Fujitora simply shook his head and said calmly,
"I'm new to the Navy. Being a soldier under Admiral Purple Kirin is enough for me."
Fleet Admiral Sengoku raised a hand and interrupted,
"That won't do. If Chiga recognizes your strength, then your rank should at least be above Colonel."
Chiga stepped forward without hesitation,
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I recommend promoting Fujitora directly to Vice Admiral."
The room froze. Everyone present was momentarily stunned by Chiga's blunt suggestion. But he ignored their reactions and continued,
"Today, the Navy's power far surpasses that of any of the Four Emperors. It's time we send a clear message. I'm preparing for war."
"Preparing for war?!"
Sengoku's eyes widened. But looking at Chiga's resolute expression, he knew this wasn't just empty talk.
Chiga crossed his arms, his tone steady.
"Pirates calling themselves 'Emperors' is a stain on the name of justice. I want the world to see what true justice looks like—our justice."
"Well said!"
The office door burst open. Everyone except Chiga turned toward the entrance.
Akainu stood in the doorway, steam rising from his shoulders as lava sparked from his fists. He strode inside, eyes locked onto Chiga's Rinnegan.
"Were you serious just now?"
Chiga didn't flinch.
"Do you think I'd joke about something like this?"
He had sensed Akainu's presence so the sudden entrance didn't faze him.
Akainu's body trembled slightly, then a rare smile crept across his face. Even Sengoku found himself glancing twice to make sure he wasn't hallucinating.
Akainu turned to face Sengoku.
"I agree with everything Chiga said. The Navy should never cower in the face of war. If a man like this joins our ranks, promoting him directly to Vice Admiral is more than reasonable!"
He didn't spare a glance at Robin. He had overheard everything about her outside the door. Originally, he was against the idea of the so-called Devil Child joining the Navy, but Chiga's words and vision aligned perfectly with his own. Justice was absolute. Pirates deserved only one thing—elimination.
And now, with Chiga leading the charge, his long-buried dream of purging the sea could finally begin.
Despite being confident in his own strength, Akainu couldn't deny that Chiga's title as the Navy's strongest Admiral wasn't just for show. It was earned.
Sengoku looked at the fired-up Akainu and finally sighed.
"This matter is serious. We need to gather all the top officers for a proper discussion. As for Fujitora's rank... Chiga, any ideas?"
"I propose we send several Vice Admirals to spar with him. That way, everyone can judge his strength firsthand."
Sengoku nodded.
"A sound plan. That way, no one can question the outcome."
---
Three Days Later, Marineford Plaza
The Headquarters plaza was packed with soldiers. Buzzing chatter filled the air.
"Did you hear? That guy named Fujitora caught Admiral Chiga's eye. They're saying he'll be promoted straight to Vice Admiral!"
"That kind of promotion speed is insane!"
"I heard Fleet Admiral Sengoku arranged for several Vice Admirals to test him. If he can hold his own, the promotion will be official!"
"Well, if Admiral Chiga believes in him, then he must be strong. When has Chiga ever misjudged someone?"
"Exactly! I mean, look at Yamato—that guy's basically a monster!"
"Hmph. Doesn't matter who it is, I'll always stand behind Admiral Chiga."
"Still, we don't get a say in it. The top brass are all here already. The decision is in their hands."
On the platform overlooking the plaza, almost all the Vice Admirals were seated. Garp, of course, had "volunteered" to sit beside Sengoku and the other top officers.
Gion sat confidently beside Chiga, drawing no reaction from the others. Everyone knew about their relationship by now.
To Chiga's other side sat the three Admirals. Akainu and Aokiji were present, and even the usually indifferent Kizaru had been dragged here by Sengoku himself.
Typically, a demonstration like this wouldn't warrant all three Admirals being present, but Sengoku had insisted. He claimed that an important announcement would follow the fight—and no one was allowed to miss it.
Naturally, this had stirred everyone's curiosity.
Gion leaned toward Chiga, lowering her voice.
"Chiga, do you know what the Fleet Admiral's announcement is going to be?"
Chiga smiled faintly, brushing her hand lightly.
"Be patient. You'll know after Fujitora's match."
Gion could tell he wasn't going to reveal anything. She moved closer, resting her arm lightly against his, and settled in to watch.
At the other end of the platform, Tsuru turned to Sengoku and asked the same question. Sengoku, having seen Chiga's coy attitude earlier, decided to play along.
But Tsuru was not Gion.
Her face darkened.
"Oh? You can't even tell me? Fine, I'll leave then."
She stood up, genuinely ready to walk away.
Sengoku panicked. He grabbed her sleeve, lowering his voice quickly.
"Come on now, don't be like that. Of course I'll tell you! I was just trying to build suspense."
He leaned in and explained Chiga's plan.
Tsuru's expression changed. She glanced toward Chiga and Gion, then back to Sengoku.
After a few seconds of thought, she nodded seriously.
"If this plan came from Chiga, then I believe it's worth supporting."
Sengoku gave an exasperated sigh.
"Why is it that when I say something, no one listens—but when he says it, it's gospel?"
He waved his hand and muttered under his breath,
"You all decide whatever you want. I'm just here drinking tea."
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Read ahead of WN on patreon.com/Zphyr_