"I see. So, what's next?"
What's your next request? And what reasons will you use to convince me? Don't think that just because I know Rear Admiral Hogg, I'll necessarily help you!
Jonathan rested his chin on his hands and looked at Luo Chen as he spoke.
"Of course, I didn't expect to persuade a commander whom headquarters called a stubborn one to help me with just a few words."
I need a ride with you to Marineford to clarify some things about Hogg and to pick up his sister Catherine.
My reasoning is that if you don't help me, I'll have to get there on my own.
But if anyone tries to stop me along the way, I can't guarantee I'll be able to control myself!
Luo Chen chuckled and revealed his other purpose, along with the reasons for persuading him.
His words were filled with strong confidence, showing no Jonathan might refuse his request.
"Hmm... young man, may I take this as a threat?"
Jonathan, he asked him a question.
"You can think of it that way, Vice Admiral Jonathan, but I still hope you will agree to my request."
After all, the Navy doesn't want to have another enemy right now, especially since the Marine Headquarters is currently engaged in intense preparations for war...
Luo Chen did not deny his words and went on to say something similar.
"... Young man, I don't know where you heard about this, but judging from what you just said, you must have just fallen from the sky!"
I didn't expect you to know about this too. Looks like you're quite capable yourself...
Indeed, the navy currently cannot afford to offend another powerful enemy, but what makes you think you can become that person? Is it based on your current abilities?
As he spoke, Jonathan stood up from his chair, staring directly at Luo Chen, and unleashed a powerful aura to intimidate him.
"Isn't my current ability enough?"
Luo Chen met his gaze without flinching, his own powerful aura clashing with Luo Chen's.
boom...
The entire office seemed precarious under the combined influence of the two men, like a lone boat adrift at sea.
clatter...
clatter...
clatter...
Click!!
"Report, what happened?"
The soldiers outside noticed the commotion and, led by Colonel Drake, rushed in armed.
"Um..."
The moment the soldiers rushed in, the two men simultaneously withdrew their imposing aura and turned to look at them.
"This is none of your business. Go out and capture the Straw Hat Pirates. You don't need to worry about this..."
Jonathan waved his hand, signaling his men to return to their posts.
"But, Commander..."
Drake saw Luo Chen standing there and wanted to say something to him, but Jonathan interrupted him.
"Alright, I've already said, you don't need to worry about this. Did you really think I'd be defeated by some rookie pirate? Get out of here..."
"Yes!!"
Having heard his superior's words, how could Colonel Drake not do as he was told? He had no choice but to lead his men back.
"Heh, it seems your subordinates care about you quite a bit, Vice Admiral Jonathan, but it seems he's forgotten just how capable his superior really is."
Seeing this, Luo Chen couldn't help but speak to him.
"Alright, enough with the pleasantries. Judging from your strength just now, I somewhat acknowledge what you said, but please don't say you're someone who can threaten Marine Headquarters."
With your current strength, you pose absolutely no threat to Headquarters. You should know that there are many people at Marine Headquarters who are just as strong as me, or even stronger.
Jonathan's words were obviously an exaggeration. You have to know that someone with his strength could be ranked among the top fifteen Vice Admiral with real power in the Marine Headquarters. He was a strongman who could be ranked even in the latter half of the Grand Line.
He said this simply to undermine Luo Chen's confidence and make him less arrogant.
"Hahaha, are you kidding me? Vice Admiral Jonathan, someone with your skills is definitely a top-tier officer at headquarters."
However, I do agree with another point you made. Yes, I can't pose a significant threat to the Navy right now, but that's my current strength, and it's hard to say that I'll remain like this in the future...
So, do you still think my reasons are not convincing enough?
Luo Chen shook his head in denial, stating his own opinion in a way that Jonathan could not refute.
"... Hahaha... Yes, you're right, your current strength doesn't represent your future strength."
Moreover, it would be inexcusable for me to remain indifferent when such a promising talent with such strength and potential appears before me.
Okay, I grant your request. I happen to be going to Marineford soon anyway, so you can come with me.
After staring into his eyes for a long time, Jonathan laughed and agreed with him, saying this to Luo Chen.
"Very good, then please give me your guidance during this time..."
Seeing that Jonathan had finally let go, Luo Chen happily thanked him.
"Um... no need to be so polite. By the way, I'm going to arrest the Straw Hat Pirates next, so I'd like to ask your stance first...?"
Jonathan raised his hand and said, then made no attempt to hide his purpose from him, before looking him straight in the eye to see what his answer was.
"Hehehe, of course, it's your own responsibility to do so, and please rest assured, I will not interfere in this matter."
If they are arrested like this, then that is their fate; it was their own choice, and they have no one to blame but themselves.
Luo Chen did not flinch, looking directly into his eyes as he loudly gave his answer.
"Hmm... okay, then I'm relieved. So, are you going to stay here or go wander around?"
When he saw that Luo Chen answered him without flinching and with a clear gaze, he knew that Luo Chen would not interfere with his plans, so he let him go and play as he pleased.
"No, I'll just go take a stroll first. It's almost lunchtime, isn't it? If you go to the mess hall now, Vice Admiral Jonathan, you might find something unexpected..."
"I won't say any more, I'll be going now."
After leaving, Luo Chen turned back and said something to Jonathan, which puzzled him, but he didn't press him for details. He shook his head and went to the cafeteria to eat.
"Any results? Forget it, let's eat first! I heard two new chefs came, and their food is amazing. I'll go try it and see if it lives up to their reputation."
Jonathan shook his head and walked towards the restaurant.
"Awoo! Awoo! Awoo!"
It's so delicious...
In the kitchen, Luffy, dressed in a chef's uniform, kept moving towards the food the chefs had just prepared and placed on the table, stuffing it into his mouth.
"Hey, is this really okay for him?"
The chef standing next to Sanji nudged Sanji on the shoulder and asked.
"Don't worry, despite her appearance, she's a food connoisseur too..."
Sanji replied to him.
"I don't see what's so similar about him, but you're different; you're a truly skilled chef."
He looked at Luffy eating and drinking with some disbelief, then looked at Sanji and praised him.