One Piece: Mandala Swordsman

Chapter 143 Trouble Comes Knocking

More often than not, Roman applied the principle of "people-oriented" to her subordinates, believing that this approach was more effective.

After all, people are not simply natural beings, nor can they be purely economic beings. They have their own thoughts, ideas, and emotions, so it is more appropriate to view them from the perspective of social beings.

To build a good relationship, it is necessary to provide strict guidance, appropriate care, and occasional rewards.

And just as Roman had predicted, they soon stopped complaining and glaring at her.

Of course, she didn't forget that all of this was based on the premise that she had overwhelming strength. If she didn't have any strength, the four men would have already started punching her in the face. Why would they listen to her verbal attacks?

Because Roman was quite strict during training, she didn't mind them coming to her during their free time to get revenge and stretch their muscles.

……

They were just tools. Although they were nominally his subordinates, they couldn't even be called human because they couldn't complete the mission. At most, he could just give them some money and Devil Fruits, right? Why should he go to Marineford to apologize to the Marshal for those tools?

Spandam is heading to Marineford aboard a large ship bearing the insignia of the World Government.

Only two types of people are allowed to use ships bearing government markings: Celestial Dragons and high-ranking government officials.

Ships bearing the World Government flag possess absolute authority, and their deterrent power at sea surpasses even that of warships and pirate ships belonging to the Emperor of the Sea.

Everyone knew the consequences of attacking him, so Spandam didn't encounter any fools and made his way to Marineford without incident.

However, he was met with cold stares as soon as he disembarked.

There was no welcoming ceremony, and no marshal to receive them.

Normally, Spandam would have been furious, but he knew he was there to apologize and couldn't put on airs, so he had to hold back.

As the highest-ranking officer of CP9, he bears undeniable responsibility for the CP organization's dereliction of duty.

However, despite Spandam's despicable and cowardly nature, he was unfairly blamed this time.

After all, although he was the superior, the orders from the CP organization took precedence over those of the Celestial Dragons, especially since they were direct orders from the Five Elders. He had no choice but to obey.

Although he couldn't understand the Five Elders' intentions, it seemed that taking the blame for one's superiors was also a subordinate's duty.

Thinking of this, Spandam felt a tightness in his chest, an urge to vent. Looking at the gloomy child behind him, he felt even angrier and began to vent his anger on him.

"Why the gloomy face? Didn't you learn basic facial expression management? If they didn't all say you're the most talented guy in the CP organization in 800 years, I wouldn't have brought you along." After venting his temper, Spandam quickly walked towards the headquarters building, while the boy behind him followed slowly, his eyes even more gloomy.

Spandam was already furious, and he became even angrier when he saw that the person who received him was not Marshal Kong but Sengoku.

"Where is your marshal?"

"The Marshal is very busy, and he specifically said that I would receive you, a high-ranking government official." Zhan Guo's tone was calm and unhurried.

It's perfectly acceptable for a naval admiral to receive a high-ranking government official; there's no fault in the etiquette. Moreover, Sengoku wasn't just any admiral; he was the next marshal, a certainty.

Spandam could only swallow his resentment in the end.

"Regarding Kaido's attack, our CP intelligence organization didn't do a good job, so the Five Elders specially sent me to make amends to the Navy. If you have the means, then let's begin." Spanda Inpon didn't even touch the snacks and tea that his adjutants had prepared beforehand, and went straight to the point.

Spandam, it's that guy again. He has a terrible reputation both within the World Government and the Navy, and he's not even capable enough. How can someone like that be the commander of CP9? Sengoku shook his head inwardly.

However, his lack of ability and strength is precisely the time for him to shine. This time, the CP organization will have to bleed a little.

"300 billion Berries, twenty warships, 800 tons of food, 100 boxes of gunpowder weapons..." Just as Sengoku was about to continue, Spandam finally couldn't hold back his gloomy face and roared out.

"Sengoku, are you out of your mind? Even if it's an outrageous demand, you're still being too greedy." 300 billion Berries and twenty warships—how could they even bring themselves to say that?

"Is the price too high? I remember that the World Government's funding for CP's activities is far more than 300 billion Berries. Although it's not entirely under our control, the annual amount given to the Science Department is at least hundreds of billions of Berries. After Vegapunk joined the Science Department, this number more than doubled. I think my demands are very reasonable." Sengoku stood firm.

Spandam sneered, "Let's put the Science Department aside for now. I need to have a serious discussion with you about our intelligence organization. Don't you even know how many great contributions our CP organization has made so far? Our money is mainly used to cultivate high-quality personnel. Yes, your navy is also a place for cultivating personnel, but if I may be frank, the money required to cultivate elites is completely different from that required to cultivate mediocre people..."

Before he finished speaking, Sengoku's aura became sharp, lowering the atmosphere in the room. Spandam's face broke out in a cold sweat, because he knew he had gone too far and Sengoku was clearly angry.

Of course, Sengoku didn't actually lose his temper; otherwise, if he had unleashed his Conqueror's Haki, Spandam would have fainted on the spot. However, Spandam still needed to be taught a lesson; a marine who fought valiantly was not someone someone like him could insult.

"Are you referring to me as mediocre?" A cold glint flashed in Zhan Guo's glasses.

“I’m not targeting you specifically, but the Navy’s performance in recent years has indeed declined significantly. After Roger’s death, the Navy has also faced recruitment difficulties, with a bunch of mediocre people joining the Navy every year. That’s why you’re ridiculed by pirates, isn’t it? Our CP organization is different. We select the most talented children from a young age and subject them to brutal training. Only those who survive to the end can join the organization. Our organization is full of talent,” Spandam retorted stubbornly.

"Are you referring to the child behind you as a talent?" Sengoku looked at the seemingly emotionless child behind Spandam with a smile on his lips.

……

"Major Roman, Admiral Sengoku summons you!" A marine found Roman, who was diligently teaching, and told her about Sengoku's order.

Looking for her again?

Why do I keep contacting her? She's about to lose.

Seeing the good hand he had and the relieved looks on the faces of his three subordinates, Patch, who was still doing push-ups, could finally stop.

"We'll continue training later. I should be back soon."

Although he sensed something was wrong, Roman didn't forget his job and hurried off with the communications soldier.

Hopefully, it won't be anything too difficult.