One Piece: The Strongest Trait System novel Chapter 255

Chapter 255: [255] : Wiped Clean! Physique Breaks Through! A New Level!

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New week, Lets Push!!

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"You... really do understand me, Sky Sovereign,"

Kizaru said, a wry smile suddenly appearing on his face as he looked at Rowen.

The justice he upheld was "Ambiguous Justice." He saw himself as a salaryman, a man punching a clock.

If Sky Sovereign Rowen had simply tried to force his surrender, to make him a subordinate, Kizaru would not have yielded. He was a Marine Admiral, no matter how lazy or unreliable he appeared, he still had his dignity. He could never accept a pirate’s offer of surrender.

But Sky Sovereign Rowen’s approach... like a corporate headhunter, inviting him to change his work environment—left even Kizaru momentarily unable to refuse.

Because it was a sign of respect—for his life, for his philosophy.

Sky Sovereign Rowen, The Strongest of this era, of the previous era, even of the era of Rocks—understood and respected his life’s philosophy.

Even Kizaru, at this moment, was somewhat moved.

He had never been truly understood.

Since joining the Navy, though hailed as a ’Monster’, among the students taught by Instructor Zephyr alongside Akainu and Aokiji, he was Zephyr’s least favorite.

Later, he rose step-by-step to become a Marine HQ Admiral, but his way of doing things never changed. Within the Navy, he was always a lone wolf.

The proof was in his alignment—he was neither a "Hawk" nor a "Dove," but a third party, floating outside their factions.

He had very few friends. Kuma was one. Vegapunk another. Sentomaru was a junior he was fond of.

And now, Kuma was dead, killed by the World Government itself.

But this was the inevitable consequence of different allegiances. Though during the Summit War, his combat effectiveness was hampered by Kuma’s influence, Kizaru didn’t dwell on it afterwards, still seeing himself as a salaryman.

Just that one of his few friends was now gone forever.

As for making new friends? Completely unnecessary.

As a self-proclaimed salaryman, Kizaru had a salaryman’s resolve: Colleagues were just colleagues, no need to become friends.

This philosophy was not popular within the Navy. In an organization built on camaraderie and the willingness to die for justice, a man with a simple "salaryman" mentality could never be truly accepted.

This was why, before Aokiji’s death, the candidates for the next Fleet Admiral had been Akainu and Aokiji.

He, Kizaru, had never even been an option.

But now... The World’s Strongest acknowledged and respected his philosophy?

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"If I were to agree, how would you restrain me? After all, I am a Marine Admiral. How can you guarantee I won’t betray you?" Kizaru asked, his tone uncharacteristically serious.

"Don’t we have a contract?" Rowen replied, smiling at Kizaru.

"A contract?" Kizaru was stunned.

"What? To work for me, don’t you need to sign a contract? Salary, benefits you can enjoy, your required working hours, and overtime pay if it’s required..." Rowen rattled off the terms.

Since coming to this world, it had been a long time since he had discussed such clauses with anyone.

Speaking of which, it was quite nostalgic.

"W-Wait a minute!" Kizaru gasped, the eyes behind his sunglasses wide.

"Just... a contract?? If I were to betray you, wouldn’t your losses be too great?"

Kizaru felt like he was mishearing things. Was this really just a job offer?

"You’re just coming to work. What’s this talk of betrayal? If you think the benefits I offer are sufficient, you work for me. If you think they’re not, we part ways amicably. Isn’t that normal?" Rowen smiled.

In his past life on Earth, Rowen was also a working man. What he hated most was the corporate brainwashing—contribution, responsibility, duty.

You work for a living—isn’t it for the salary, the benefits, and the peace of mind of not having to fend for yourself?

Betrayal? Loyalty? How much were they paying you to demand such things?

Rowen deeply understood and identified with Kizaru’s ’salaryman’ mentality.

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"Haha... HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Kizaru suddenly burst out laughing, looking at Rowen.

"T-Too interesting... really just working... mm, well then, after this, let’s see if you can offer me a deal that moves my heart," Kizaru wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes.

This sentence also embodied his life philosophy.

Since it was just work, then it could be discussed.

For Sky Sovereign Rowen to respect his life philosophy so much... if he acted coy now, he would despise himself.

"We’ll talk seriously later. But for now..."

Rowen produced a pair of Seastone cuffs.

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CLICK!

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"Plunder."

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