The guards stationed outside were dismissed by Fleet Admiral Kong.
With the office doors shattered, Kong led the two agents—and Roldy —to the conference chamber of Marine Headquarters.
The room was immaculate and silent. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, spilling across the long table.
Roldy suddenly felt the light sting his eyes. Standing beside Kong, he unconsciously shifted a step to the right.
At the center of the table sat an exquisitely crafted Den Den Mushi.
"Buru buru… buru buru…"
The snail's eyes snapped open.
In an instant, its cute features transformed—its expression becoming that of a stern man with a massive mustache and overwhelming authority.
"Greetings, Saint Topman Warcury."
Fleet Admiral Kong dropped to one knee immediately.
Behind him, the two CP0 agents lowered their heads so deeply they nearly touched their chests.
Roldy stood frozen.
He looked at Kong, a complicated emotion flickering in his eyes.
Kong noticed.
His heart skipped.
He quickly shot Roldy a sharp glance, urging him to kneel.
But Roldy frowned instead.
Their eyes met.
Even as Fleet Admiral, Kong felt a trace of unease under that gaze.
What kind of look was it?
Perhaps the same one he himself once had.
Pride carved into the bones.
Pride that refused to kneel.
For a fleeting moment, Kong's mind went blank.
How was he supposed to tell a young man to kneel like a dog—just as he had?
"Enough, Kong."
The Den Den Mushi spoke again, its voice heavy with authority.
Kong lowered his head even further.
"Saint Warcury, I am here. Please give your command."
"There is no need for tension. Rise."
Warcury's tone was calm.
"In recent months, the Marines have performed admirably. Pirate activity has been effectively suppressed. The Marines' reputation among the common people has improved. Fresh blood continues to join your ranks."
"All of this is your achievement as Fleet Admiral. We are very satisfied."
"Therefore, we have decided to increase next year's Marine budget by twenty percent. Continue your good work and bring us even greater results."
As the Warrior God of Justice, Warcury offered praise—and a massive reward.
Yet Kong felt no joy.
Because he knew what would come next.
"And so… the one standing beside you must be the Marine prodigy, the young Vice Admiral Fite Roldy , wielder of the Moa Moa no Mi (Multiply-Multiply Fruit)?"
The Den Den Mushi's eyes turned toward Roldy .
Roldy met its gaze without hesitation.
—
Mary Geoise.
Pangaea Castle.
Within a lavish chamber, five elderly men in suits either stood or sat in silence.
Their eyes were fixed on a special Den Den Mushi—modified through the World Government's advanced technology. It now transmitted live visual feeds.
At this very moment—
The Five Elders were watching Roldy .
He, however, had no idea.
—
"That's right. That'd be me."
Kong nearly choked.
To refer to oneself so casually before the Five Elders bordered on blasphemy.
Yet no displeasure came from the other side.
After a moment of silence, Warcury spoke again.
"Such boldness. Worthy indeed of being called the foremost of the Marine new generation. Youth like this is… admirable."
Even the two CP0 agents were surprised.
"Your praise is too generous," Kong interjected quickly. "I've watched this brat grow up. He's never understood hierarchy. I have been too lenient with him."
The Five Elders were mildly surprised.
In past conversations, Kong had always been reserved—answering their questions with minimal words.
Yet now—
He was openly shielding this young man.
"So be it," Warcury replied with a faint chuckle. "We trust your judgment."
"At such a young age, you considered promoting him to Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral . Such talent must indeed be exceptional."
Roldy had been half-lost in thought—
But the moment he heard "Vice Admiral ," his eyes lit up.
Only Vice Admiral s of Marine Headquarters qualified for those luxurious residences. If he were officially promoted, that estate would belong to him permanently.
And more importantly—
He would stand on the same rank as that old geezer, Vice Admiral Garp.
Just thinking about it was thrilling.
"Saint Warcury, that was merely drunken talk," Kong hurried to say. "He is still young—"
Roldy panicked.
The duck was practically in his mouth—how could he let it fly away?
"Kong! I can handle it! Vice Admiral is nothing! Don't forget—my goal is your seat!"
Roldy possessed monstrous combat talent and academic brilliance.
But in exchange—
It seemed heaven had taken away his political sense.
Protected too carefully by Zephyr under the excuse of youth, Roldy had never truly seen how dark this world could be.
"Hahaha! Excellent spirit!"
Warcury laughed.
"Vice Admiral Roldy , heed this command."
"If you aspire to become Fleet Admiral, then you must demonstrate the resolve worthy of it."
"We will assign you a difficult mission. Should you succeed, we guarantee here and now—"
"You shall become one of the candidates for Marine Admiral."
"And beyond Admiral… lies Fleet Admiral."
A teenage Admiral candidate.
Such a thing had never existed in Marine history.
The two kneeling CP0 agents felt cold dread crawl up their spines.
This meant—
He was all but destined to become a Marine Admiral in his twenties.
A direct path to the Fleet Admiral's throne.
And they had just offended him.
Their mood darkened instantly.
But none felt worse than Kong.
The dread in his heart intensified.
Then the mission was spoken.
And Kong nearly fainted.
"Escort a World Noble vessel safely back to port."
Damn them.
They knew exactly what they were doing.
World Nobles—
The Celestial Dragons.
Kong knew all too well the filth that traveled aboard their ships.
And Roldy 's origin.
His deepest scar.
Slaves.
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