One Piece: Mandala Swordsman

Chapter 381 No matter how we fight, we cannot affect the fundamentals of the Navy.

"I went there specifically to target the hawks."

what?

Kizaru was surprised by Roman's reasoning.

Although it is a very normal reason, it seems too "sincere" and is not suitable for Roman's cunning personality.

Moreover, Roman had said long ago that he did not want to interfere too much in this factional dispute.

Given Aokiji's personality, he probably wouldn't let Roman do this.

"Targeting the hawks? While it's normal to consider your current faction, it doesn't fit your personality." Kizaru narrowed his eyes slightly.

“A person’s personality does not completely determine what he does. Of course, the reasons I’m giving now are only superficial. In fact, in my opinion, the loss of control of the G5 fortress was entirely within my expectations.”

"why?"

“Because they are eagles,” Roman replied succinctly.

"Admiral Kizaru, this isn't my first time visiting G5 Fortress. In terms of discipline and quality, I really can't think of any better soldiers than them. But their personalities are a real problem. I've seen firsthand how they deal with pirates."

The navy of the G-series fortresses in the New World is known for its "brutality".

Because they were facing even more vicious pirates.

"I have witnessed firsthand their hatred for pirates, and I am well aware of the consequences that would result if this hatred got out of control, which would be no good for the Navy."

"So you noticed the signs very early on."

"Yes, Admiral Kizaru, please understand that I did this not to protect pirates, but the Navy and pirates are fundamentally different. We are not like them. But at that time, I saw the same qualities in them as pirates."

Extreme environments can make people cease to be human.

He was blinded by hatred.

"Then why don't you report your concerns to Marshal Sengoku?"

Although Roman's argument was reasonable, Kizaru felt that she could still take a better approach.

For example, reporting on the marshals of the Warring States period.

"Because eagles are important, I don't think my report will make any difference, especially since it's what I see from my perspective, not what the Warring States Marshal saw."

The alpha wolf has different things to think about.

Whether they were hawks, doves, or neutrals, they all had their own advantages and disadvantages in the eyes of the Warring States period.

When using them, we must also accept their shortcomings.

This has been the guiding principle throughout the Warring States period.

"A good sword, even if it might injure the swordsman, is something a swordsman would find hard to give up."

"So you planned this all along?" Kizaru now understood a bit more.

Roman had actually thought this through long ago.

Although she discovered the problem, she did not rush to make it public, but instead looked for an opportunity to strike decisively.

"Yes, G5 Fortress, no, even if it wasn't G5, there would have been G3 or G4. They would have run into problems sooner or later. I just found the right time to make my move. And this time, it just so happens that G5 is the one that ran into problems."

"That was Andrew's death."

"Yes. From the very beginning, regardless of whether it was G5 Fortress or not, I would have tried to steer the investigation toward G."

Are you really that sure?

"No, I'm not sure. I'm just going to try it out and see if I can verify my guess."

"So, this is just a method you use to detect them?" Kizaru was a little surprised.

"Yes, and if nothing is found, it can also be used as a reason to target the hawks. In fact, most people probably think so, and I also think it is indeed a good reason."

"Of course, I was quite surprised to find out about your problem." Yeah, right.

Kizaru: "..."

"I'm not really interested in these factional disputes, but all of this is predicated on the premise that it doesn't affect the Navy. No matter how fiercely we fight among ourselves, it can't affect our fundamentals. That's my thinking. Do you understand now?"

That reason should be acceptable, right?

"You really are something else." This time, even Kizaru was somewhat surprised by the depth of Roman's thinking.

For some reason, he seemed to see a hint of a future marshal in her, according to the I Ching.

That is indeed possible.

If it weren't for her age and lack of experience, the Warring States period would probably have given her the position of marshal without hesitation when she retired.

Tsk tsk tsk, what a terrifying guy.

"It seems your curiosity has been satisfied, so now I need to collect my reward. After all, I didn't intend to reveal all my thoughts in the first place." As he spoke, Roman stood up.

She's someone who absolutely doesn't want to be taken advantage of.

Kizaru was also aware of Roman's personality.

You almost never see her suffer a loss; even when she does, she seems very magnanimous.

But this doesn't mean she's completely given up; rather, she'll seize the opportunity to get what she wants again.

"What do I need to give in return?"

"Well, don't worry, it's not excessive..." Roman grinned mischievously.