On this day, all the officers of Headquarters had gathered beneath the platform.
Xu was already seated at the central position above, with Kizaru and Akainu beside him.
Kizaru, as usual, had been pulled back from his leisurely routine.
Akainu, on the other hand, had been fighting relentlessly in the New World. If he had not been recalled, he might have kept going until he burned himself out.
"Admiral Xu… once the ceremony ends, I can head back, right?"
Kizaru took the chance to ask while they waited.
Xu's lips twitched.
"Kizaru, at least try to hide that laziness a little."
Kizaru shrugged.
"Well, that's how you last longer in a position like this, isn't it?"
Akainu snorted coldly beside him, clearly disagreeing.
Xu chuckled and gestured toward Akainu.
"See? Even he disagrees. He's been fighting nonstop in the New World and he's still an Admiral."
Kizaru rolled his eyes, unable to argue.
I'm talking about pacing yourself, and you bring up a battle maniac…
Just then, Nojiko approached.
"Admiral Xu, it's about time."
Xu nodded.
"Is Morgans ready?"
"Everything is prepared."
"Good. Let's begin."
Xu stood and walked to the center of the platform. His gaze swept over the neatly dressed officers below, and he nodded in satisfaction.
"I'll keep this short. The new Admiral is Kuzan, codename Aokiji."
As soon as the announcement was made, cheers erupted from below.
Aokiji stepped onto the platform and accepted the medal from Xu.
"Admiral Xu, I will uphold my justice to the very end."
Xu patted his shoulder, offering a look of encouragement.
"Go on. Say a few words."
Aokiji turned to face the crowd.
"From today onward, I will serve as an Admiral of Headquarters. Trust in my strength. I will give everything I have to fight against evil."
After a few more formal remarks, the ceremony came to a smooth conclusion.
Once it ended, Xu kept Kizaru behind while Akainu immediately departed for the New World again.
As for Aokiji, newly promoted, he was already buried under responsibilities.
"Kizaru, come to my office this afternoon."
Kizaru scratched his head, looking resigned.
"That was fast… is this revenge, Admiral Xu?"
Xu waved him off.
"Stop overthinking. I have a mission for you."
"I see… I'll be there on time."
Despite his usual attitude, Kizaru was reliable when it mattered.
After setting the time, Xu returned to his office.
Not long after, a knock sounded.
"Come in."
Kaiji, Issho, and Kira entered together.
"Admiral Xu."
"Chief Inspector Sengoku."
In a formal setting like this, even Issho addressed Xu by his title.
Xu nodded.
"Sit down. I called you here to arrange your assignments."
The three sat on the sofa as Xu handed them a document.
"Read this first. Ask questions afterward."
They carefully went through the file.
"Admiral Xu, we're not being assigned directly to Headquarters?" Kaiji asked.
Xu shook his head.
"You are part of Headquarters, but you report directly to me."
"For now, there are only three of you. Publicly, your rank will be Admiral candidates."
"When Zero Division expands, I will assign captain positions."
The three exchanged glances, understanding quickly.
According to the document, this was a special unit within the Marines. Secretive. Elite.
Xu clapped his hands lightly.
"Alright. Any questions?"
"No issues here," Kaiji said first.
Issho nodded.
"None from me."
"Same here," Kira added.
"Good. As for your base, I've already chosen a location behind the main office building. Construction has just begun, so it will take a few months."
Xu continued,
"In the meantime, I'll assign some personnel under your command. You may have your first mission sooner than expected."
"Yes, Admiral Xu."
After dismissing them, Xu returned to his endless paperwork.
That afternoon, Kizaru arrived as promised.
"Admiral Xu, are you busy? Should I come back later?"
Xu's eye twitched. The man was still trying to slip away.
"Kizaru. Get in here."
With a quiet sigh, Kizaru stepped inside.
"Another day without rest…"
"This mission concerns Kaido," Xu said directly.
Kizaru's expression sharpened slightly.
"Kaido? What's he up to?"
"He's trying to stir conflict among the Four Emperors."
"That doesn't sound so bad. Let them fight each other…"
Xu shook his head.
"His target is Stussy."
Kizaru fell silent. He understood immediately.
"You want me to assist her?"
Xu nodded.
"Yes. But our connection to her must remain hidden."
Kizaru frowned slightly.
Helping without revealing ties… troublesome.
"Figure out the details yourself."
Kizaru gave Xu a long look.
"So this is leadership, huh…"
Still, he had his own ways.
After a brief chat, he left the office.
Several days passed in the blink of an eye.
Then, one afternoon, Xu received a call from Stussy.
"Ad… Admiral Xu. My scouts have spotted Kaido's fleet approaching our waters."
Xu glanced at Sengoku beside him, relieved he had not overheard.
"I understand. Stall for time if you can. I'll send support."
"I understand, Admiral Xu."