One Piece: Mandala Swordsman

Chapter 145 What empty check? I want cash.

Like a dying beast, even knowing the outcome, it still wants to take a piece of the other's flesh.

The fingers, which were not covered by Haki, had already been injured by Lucci's sharp teeth.

Even though he couldn't breathe, Lucci still didn't give up the fight.

Roman just injured his shoulder and fingers.

Although it was meant to be playful, which prevented Roman from using her full strength, Lucci's attack did injure her, which still surprised her a bit.

Moreover, Lucci's eyes remained fierce, showing no sign of losing his fighting spirit. If Roman relaxed his guard even slightly, Lucci would quickly break free from Roman's control.

Even so, the outcome is already decided.

At this point, Lucci was no match for Roman. His current resistance and glances were nothing more than a cat's claws, merely tickling the senses.

With just a little effort, Lucci immediately began to have difficulty breathing.

"How is this possible? Hey, Rob Lucci, aren't you supposed to be the greatest genius in the CP organization in eight hundred years? Can't you even beat a little girl?" Seeing Lucci being suppressed, Spandam finally couldn't help but roar.

"Sir, please don't get agitated. Although I'm not entirely sure what the CP organization is, please don't forget that the Navy is a righteous organization that has existed for 800 years. Talented people are never lacking." Roman replaced his injured finger and seamlessly used his left hand to grab Lucci's neck. In the process, he didn't forget to respond to Spandam's angry roar.

It's true that Lucci is talented, ruthless, and persevering, but titles are mostly just a gimmick, mainly used to increase prestige, and then the protagonist defeats them. It sounds cool, but it has no practical effect.

“Lieutenant Commander Roman is right. You know, our navy’s history is as long as the CP organization. If you can find geniuses, our navy can certainly do the same.” Sengoku nodded to Roman with satisfaction, then didn’t forget to tease Spandam.

"Didn't you just say she was a major?"

"Considering that she just defeated your genius of the last 800 years, I plan to promote Major Roman by one rank. Otherwise, you won't save face. Please don't be angry. This is an internal matter of our navy. Even if you are very angry, it won't do you any good." Sengoku's words were hitting Spandam's sore spots, successfully enraging him.

However, Spandam's remaining rationality made him change his attitude, because he had not forgotten the purpose of this sparring match. Now that the outcome was decided, it was time for him to fulfill his promise. But when he thought of Sengoku's exorbitant demands, Spandam's despicable nature began to take effect.

"I didn't say anything just now. What's the big deal about a little girl defeating a little boy? I..." Spandam was about to continue rambling on when Sengoku interrupted him.

"Really? Actually, I recorded the entire conversation on the surveillance phone. If that's the case, then..."

As expected of an old fox, Roman silently sympathized with Spandam. How could this simple-minded guy possibly compete with Sengoku? Over the years, Sengoku had often brainstormed with one pirate after another, with strategist Tsuru assisting him.

“Sengoku, you actually…” Spandam was clearly not expecting Sengoku to pull this stunt.

"For the sake of your reputation, please reconsider. Although I really want to protect your reputation, Spandam, if it were to leak out accidentally, it might..."

……

Looking at his haul, Sengoku grinned like a shrewd businessman, and patted Roman on the shoulder: "You've done a great job this time, Lieutenant Colonel Roman. I'm truly happy that you chose the Navy."

At this moment, Roman timely asked, "What exactly is this CP they're talking about?"

"The World Government's secret intelligence agency, officially called Cipher Pol, is a rather troublesome organization. Although we all belong to the World Government, we often clash because of our work, and we're in a state of mutual dislike. Those members were almost all raised as tools by high-ranking officials of the World Government from a young age, so for them, orders are above all else." Sengoku felt dislike towards this organization; they were capable of anything to complete a mission, even more extreme than Sakazuki.

Roman: "General, after hearing what you said, I have a feeling that I might be in some trouble."

She hadn't forgotten the fierce look Spandam gave her when he left. Spandam was one thing, though, since that guy was retiring in a few years, but Lucci's gaze still made her a little wary.

Lucci is still very vengeful.

Luffy defeated Lucci, and Lucci has never forgotten this humiliation. In just two years, he has grown tremendously and, disregarding Luffy's status as one of the Four Emperors, directly attacked him on Egghead Island.

The only hope is that Lucci, who failed in this "mission," will be dealt with, but that's unlikely.

Logically speaking, although Lucci made Spandam lose face and money, he shouldn't have given up completely. The CP organization came here to compensate the Navy, even if it meant losing a little more money.

"I believe you can handle it. If you want to reach my position in the future, you'll have to deal with more than just pirates. Don't tell me you don't want to."

Is this considered an empty promise? The old man from the Warring States period was also a master of leadership.

However, a soldier who doesn't want to be a general isn't a good soldier, and as an ambitious navy officer, it seems inappropriate to shake one's head at this moment.

"No," Roman replied honestly.

"What?" Sengoku was taken aback.

"I always feel very tired, and I think fighting for justice has nothing to do with military rank."

"That's true." Sengoku suddenly smiled kindly and patted Roman's head. The position of general is not easy.

"However, when the time is right, you should be one of the future generals, so hone your skills for another 20 years," Sengoku encouraged Roman again.

But Roman suddenly reached out his hand, palm up, which meant he was asking for it.

What do you mean?

The Warring States period was a bit confusing.

"General of the Warring States Period, 20 years is too far in the future. I prefer the benefits of the present. Of course, I know you have already rewarded me with a first-class military rank, but could you also give me some money? I just heard that Spandam is going to give you 300 billion Berries."

Sengoku: "..."

Seeing that Zhan Guo was speechless, Roman added with a grin, "I worked for a merchant guild for a while. They believe in fair compensation for hard work. Besides, I got into trouble because of you. How can you bear not to give me financial compensation?"

……

Holding a thick wad of cash, Roman left in high spirits. At a time like this, she couldn't keep a low profile, so she used her generous "reward" as capital to wreak havoc on the mahjong table and thoroughly train the other four players.

Then they reaped a great harvest.

Today was a pretty good day.