The Historian Surrenders

"Deal!"

Sakazuki nodded without hesitation, accepting Ross's bet.

It wasn't about the stakes; it was a bet on his dignity as a Marine.

If Marines were to collect the body of Saul, a traitor to the Marines, it would be a huge embarrassment.

"Refreshing!" Ross's smile widened. "The stakes aren't high. If I lose, after this Buster Call, I'll recommend you to the Five Elders as the new Marine Admiral, replacing Zephyr."

Hearing the bet, a flicker of desire crossed Sakazuki's eyes.

This recommendation alone could save him years of seniority.

Even if he couldn't reach the position in one go, he could at least become an Admiral candidate with the merits from this Buster Call.

Once he was an Admiral candidate, everything else would be a sure thing, just a matter of time.

"If you lose, the demand isn't high either. Publicly admit you're inferior to me and punch yourself with all your might. How about this bet?"

Ross, referencing his previous experience defeating Guernica, tailored a bet specifically for Sakazuki.

As for the outcome, from the moment he proposed it, he didn't believe he would lose.

Given Kuzan's personality, he wouldn't fail to pay Saul one last visit.

If Kuzan truly didn't go, then Ross would have misjudged his sense of justice. It would simply mean that the Marines, from top to bottom, didn't have a single good person among them.

"Alright! I'll go to Saul's body and wait."

Sakazuki agreed decisively, without the slightest hesitation.

If he won, it would be a huge gain.

Even if he lost, it would only be a minor loss of face.

The mere fact that a Marine would collect the body of a traitor was enough humiliation for him; this bet was nothing.

Besides, he, Sakazuki, never thought face had any value.

Sakazuki turned and headed towards Saul's hiding spot.

Borsalino would handle the aftermath here; he wasn't needed. He just wanted to see if any Marines would do something so foolish before the Buster Call commenced its destruction.

After Sakazuki walked away, Zephyr, who had been silent, suddenly spoke:

"From what I know of Kuzan, he will definitely go."

"Does that mean Vice Admiral Sakazuki is bound to lose this bet?" Gion asked curiously.

"From the moment the bet began, he lost," Zephyr said, shaking his head with a sigh.

"Huh?" Gion was confused.

Zephyr glanced at his foolish student but still patiently explained:

"Regardless of the outcome, Sakazuki will be branded by Saint Ross. For Sakazuki, this is both a powerful shield and a restrictive chain."

"So that's how it is!"

Gion wasn't unintelligent. With just a hint from Zephyr, she suddenly understood.

Even if Saint Ross lost, the act of Saint Ross recommending Sakazuki to the Five Elders as a Marine Admiral would leave Sakazuki with no retreat within the Marines.

An Admiral recommended by a Celestial Dragon would have their background firmly established.

And if Sakazuki lost, publicly admitting he was inferior to Saint Ross, wouldn't that be a public declaration of Saint Ross's submission?

Either way, the result was the same.

Thinking this, Gion looked at Ross with a mixture of admiration and fear.

Fortunately, he's on our side. Otherwise, I'd really be afraid of being schemed against...

Wait, it seems I've already been schemed into being on his side.

Thinking this, Gion's expression stiffened slightly, and she lowered her head in dejection and self-pity.

"Alright, let's see the main point of our visit."

Ross paid no mind to the conversation behind him; he was in a very good mood.

The bet wasn't just about branding Sakazuki with his name; the main reward was winning by defeating Sakazuki.

This move alone might instantly elevate him to B-rank, giving him the strength of a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral.

In high spirits, Ross, with Gion in tow, found the controlled historians.

"Saint Ross!"

Seeing Ross's figure, the surrounding Marines bowed in greeting.

If they hadn't seen it so often these past few days, Ross wouldn't like seeing the same people kneeling every day. Normally, these Marines should have knelt to welcome him.

"Mm!"

Ross merely nodded slightly, signaling the Marines to rise, and his gaze fell upon the surrounded group.

The surrounded crowd was clearly divided into two circles.

One large circle contained dozens of people, men and women, old and young, all dressed as civilians. They were likely those who knew something.

The other circle had only a few people: a nervous middle-aged couple, a handsome young couple, and finally, a little girl about 10 years old.

Ross noticed that the general appearance of people in the pirate world was quite good; at least this young couple was striking.

The woman was as beautiful as a flower, with a curvaceous figure. The man was tall and strong, with a resolute and unyielding expression.

These individuals should be the self-surrendered historians and their related family members.

"You are the ones who surrendered?"

Ross sized up the young couple, and appraisal information appeared before his eyes.

[Doyle Lina]

[Overall Rating: G+]

[Doyle Wilen]

[Overall Rating: D+]

Seeing Wilen's rating, Ross's gaze immediately locked onto him.

With his perception, he could confirm that Wilen did not possess very high strength, at most a little stronger than an ordinary Marine.

A level like this would at most be a D-, not a D+.

The remaining points, if he wasn't mistaken, represented Wilen's reputation within the historian community. This was a renowned historian, likely also on the wanted list.

"Saint Ross. My name is Doyle Wilen, a historian from Ohara, a scholar of history."

Wilen stepped in front of his family and knelt on one knee to salute Ross.

Wilen was a historian. Just by hearing the suffix of Ross's name, Wilen knew Ross's identity.

"Uncle Wilen..." Robin exclaimed, clearly recognizing him.

However, Wilen never looked at Robin, as if he didn't know her.

Only they, the historians, knew that Robin was also one of them.

Whether this Celestial Dragon knew Robin's identity or not, it wasn't for him to say.

"Wilen?"

Ross softly repeated the name, not because he had any particular impression of it.

But rather...

"Saint Ross."

Gion, understanding the situation, leaned close to Ross's ear and introduced him, "Wilen is on the wanted list, with a bounty of 20 million. His reputation at sea is no less than Olvia's. He's known as 'The Keeper of History,' though his appearance on the wanted poster is different from now; his face on the poster is more ordinary."

"Is this your real appearance?"

Without Ross needing to command, a Marine standing nearby handed him Wilen's wanted poster.

Ross compared Wilen's current handsome features with the unremarkable appearance on the wanted poster. There was indeed a significant difference, no wonder others hadn't recognized him.

"That's right. When you're out and about, you always need to be prepared. Your Highness might not recognize my real appearance, but you should recognize this mark."

Saying this, Wilen extended his right hand, revealing the Tree of Knowledge mark on his arm.

Gion continued to whisper in Ross's ear, "When the wanted poster was issued, it did mention that Wilen had a Tree of Knowledge tattoo embroidered on his right forearm."

This tattoo alone was enough to prove Wilen's identity.

Not to mention Robin had called out his name. Robin had no time to collude, and given her current emotional state, she wouldn't be thinking that much. His identity was already beyond doubt.

However, Ross was genuinely curious why Wilen had chosen to surrender.

Since no Marines knew Wilen's true face, he likely could have gotten away with it this time. There was no need to drag his family into danger.

He could tell that Wilen cared deeply for his family. He wouldn't put them in a dangerous situation unless absolutely necessary.

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