My Rules Are My Rules!

Sengoku nodded to everyone, then raised his hand and gestured downwards. Once the meeting room quieted down, he opened a folder and began to speak:

"In recent years, our Marines have achieved remarkable success in purging pirates from the Four Seas, greatly curbing the source of piracy. However, for the Grand Line, the Marines' control is still somewhat insufficient, especially in the latter half.

Currently, remnants of the Rocks Pirates, led by the Whitebeard Pirates, Beasts Pirates, and Big Mom Pirates, are causing havoc in the New World, seizing territory. They have even been called 'Sea Emperors' by those who like to stir up trouble.

Therefore, I propose that Vice Admirals Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan be promoted to Admiral in Marine Headquarters, thereby raising the prestige of our Marines and suppressing the wicked!

At the same time, we will shift the Marines' focus from the Four Seas to the Grand Line, allowing more capable and strong Generals from the Four Seas branches to be promoted to Headquarters, increasing our efforts to clear out pirates from the Grand Line.

At the very least, we must ensure the Marines gain control over the first half of the Grand Line. Then, we will accumulate strength, await the opportune moment, and attack the New World to sweep away all the thieves in the world!"

There was another round of applause, followed by a voting session. The promotion of the three Admirals was basically passed unanimously.

This was the political wisdom of the older generation. This matter could have been proposed by Fleet Admiral Kong, but by having Sengoku take the lead in proposing the promotions, the three of them owed Sengoku a favor.

This would allow Sengoku to quickly gain control of the Marines after taking office and implement a peaceful transition of power, avoiding the awkward situation of having no subordinates to rely on.

This time, Sakazuki did not refuse again. He merely looked at Mo Xingchen thoughtfully, which made Mo Xingchen feel a bit bewildered.

Then, Vice Admiral Tsuru proposed the World Government's decision to establish the "Shichibukai," which was met with firm opposition from the vast majority of Generals. This matter had to be shelved, and Sengoku would have to deal with the Gorosei after taking office.

Following this were some inconsequential proposals, and finally, the division of responsibilities, personnel allocation, and other specific functions for the three Admirals.

Sakazuki would be stationed in the latter half of the Grand Line, commanding Marine branches G-1 to G-5 to combat pirates.

Borsalino would be stationed at Marine Headquarters, overseeing Marine research projects and guarding Holy Land Mary Geoise.

Kuzan would be in charge of all Vice Admirals and branch bases in the first half of the Grand Line, responsible for the cleanup operations in this sea area.

Finally, the meeting concluded close to noon. Mo Xingchen, hearing the commotion around him, groggily opened his eyes and found that some people had already left. He quickly got up, ready to slip away, but was called back by Sengoku.

When only Sengoku, Tsuru, and Garp remained in the meeting room, Sengoku said:

"Little Mo, I plan to promote you to Vice Admiral this time. What do you think?"

"Why, Uncle Sengoku? I'm quite content as I am!"

"Let's not talk about other things for now. You're Garp's subordinate, right? And now Garp is under Sakazuki's command. By extension, you're Sakazuki's subordinate."

Damn it! I knew Sakazuki was looking at me strangely just now. Although Sengoku only proposed this today, he must have discussed it in detail with them beforehand.

Before Mo Xingchen could speak, Sengoku continued:

"I can't just transfer Garp back to laze around with you in the Four Seas because of this, and you wouldn't want to be a branch base commander either. As for Borsalino, you wouldn't be doing research. So, it can only be with Kuzan.

I estimate that even Garp can't control you anymore, let alone arrange for someone else to be your superior. So, I can only promote you to Vice Admiral."

"You mean you want me to move somewhere else and hang around in the first half of the Grand Line. Fine, you're the new boss! I'll give you face."

"Hehehe, it seems I still have some face. Then tell me, what's your current strength level after all these years?"

"Heh~ It's not bragging, but if I were to fight Whitebeard one-on-one, I might not win, but I definitely wouldn't lose. My main strategy is youth! Give me a few more years, and I'll be invincible!"

Hearing this, the three old men burst into laughter. Mo Xingchen thought for a moment and said with some embarrassment:

"Speaking of which, Uncle Sengoku, isn't my promotion a bit irregular?"

"Rules? Hahaha, you're talking about the Marines' rules in front of the Marine Fleet Admiral?"

Alright, you're the boss, you're the one who makes the rules. Damn it, he's showing off!

In the following days, Mo Xingchen and Robin almost every day attended classes in Vice Admiral Tsuru's office.

Mo Xingchen needed to learn about the matters a Vice Admiral needed to pay attention to and the tasks he would need to handle. After all, this was a leap in military rank, directly from Colonel to Vice Admiral.

As for Robin, Vice Admiral Tsuru felt that Mo Xingchen had "raised her wild," so she was to learn etiquette, focus on elegance, and understand how to be a lady.

Mo Xingchen took some time to visit Kizaru, asking him for some private tutoring to get a warship that could navigate the Calm Belt. It didn't need to be too large, nor did it need to be heavily armed. The main requirements were functionality, comfort, and maneuverability.

Then, he informed Garp and directly requested William and his group. After all, it had been 8 or 9 years, and he was too lazy to switch to new people.

Meanwhile, Marineford had been preparing for the upcoming graduation ceremony for several days. Due to the special nature of this ceremony, many guests would be invited, including those from the World Government, affiliated nations, and influential figures from various industries. Of course, pirate big shots would not be among them.

Fleet Admiral Kong and Sengoku had been seeing no visitors for several days. Several times when Mo Xingchen went to Vice Admiral Tsuru's office for classes, he could hear strange murmuring sounds from their offices, like elementary school students diligently reciting their lessons.

Finally, the day of the graduation ceremony arrived. Mo Xingchen, dressed impeccably, entered the venue with Garp. Although both were Vice Admirals, their seating arrangements differed according to their positions.

For example, Garp was seated in the front row with Kong, Sengoku, Tsuru, and other middle-generation pillars, as well as the three soon-to-be Admirals of the younger generation.

The second row was for Vice Admirals commanding major forward bases. Mo Xingchen was arranged in the third row.

Fortunately, there were some familiar faces around. To his left was Gion. While idly chatting with Gion, Fleet Admiral Kong began to reminisce about his military career, his major achievements during his tenure, and finally, his retirement and handover to Sengoku.

Following this was a speech by the new Fleet Admiral, who spoke about the future development plans for the Marines and other matters.

Then, Sengoku stood on stage and began to award medals to the graduating new recruits. Afterward, Generals took turns on stage to present awards, give speeches, and explain various kinds of "Justice."

However, the most frequently heard word was "Absolute Justice," which reflected the current state of the Marines, with more hawks than doves.

(If readers find this enjoyable, please give it more 5-star reviews, Orz)