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The young marine standing before him was someone he had heard plenty about these past few days at Headquarters.
Garp's personally chosen final disciple. That alone was enough to make every veteran officer pay attention, never mind the rumors saying his strength already surpassed the famed trio of young monsters.
His future was practically guaranteed. Becoming an admiral was almost a matter of time.
On a normal day, he might have taken the chance to get closer, maybe share a few friendly words.
But not today.
A Celestial Dragon had been shot in the head. Just thinking about the consequences made his stomach twist. He could already imagine the shockwaves this incident would send through the entire world.
In all these years, nothing like this had ever happened.
"If I get the chance, I'll visit you again, Vice Admiral Raku."
Kyle bowed politely, then turned to leave.
"Go on."
Raku waved him off.
On the way back, Saul and the others were clearly rattled by the incident, mixed with a strange excitement.
"Who could it be?"
"Someone bold enough to attack a Celestial Dragon, clean and silent, and actually succeed… that has to be a monster."
"A direct headshot. Brutal."
Their heated chatter reached Kyle's ears, but his expression stayed calm.
A Celestial Dragon?
Strip away their lofty status and that stupid bubble around their heads, and they were just as fragile as anyone else.
At that thought, Kyle felt a flood of emotions stir inside him.
With power, everything changed. The people he once couldn't even get within ten meters of… their heads were no tougher than paper.
When he returned to the battleship, Garp was already snoring loudly under his dog-head hat.
Bogart gave him a glance and a small nod as greeting.
Soon after, the ship set sail from the port.
Kyle leaned against the rail, watching the Sabaody Archipelago slowly fade into the distance. Something inside him felt strange and new.
It was as if a chapter of his life had closed. Everything tied to Sabaody was now behind him, and a brand-new journey was about to begin.
At that moment, Kuzan and Sakazuki walked over.
"Hahaha, Kyle, did you hear?"
"Once we get back to Headquarters, the top brass might reward outstanding young marines with Devil Fruits!"
Kuzan grinned.
"That so? Congrats then."
Kyle smiled.
"Congratulate yourself too. With your strength, you'll definitely get something good."
Kuzan threw an arm around his shoulders, laughing.
"I'm not very interested in fruits."
Kyle shook his head.
His Six Powers techniques weren't even maxed out yet. He hadn't touched Armament or Observation Haki. He understood that while Devil Fruits could boost strength, true high-level combat always came down to Haki.
"Don't say that. A Devil Fruit can boost your power a lot."
Kuzan teased.
Sakazuki's eyes were burning with expectation as well. If he could get a strong fruit, maybe this guy in front of him wouldn't outclass him anymore.
Kyle could easily guess what the two were thinking.
In the original timeline, veterans like Zephyr and Garp often reminded the future admirals not to rely too heavily on their fruits.
And Kyle himself knew very well: Haki or fruit, they were all just tools. In the end, he was the foundation. The fruit was only an aid.
And a person's time was limited. Developing a Devil Fruit and developing Haki both required serious commitment.
By evening, the battleship reached Marineford.
Seeing the world's largest marine fortress with his own eyes deeply shocked Kyle.
The massive Gate of Justice, the shimmering inner bay, the ring of black fortresses lining the bay, and the long plaza leading toward the Headquarters building.
This fortress's military and defensive strength were truly world-class.
The terrain alone made it nearly impenetrable. Any enemy who entered would be courting death.
As they walked through the grounds, Kyle realized just how enormous this base truly was.
There were entertainment districts, small towns, shops—everything you could imagine.
"Your promotion ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow morning."
"For tonight, just get some rest."
Garp said while leading Kyle through the facilities.
"Got it."
Kyle nodded.
Marineford's landscape resembled rolling hills. From the residential quarters, you could clearly overlook the inner bay and the Gate of Justice.
As one of the most exceptional young talents—someone who could even fight Rayleigh—Kyle's housing was excellent, a small standalone villa.
Kuzan, Sakazuki, and the others lived in the nearby officers' district, also well appointed.
The entire area was basically a town for officers, complete with training grounds and every facility imaginable.
While strolling through the streets, Kyle saw many retired old veterans, hair white, sitting in wheelchairs pushed by younger relatives. Everything felt peaceful.
Night passed quietly, and soon the next day arrived.
Major rank promotions could be decided internally by vice admirals and above, but any general-level position had to be awarded by the Fleet Admiral himself.
Aside from Kyle, five others were being promoted to Rear Admiral. All were older than him, the youngest already in their thirties—three men and two women.
Under the eyes of Garp, Sengoku, Zephyr and others, Kyle stood straight and firm.
Ahead of him, a tall, powerful man with mountain-shaped white hair and beard approached, exuding overwhelming authority.
The current Fleet Admiral: Steelbone Kong.
"You are all officers who have performed exceptionally well recently."
"After discussions with the other admirals, we have decided to promote you to Rear Admiral."
"I hope you will continue to uphold justice in the duties ahead."
Kong was a strict, serious man.
During the ceremony, he personally placed Kyle's new insignia on him and smoothed the wrinkles on his uniform.
"Young man, your uniform is like your life. Never allow it to be anything but immaculate."
Kyle blinked, then bowed respectfully.
The ceremony ended quickly. Kong assigned positions to the other five, and when it came to Kyle, he said:
"I know you joined the Marines only recently. Although you performed outstandingly in the battle against the Roger Pirates and your strength is impressive, your foundation as a marine is still a bit thin."
"So you will undergo a period of training at the Marine Academy."
"Of course, for someone of your caliber, the restrictions won't be the same as for normal students."
"You'll be allowed to move freely, but you must master every required course."
Kong smiled slightly.
Kyle nodded.
He had heard about these courses from Kuzan and Sakazuki. They weren't particularly difficult, and they were genuinely useful. Even the monster trio still attended lessons sometimes.
"Additionally, for outstanding young talents like you…"
"Headquarters will be giving out special rewards to help your growth."
Kong continued.
By now, the other newly promoted rear admirals had already left. Only Sengoku, Garp, Zephyr and a few others remained.
Kyle looked curious.
Kong clapped his hands, and three marines carried in three chests.
"These are three Logia-type Devil Fruits."
"You may choose one."
"But you should understand that once you eat a Devil Fruit, you will forever lose the ability to swim and become hated by the sea."
The three chests opened one by one. Inside, three fruits shimmered with distinct light.
There was no doubt—these were the very fruits that the three future admirals would one day eat.
And at this moment, he had the right to choose one first.
"..."
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