Promotion to Commodore

Crocodile fell silent for a moment upon hearing this. "I want his real information. Once I deal with those bastards, I'll personally pay him a visit. Mr. 1 and the others can't have died for nothing..."

Of course, there was one more thing he did not say.

Other than his encounter with Whitebeard years ago, he had never suffered such a huge loss.

This debt had to be settled.

However, those people in the Holy Land were the real culprits. He was very clear on who should be dealt with first.

Robin nodded. "Understood. I'll make the arrangements immediately."

In the Fleet Admiral's office, Sengoku's gaze sharpened.

"You're saying there's a force like this in the first half of the Grand Line?" Sounding somewhat astonished, he was currently speaking with Smoker through a Den Den Mushi.

Smoker nodded. "Yes!"

Sengoku raised a brow slightly. "Three Devil Fruit users right from the start. It seems they need to be thoroughly investigated."

Then, as if recalling something, he pressed further. "And that Ener you mentioned not only mastered the Six Powers, but has already awakened Armament Haki and Observation Haki? His swordsmanship has even reached the level of a Master Swordsman?"

Smoker said, "Yes! And from what I've seen during his time in the East Blue, although the kid is lustful, he has no problems when it comes to the bigger picture. Most importantly, he's highly capable and bold enough to act.

"In such a short time, he's already cleaned up the pirates throughout the East Blue. Even Arlong, whose identity was somewhat sensitive, was dealt with.

"Now, there are only one or two pirates in the entire East Blue with bounties exceeding ten million. Even Kuro, who had played dead and hidden for so many years, was dug out by him."

Sengoku was no fool. Listening to Smoker continuously list Ener's accomplishments, he narrowed his eyes. "You want me to recruit him?"

Smoker nodded. "Young, extraordinarily talented, daring... most importantly, he places great importance on civilians. Honestly, aside from being lustful, he's truly suited to becoming an outstanding Marine."

He then truthfully recounted his conversation with Gak.

The corners of Sengoku's mouth lifted slightly. "What do you mean, suited to becoming an outstanding Marine? You practically spelled out that he's suited to your Dove faction."

"Lustful?"

Sengoku was only mildly dissatisfied. But if it was merely lustfulness, it was not something unacceptable.

After all, even someone like Akainu, with his absolute justice, could become a Marine Admiral. When that man got ruthless, he killed comrades and civilians alike.

Compared to that, what was wrong with being lustful?

It did not even count as a serious flaw.

His only concern was Ener's background. After all, Ener had ties to the Holy Land.

At that moment, Vice Admiral Tsuru, who was beside him, said, "The five people in the Holy Land have become increasingly dissatisfied with us. Perhaps this is a good opportunity."

Sengoku's eyes lit up. "You want to use his Holy Land background to ease our relationship with those five?"

Vice Admiral Tsuru said, "Why not? After all, taking the initiative to promote someone with ties to the Holy Land would look like yielding to them in the eyes of those five.

"And this kid's style is almost exactly the same as ours. Even if we put him in an important position, there won't be much of a problem.

"He's practically the perfect lubricant between us and the Holy Land!

"As for his lustfulness... it isn't a major problem."

There were plenty of nobles and powerful people in this world who had many women. Even among the upper ranks of the Marines, quite a few had several women.

As long as they did not make any mistakes in the bigger picture, it was not a major problem."

Sengoku nodded upon hearing that and muttered, "That makes sense. As long as he doesn't make mistakes in the bigger picture, it's not a major problem."

He then said to Smoker, "Then make your preparations!"

"Prepare for what?" Smoker asked, somewhat confused.

Sengoku said, "Haven't you stayed in the East Blue long enough?"

Smoker froze for a moment before realizing what he meant. He was overjoyed. "Long enough, long enough... Hahaha!"

Sengoku said, "Get your ass back to Headquarters."

With that, he hung up.

Vice Admiral Tsuru could not help smiling. "You're finally willing to let him return to Headquarters?"

Sengoku smiled as well. "That kid even knows how to recruit people for us now. It seems he's grown up and is no longer the reckless brat he used to be. It's time to let him train in the New World! As a Logia user, he is destined to become a pillar of the Marines' future."

Vice Admiral Tsuru asked, "Then are you planning to give Ener Smoker's position at Headquarters?"

Sengoku said, "Since we're recruiting him, naturally we need to offer substantial benefits. Besides, this will appear even more sincere to those five in the Holy Land."

Vice Admiral Tsuru raised a brow. "That position requires at least the rank of Colonel."

Sengoku said, "Then promote him two ranks at once. Besides, he made quite a commotion at Whiskey Peak yesterday. Added to Arlong in the East Blue and his suppression of pirates throughout the East Blue, it's enough..."

"Whiskey Peak?" Vice Admiral Tsuru looked astonished. Clearly, she had not heard yet.

Sengoku said, "The kid made a name for himself. Not only did he wipe out the bounty hunters of Whiskey Peak, he also killed and captured several ability users. Some of them had bounties exceeding ten million, and the highest bounty reached seventy-two million Beli."

"Oh?"

Vice Admiral Tsuru was greatly surprised. "Then by that measure, his strength is at least on par with a Rear Admiral, perhaps even a Vice Admiral. No wonder Smoker said he might not be a match for him either."

Then she changed the subject. "But in that case, Colonel is a little too low! Why not make an exception and promote him three ranks at once... give him the rank of Commodore? What do you think?"

Sengoku said, "Commodore? That would be enough... but it hasn't been long since he rose from Ensign to Major. Promoting him another three ranks at once... I'm afraid some people won't be convinced."

The corners of Vice Admiral Tsuru's mouth rose. "Not convinced? Then let them earn this many military merits in such a short time!"

As she said this, her tone turned cold. "The military merits are right there. Who wouldn't be convinced? Who would dare not be convinced? Besides, anyone with a brain understands why we're doing this."

Sengoku considered it for a while before finally nodding. "Then let's do as you suggest. Ener will be promoted three ranks to Commodore and appointed Governor of the East Blue. Lina under his command will be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and serve as his adjutant. Roronoa Zoro will be promoted to Major and serve as the East Blue's swordsmanship instructor. Gin will be promoted to Major and become the chief of the East Blue Loguetown base, responsible for Loguetown's defense. As for the original position of East Blue Inspector General, let the Holy Land decide for itself!"

"Burururu..."

Another day passed. Ener was lounging on the deck, basking in the sun, when the Den Den Mushi in his arms suddenly began ringing.

Ener was somewhat surprised. Could something have happened on the old man's side again?

After he answered, the excited voice of his adoptive father, Burns, indeed came through the Den Den Mushi. "You did a great job, kid!"

Ener raised a brow. "News of Whiskey Peak reached the Holy Land already?"

"Hahaha..."

Burns burst into laughter. "More than that! Because of your outstanding performance, Fleet Admiral Sengoku made an exception and promoted you three ranks at once. He's also appointed you Governor of the East Blue, meaning you'll oversee all affairs in the East Blue from now on.

"You're now the Commodore Governor of the East Blue.

"This time, you've really brought great honor to your old man! Even the Celestial Dragons have been asking me about you."