to trade a few moves.
Back when he first joined the Navy as Zephyr's student, Momonga had heard countless tales of Rowan's exploits. Gradually, a grand image of the senior had formed in his mind. Since those days, the proud Momonga had wanted to understand the true strength of this legendary Marine. However, before he could rise through the ranks, Rowan had already retired.
He thought he'd never have the chance to experience Rowan's power firsthand, but then news came that Rowan had returned. Today, Fleet Admiral Sengoku had even convened a special ceremony for him. To attend and witness the Old Man's style, Momonga had pushed back all his current assignments.
And just now, when the Old Man spoke those "arrogant" words, Momonga knew his chance had arrived!
As an elite Vice Admiral, Momonga was naturally more perceptive than the three Rear Admirals. While one could deduce from Rowan's past records that his strength wasn't world-shaking, Momonga didn't believe the Old Man was weak. Could a man who raised Garp, Sengoku, and Zephyr—and a man who caused Hawkeye Mihawk to personally stake his reputation as the World's Greatest Swordsman on a challenge—truly be as simple as the rumors suggested?
Expectation was the only thing Momonga felt.
Looking at the surging battle intent in Momonga's eyes, Rowan laughed dismissively. "Why would I blame you? I've given my word, and I won't go back on it. I'm not some stubborn old mule who likes to suppress people with his status."
"But look at you, brat. We haven't met in years; why hasn't your strength improved much?"
Vice Admiral Momonga scratched his head sheepishly and sighed. "Mr. Rowan, you've got me wrong there. When you retired, I had just made Rear Admiral. Now I'm an elite Vice Admiral. In your eyes, is it only a 'monstrous' improvement like Admiral Kuzan's that counts as progress?"
"You know Kuzan and the others were called 'monsters' even as recruits."
Though he said this, Momonga's tone lacked conviction. After all, the old man's primary disciples were even more terrifying than the three Admirals.
"Alright, enough talk."
Rowan shook his head with a smile. He glanced at the room one last time; seeing no one else rising, he turned to the four men. "Since no one else has an objection, let the challenge begin."
Rowan placed his hands behind his back, standing tall and straight. "Make your move."
At Rowan's word, Momonga remained still, showing no intention of being the first to strike. However, the three Rear Admirals exchanged glances, and Carmage took a step forward.
"Mr. Rowan, fists and feet have no eyes. If I am disrespectful in combat, I apologize in advance!"
BOOM!
Carmage stomped the ground. A masterfully executed "Soru" (Shave) was triggered. The powerful reactionary force turned Carmage into a white blur as he shot forward.
At that moment, everyone in the conference room widened their eyes, focusing intensely on the center. Whether Old Man Rowan truly had the qualification to hold the rank of Vice Admiral...
The answer was about to be revealed!
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