084 Naval Reforms: Rising to Vice Admiral (1)

Grand, magnificent, and packed with throngs of people, all of Marineford was steeped in solemnity today. From the Fleet Admiral to the lowest sailor, every member of the Navy had assembled in the great plaza of Marineford.

Today, the Navy was about to undergo a new round of reforms.

“It’s finally here...” Wearing the major general’s coat that his mentor’s wife had carefully prepared for him that morning, Xuan Ye stood among the line of rear admirals, his hands clenched tightly.

Ahead, the Vice Admirals and Admirals of Navy Headquarters stood in rigid formation.

Among them, the most eye-catching was a figure wrapped entirely in white bandages, standing conspicuously in the Vice Admirals’ ranks, impossible to ignore.

“Tch...” Spitting on the ground, Akainu’s bloodshot eyes glared murderously at the foremost figure among the rear admirals.

Why the front? Because nearly a hundred rear admirals had simultaneously stepped back, making that solitary figure all the more prominent.

Xuan Ye paid no mind to Akainu’s venomous gaze; his own eyes remained fixed on the dais above.

“Ahem... Ahem...” Ascending the platform, Kong coughed once, his voice grave as he looked down at the assembled ranks of naval officers. “I believe you all know why we are here. Yes, I am soon to depart for Mary Geoise to assume the post of Supreme Commander. Therefore, the Navy will undergo several personnel changes.”

The plaza fell silent, all eyes burning with anticipation as they gazed up at Kong. As the saying goes, a soldier who doesn’t aspire to be admiral is not a good one; who among them did not dream of rising higher?

“I won’t waste words; everyone has duties to attend to. Let us proceed directly to the announcements.” Producing a document from somewhere, Kong drew a deep breath and began reading amid the crowd’s excitement.

“By order of the World Government, former Admiral Sengoku, step forward.”

With the sound of resolute footsteps, Sengoku strode forward, expressionless, his Admiral’s cloak draped over his shoulders, and stood upright upon the dais.

Though he appeared indifferent, the slight trembling of his body revealed his excitement, his joy barely contained.

“Reporting, Fleet Admiral Kong—Sengoku, present!” He saluted flawlessly.

“I hereby appoint former Admiral Sengoku as Fleet Admiral of the Navy, to lead the entire organization.”

A letter of appointment, stamped with the seal of the Five Elders, was handed over with gravity by Kong.

“Yes, sir!” Sengoku accepted the document with trembling hands, stifling his elation as he stepped aside.

The Navy may have been but one branch of the World Government, but, as everyone knew, it was the government’s most indispensable force—above all other agencies.

Such was the weight of this authority!

“Rear Admiral Xuan Ye Don, step forward!”

Some were surprised, others not at all; there was little stir among the ranks, as this had been expected.

Expressionless, Xuan Ye ascended the dais under Akainu’s resentful glare.

“By order, Rear Admiral Xuan Ye Don is promoted to Vice Admiral of Headquarters, with special authorization to access Enies Lobby’s intelligence resources.”

Kong regarded Xuan Ye, a strange glint flickering in his wise eyes.

Receiving the letter of appointment, Xuan Ye felt a surge of emotion—he could at last set out on the path to rescue his sister.

“Headquarters Lieutenant Commander Packas...”

“Headquarters Lieutenant Colonel Burning Mountain...”

“Headquarters Lieutenant Colonel...”

One by one, every well-known figure received some measure of promotion.

After the roll call, Kong cleared his throat heavily, quelling all conversation.

“Former Admiral Zephyr is appointed Chief Instructor of the Naval Academy, responsible for training the next generation even as he continues his duties as Admiral.”

“At the same time, with the Admiral positions vacant, Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji are officially named as Candidate Admirals. After three years, those who prove themselves will be formally promoted.”

This announcement sent the crowd into a frenzy of discussion. Some looked up at those three unapproachable figures on the dais, then down at Xuan Ye’s calm face below.

A few even noticed the bandaged Akainu, looking smugly at Xuan Ye like a victor. To outsiders, it might have seemed an impressive feat.

Yet those in the know felt only a cold sweat.

Although Akainu and the others had become Candidate Admirals, everyone realized that there were still three Vice Admirals whom even full Admirals would hesitate to command.

The legendary Naval Hero, Monkey D. Garp.

The Chief of Staff, Tsuru.

And finally, Vice Admiral Heavenly Bird Xuan Ye Don.

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The next morning, Xuan Ye, unable to contain his excitement, stood before Zephyr, his emotions indescribable.

“Master, I need to make a trip to Enies Lobby.”

“You really can’t wait, can you? If your mentor’s wife hadn’t stopped you last night, you’d have already left!” Zephyr, dressed in close-fitting attire, gave a wry smile.

“I can’t wait any longer. I thought I could endure, but now...”

“Go, then!” Zephyr waved a hand. He would not stand in Xuan Ye’s way.

“Brother Ye, Brother Monkey, are you leaving again?” Little Star looked on with deep reluctance.

“Eek eek... We’ll be back soon!” The monkey, bearing a large backpack stuffed with his favorite treats—all carefully prepared by the lady of the house the night before—chattered cheerfully.

“Ma’am, I’m leaving now!” Xuan Ye turned and smiled.

“Eek eek... Goodbye!” The monkey waved as well.

“Travel safely, and come back soon!” The woman, wearing an apron, her eyes slightly red, called after them.

“Understood!” Xuan Ye replied, about to depart—when, suddenly, an unexpected event occurred.

A flash of golden light streaked across the sky, and a leering face, adorned with sunglasses, appeared before Xuan Ye, clearly annoyed.

“Yo! That was close, I almost missed you.”

“If you’ve got something to say, spit it out. Don’t waste my time—I’m in no mood.” Xuan Ye’s face darkened as he glared at Kizaru.

“Come on, I’m at least a Candidate Admiral now. Show a little respect!” Kizaru lifted his shades, his tone lazy.

“Oh?” Xuan Ye narrowed his eyes.

“Fleet Admiral Sengoku wants to see you. It’s important.” Seeing Xuan Ye about to lose his temper, Kizaru hurried to explain, quelling his anger.

“I don’t have time!” Xuan Ye scowled, turning to leave.

“Sengoku said that without this meeting, you won’t have access to Enies Lobby’s intelligence.” Kizaru folded his arms behind his head, utterly unconcerned.

“You’ve said your piece.” Xuan Ye turned, his expression calm.

“Defeating a pirate with a five-hundred-million bounty isn’t enough to qualify as Vice Admiral. You need to complete a mission—and to access Enies Lobby’s resources, you must complete another mission. This is a direct order from the Five Elders.”

Breathing heavily, Xuan Ye glared coldly, prompting Kizaru to add quickly, “That’s Sengoku’s own words, not mine.” He tensed, uncertain whether this madman would suddenly attack him.

“Did Sengoku really say that?” Zephyr stepped forward, face grim.

“Teacher Zephyr, that’s the truth. I’ve delivered the message; whether you go is up to you!” With that, Kizaru vanished in a flash of golden light.

“Hmph...” Xuan Ye snorted. He knew his actions had drawn suspicion—he would have to prove his loyalty.

“Wait here for me.” Glancing at the monkey, Xuan Ye turned into a blaze of fire and shot skyward.

“I’d better go, too!” Zephyr, uneasy, launched himself into the sky with Geppo.

Left behind were a worried woman, a puzzled child, and a carefree monkey.

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Thank you to “April’s Memories” for the reward of 3000 Starting Coins. There will be four updates today—two in the morning, two in the afternoon! Sincere thanks to “April’s Memories.” I hope everyone will bookmark, recommend, and support the story.