Issho didn't care about rank in the slightest and spoke directly:
"I'm new to the Navy. Just assign me under Admiral Shikiryū as a regular marine."
Sengoku waved his hand dismissively after hearing that and said,
"No way. Since Kaito has acknowledged your strength, your position must be at least above field officer level."
At that moment, Kaito made his own suggestion:
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I recommend promoting Issho directly to Vice Admiral."
The moment he said this, everyone present was shocked, but Kaito ignored their reactions and continued speaking,
"Right now, the Navy's power already far surpasses that of any one of the Four Emperors' crews. It's time to send a warning to the pirates. I'm preparing to start a war."
"A war!?"
Sengoku's pupils dilated sharply. He looked into Kaito's serious expression and knew instantly—he wasn't joking.
Kaito folded his arms and said calmly,
"What makes a bunch of pirates worthy of the title of 'Emperor'? It's a disgrace to Justice. I want the world to see the Navy's justice!"
"Well said!"
The office door was suddenly thrown open. Everyone except Kaito turned to look.
Akainu stood at the entrance, face flushed with excitement, smoke billowing from his body.
He strode over to Kaito and locked eyes with the Rinnegan staring back at him. His voice was heavy.
"Were you serious about what you just said?"
Kaito's expression didn't waver in the slightest, but his words came out firm and resolute:
"You think I'd joke about something like this?"
After releasing the pressure of the Rinnegan, he'd already sensed Akainu rushing over, so he wasn't surprised by the sudden interruption.
Akainu trembled upon hearing Kaito's reply. Then, something rare happened—a smile appeared on his face. Even Sengoku couldn't help but stare, doing a double take at Akainu.
Akainu suddenly turned to face Sengoku and declared,
"I support Kaito's proposal fully. The Navy will never fear war. And under these circumstances, breaking protocol to promote a capable Vice Admiral is entirely reasonable!"
He didn't even glance at Robin. He had already heard about her situation at the door. Originally, he was against the idea of the Devil's Child joining the Navy, but after hearing Kaito's words, he completely shoved that concern aside.
Because everything Kaito said—everything he planned to do—was completely in line with Akainu's ideals. The Four Emperors? Strip away the title and they're still just pirates.
Justice must not be defiled. Akainu had long desired to purge this pirate scum, but he knew full well he couldn't do it alone.
But now… the Navy had Kaito.
Although Akainu had always been confident in his own strength, he had to admit—the title of "strongest admiral" that Kaito held was no empty boast. It was fully earned.
And now that he realized Kaito's vision aligned with the dream he had buried deep in his heart for years, it was like a fuse had been lit. He could no longer suppress his excitement. He wanted to launch a war against the Four Emperors right now!
Sengoku watched the fired-up Akainu and stood in stunned silence for a long while before slowly saying,
"This matter is too significant. I believe we need to summon all flag officers at headquarters for a meeting. As for Issho's rank… Kaito, do you have any suggestions?"
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I suggest sending a few Vice Admirals to fight Issho in a sparring match. That'll be the most direct way to demonstrate his strength to the others."
Sengoku nodded. That was indeed a good idea—it would better convince everyone.
He didn't hesitate any longer and approved Kaito's proposal.
...
Three days later, at Marine Headquarters Plaza
The plaza was already packed with Navy soldiers, whispering among themselves.
"Did you hear? Some guy named Issho caught Admiral Shikiryū's eye. Supposedly, he's going to be promoted directly to Vice Admiral!"
"Yeah, that promotion speed is insane!"
"No kidding. That's why Fleet Admiral Sengoku decided to test this Issho and sent a few Vice Admirals to evaluate whether he's really qualified!"
"Honestly, if Admiral Shikiryū approved of him, there's no way his strength is fake. When has Shikiryū ever misjudged someone?"
"Exactly! That Yamato guy he picked last time is a total monster!"
"Hmph! Doesn't matter what anyone says—I'll always trust Admiral Shikiryū!"
"Alright, our opinions don't matter anyway. Don't you see all those flag officers over there? The final decision's up to them."
On the raised platform overlooking the plaza, nearly all the Vice Admirals had arrived. Only Garp had "consciously" chosen to sit with Sengoku and the others.
Gion sat openly beside Kaito. Everyone knew about their relationship, so no one said a word.
On Kaito's other side were the three Navy Admirals. Not just Akainu and Aokiji—Sengoku had even forcibly dragged the usually-lazy Kizaru here too.
By all rights, this matter wasn't big enough to require all three Admirals to show up, but Sengoku had stated clearly: after this battle, a major announcement would be made to the entire Navy. No one was allowed to be absent.
That naturally piqued everyone's curiosity. Gion leaned over and whispered to Kaito,
"Kaito, do you know what Fleet Admiral Sengoku's big announcement is going to be?"
Kaito gave a mysterious smile, patted her hand, and replied softly,
"Don't rush. Once Issho finishes his match, you'll find out."
Seeing that Kaito wasn't going to reveal anything, Gion didn't press the issue further. Instead, she shifted her seat a little closer to him and settled in to watch the upcoming battle.
The same scene played out on Sengoku's side.
Tsuru asked the exact same question Gion had.
But Sengoku, having seen how Kaito handled it earlier, decided to imitate his approach and struck a mysterious pose.
Unfortunately, Tsuru wasn't Gion.
Her expression darkened as she said,
"What? There's something going on that even I'm not allowed to know about? Should I just leave, then?"
As she spoke, Tsuru actually stood up, looking as if she might walk out.
That scared the hell out of Sengoku. He quickly grabbed her and whispered urgently,
"How could I keep anything from you? I was just trying to build some suspense! Actually, here's what's going on..."
Sengoku explained Kaito's plan to Tsuru. Then, as he glanced sideways at Kaito and Gion—who looked like a perfect model couple sitting together—he grumbled to himself,
"Why is there such a difference in how people are treated!?"
But Tsuru didn't care about Sengoku's grumbling. After hearing Kaito's plan, she fell into deep thought.
After a moment, she looked at Sengoku seriously and said,
"If this came from Kaito, then I think it's feasible."
"..."
Sengoku had nothing left to say. He waved his hand helplessly.
"Fine. Do as you see fit."