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Rowen is not like Shanks, who would endure a blow without striking back as long as it doesn't challenge his principles.
He isn't the type to seek vengeance for every slight, but he is undeniably self-centered.
If provoked, he won't let it slide. He'll swat the annoyance away like an insect.
The moment Orrick appeared, Rowen thought of one critical item.
''Pure Gold!''
Vegapunk had already confirmed that the Pure Gold brought back was a fake, leaving only two possibilities.
First, Myskina Acier never truly created the legendary Pure Gold recorded in history. It was a fraud from the beginning—merely a unique gold alloy infused with glowing minerals.
Second, Orrick had switched the real one for a fake!
Rowen was certain that Orrick didn't possess Pure Gold. Everything was unfolding according to his expectations. So, if the Gorōsei brought it up, Orrick would undoubtedly fail to produce it.
This meant the Gorōsei would never fully trust Orrick, and the mystery of Pure Gold's whereabouts would remain unsolved. For Rowen, that was a problem.
In that case…
''Then please, make yourself comfortable!''
Oh, and one more thing…
"I can also help you cut down some of your losses, can't I?"
"You should be thanking me, Orrick!"
Rowen's expression was calm, devoid of emotion, but Orrick could see the cunning glint in his eyes.
What a devious move— ''setting the tiger upon the wolf!''
Orrick felt an involuntary chill.
This was their first direct confrontation, yet it had unfolded so suddenly that he couldn't help but feel shaken.
"Bold and reckless," "as deep as the sea"—these were the labels outsiders used for Rowen. And they were precisely what made Marine Admiral ''Soryu (Azure Dragon)'' so terrifying.
Only by facing him firsthand could one truly grasp the fearsome nature of a man both intelligent and audacious.
But…
''Do I even have the option to refuse?'' Orrick asked himself.
Even if he risked everything in a direct conflict now, the only real beneficiary would be the ''Gorōsei.''
Moreover, Rowen's maneuver did indeed lessen part of his burden.
With that realization, Orrick steadied his thoughts, grasped the ring-shaped object in his palm, and slowly pulled it from his pocket.
"This is…!!!"
The Gorōsei collectively held their breath as their eyes locked onto the ring in Orrick's hand.
Then, after a brief silence, they scowled in frustration.
"Orrick, are you playing games with us? This is all?!"
The ring was the very same one Rowen had taken from ''Myskina Olga's'' hand.
Made entirely of silver, it contained only a minuscule sliver of Pure Gold— no larger than a bean— embedded within it. Under the lamplight, it gleamed faintly, barely noticeable.
Orrick's lips twitched as he glanced at Rowen, then took a deep breath.
"Too little? Not at all."
"As long as there's a sample, with ''Vegapunk's'' scientific prowess, mass-producing Pure Gold should only be a matter of time, no?"
''No.'' The materials needed to create Pure Gold only existed on ''Alchemy Island.'' Even Vegapunk couldn't create something from nothing.
Rowen silently dismissed the notion but chose to remain silent.
Much of Acier's research had been lost to time. The only surviving notebook merely detailed the process and results of his studies, not the materials required.
This wasn't like Rowen's own ''blood samples.'' Without the proper resources, replicating Pure Gold was nothing but a pipe dream.
But the ''Gorōsei'' didn't know that. Hearing Orrick's words, they exchanged glances.
"That makes sense… But we must verify its authenticity first!"
With the ''Celestial Dragons'' on the brink of annihilation, the Gorōsei could not afford to take chances.
Orrick leaned back on the couch, spreading his hands. "Go ahead."
He was confident that Rowen wouldn't have produced a fake at such a crucial moment.
After a brief pause, he raised his hand with a grin.
"So, gentlemen, are these two costs acceptable to you?"
Unlike vague promises, Pure Gold was ''solid proof of sincerity.'' He had expected to pay a steeper price— after all, his original scheme had been disrupted, and bleeding for it was inevitable.
The ''Gorōsei'' and ''Vic'' exchanged glances, then turned toward Rowen, noting that he subtly shook his head.
It was simple logic: ''Those with nothing to lose, fear nothing.''
In this high-stakes confrontation, the government couldn't afford to falter. If they did, their entire ''world order'' would collapse.
If Orrick were backed into a corner, the fallout would be disastrous. A mutually beneficial deal was the safest route.
At least for now.
After a moment of contemplation, the ''long-mustached Gorōsei'' spoke.
"I have two conditions to add."
"Please, go on."
Orrick remained composed, knowing that the negotiations were already ''ninety percent'' settled.
"We can approve the first two conditions immediately, but the ''scholar'' who can read the ''Poneglyphs'' will only be handed over after the authenticity of Pure Gold is confirmed!"
''Never put all your eggs in one basket.'' The ''Gorōsei's'' caution was warranted.
"Put it in writing and stamp it," Orrick replied decisively. "Just as you don't trust me, I don't trust you either."
He wouldn't put all his chips on the table either… And what if Rowen had simply been ''toying with them'' and presented a fake? Who would he seek justice from then?
"Fine."
The ''Gorōsei'' scowled. "Bring the parchment."
How many years had it been since anyone dared demand ''a written agreement'' from them?
If this document ever became public, it would be ''disastrous'' for the World Government's reputation.
"Second, the clause 'cannot take action against your people' must be revised to 'cannot initiate action against your people!'"
The ''long-mustached Gorōsei'' stroked his beard. "Do what you want in ''non-Allied Nations,'' but the Government's authority must not be undermined!"
"Tch, these old codgers love their technicalities." Orrick narrowed his eyes but ultimately nodded in agreement.
Soon, ''quills, ink, and parchment'' were brought in. The ''long-mustached Gorōsei'' took the pen like a sword and swiftly penned the agreement.
After signing and stamping it, he suddenly turned his head.
"As for the witness… Vic San will take on the role. Any objections?"
In terms of status, aside from ''Imu,'' there was no one more fitting.
"None at all." Orrick smiled faintly. "I appreciate the trouble, ''Uncle.''"
''Uncle?!'' Rowen's pupils contracted.
''That means…''
Hearing this, ''old Vic—no, Nibelungen Vic''—studied Orrick carefully, then stepped forward to examine the agreement.
After a moment, he nodded.
"It aligns with what was discussed. If there are no objections, please sign."
''Bang!''
As the quill was tossed back into the ink bottle, the ''secret accord that could never see the light of day'' was officially sealed.
Rowen, recovering from his momentary shock, propped his chin on his hand, his gaze sharpening.
"So that's how it is… Things are starting to fall into place."
(End Of The Chapter)