Vergo vs. Kizaru

Soon Vergo brought Ochoku to Aokiji's Fleet Admiral's Office. When Aokiji saw this scene, his pupils suddenly contracted.

Immediately, she couldn't suppress the smile anymore.

It's like a pillow being delivered just when you're about to fall asleep!

We were just saying we needed to fill the positions of two Marine Admiral as soon as possible, and look... isn't this guy perfect for the job?

Like Kizaru, he is a neutral party member.

As long as one has sufficient strength and merit, the Five Elders cannot find a reason to refuse. No, they simply will not refuse.

Because as long as they are not among the Dove Faction, they will wholeheartedly support it.

After all, the Five Elders were more eager than him to recover and strengthen the Navy.

Most importantly, Vergo was kind, charming, and approachable.

He was highly respected and admired throughout the navy. Although he wasn't Dove Faction.

However, his style of doing things is very similar to that of the Dove Faction. Once he becomes Admiral, he can be brought into the Dove Faction.

Of course, given his personality and style, even if he didn't join their Dove Faction, he would still be a competent and useful subordinate.

Upon thinking about this, I immediately made a decision.

His gaze then fell on Ochoku, and he exclaimed in admiration, "It seems your strength is growing stronger and stronger; you even managed to capture this guy."

Vergo gave a friendly smile, "I think this time, I should be able to qualify to challenge Admiral Kizaru!"

Upon hearing this, Aokiji glanced at Ochoku again, then nodded. "He is indeed qualified."

This is the final test for the navy: defeating and capturing pirates. The stronger and more powerful the pirates, the greater the merit gained.

In this competition, the top three have the qualification and right to challenge Admiral Kizaru.

Then, based on Admiral Kizaru's assessment, the strength of the three was determined. Finally, their specific military ranks were decided.

If his strength truly reaches the level of Admiral, then promoting him to the rank of Marine Admiral is feasible.

"Call..."

Aokiji took a deep breath. "So, are you going to exercise your right to be in the top three now?"

Vergo nodded. "Yes, Aokiji Fleet Admiral Aokiji, I will now challenge Admiral Kizaru."

"Hahaha..."

Aokiji couldn't help but laugh. He saw immense confidence in Vergo. This showed that Vergo had great confidence in his own strength.

Even if the opponent is Marine Admiral Kizaru, it's the same.

"Okay, okay..."

After the laughter, Aokiji said "good" three times, then moved the Den Den Mushi on the table aside. Finally, he directly called Kizaru.

The Den Den Mushi was quickly connected, and then it transformed into Kizaru's lewd appearance.

"Moshi moshi... I am Kizaru!"

Aokiji: "Return to Marine Headquarters immediately."

"Oh?"

Kizaru looked surprised. As the final examiner, he naturally knew about the Navy Grand Tournament, especially at this particular time.

Therefore, he immediately made the judgment.

But the more this was the case, the more surprised he became, with a hint of curiosity. "As far as I know, the rankings for this third competition are only determined after everyone brings their goals back to the Navy for unified statistical evaluation!"

He paused for a moment, then added, "But judging by the timeline, I estimate that less than half of those who participated in this competition have returned to Marine Headquarters with their objectives!"

"Under these circumstances, they actually decided on a top-three spot? Oh my... I'm really curious, who exactly is this first top-three!"

Aokiji didn't keep them in suspense and said directly, "Vergo."

"Vergo?"

Kizaru was somewhat surprised, but then thought it was normal. After all, Vergo was one of the most outstanding among the Marines in the previous competition.

Then, even more curious, they asked, "Which extraordinary guy did they capture? How did he get into the top three?"

Aokiji: "Ochoku!"

"It was him?"

Kizaru looked shocked.

Who is Ochoku?

How could he not know?

He and Akainu had dealt with this guy when they first became Vice Admiral. And more than once, but neither of them ever gained the upper hand.

Only when their strength increased did they manage to overpower him. However, they still managed to escape.

That's when he went silent. But he remained in the deepest part of the New World, and the Navy couldn't do anything about him.

I never expected that Vergo would take him down.

This was an unexpected delight.

However, if it were him, it would be reasonable for Vergo to secure a top-three spot early.

So he nodded. "I understand, I'll be right there."

Kuzan immediately added, "Go to that deserted island thirty nautical miles from headquarters. I will broadcast your battle live to headquarters and all major Marine Base."

Upon hearing this, Kizaru narrowed his eyes slightly. "Then should I go easy on him a bit?"

It has to be said that Kizaru is sneaky and slacking off. But he's really smart; he immediately realized that Aokiji wanted to use this battle to boost the morale of the entire Navy.

That's why there's such a sentence.

Aokiji: "We can't hold back. Holding back might fool the soldiers, but the truly capable ones aren't so easily fooled. Besides, it would raise doubts about the fairness of this Navy Grand Tournament. So, you need to show at least 80% of your strength. Otherwise, it will backfire."

Kizaru paused for a moment upon hearing this, then laughed, "Tsk tsk, as expected, you are more suitable for the position of Fleet Admiral than I am."

Then he added, "I understand... Let Vergo go to the island to prepare first! I'll be there soon!"

Aokiji looked at Vergo, his meaning crystal clear.

Vergo heard every word of their conversation. He immediately understood, abandoned Ochoku, and turned to leave.

Immediately, he stomped his foot on the ground and shot into the air.

Finally, using Geppo, he sped towards the island Aokiji had mentioned, moving at an extremely high speed.

Aokiji then stepped out of his office, glanced at Vergo in the distance, and chuckled softly, "They really can't wait!"

He then turned to the major beside him and said, "Pass the word: the competition between the top three challengers to the Admiral will take place in one hour. It will be broadcast live at Marine Headquarters and all major Marine Base. Have everyone put down what they are doing and watch."

Major: "It's Aokiji Fleet Admiral!"

Half an hour later, in the plaza of the Marine Headquarters.

It was already packed with naval soldiers.

Among them were several officers and soldiers, whose eyes were fixed intently on the large screen in front of them.

Because at this moment, on the big screen, Kizaru had already arrived.

Standing before Vergo, both men were poised for battle. When the time came, a fierce fight would ensue.