After all, one was a former pirate, and the other was the heir to a royal family. From his perspective, the Shichibukai were merely a subordinate institution of the World Government.
Since he was part of the World Government, as long as the Shichibukai weren't looking for outright conflict, there was a good chance they would heed his suggestion. After all, killing someone and then offering an apology wasn't an excessive demand—it provided both sides a way out without escalating matters. Escalation wouldn't benefit anyone.
In theory, if both parties were rational, Eric's arrangement wouldn't have posed much of an issue. However, one was erratic and arrogant, while the other, though outwardly calm, was unyielding. This meant that neither of them would likely accept such a suggestion.
Upon hearing this, Rosen's gaze darkened momentarily before returning to normal. However, he understood one thing—nobles were always favored by the World Government. Just an apology? That was far too naïve.
Nevertheless, Rosen had stepped forward to attract Zodi's attention and create an opportunity for the next phase of his plan. Otherwise, he could have remained hidden in the shadows without revealing himself. But since he had already decided that the "Viper" couldn't be allowed to live, his strategy was to first provoke him into a frenzy and then eliminate him amidst the chaos, avoiding unnecessary trouble.
This was also due to a lack of absolute strength. Otherwise, he could have killed him outright back at the restaurant. However, if the forces of an entire kingdom and the Marine Headquarters were to unite against him, he had no confidence in escaping. Thus, a simple strategy was necessary.
Despite his disdain for the suggestion, Rosen still said, "Of course, no problem. This gentleman is…?"
"Eric, officer of the World Government's Inspection Department and Vice Admiral of Marine Headquarters," Eric introduced himself.
It wasn't a boast but rather a way to pressure the Shichibukai. By explicitly stating his affiliation with the World Government's Inspection Department, he was asserting his influence within the government's upper ranks. In reality, he was also a member of the secret intelligence agency, CP0.
Hearing this, Rosen smiled slightly and continued, "I think Mr. Eric's suggestion is quite reasonable. After all, I haven't suffered any real losses. The question is, what does His Highness think?"
"Scared now?! It's too late! If you want to apologize, fine—kneel and lick the soles of my shoes, kowtow three thousand times, and hand over that pet behind you. Then I'll consider forgiving you…"
Seeing Rosen's apparent concession, Zodi assumed the Shichibukai had finally bowed to his authority. However, a mere apology wouldn't suffice.
As he spoke, he pointed at the sea cow behind Rosen, which was being held by Nico Robin. Pitas stood behind Robin, trying to hide.
"Hm? That woman…?"
From start to finish, Bartholomew Kuma had remained silent and expressionless, but now his gaze landed on Nico Robin.
Wasn't she the woman Dragon had been searching for?
If he remembered correctly, Dragon had specifically instructed that if she were found, she must be protected—she was invaluable. It seemed he needed to find an opportunity to report back to headquarters.
"Prince Zodi," Eric frowned, irritation creeping into his voice. This fool had no sense of the situation—how had he become the sole heir?
Even if the World Government wanted to maintain control over the Kingdom of Andia, they wouldn't prop up someone completely incompetent, right? What a nuisance.
"Since we can't reach an agreement, then we'll meet again—if you live long enough," Rosen said, his gaze carrying a veiled threat as he looked at Zodi before leaving.
This greatly provoked Zodi, who immediately roared, "Warriors of Andia! Kill that damn Shichibukai lackey! If you don't, it's treason! Once we return to the kingdom, your families will be executed!"
At these words, the air grew silent.
The Andian guards hesitated for a moment. Deep in their eyes, anger flickered, but they knew their prince was deranged enough to carry out his threats.
Power was an insurmountable force for most people.
"Bang!"
A gunshot broke the silence, marking the start of the battle.
The Andian soldiers numbered at least five hundred, and all were skilled fighters.
"Didn't expect them to attack right away… well, can't say I'm surprised. No need for restraint then. With so many witnesses, my self-defense is well-documented. Killing them shouldn't cause much trouble," Rosen thought, feeling more pleased than alarmed.
He had expected Zodi to act again but had assumed he would gather greater strength before making a move. At that point, Rosen could eliminate him under the guise of self-defense, ensuring a smooth exit.
However, Zodi's lack of foresight was astonishing. Attacking directly in front of the Marines and World Government officials? That was just handing Rosen more credible witnesses.
Some people just couldn't be stopped from seeking death.
"Earth Roll: Sandstorm Surge!"
A cruel smile appeared on Rosen's lips as he pressed his hands to the ground. The sand beneath them transformed at an astonishing speed.
In an instant, the ground surged, and towering sandstorms formed—multiple layers of them.
The first wave of sandstorms rose to seven or eight meters. The second layer behind it reached over ten meters. The final layer soared nearly twenty meters high.
The rumbling ground sounded like an apocalyptic earthquake.
Alone, Rosen faced an entire Marine base, and under the onslaught of these massive sandstorms, the once-imposing fortress seemed insignificant.
"What kind of power is this?! If that crashes down on us…"
Some Marines stared at the sandstorm in horror, feeling as small and powerless as ants.
"A sandstorm? That's a natural disaster! How can one person control this? How are we supposed to fight that?"
The Andian soldiers hesitated, fear gripping them.
But it all happened too fast.
Without waiting for further reactions, Rosen unleashed his full power.
The sandstorm surged forward like a prehistoric beast.
The soldiers at the front barely had time to react before they were swallowed, struggling within the storm like drowning men.
As the first hundred soldiers were consumed, those behind them lost their nerve.
"Gunfire is useless! It won't dissipate!"
A desperate soldier cried out.
No matter how they fired into the sandstorm—bullets, cannon shells, even rockets—it remained unshaken, swallowing everything like an abyss.
"Crocodile, stop!"
Eric roared, trying to intervene. But amid the deafening storm, who could hear him?
Even if Rosen had heard, would he have stopped?
Of course not.
"What kind of monster is this?! How can a human wield such power…?"
Zodi was in disbelief, terror overwhelming him. He turned to flee.
"Damn it."
Seeing the sandstorm closing in, Eric had no choice but to act. Fortunately, the Marines had already retreated to a safe distance.
Focusing his strength, he channeled his energy.
"Finger Gun: Torrent!"
Eric leaped forward, directly confronting the storm.
All his power concentrated into his arm, surging into his fingertip.
With a powerful thrust, countless finger strikes combined, forming a transparent wave of air, crashing toward the sandstorm like a mighty flood.
(End of Chapter)
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