A few casual words, but when they reached Aokiji's ears, his eyes lit up.
He froze for a moment, then suddenly slapped Ivan's shoulder with such force that the surrounding Marine soldiers' hearts skipped a beat.
A rare, genuine smile appeared on Aokiji's face, and even his tone grew more spirited:
"Well done!
I've long disliked these Seven Warlords of the Sea. Each one, relying on the World Government's special privileges, acts arrogantly and lawlessly on the seas, looking down on everyone.
Especially that Doflamingo—scheming and two-faced. Someone should have taught him a lesson long ago."
Ivan nodded slightly, saying nothing more.
Aokiji patted his shoulder again, as if suddenly remembering something, and lowered his voice:
"By the way, let me give you a heads-up about something.
After the war with Whitebeard ends, the Marines will hold an extremely important high-level meeting.
When the time comes, I'll cast my vote for you."
Ivan was taken aback, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes:
"A meeting? Voting for me?"
For a moment, he didn't fully grasp it. High-level Marine meetings covered many topics—promotions, personnel arrangements, strategic deployments—and he wasn't sure what Aokiji was referring to.
Aokiji smiled mysteriously:
"The Shadow Garden's rise on the seas is growing more formidable by the day. Their power is immense and has already become a major threat to the World Government.
To counter this pressure, the Marine high command has decided to expand the number of Admiral seats. In other words, new Admiral positions will open up.
Given your strength, achievements, and performance in this Summit War, you're fully qualified to compete. When the time comes, I'll stand by your side."
Ivan's heart stirred.
Admiral.
The highest combat force of the Marine Headquarters, the position standing at the very peak of all Marines.
And a crucial goal in his current plans!
Outwardly, he remained composed, merely giving Aokiji a grateful look. "Thank you, Admiral Aokiji."
"No need to thank me." Aokiji waved a hand, returning to his usual lazy demeanor:
"I'm just choosing someone I find agreeable and truly capable.
Compared to those who only know how to cater to the Celestial Dragons, someone like you—with both strength and principles—is far more suited for that position."
With that, Aokiji didn't linger any longer. With a flicker of movement, he returned to his own warship.
On the Orange Ship, Smoker and the others were deeply shaken.
An Admiral Candidate being promoted to Admiral was an event significant enough to shake the entire seas.
Ivan was already favored by Admiral Aokiji, who had even promised his vote in advance. Could it be that in the near future, Ivan would become the youngest Admiral?
The ship sailed smoothly onward, and before long, the island symbolizing the Marines' absolute authority—Marineford—finally appeared on the distant horizon.
Majestic structures were built against the mountainside, the massive characters for "Justice" strikingly prominent. Within the military port, countless warships were densely docked, Marines bustling back and forth in a solemn and tense atmosphere.
Upon reaching the port, the Seven Warlords group officially parted ways with Ivan and the others.
The Seven Warlords had specially arranged resting areas, located within the surveillance range of Marine Headquarters—granting them due respect while also maintaining hidden vigilance.
Doflamingo left with a grim expression, taking his remaining subordinates in silence. His gaze toward Ivan's retreating figure was filled with undisguised killing intent and venomous resentment. However, being deep within Marineford, he dared not make any rash moves.
Jimbei, Moria, Hancock, and the others each headed to their designated quarters.
Meanwhile, Ivan led Smoker, Tashigi, and the rest to the officer's area of Marine Headquarters to rest and await further orders.
After a brief respite, the urgently convened high-level meeting officially began.
Marine Headquarters Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Admirals Aokiji, Kizaru, Akainu, along with Vice Admirals and key commanders from various departments, were all present.
The meeting room was spacious and solemn. The long table was flanked by high-ranking Marine officials, the atmosphere heavy enough to hear a pin drop.
Everyone sensed an unusual tension in the air, though the specific reason remained unclear to them.
Ivan sat in the seat reserved for an Admiral Candidate, his expression calm, his gaze indifferent, already fully aware of what was to come.
Sengoku stood at the head of the conference table, the mantle of Justice draped over his shoulders, his face stern. His eyes swept over those assembled as he spoke in a grave tone:
"I have gathered you all today to announce an important decision.
We have captured Fire Fist Ace alive. In a few days, he will be publicly executed.
Based on our current deployments and preparations, a full-scale war between the Marines and the Whitebeard Pirates is imminent."
As soon as the words fell, the meeting room erupted.
"What? War with Whitebeard?!"
"Why so sudden?!"
"Whitebeard is an Emperor of the Sea, the foremost of the Four Emperors. Engaging in total war with him carries far too great a risk!"
Numerous Vice Admirals exclaimed in shock, their faces filled with disbelief.
Whitebeard Edward Newgate was a man standing at the pinnacle of the seas, hailed as the World's Strongest Man. His pirate crew was immense and terrifyingly powerful.
Initiating war against Whitebeard would undoubtedly shatter the current balance of the seas—something the Marines had always strived to avoid.
"Fleet Admiral, this matter is far too hasty. Why wasn't it discussed in advance?" A Vice Admiral stood up, his expression grave.
"Whitebeard's foundations are deep, his forces vast. Once a full-scale war breaks out, the Marines will inevitably suffer heavy losses. It could even disrupt the entire power balance of the Grand Line. The consequences are unimaginable!"
Some clung to a sliver of hope, murmuring quietly:
"Perhaps Whitebeard won't commit his entire force to a life-and-death struggle with the Marines just for Ace's sake.
Ace is only his Second Division Commander. Sacrificing a large number of his crew to save him might not be worth it."
"Whitebeard values his family above all else. He would never abandon Ace," someone immediately retorted.
"But that's a direct confrontation with Marine Headquarters! The risk is too great!" another Vice Admiral argued back.
Debate rose and fell, opinions divided. Some advocated for war, others for caution, while most felt uneasy about this sudden, impending conflict.
Ivan sat quietly in his seat, listening to the discussions, his heart utterly unmoved.
He understood better than anyone present.
Whitebeard would definitely come.
At any cost, with the full might of his crew, he would raze Marineford to rescue Ace.
Because Ace was no ordinary Second Division Commander.
He was the son of Gol D. Roger.
The bloodline of the King of the Pirates!
This was the true core of the coming war, the reason Whitebeard would never retreat.
Sure enough, as the arguments continued unabated, Sengoku slowly raised his hand, silencing all voices.
His gaze was sharp as a blade, his voice low and resonant, each word clearly reaching everyone's ears:
"Everyone, quiet.
You only know that we have captured the Whitebeard Pirates' Second Division Commander, Fire Fist Ace, and are preparing to publicly execute him.
But you do not know the true purpose of executing Ace. Fire Fist Ace is not just Whitebeard's man.
His other identity is the King of the Pirates, Gol D. Roger's only bloodline, his biological son!"
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