"Are you suggesting that I, as Fleet Admiral of the Navy, am guilty of bias or misconduct?" Sengoku's expression darkened as he asked the question.
"W-Well… maybe my father exaggerated a bit when he submitted the application on my behalf?" Yahn replied in a small voice.
"In that case, Navy Officer Yahn, I suggest you review your application now and verify whether there are any inaccuracies."
After a brief pause, Fleet Admiral Sengoku continued, "According to regulations, all promotion requests must be publicly disclosed and officially archived. This is your final chance to check it over."
Without hesitation, Yahn immediately began reviewing the document—his attention zeroing in on the Achievements section.
To his disbelief, that section was densely packed with detailed descriptions and accolades.
Moments later, Yahn lifted his eyes and glared at Sengoku with righteous indignation. "Language really is an art!"
"No objections then, Lieutenant Yahn?"
Unfazed, Sengoku turned to another officer in the room—Captain Tokikake, who was watching with curiosity—and said, "The three of you are among the most promising of the new generation of naval officers. It's important that you understand each other well."
"Since Captain Tokikake seems curious, why don't you take a look at Yahn's application report? See if the merits listed there justify his current rank."
"Yes, sir!"
Tokikake gave a quick salute, then took the report from the visibly frustrated Yahn and began reading it alongside Gion, who had also glanced over with interest.
But the moment they read the very first line of the Achievements section, both Tokikake and Gion blurted out in unison:
"Actively participated in the Buster Call Campaign and made significant contributions?!"
"I was just on the ship. I didn't even fire a single bullet, let alone a cannon," Yahn muttered in defense.
Unfortunately, neither Tokikake nor Gion seemed to believe him. They continued reading the list of accomplishments aloud, in perfect sync:
"Prevented a friendly fire incident between a warship and a refugee vessel, saving thousands of civilians and preserving the Navy's reputation…"
"Assisted Vice Admiral Yamakaji in the capture of rogue giant Vice Admiral Saul. Post-battle reports attribute over a thousand wounds to Yahn…"
Tokikake couldn't help but whistle in admiration. "Incredible. For someone so young, Lieutenant Yahn is already capable of going toe-to-toe with Vice Admirals."
---
Yahn's inner thoughts:
Would anyone believe me if I said I was just giving Saul a deep-tissue massage back then?
He sighed internally, at a complete loss for how to refute the increasingly exaggerated claims in the report.
Meanwhile, Tokikake didn't notice that Gion's face had turned faintly red—as if she were recalling something… personal.
And yet, the list of feats wasn't even close to ending. Tokikake continued reading with growing astonishment:
"Helped Vice Admiral Kuzan rediscover a new path of justice in times of doubt…"
"Eradicated the Capone Mafia terrorizing a regional sea area…"
"Proposed critical reforms regarding the current state of the West Blue Navy, offering invaluable insight…"
By now, the sheer scale of Yahn's alleged contributions had painted a crystal-clear picture in Tokikake's mind: a brilliant young officer with a heart wholly dedicated to justice and the Navy.
But as Tokikake glanced over at Yahn—still half-awake, messy-haired, wearing black-rimmed glasses, and sporting a refined, bookish face—he couldn't help but think:
He looks more like one of those lazy, spoiled second-generation rich kids than a military prodigy.
And then, as if noticing Tokikake's doubtful stare, Yahn spoke up firmly:
"I'm not the kind of guy you're imagining."
Tokikake's eyes widened in shock. Yahn's bright gaze cut straight into his thoughts—it felt like Yahn had seen right through him.
So it's true—one really can't judge a book by its cover!
He knew exactly what I was thinking just from a single glance… No wonder they call him the son of the "Strategic Admiral," Fleet Admiral Sengoku!
He may look gentle and well-mannered, but inside, Lieutenant Yahn is clearly a man of great depth!
No wonder he had achieved so much at such a young age.
Tokikake straightened up and turned to Sengoku with newfound conviction.
"Fleet Admiral, I believe that based on Lieutenant Yahn's merits, not only is he qualified for the rank of Lieutenant, I dare say he could be awarded a field-grade officer rank outright!"
---
At that moment, Yahn gave Tokikake a long, incredulous look.
What did I ever do to deserve this?
You have no grudge against me, so why are you doing this to me?!
You're not only ugly and shady-looking, but you're also this devious on the inside? You even know how to kill someone with praise?
Wait a minute… Could Tokikake be another one of the old man's secret plants?!
The realization struck Yahn like lightning.
Last time, the old man roped in Gion and used some nonsense about marrying into the family just to force me to join the Navy. Now he's pulling the same trick again with Tokikake?
Traitors everywhere… What am I even supposed to do in a setup like this?!
His expression twitched slightly. Then, forcing a smile, he patted Tokikake on the shoulder and said through gritted teeth:
"Captain Tokikake, you really have an eye for talent. To say something so insightful with such conviction… you're truly gifted. A bright future awaits you."
But Tokikake, blissfully unaware of Yahn's sarcasm, took those words as heartfelt praise. His already high opinion of Yahn soared even further.
Especially the part about being "gifted both inside and out"—it struck a deep chord.
No one—not even his own mother—had ever complimented him like that before. And now, someone had even praised his looks?!
With tears welling in his eyes, Tokikake looked at Yahn with pure gratitude and said:
"Big Bro…"
Yahn stared blankly at him, utterly confused, as Tokikake's voice trembled with emotion.
"I never imagined… that in your eyes… I was this kind of man."
"…What else would I think?" Yahn asked without thinking.
---
At that instant, Tokikake felt as if Yahn was glowing—radiating a kind of brilliance that shook him to his core.
Even the casual, rhetorical tone in Yahn's voice stirred something deep within him. It wasn't just acknowledgment—it was validation.
"Big Bro Yahn!" Tokikake cried out, his voice full of conviction. "From now on, you're my big brother for life!!!"
---
Currently at chapter 325 for advance chapters
https:// ko-fi.com/sami27