The Race for Fleet Admiral (Continued)

Even when he was stabbed during the Summit War, he had pulled his rebellious son into an embrace, trying to win him over with kindness and honor.

He had the air of someone running a pyramid scheme, declaring he would give ten million to anyone who betrayed him.

"I lament that Qin's emperor and Han's martial sovereign lacked a little literary grace; Tang's founder and Song's forebear fell a touch short in flair."

"Genghis Khan, proud conqueror of his age, knew only how to draw his bow and shoot great eagles."

"Those days are gone. To find the heroes of this age, look to the present."

As the Gate of Justice drew ever closer, Xia Le stood atop the Golden Scepter and looked back over the past decade of his life. He felt almost light-headed.

Until he counted it all up, he had not realized just how incredible he had become.

Unfortunately, Ivy was not with him on this trip. Before leaving, he had sent her to the East Blue on a secret mission.

That left him no one to share this moment of satisfaction with.

A few days earlier, Sengoku had called him personally and spoken frankly about matters concerning him.

Sengoku's appointment as the next Fleet Admiral was all but assured. The problem was that the World Government had begun making trouble.

A group of veteran Vice Admirals within Marine Headquarters had also suddenly come forward to oppose Sengoku.

That was why his appointment had stalled.

Garp, at Sengoku's side, seemed indifferent. Zephyr said nothing. Only Vice Admiral Tsuru had thought of Xia Le and contacted him.

More than a decade had passed since Roger's execution, but Xia Le still held considerable prestige among the old hands at headquarters.

His reputation was greater still among the current backbone