"Admiral candidate?"
Chisio was surprised. She took off her glasses and looked up at Nao across from her.
"I heard rumors about this last month—something drifting over from Mariejois—but I didn't take it seriously. Has it really been decided this quickly?"
The others around the table also looked over with surprise.
Yesterday had been a small family gathering at Nao's house. Today was a full-blown reunion party, held at Chisio's place.
Seated around the table, besides the families of Nao and Chisio, were Tsuru, Aokiji, and even Zephyr, who had specially taken time off from training camp to join.
The atmosphere was lively.
"That's right."
Nao took a sip of borscht, shrugged, and said:
"Honestly, when I saw it this morning in Fleet Admiral Kong's office, I was a little surprised myself. After all, Holy Land had shown no intention of creating any 'Admiral candidate' position before. They kept insisting that Garp-san should be the one to fill the vacant Admiral seat first."
"Well, Garp refused again last month, took leave, and still hasn't returned."
Chisio shook her head and extended a hand.
"Where's the appointment letter? Let us see it."
Nao bent down and whispered a few words into little Nami's ear. She immediately hopped off her chair, dashed over to the backpack, rummaged around, and quickly pulled out the document. Tilting her head proudly, she handed it to Chisio.
"Here, Granny Chisio!"
"It's your dad's honor, not yours. What are you grinning so hard for?"
Chisio found it funny and flicked Nami's nose. The little girl didn't mind. She giggled and dodged, then scurried back to Nao's side.
Nao smiled and ruffled her orange hair and kissed her on the forehead as a reward.
Across the table, Tsuru leaned over Chisio's shoulder. The two elder ladies opened the appointment letter and read together:
「…Vice Admiral Nao Natsuya has repeatedly made extraordinary achievements since his promotion to Headquarters Vice Admiral, and his name has resounded throughout the sea. According to the assessment of the World Government's Highest Council, he has the preliminary qualifications to become a Headquarters Admiral…」
「Therefore, after being reviewed by the Five Elders and notified by Marine Headquarters, a unanimous decision has been reached, and the following appointment is approved」
「Hereby appoints the former Headquarters Vice Admiral, Nao Natsuya, as a Headquarters Admiral Candidate」
「This appointment takes effect from the date of issuance of this document」
「Sea Circle Calendar, Year 1504, June 15th.」
「World Government Highest Council (Seal)」
「Marine Headquarters Fleet Admiral Kong (Seal)」
…
"Interesting."
Chisio casually handed the document to Zephyr next to her.
"I'd guess you're not the only one being made an Admiral candidate this time. Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino should all be included."
"Huh?"
Aokiji, , who was gritting his teeth while trying to chew on a ribeye steak, looked up in surprise:
"I'm included too?"
"Of course you are, don't be stupid. They're obviously promoting your whole generation together. No way it'd just be one of you."
Chisio said lazily:
"And between you three, your credentials and strength are more than enough. Instead of saying 'I'm included too,' you should be asking how you let Nao catch up and get promoted alongside you. That's the embarrassing part…"
"…"
Aokiji looked at her with a constipated expression. After a long pause, he muttered:
"Then why have I only seen Nao's appointment? I've been back at Headquarters for two days now, and Fleet Admiral Kong hasn't summoned me once."
"That's the subtlety of politics."
Tsuru lifted her teacup and spoke calmly:
"If there are no surprises, the appointment letters for the three of you will be issued within a month, but it will definitely be one step later than Nao's."
The World Government's intent was clear.
The three Admiral positions would naturally not change. There were only three vacant Admiral positions in the future, and Nao was absolutely certain to occupy one of them. Moreover, he was promoted with an absolute core and powerful stance.
As for the remaining two positions, their attitude was a bit ambiguous.
Both Tsuru and Chisio agreed that the World Government would establish four Admiral Candidates at once—none of Kuzan's generation would be left out.
But as for who would get the Admiral positions, it would depend on the achievements and military merits of the next few people. They would choose the best among them, intentionally dangling a big carrot to make them compete with each other.
"So that's how it is…"
Aokiji scratched his head.
"So I've got to compete with Borsalino and Sakazuki for the other two spots? Ugh… the pressure's really heavy."
Nao sure had it good.
He'd taken the lead and had no competition at all.
At that moment, Aokiji once again felt the unevenness of the world.
Then again…
It was probably a blessing that Nao had gone ahead. Who in their right mind would want to compete directly with that monster on the same stage?
"Truly remarkable, Nao."
By now Zephyr had finished reading the document as well. He had heard of Nao's return and had deliberately taken time away from the endless duties of training camp to attend. Shaking his head with a laugh, he said:
"I used to take pride in being the youngest Admiral in Marine history. But now, it seems in just a few years, that title will be yours."
Back then, with the name "Black Arm," he had shaken the seas, achieved dazzling exploits at a young age, and been promoted to Admiral at just 34 years old.
But now—
Nao, at only 23, had already accomplished so much and been officially recognized by the World Government as an Admiral Candidate.
With a little more time and experience, even with the most conservative estimate, when he became an Admiral it would be at most by the age of 30.
There's no comparison.
Zephyr looked at his most beloved disciple with a face full of emotion. There was a little bit of loss from being surpassed by a junior, but more than that, there was pride in seeing his disciple surpass him.
"Then, cheers!"
He stood up laughing heartily, raising his brimming glass high:
"Tonight, we drink our fill! To Nao and Kuzan's safe return, and to these two brats who have finally become Admiral Candidates—ready to shoulder the banner of the Marine's future!"
My appointment letter hasn't been issued yet, sensei. What if something goes wrong and it falls through? That would be so awkward…
Aokiji made a bitter face, but everyone else was already standing with cheerful smiles, so he hurriedly put down his knife and fork, filled his glass, and stood up.
CLINK!
With a crisp sound, the glasses clinked together, and the beer foam splashed.
"Cheers!"
———
Beer wasn't very strong.
But since it was a rare get-together, everyone was in high spirits. They drank and talked, and the dinner lasted for more than two hours.
By the time it was almost over, not to mention Kuzan, even Zephyr's face was flushed, and he was a little too drunk to keep his eyes open.
Nao too was slightly tipsy. Though he had the best tolerance, he disliked the hazy, near-blackout state of being completely drunk. But since his sensei was happy, he simply drank along, enjoying the night.
In the middle of drinking, Nao had even tried breaking down the alcohol directly inside his body.
Unfortunately, only the water content could be completely neutralized—the pure alcohol acted like an insulator, completely unaffected by his ability, and every last drop was absorbed clean into his system.
Tsuru, however, hadn't drunk much. Once the table was cleared, Hina came over carrying a thick stack of documents. Tsuru slipped her glasses back on and immediately began reviewing them right there at the dining table.
After all, the Chief of Staff of Marine Headquarters was always busy.
Her reading speed was lightning fast—her pen moving as if it were flying. In just a few minutes, half the tall stack was already gone. But then her pen suddenly stopped. Her brows furrowed deeply.
Zephyr and Aokiji were drunk on the couch, arms around each other, slurring their heartfelt woes, completely oblivious. But Nao noticed her expression, so he walked over.
"What's wrong, Vice Admiral?"
Tsuru glanced up at him, didn't bother to hide it, and let out a sigh. She turned the document around and tossed it to him.
"The Donquixote Family in the North Blue—their movements are getting bigger and bigger."
She rubbed her temples tiredly.
"The entire underground black market across the eastern North Blue is nearly under their full control. Weapons trafficking is becoming more frequent, and they've even started interfering in the politics of nearby nations. Headquarters can no longer turn a blind eye. We have to start considering wiping them out."
"Then let's take them down."
Nao shrugged indifferently.
"Just a Donquixote Family… what, short on manpower?"
"Mm. Headquarters really is short-handed right now."
Tsuru took a sip of tea, forcing herself to regain some focus, then said helplessly:
"If this were a few years ago, before Doflamingo's rise, it might have been manageable. But now, the Donquixote Family is far too strong. Even an ordinary Vice Admiral can't hope to completely eliminate them."
Nao understood immediately.
Doflamingo's future strength was bound to be formidable. With his String-String Fruit pushed all the way to awakening, among his generation of Warlords of the Sea, he'd likely rank only below Mihawk and Kuma.
Even now, Doflamingo's power was at least equal to a Vice Admiral.
And on top of that, the Donquixote Family's influence in the North Blue was massive, roots spread far and wide, with a home-field advantage that couldn't be underestimated. Even veteran Vice Admirals would find themselves struggling to gain the upper hand.
So, when you calculated it all out…
"How about I just—"
Nao had barely started to suggest something when Tsuru cut him off, firm as a blade:
"No!"
Perhaps realizing she'd been too harsh, she paused, then softened her tone as she looked at him.
"You're already one of Headquarters' strongest forces now, Nao. To send you across the seas for something like this would be a complete waste of talent."
"Besides, you just fought Kaido tooth-and-nail for five days straight. You only returned to Headquarters last night. You've done enough. Both logically and emotionally, it isn't right to make you keep pushing yourself."
"Didn't Fleet Admiral Kong grant you a month's leave? Don't worry about this matter. Stay here, rest, and spend time with your family." Tsuru's voice was heavy and final. "I've already decided—I'll personally make the trip this time."
"…Uh, Vice Admiral Tsuru."
Nao couldn't find a chance to interrupt, so he waited until the old lady had finished speaking all in one breath before squinting his eyes and saying:
"I was actually going to suggest sending Kuzan instead. That guy didn't even get vacation time—he's stuck here at Headquarters with nothing to do anyway…"
"..."
"..."
Tsuru fell silent. The corner of her eye twitched as she locked gazes with Nao, and the air at the table suddenly grew awkward.
"Ahem, just kidding."
Nao laughed dryly to smooth things over, then shifted the subject.
"But if that's the only reason, you don't have to make such a big deal out of it. That's not like you. Or is it that you don't want me to go for some other reason?"
I thought this kid was a little drunk and that I could cover it up, but he still saw through it…
Tsuru sighed inwardly. After a moment of silence, she nodded and admitted:
"You're right. Doflamingo's identity is… a bit special. He must be taken alive. You, brat—you're fine in every other regard, but your hatred for evil runs too deep. I'm afraid you'll go too far and just…"
"Kill him?"
Nao curled his lip.
"Sure, that's usually how I handle things, but I do understand the bigger picture. If Headquarters says 'take him alive,' then I'll—hey, hey, what's with that look? Don't give me that 'I don't believe you' face, Vice Admiral Tsuru!"
Tsuru snorted.
He claims he knows how to weigh the bigger picture? Ha. As if.
Back when he was just a lowly recruit, he dared to execute the noble-born William outright. According to Borsalino's report, even though he tried with all his might to stop it, he couldn't.
That stubborn streak had only continued. Over the years, tens of thousands of pirates had died at Nao's hands. Regardless of their bounty or status, very few ever lived long enough to be loaded onto a prison transport to Impel Down.
And besides…
The recent death of Sofia that had shaken the world—though the World Government officially pinned it on "Buggy the Clown," Tsuru couldn't shake the feeling that the whole affair was far too familiar. It almost certainly had this brat's fingerprints all over it…
"I'm serious, Vice Admiral."
Nao felt prickly under her scrutinizing gaze and spread his hands.
"The main reason I wouldn't kill him on sight is because… well, it'd hurt a certain someone's feelings. …Eh, if you don't believe me, forget it. Let's just go with my original proposal. Let Kuzan make the trip. You're the Chief of Staff of Headquarters, and not exactly young anymore. If you head all the way to the North Sea and something happens—"
"I'm not old."
The nearly-sixty-year-old woman wrinkled her nose and glared at him, but then rubbed her chin, looking thoughtful.
"…But sending Kuzan instead might actually be better…"
Buru buru!
The urgent ringing of a Den-Den Mushi cut her off.
"Go ahead."
Tsuru answered. Sengoku's voice came from the other end:
"Tsuru? You're at Chisio's place, right? Has the gathering wrapped up?"
"It's over already. What, we invited you and you didn't come, and now you want to join? Too late."
Tsuru said sourly.
"Couldn't help it. I've been swamped."
Sengoku sighed.
"Is Nao there? He's not drunk, is he? Put him on. There's a sudden mission that needs to be assigned to him."
Huh? A sudden mission?
Nao took the receiver with a puzzled look. From the other end came Sengoku's weary voice:
"Now don't get mad, Nao. Listen first."
"In the North Blue's Akaya Kingdom, the prince and two princesses are returning home from the Holy Land. Headquarters needs to escort them. At first, I planned to just send a random Vice Admiral to handle it, but…"
Here Sengoku seemed reluctant, but he exhaled and finished:
"But apparently, they're all your fans. No matter what, they insisted that you be the one to escort them…"
…Huh?
Nao was stunned. He looked at Tsuru with a strange expression.
What a coincidence.