Sengoku nodded to everyone, then raised a hand and pressed it down. Once the conference room had quieted, he opened the folder and began:
"In recent years, our Navy has achieved remarkable results in purging pirates from the Four Seas, greatly curbing piracy at its source. However, our control over the Grand Line remains somewhat insufficient, especially in its latter half.
"At present, the remnants of the Rocks Pirates, led by the Whitebeard Pirates, Beasts Pirates, and Big Mom Pirates, are stirring up trouble in the New World and fighting over territory. Certain busybodies have even dubbed them Sea Emperors.
"Therefore, I propose promoting Vice Admirals Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan to Admirals of Marine Headquarters. This will bolster the Navy's prestige and deter those petty villains!
"At the same time, we must shift the Navy's focus from the Four Seas to the Grand Line. More capable and powerful officers from the Four Seas branches should be transferred to Headquarters for promotion, increasing our efforts to clear out the pirates on the Grand Line.
"At the very least, we must ensure the Navy gains control over the first half of the Grand Line. Then we will build up our strength, wait for the right opportunity, and attack the New World, sweeping away all pirates under heaven!"
Another round of applause broke out, followed by the vote. The promotions of the three Admirals passed almost unanimously.
This was the political wisdom of the older generation. Fleet Admiral Kong could have proposed it himself, but with Sengoku taking the lead in putting forward the promotions, the three men would owe Sengoku a favor.
That would allow Sengoku to quickly take control of the Navy after assuming office and ensure a peaceful transfer of power, rather than leaving him in the awkward position of having no capable subordinates to use.
This time, Sakazuki did not refuse. He merely gave Mo Xingchen a thoughtful glance, leaving Mo Xingchen somewhat baffled.
Then Vice Admiral Tsuru brought up the World Government's intention to establish the "Shichibukai," a decision that met firm opposition from the vast majority of officers. The matter could only be shelved for Sengoku to haggle over with the Gorosei after taking office.
What followed were more insignificant proposals. Finally, they divided the specific responsibilities, personnel assignments, and other matters for the three Admirals.
Sakazuki would be stationed in the latter half of the Grand Line, commanding the G-1 through G-5 Marine units in their fight against pirates.
Borsalino would be stationed at Marine Headquarters, overseeing the Navy's research projects and guarding the Holy Land Mary Geoise.
Kuzan would oversee all Vice Admirals and branch bases throughout the first half of the Grand Line, taking responsibility for clearing pirates from those waters.
At last, near noon, the meeting ended. Hearing the commotion around him, Mo Xingchen groggily opened his eyes. Seeing that some people had already left, he hurriedly got up to slip away, only to be called back by Sengoku.
Once only Sengoku, Tsuru, and Garp remained in the conference room, Sengoku said:
"Little Mo, I'm planning to promote you to Vice Admiral this time. What do you think?"
"Why, Uncle Sengoku? I'm doing just fine as I am!"
"Let's set everything else aside. You're Garp's man, right? And Garp is now under Sakazuki's command. By that logic, you're basically Sakazuki's man."
Damn it! No wonder Sakazuki was looking at me so strangely just now. Even though Sengoku only proposed it today, they must have discussed it in detail beforehand.
Before Mo Xingchen could speak, Sengoku continued:
"I can't exactly transfer Garp back just to keep you company while you loaf around and clock in across the Four Seas. And you surely don't want to be a branch base commander. You don't know anything about research, so Borsalino's side is out. That leaves only Kuzan.
"I reckon even Garp can't keep you in line anymore, let alone anyone else being assigned as your superior. So the only option is to promote you to Vice Admiral."
"So you mean I should move somewhere else and wander around the first half of the Grand Line? Fine. You're the new boss, so I'll give you that much face."
"Ho ho ho ho, seems this old man still has some pull. Then tell me, after all these years, what level is your strength at now?"
"Heh, I'm not bragging, but let me put it this way: if I fought Whitebeard one-on-one, I might not win, but I definitely wouldn't lose. My greatest advantage is being young! Give me a few more years, and I'll be unbeatable!"
The three old men burst into laughter at that. After thinking for a moment, Mo Xingchen said somewhat awkwardly:
"By the way, Uncle Sengoku, isn't this promotion of mine a little against the rules?"
"Rules? Hahaha! You brat, talking to the Fleet Admiral about the Navy's rules?"
Fine, you're the boss. You're the one who makes the rules. Damn it, he really got to show off there!
Over the next few days, Mo Xingchen and Robin spent nearly every day attending lessons in Vice Admiral Tsuru's office.
Mo Xingchen needed to learn the matters a Vice Admiral had to pay attention to, as well as the various things he would need to coordinate. After all, he was skipping ranks, jumping directly from Captain to Vice Admiral.
As for Robin, Vice Admiral Tsuru thought Mo Xingchen had let her run wild, so she made Robin study etiquette, pay attention to grace, and learn how to be a proper lady.
Mo Xingchen also found time to visit Kizaru and ask for a little special treatment: a warship capable of sailing through the Calm Belt. It did not need to be large, nor did it need much weaponry. He prioritized functionality, comfort, and mobility.
Then he gave Garp a heads-up and directly requested William and the others. After eight or nine years together, he could not be bothered to train a new group.
Meanwhile, Marineford spent those days preparing for the upcoming graduation ceremony. Due to the special nature of this ceremony, many guests would be invited: representatives of the World Government, affiliated nations, and prominent figures from all walks of life. Naturally, major figures from the pirate world were excluded.
Fleet Admiral Kong and Sengoku turned away all visitors during those days. Several times, when Mo Xingchen passed their offices on his way to Vice Admiral Tsuru's lessons, he could hear mysterious muttering inside, as if elementary school students were desperately memorizing a text.
At last, the day of the graduation ceremony arrived. Mo Xingchen dressed neatly and entered the venue with Garp. Though both were Vice Admirals, their assigned seats differed according to their duties.
For example, Garp sat in the front row alongside Kong, Sengoku, Tsuru, and other pillars of the middle generation, as well as the three younger officers about to become Admirals.
The second row was occupied by the Vice Admirals commanding the major frontline bases. Mo Xingchen was assigned to the third row.
Fortunately, there were some familiar faces around him. Gion sat to his left, and while he chatted with her on and off, Fleet Admiral Kong began recounting his military career, his major accomplishments in office, and finally his handover to Sengoku.
Then the new Fleet Admiral took the stage and spoke about plans for the Navy's future development and the like.
After that, Sengoku stood on the stage and presented medals to the graduating recruits. Then one officer after another took the stage to award medals and give speeches, explaining all kinds of justice.
Yet the phrase heard most often was still "Absolute Justice." That was the Navy's current state: the Hawks outnumbered the Dove faction.
(If you readers think it's not bad, please leave more five-star reviews. Orz)
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