A few days had passed, and the tense atmosphere at Marineford had finally settled. However, the calm did not last long, as a shocking piece of news sent ripples through the entire Marine Headquarters.
Admiral Aokiji – Kuzan – had resigned from the Marines.
"So now, the three Admirals of the headquarters have been reduced to just one…" A confused Marine murmured, unable to process the situation.
With Akainu promoted to Fleet Admiral and Aokiji leaving, the only remaining Admiral was Kizaru – Borsalino.
The Admirals, hailed as the highest military force of the Marines, were crucial in maintaining order across the world. But now, there was only one left.
This was an unprecedented situation. Even the most seasoned Marines couldn't hide their unease.
Inside Kizaru's Office
"Well~ this is quite the situation," Kizaru muttered lazily, rubbing his chin. He then turned his gaze toward Carl, who was reclining beside him with a cigar in his mouth.
"Hey~ Carl, why don't you just become an Admiral too and share some of this workload with the old man~?"
"Huh?!" Carl nearly dropped his cigar. "Old man, quit joking! I'm just a Colonel!"
Jumping from Colonel to Admiral? That was unheard of!
"Well~ but considering how Marine Headquarters is severely lacking Admiral-level combat power right now…" Kizaru mused, picking at his nails. "You might actually get promoted directly~"
Carl's eyes widened slightly. He knew the old man was teasing, but his words carried weight.
The title of Admiral was nothing to take lightly. It meant being one of the most marked men in the world.
Battles against the Four Emperors, counteracting the Revolutionary Army, keeping the Shichibukai in check, answering to the Celestial Dragons, and standing at the forefront of every major war…
Even in the Summit War, the Admirals had been the most targeted individuals.
Carl took a deep breath, shaking the thought from his mind.
No way.
Akainu had already left for Mary Geoise to discuss the upcoming World Military Draft.
It was still far from the moment Kizaru suggested.
Besides, there were already two Admiral candidates ahead of him in line.
No matter how he looked at it, there was no way it would be his turn.
Completely reassured, Carl leaned back in his chair again.
"Forget it. Whoever wants the title of Admiral can have it. I'm fine where I am."
After all, he was part of the Kizaru faction. There's no way there would be two Admirals from the same faction.
He was overthinking things.
Meanwhile – Atop the Red Line, Mary Geoise
Within the grandiose and opulent Holy Land, a heavily fortified room known as "Room of Authority" stood in the heart of Pangaea Castle.
This was the chamber where the Five Elders governed the affairs of the world.
Standing in the center, dressed in his newly adorned Fleet Admiral uniform, was Sakazuki—his battle scars still fresh from the grueling duel on Punk Hazard.
The Elder with curly white hair and a scar over his left eye frowned deeply. "Sakazuki, who did you just say you wanted to nominate…?"
"Solomon Carl!" Akainu's voice rang through the chamber, unwavering.
A tall Elder in a dark blue suit with long, straight white hair furrowed his brow. "Sakazuki, do you even realize what you're suggesting?"
"Solomon Carl may have merit, but he's currently just a Colonel. How can he possibly jump directly to Admiral?"
Sakazuki's face darkened.
"Kuzan has left. I have been promoted to Fleet Admiral. Marine's top combat power is dangerously low!"
The rank of Admiral is more than just a title—it is the symbol of Marine's absolute power.
As long as the Admirals stood, Marine forces across the world believed they could claim victory.
This was the deterrent that came with being the strongest force of justice.
"No," another Elder interjected—a bald man wearing glasses, gripping the Shodai Kitetsu, an ancient cursed blade.
"Solomon Carl is capable, but we have received direct complaints from the Celestial Dragons regarding him."
The room fell silent.
"The Sabaody Incident. The primary culprit who injured the Celestial Dragons escaped under our watch," he continued.
"Furthermore, Solomon Carl was present at Sabaody at the time. His failure to act was a serious dereliction of duty."
Sakazuki clenched his fists, his fury barely restrained.
Celestial Dragons again…
"We are the Marines, not the Celestial Dragons' personal bodyguards!" he roared.
The blond Elder's gaze hardened. "Watch your tone, Sakazuki."
Another Elder, one with a long mustache, studied Sakazuki's expression before speaking indifferently.
"Solomon Carl's merits are undeniable. However, a direct promotion to Admiral is out of the question."
He paused, adjusting his glasses.
"Besides, he is a direct subordinate of Borsalino. Two Admirals from the same faction? That has never happened in Marine history."
"It would be better to promote him to Vice Admiral first. If he continues to prove himself, he can be made an Admiral candidate."
"As for Admiral… we will wait until Polusalino retires."
"He is still too young."
Sakazuki's knuckles cracked as his fists tightened.
But there was no point in arguing further.
Even being promoted straight from Colonel to Vice Admiral was already an extraordinary leap.
For now, he would have to accept this decision.
Marineford and the Future of the Marines
"As for stationing troops, why don't you just give him Marineford as well?"
The long-haired Elder, dressed in a pristine dark blue suit, spoke lightly, as if offering something trivial.
"After all, aren't you planning to relocate Marine Headquarters to the New World soon?"
His words made the other Elders pause.
That man—Solomon Carl—was undeniably a rare talent.
Suppressing his direct promotion to Admiral was a political compromise, but even then, compensation had to be given.
Sakazuki understood this logic.
Even with the Marine Headquarters moving to the New World, Marineford remained a symbol of the Marines' authority.
Having someone like Carl stationed there was, without a doubt, reassuring.
But there was still one issue.
"What about the two vacant Admiral positions?!"
Sakazuki folded his arms, his tone solemn.
"Don't tell me you plan to leave them empty."
An Admiral's seat could not remain unoccupied.
If they truly intended to leave such a crucial position vacant, Sakazuki would have to question whether these old men had completely lost their minds.
"The Admiral positions…"
The Elder with curly white hair stroked his beard, deep in thought.
"Do you have any proposals?"
"World Conscription!"
Sakazuki's voice was firm, each word carrying the weight of his conviction.
"We must recruit from all over the world! As long as they uphold justice, we will draft them into the Marines!
"And if their abilities prove sufficient—then they will take the Admiral positions!"
His words sent a ripple through the room.
The Five Elders exchanged glances, their expressions contemplative.
Finally, the bald Elder, gripping the Shodai Kitetsu, spoke first.
"…Your idea is bold."
He paused for a moment before nodding.
"But it's worth a try."
"I agree."
"Well, seconded."
The final confirmation was given.
Sakazuki's expression finally eased.
Marineford – Headquarters Transition
In the newly relocated Marine Headquarters, the Den Den Mushi with Akainu's signature scowl finally spoke.
"That's the decision, Carl."
His voice carried authority.
"I'll compensate you later—starting with your promotion to Admiral Candidate as soon as possible."
Click!
The call ended.
Kizaru, who had been reclining lazily in his chair, turned his gaze toward Carl.
The younger man was frozen in place.
Vice Admiral?
Carl hadn't expected this.
To think that even the Five Elders had personally approved his promotion…
Had Akainu's plan gone through without their interference, he might have been called Admiral Carl by now.
"Cough… It's okay, Carl," Kizaru chuckled, breaking the silence.
"Don't look too disappointed. You'll have your shot at Admiral later~"
Carl's eye twitched.
He turned to glare at the older man.
Which of your eyes saw me looking disappointed?!
Kizaru ignored the glare and waved lazily.
"Well~ your stationing at Sabaody Archipelago hasn't changed~"
He yawned.
"It's just that I was a little surprised Marineford was thrown in as well."
Now that the G-1 Branch in the New World was becoming the new Marine Headquarters, Marineford was being converted into G-1 in Paradise—effectively making it the command center for the entire first half of the Grand Line.
A base that massive usually required a highly senior Vice Admiral to oversee it.
Controlling the G-1 Marineford Branch was essentially the same as overseeing all Marine operations across the Grand Line's first half.
This was no small matter.
Carl had just been promoted to Vice Admiral, yet he was immediately being entrusted with such a strategic post.
Clearly, Sakazuki placed immense trust in him.
Carl was silent for a long moment.
Then, he muttered, "…Can I refuse?"
"Well~ I know it's a bit much," Kizaru scratched his head, "but trust me, Carl.
"The title of Admiral is coming for you sooner or later.
"You might as well get used to it now~"
Carl was still in disbelief.
"Since Marineford has been handed to you, you might as well accept it.
"Consider it compensation from above."
"???"
Three question marks hovered over Carl's head.
Are we even talking about the same thing?!
Tch!
With a dark expression, Carl stood up and vanished from the office.
He needed some air.
He needed some peace.
"Hey~ I can't help it," Kizaru sighed, picking at his nails.
"No one would be happy getting their Admiral promotion delayed~"
The Next Day – A Marine Earthquake
The news spread across the Marines like wildfire.
• Marine Headquarters Relocation Complete!
• Colonel Solomon Carl Promoted to Vice Admiral!
• Carl Assigned as Marineford Garrison Commander!
A massive shift had just taken place.
Marine Headquarters – Fleet Admiral's Office
Inside the Fleet Admiral's Office, the scent of fresh senbei filled the air.
Sitting on the couch, lazily munching away, was Sengoku.
His once jet-black hair was now mostly white.
"Oi, Sakazuki."
Sengoku grinned between bites.
"Not easy being Fleet Admiral, is it?"
Beside him, Garp let out a hearty laugh, shoving another handful of senbei into his mouth.
Kch! Kch!
The sound of loud crunching echoed through the office.
A blue vein bulged on Sakazuki's forehead.
Sengoku, Garp…
One day… I swear I will throw both of you out of here.
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