Admiral Candidate / A Sparring Partner at Last

"How could I not know that this is a mistake? But the Navy is currently unable to break away from the World Government. You have to understand that when you're in my position, you're not always thinking about short-term pleasure."

"So, Ace, what do you plan to do?"

"Let's keep his identity a secret from the World Government for now. Bloodline has never been a basis for punishment. As long as that child becomes a Marine in the future, I believe there won't be any problems even if his identity is exposed. Isn't the Pirate King's son becoming a Marine the most powerful way to uphold Justice?"

P. S. As for White Hou, everyone has different opinions, and I can't satisfy all readers' ideas. I would like to thank everyone for their opinions. White Hou is great. There are people who call him Child Emperor, so my White Hou is fine too.

Chapter 160 Candidate Admiral

Three days later, Marineford, Marine Headquarters.

At this moment, representatives from Marine Base in the first half of the Grand Line were all present in the Marine Headquarters conference room. The originally spacious conference room now seemed a bit crowded, with a few naval personnel sparsely seated at the large conference table, the lowest rank of which was Rear Admiral.

Seated at the head of the table was Sengoku, who held the rank of Admiral. Atlas sat second to Sengoku, and at the very front was Vice Admiral Garp. Atlas was arguably the youngest person present, yet he was seated further forward than many others.

Atlas glanced around and spotted many familiar faces, such as Onigumo, Doberman, and Yamakaji, who would later become renowned Marine Headquarters lieutenant Vice Admiral of the headquarters but were currently only Rear Admiral generals. However, Atlas didn't interact with them much, so they simply nodded to each other.

Of course, there were no idiots jumping out to Atlas, as was typical of those melodramatic scenes. Everyone present knew that the protagonist of today's meeting was this young Marine Vice Admiral.

"Ahem, ahem, it seems everyone's almost here. I'm sure you all know why I've summoned you to Marine Headquarters. I won't waste any more words. Brannew, you..."

"I'm so sorry I'm late."

Before Sengoku could finish speaking, a lazy voice suddenly appeared next to Atlas, and a large number of light particles slowly condensed into the shape of Kizaru.

What a cool entrance!

Atlas looked at Kizaru, who was leaning back, with a hint of envy. As always, Kizaru wore brown sunglasses. Seemingly noticing Atlas's gaze, Kizaru slightly lowered his glasses and looked at Atlas with some confusion.

"Atlas, is there something on my face?"

"No, no..."

Atlas waved his hands repeatedly.

"Alright, everyone should be here now. Brannew, you'll give the report for this meeting."

Sengoku's forehead throbbed with a 'well' shape as he suppressed the urge to punch someone and gave orders to Brannew behind him.

"Yes! Admiral of the Sengoku!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a naval lieutenant commander stepped out from behind Sengoku and walked to the center. At the same time, a Den Den Mushi projected an image onto the snow-white wall, while another Den Den Mushi was pointed at everyone present, displaying the situation inside the meeting room onto the plaza of the Marine Headquarters.

The Marine Headquarters plaza was filled with naval soldiers. The theme of today's meeting was clear: to widely publicize the news of Golden Lion's death. Although newspapers around the world had already reported the news, the Navy's official announcement had not yet been made. This was a good opportunity to strengthen cohesion within the Navy and, incidentally, to award Atlas with a medal.

Atlas scrutinized the legendary King of Meetings.

She had green curly hair, sunglasses that just covered her eyes, thick lips, and wore a white shirt with blue stripes.

The dress code is quite casual. The navy doesn't have very strict requirements for the attire of officers, and it doesn't even resemble a disciplined military. However, this is precisely what makes it so appealing.

With a solemn expression, Brannew slowly spoke into the Den Den Mushi's camera, "Colleagues, ten years ago, the Pirate King Roger was executed by the Marines in Loguetown, igniting the Great Pirate Era. The world was in turmoil, countless civilians lost their lives, and countless families were torn apart. The evil that Pirates brought to this world is beyond words."

"However, where there is darkness, there is also light. It is thanks to the perseverance of my colleagues who uphold Justice that the world situation has not deteriorated too much."

"In the Old Era, there were three notorious Pirates who instilled fear in countless people— Whitebeard, Roger, Golden Lion. Golden Lion Impact Marine Headquarters ten years ago and was captured and Impel Down, but two years later..."

"Golden Lion escaped, becoming the first prisoner to successfully break out of Impel Down prison, shattering the myth of Impel Down's invincibility and trampling on the Navy's prestige!"

"However, Pirates ultimately cannot escape the judgment of Justice, even a young Marine from Marine Headquarters!"

Everyone present instinctively turned their gaze to Atlas, who was positioned below Kizaru, and even Kizaru himself looked on in surprise.

Could we be any more exaggerated, Vice Admiral Kizaru?

Atlas inwardly rolled his eyes. "You're the only one who witnessed it firsthand, why make such an exaggerated expression? Is it really necessary?"

"Kanos Atlas! This young rising star of the Navy is probably familiar to many. During his recruit days, he stopped the former Shichibukai Crocodile from invading Alabasta, and later made great contributions in the New World campaign!"

"Now, we've even personally punished the legendary Pirates, Golden Lion! Let the Navy's reputation resound across the seas once more, and let the world know that Justice will never be absent!"

Silence!!!

Whether it was the naval officers and soldiers in the conference room or the naval soldiers in the square, everyone's face was filled with pride.

Who is the Golden Lion?

Among those present were veteran Marines who had experienced the battle ten years ago. When Golden Lion Impact Marine Headquarters alone, his cataclysmic power nearly sank half of Marineford to the bottom of the sea!

He is an extremely vicious criminal!

Although they already knew this news, hearing it again in this atmosphere still made everyone present feel a sense of reassurance at the strength of the navy.

"Now, please allow Marine Headquarters Admiral to confer medals upon Sengoku Vice Admiral Atlas!!!"

Atlas stood up from his seat upon hearing the sound, and the camera on the Den Den Mushi turned to Atlas's figure, revealing his towering frame to the entire navy.

"I never expected Atlas to become Candidate Admiral in the Navy so quickly, while I..."

In a corner of the conference room, Smoker shook his head with a wry smile, but in his heart, he felt only admiration and worship for Atlas.

It's only a matter of time before a man like that becomes Marine Admiral!

The navy personnel in the square were also excited, as if they were the center of attention. Atlas's experience had taught them that as long as they had enough strength and merit, they could completely overcome the gap in seniority and become Candidate Admiral at the age of twenty-two!

Sengoku nodded slightly in satisfaction, stood up, and solemnly announced, "By order of the World Government, the Navy hereby promotes Kanos Atlas to Marine Headquarters Candidate Admiral, codename 'White Hou'!!"

Chapter 161 A Happy Training Partner

Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

In front of the crescent-shaped harbor, a huge warship was quietly moored on the shore, with fully Armament sailors on the deck and a row of wooden ladders under the side of the ship that was near the shore.

On the shore, the imposing Atlas was giving instructions to an impatient Enel.

The two's attire has changed significantly. Atlas is dressed in pure white, even the cuffs of his Justice Cloak are pure white. This is a special uniform made by Marine Headquarters after yesterday's commissioning. Enel, on the other hand, is dressed in very ordinary standard naval uniform. The bandana he wore before has also disappeared, revealing his fluffy afro.

"All your paperwork at the Recruit Camp has been completed. You can just go and report for duty later..."

"Alright, alright, you're so long-winded..."

Bang!

Armament Haki covered him up, and a roasted chestnut smashed directly onto Enel's head, causing a hot, bulging bump to form immediately!

"Hiss~"

Ignoring Enel's pain, Atlas continued, "Remember, physical strength is of paramount importance, and also, respect for your superiors is still essential..."

Swish!

Before Enel could retort again, Atlas walked towards the warship, leaving Enel with a tall, imposing figure.

"Tch~ Once I learn Armament Haki, I'll beat you to a pulp..."

Enel muttered something in dissatisfaction.

During his time following Atlas, he had come to understand the power of this world called 'Haki,' and he also knew that his powerful sensory abilities were Observation Haki. Therefore, he was still confident that he could defeat Atlas in the future, after all, he possessed the most top-tier Logia abilities.

The warship slowly left the port. Atlas's target this time was still the Sabaody Archipelago. The order from Marine Headquarters wasn't coming anytime soon, after all, this was a matter that could have far-reaching consequences, so it was estimated that he would have to stay in Sabaody for another month or so.

As for Enel, ever since he left Birka, his previously suppressed nature was instantly exposed, and his arrogance grew even more pronounced. This smugness only intensified after he learned that the three current monstrous Vice Admiral of the Navy possessed top-tier Logia- type Devil Fruits, just like him.

Hopefully, Teacher Zephyr can teach him a harsh lesson...

Recalling the phone call from last night, Atlas chuckled somewhat unkindly.

The warships soon arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago.

Atlas habitually released his Observation Haki to cover the area, and an exceptionally powerful life force appeared within his perception range.

Rayleigh is back?

Atlas subconsciously thought of the Pirate King's right arm; in the entire Sabaody Archipelago, he was probably the only one who could exude such a strong life force.

They finally decided to come back...

Atlas grinned broadly. The old man had left Sabaody after slashing him last time. He had personally visited Shakky's Rip-off Bar, only to find it empty. Even his old flame Shakky had vanished without a trace.

"Smoker, Vergo, you two go back to the base first, and while you're Sabaody it, help Majors and the others clean up Majors. I've only been gone a short time, and all sorts of Devil are already showing their faces."

Atlas's expression turned cold. Under his Observation Haki, what happened on Sabaody could not escape his perception, but it was also within his expectations.

"Then, Brother Atlas, you..."

"I'm going to say hello to an old man!"

Atlas grinned, and as he spoke, he vanished from their sight in an instant.

"This speed...!!!"

Vergo's pupils contracted. Having only been by Atlas's side for a few months, he had already sensed the unfathomable and terrifying strength of this young Navy Candidate Admiral. He had never seen such speed, which was almost instantaneous, before!

There was also that powerful Observation Haki that was so strong it was suffocating, so he basically tried to minimize the exchange of information with the young master, and he didn't even dare to use Den Den Mushi much.

Area 13, Shakky's Rip-off Bar.

Rayleigh, who was savoring his wine, suddenly felt a jolt in his eyelids. An ominous premonition arose in his heart, and he unconsciously put down his glass slowly, frowning as he spoke to Shakky, who was wiping the glass.

"I have a bad feeling about this..."

Hearing this, Shakky slowed down her movements and chuckled softly, "Maybe it's that navy guy you've been longing for who's coming back."

"Heh... it can't be that fast..."

Rayleigh waved his hand dismissively. The journey from the East Blue to Marineford for that Marine couldn't be completed in just a few days, unless he flew back, but that was impossible; he didn't have the same abilities as Golden Lion.

Although the Navy just held an awarding ceremony for Atlas yesterday, the official announcement of the addition of another Candidate Admiral has not yet been made, so even Rayleigh, who is near Sabaody, is unaware of it.

However, what Rayleigh didn't notice was that Shakky's lips were curled into a cryptic smile.

"That's not necessarily true..."

"Um...?"

Rayleigh was puzzled, but the next moment his expression suddenly froze.

Because the voice just now didn't come from Shakky in front of him, but from behind him, Rayleigh slowly turned his neck with an incredulous expression.

A young navy officer dressed entirely in white stood smiling at the bar entrance, but his eyes revealed no smile, only endless coldness and murderous intent.

"It's nice to meet you again, Mr. Rayleigh."

Atlas looked at Rayleigh, whose face was stiff, and said in an icy tone.

I didn't get to fight this old bastard properly last time; he actually tried to run away after I slashed him?

"Young naval officer, I'm just a retired old man, why are you doing this?"

After the initial shock, Rayleigh felt a wave of helplessness. What grudge? What grievance could there be?

"You're no ordinary old man, you're the man known as Pluton..."

Atlas retorted with a mocking expression.

So, does that mean a fight is inevitable today?

What do you think?

Shakky, who was standing to the side, seemed unable to bear it any longer and quickly interrupted the tense atmosphere between the two, "Hey, hey, hey! You two young naval officers, don't fight here, I'm just an ordinary businessman."

"A businessman?"

Atlas raised an eyebrow and sized up Shakky before him, saying, "A businessman who hangs out with Pirates?"

"He's just a customer who comes to our bar for a drink; I don't know this Pirates."

Without saying a word, Shakky sold Rayleigh out.

"You used to be Pirates too, right?"

"Don't speak recklessly without evidence, sir."

Chapter 162 Almighty Push

"Hehe..."

Atlas stared blankly at Shakky, who was smiling, then let out a cold laugh that was hard to decipher before walking out the door.