In the world of pirates, starting with Roger's execution

"I know perfectly well that it's wrong. But the Navy simply can't break away from the World Government right now. You have to understand, in my position, sometimes I have to think beyond the satisfaction of the moment."

"Then what are you going to do about Ace?"

"Keep his identity from the World Government for now. Bloodline has never been grounds for a conviction. As long as that child becomes a Marine, I believe even having his identity exposed later won't be a problem. What stronger proof of justice could there be than the Pirate King's son joining the Navy?"

PS. Let's go with White Hou. Everyone has a different opinion, and I can't satisfy every reader. Thank you all for your suggestions. White Hou sounds pretty good. There's even someone called Child Emperor, so why shouldn't I use White Hou?

Candidate Admiral

Three days later, at Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

By then, representatives from nearly every Marine base in the first half of the Grand Line had arrived in the conference room at Marine Headquarters. The normally spacious room felt rather crowded. Marines sat scattered around the broad conference table, and even the lowest-ranking among them was a rear admiral.

Admiral Sengoku sat at the head of the table, with Atlas two seats down from him. Vice Admiral Garp occupied the nearest seat. Atlas was arguably the youngest person present, yet her seat was closer to the head than those of many others.

Atlas glanced around and spotted quite a few familiar faces. Onigumo, Doberman, and Yamakaji, who would one day become renowned elite vice admirals of Marine Headquarters, were still only rear admirals. Atlas had little personal connection with them, however, so they merely exchanged nods.

Of course, no idiot jumped up to belittle Atlas and make a fool