Ever since Rear Admiral Bastille had been defeated by Ghost Hand Rowan in the Smanel Kingdom, the position of Base Commander here had remained vacant, temporarily managed by the sole remaining Colonel until a month ago.
A warship dispatched from Marineford arrived at the T4 Branch Base and immediately took over all operations. The highest-ranking officer aboard was a Headquarters Rear Admiral Ghost Spider.
Normally, a Headquarters Rear Admiral assigned to a branch base would assume the position of Branch Vice Admiral, but Ghost Spider's mission was singular: pursue and neutralize Ghost Hand Rowan. It was a temporary assignment, not a permanent transfer.
Base Commander's Office.
Ghost Spider sat behind his desk, reviewing documents. For someone of his rank, managing a branch base was trivial.
As he reached to sign one report, the Den Den Mushi on his desk rang.
"This is the T4 Branch Base."
"Reporting, Rear Admiral Ghost Spider. Scouts have found traces of Ghost Hand Rowan in the Flower Country. How should we proceed?!"
Ghost Spider's expression instantly stiffened. He picked up the sea chart and located the Flower Country a full three days from the branch base.
The only unit capable of reaching it in a single day was a nearby garrison, but even with all forces mobilized, they were insufficient to contain the Ghost Hand Pirates.
"It's impossible to mount a rapid strike. And the Flower Country… it's always troublesome," he muttered. Ghost Spider instructed his subordinate to observe covertly for now and hung up, deep in thought.
Then, a faint glint appeared in his eyes. The Flower Country… entertainment districts… pirate dens…
Flower Country - Entertainment District.
On the top floor of a bustling three-story bar, the scene was surprisingly calm compared to the chaos below. Many women swayed to music in revealing attire, while patrons sipped drinks in relaxed groups.
Through the noisy hall, Ghost Hand Rowan entered, wearing a leather cap, with Robin at his side. Despite the crowd, they drew no attention their movements confident and unassuming.
Rowan scanned the hall and casually seated himself, observing. Robin, ever watchful, whispered softly, "They are almost all here."
Rowan nodded subtly, taking a sip from a glass of champagne handed to him.
Suddenly, a drunken pirate staggered forward, leering. "Hey kid, your companion looks… interesting. How about lending her for a bit?"
Robin remained calm, though a spark of alertness appeared in her eyes.
"Scram," Rowan said, without even lifting his gaze.
The pirate froze, then grinned, leaning closer. "Bold words! I'm a member of the White Bear Pirates, you brat…"
His voice faltered as he finally saw Rowan's face. Recognition struck him like a hammer the bounty poster of Ghost Hand Rowan was unmistakable. His legs weakened, and he could barely turn to warn his captain.
Rowan stood slowly, drawing his pistol.
Bang!
The shot rang out.
The hall fell silent for a heartbeat before erupting into chaos.
From the street outside, people saw patrons fleeing from the top floor, screaming in panic. A distant patrol rushed toward the scene.
Then, the bar's third-floor wall exploded outward. Amidst debris, a massive figure tumbled onto the street below.
Clawed, scarred, and covered in white fur the White Bear Pirates' captain had fallen. His Zoan transformation had been violently broken, revealing a middle-aged pirate in a jacket beneath.
The man tried to retaliate, drawing a pistol, but Rowan's next stomp shattered his chest. Blood sprayed, and the weapon fell uselessly to the ground.
Passersby, nobles, and pirates alike froze in horror.
"That… that's Ghost Hand Rowan!"
The once-mighty White Bear, a pirate with a 45 million Berries bounty and a Zoan Devil Fruit, lay defeated. Rowan's casual stance atop the fallen captain sent a clear message: he hadn't even exerted his full strength.
The Flower Country had never seen such ferocity. Nobles, pirates, and workers alike instinctively stepped back, their eyes wide with fear.
Ghost Hand Rowan already infamous across the West Blue had just reminded everyone why.