A promotion ceremony... ahead of schedule?
Michael frowned slightly.
Somewhat unexpected, but perfectly reasonable.
Right now, the Marines haven't had any of those disgraceful incidents that would severely damage their reputation. Following the normal age and process, it was about time for Sengoku to be promoted to Fleet Admiral.
After all, acting as Fleet Admiral while still holding the title of Admiral didn't look good.
And with Sengoku, the only active Admiral, being promoted, they couldn't just leave the Admiral position vacant, could they?
So naturally, it was time for the predetermined successors—Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan—to officially rise to the rank of Marine Admiral.
But this timing… it was nearly ten years earlier than in the original story.
Back then, in 1512—six years later—even the oldest of the three Admirals, Borsalino, was still only a Vice Admiral.
Promoting them early also brought quite a few advantages.
At the very least, it could speed up the process of Marine independence.
If one Admiral and one Great Staff Officer couldn't represent the entire Marines, then how about a Fleet Admiral plus three Admirals?
Michael could see at a glance that this was clearly the World Government's urgent push behind the scenes.
All because Sengoku's dominance made it too difficult for them to regain control of the Marines.
They couldn't get their hands in at all.
So by elevating the young three Admirals, they hoped to restart internal factional struggles within the Marines, diluting Sengoku's authority...
Without Michael's presence, this plan… might actually have worked.
At least Sakazuki and Kuzan would eventually have clashed over ideology sooner or later.
But now...
Sakazuki was aligned with Michael, and Kuzan was likely to side with his teacher Garp.
And everyone knew, Garp and Michael were Sengoku's most steadfast allies...
With the entire upper echelon united, the World Government had basically shot itself in the foot this time.
What? Why not mention Borsalino?
Did his opinion even matter at this point?
"Fine, so is the promotion ceremony still going to be held at Marineford?"
"Of course," Sengoku rolled his eyes, "and this time, the SWORD Secret Special Force will finally step into the spotlight."
As he spoke, Sengoku looked with some distress at the geniuses lying on the ground.
Keeping this group of Marine prodigies hidden in the shadows every day felt like such a waste of talent!
Michael nodded at his words.
He never intended for the Secret Special Force members to remain unsung heroes forever.
It was time to tally up their merits, promote them as they deserved, and let them stand on their own when needed.
Training them was always about strengthening the entire Marine force.
"Old man, you're right. Only after sending off this batch of finished products can the next batch of new ones come in."
Michael spoke as he revealed a sly, mischievous grin.
The SWORD Secret Special Force members lying on the ground exchanged confused looks.
"Our Vice Admiral isn't some human trafficker, right?"
"Not only is he not a trafficker, he's actually the biggest contributor to ending human trafficking..."
"Then why does his face look so familiar?"
"Feels like one of those dragon slayers turning into dragons themselves."
"You bastards, what nonsense are you spouting?!"
...
With the promotion ceremony details set, Michael wasted no time. He summoned everyone connected to the SWORD Secret Special Force to Marineford.
Even Bell-mère brought Nojiko and Nami to Marine Headquarters.
This was an unprecedented gathering of Michael's entire Marine faction.
For one purpose only.
To attend the promotion ceremony.
...
Five days passed quickly.
Preparations weren't too demanding—this wasn't the first promotion ceremony, after all. They just dusted off the old traditions and refreshed them.
The Marine brass didn't care much for such formalities anyway.
But what Michael hadn't expected was that for this large-scale ceremony promoting the Fleet Admiral and three Admirals, the Five Elders themselves would attend to personally present the honors.
Michael had assumed the World Government would just send a few record keepers and be done with it.
It seemed...
Those five old men couldn't wait any longer.
"Michael, what are you daydreaming for? It's time to go." Garp interrupted Michael's thoughts. "The Five Elders are already heading to the ceremony grounds."
Michael looked up at Garp in full dress uniform, quite intrigued.
"I bet this is the most uncomfortable you've ever felt wearing a Marine uniform."
"Hmph, uncomfortable or not, it's only for a little while." Garp didn't care much. "But in the past, the Five Elders never attended in person… and now they all show up together? They must really value the current Marines."
Garp deliberately emphasized the word "current."
Michael naturally understood the hint and shook his head, signaling there was no need to worry.
"Right now isn't the time for the Marines to show their hand outright... At this ceremony, they'll probably propose a worldwide Marine draft to replenish troops and expand into the New World."
"All to bury enough landmines inside the Marines again."
Garp frowned. Even with his not-so-sharp mind, he knew this was clearly aimed at the Marines, who had basically become a solid, unified front.
"So what do we do?"
"Simple… while they're planting their mines, we'll plant ours too." Michael's grin turned into the sly smirk Garp knew so well. "Some of my people are just waiting for the right moment to come clean."
"Besides… haven't you noticed? For the past six months, Issho hasn't appeared on Fishman Island, Alabasta, or even the Sabaody Archipelago."
Garp froze at Michael's words...
It was true! That blind gambler hadn't shown up in ages.
"He… don't tell me he's parted ways with you?"
"That's right, we've parted ways," Michael shook his head with a meaningful smile. "Right now, Issho is actually one of the Five Elders' favored agents."
"Favored… Oh hell!" Garp processed the word, then stared at Michael in shock. "You sly bastard! Planting a spy under the Five Elders?"
"This is called returning the favor… they were the ones who sent Rosinante back to spy on me first."
Michael shrugged, instinctively flapping his wings twice.
Then he fell silent.
...
When they entered the ceremony hall, Michael headed straight to Sengoku.
And at last, the five Five Elders, their proud faces tinged with constipation-like stiffness, finally revealed themselves before Michael.
"Ah, the legendary Five Elders. What an honor."
"We should be the ones… honored."
The leader, Saint Ethanbaron V. Nasjurou, nodded slightly toward Michael.
In his eyes was undisguised wariness.
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