Garp walked over and patted Zephyr on the shoulder. "Zephyr, your transition to instructor was the right choice. These cadets are all exceptional."
Zephyr nodded, his gaze sweeping over the seven cadets, including Lloyd. "They are the future of the Navy and the doom of the Pirates."
---
When the warship returned to Marineford, Zephyr went directly to Fleet Admiral Kong's office. Amid Kong's bewildered expression, he reported the mission in detail, emphasizing Lloyd and the other cadets' extraordinary contributions.
Although Zephyr praised all the cadets, Lloyd's performance outshone the rest, leaving Kong's head spinning.
"You're telling me Lloyd crippled Kozuki Oden and even chased him onto the Moby Dick?"
"Yes."
"And then he destroyed the Whitebeard Pirates' fleet with one move?"
"No, the Moby Dick where Whitebeard himself remained is intact."
Kong paused, absorbing the explosive news. Finally, he said, "I understand. Excellent work on this mission. The cadets, especially Lloyd, will receive rewards they deserve, and I will report this to the World Government. It will be publicized heavily, boosting the Navy's prestige."
A hint of excitement appeared on Kong's face. Pirate forces had grown increasingly bold in recent years, driven by legends like Roger and Whitebeard. Whitebeard had now suffered a major setback, and publicizing it would serve as a strong deterrent.
Furthermore, Lloyd and the other cadets were Navy students. Their brilliance reflected not only innate talent but also the training of the Navy School. Many young people would now yearn to join, perhaps even producing the next generation of extraordinary recruits.
Kong, thrilled, began making arrangements immediately.
Soon, the Navy's clash with the Whitebeard Pirates spread throughout the world. Newspapers heralded it as a major victory, highlighting Lloyd and the others as the "Navy Supernovas."
Lloyd's photo was prominently featured, alongside personal information and a summary of his heroic achievements. The coverage effectively made him a "star" in the eyes of the world. Within days, the seven cadets had their own fans, with Lloyd gaining the largest following. It was not just his looks, but his unmatched feats that captivated the public.
Lloyd was now recognized as the leader of the Navy Supernovas. Interest in joining the Navy surged, overwhelming recruitment offices across branches. Kong personally ordered the most promising recruits to be sent to Marine Headquarters to become Zephyr's next batch of students.
Unbeknownst to Kong, the World Government faced complications in Mary Geoise over Lloyd's promotion.
---
Inside the Celestial Dragons' council hall, the Five Elders convened.
Saint Warcury, bearing a red birthmark on his forehead, pointed at Kong's report. "Isn't this Paw-Paw Fruit user a remnant of that Buccaneer from before? He actually joined the Navy?"
Saint Pite, blonde and stern, added, "The Buccaneers are a sinful race. We should send someone to retrieve him. He was originally a slave."
Saint Nusjuro, bald and holding a long sword, said, "Should we not discuss Lloyd's accomplishments?"
Saint Mars, long-bearded, remarked, "His case is complicated. Being from the Figarland Family, any public acknowledgment in the newspapers should be cleared with Saint Garling."
Saint Warcury snorted. "He cannot appear in print. A Celestial Dragon joining the Navy is already a lowering of status. Associating with a Buccaneer is scandalous!"
The others remained silent until Saint Saturn glanced up. Just then, the council doors opened, and Saint Garling, clad in black robes, entered calmly.
Saint Warcury frowned. "Saint Garling? Why are you here?"
Garling ignored him, walking to the head of the table and sitting, legs crossed, facing the Elders.
A trace of anger appeared on Warcury's face. "Shouldn't you discipline your nephew? Has he forgotten his identity?"
Garling's gaze was cold. "What Lloyd did this time is nothing. Should he waste his life in indulgence to be a 'qualified' Celestial Dragon?"
"Garling!" Warcury gasped. "But what about his association with a Buccaneer?"
Garling folded his arms, voice icy. "A Buccaneer? I see no issue. Kuma is Lloyd's servant. Is it wrong for someone from the Figarland Family to have a servant?"
Warcury's shock was visible. "Why was I not informed earlier? You…"
Buzz.
A domineering aura erupted from Garling. Fixing Warcury with a piercing stare, he spoke deliberately, "Since when do you get to criticize the Figarland Family?"
Under the weight of Garling's aura, Warcury paled. One more word and Garling would draw his sword. Warcury hesitated, caught between instinct and caution.
Saint Saturn glanced around. "It seems clear. Since this Buccaneer is Lloyd's servant, it's best to let matters unfold naturally."