71 The Fisher Tiger Incident and a Major Shift in Marine Rankings
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(Sorry for the late update I was very busy today, my brother is getting married, so I won't be uploading chapter for the next two days. Anyway, happy weekend)
Brontes's used his special warship to cross the Calm Belt, a treacherous sea that most would avoid.
This area, located between the Grand Line and the other seas, was notorious for being home to giant sea creatures, Sea Kings.
However, Brontes wasn't deterred. His warship had the extraordinary capability to fly, which he used to his advantage, soaring over the Calm Belt from the New World and into the West Blue without any trouble from the Sea Kings below.
Once in the West Blue, Brontes didn't waste any time. He had been invited to a country there, and after fulfilling his obligations, he continued his journey.
He traveled to the North Blue, then to the South Blue, and finally to the East Blue. Remarkably, he managed to visit all the seas in just a month and a half.
It was common practice for the Marine's high-ranking officers to keep a close eye on the Four Seas.
This was to ensure that the lower-ranking officers were not involved in any corrupt activities. While the surveillance department did its part, it was also essential for the naval officers to conduct their own inspections.
During his travels, Brontes encountered and dealt with several instances of corruption. His work was timely, as he returned just in time for the World Government conference. Although the conference was mostly a formality, it was still an important event to attend.
...
Time passed quickly, and the world continued to change with events of varying significance. Brontes's involvement in these events became less frequent until a year had gone by.
"Booom!"
Suddenly, an explosion rocked the Holy Land of Mariejois.
Amidst the roaring flames, Brontes stood by, watching the chaos unfold.
"We're doing our best to extinguish the fire. Fortunately there are no casualties among the World Nobles." A naval soldier reported as he rushed up.
"Who's responsible for this?" Brontes asked, though he knew it was the work of Fisher Tiger.
"We're not sure yet. The attack was unexpected, and it seems the slaves were the target, not the World Nobles." The marine replied.
"That's fortunate. But it's still regrettable," Brontes said under his breath.
"Sir?" The marine didn't catch Brontes's comment and asked for clarification.
"It's nothing." Brontes dismissed, shaking his head.
"Sir, the Five Elders request your presence." The marine said.
...
Three more years went by.
At the G-1 Marine Base, Brontes relaxed on a lounge chair.
He casually said to his assistant: "The Red-Haired Pirates have been in the East Blue for a year now. Don't worry about them; they're not going to stir up any trouble."
"But sir, they're a formidable pirates from the New World. If they stay in the East Blue, I'm concerned that..." The assistant colonel hesitated, worried that even seemingly neutral pirates could cause problems.
"Leave those concerns to Sengoku-san. I don't have the time to deal with them. Besides, isn't the World Conference coming up? Four years have flown by. I'll head to Marineford for the meeting first. Make sure everyone is on their best behavior while I'm away." Brontes instructed.
"Yes, sir!" The assistant quickly said.
Brontes put on his coat and left his office.
Over the past four years, his reputation had only grown. His influence in the New World kept the pirates at bay. They continued to grow in number but were cautious in their actions, including the impetuous rookie pirates.
....
As Brontes's warship made its way toward Marineford, he noticed a gathering of marine warships all heading in the same direction. The sight was impressive, a fleet of might and purpose converging on a single point.
The other marines had spotted Brontes's warship as well, and they quickly assembled on one particular warship, which belonged to none other than Garp.
As Brontes boarded Garp's ship, he was greeted by a host of familiar faces. Borsalino, Sakazuki, Kuzan, and others were all present.
"Well, I didn't expect this to be a party." Said remarked with a hint of humor in his voice.
"You're quite slow, Brontes. I was beginning to think you didn't want to come." Borsalino responded, his voice carrying a laid-back tone, a cigarette dangling from his lips.
"How could I not attend such a significant gathering? I just had some important business to wrap up. Since we're all here, let's head over together." Brontes suggested, shaking his head.
It had been twelve years since the execution of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger.
Time had indeed flown by, and in that span, the young Monkey D. Luffy had already encountered the Red-Haired Shanks. In another decade, he would embark on his own grand adventure.
"Speaking of which..." Borsalino began, eyeing Brontes: "You haven't aged a day, as if time doesn't touch you. Compared to you, I'm starting to look old, especially with these wrinkles."
Brontes couldn't help but smile at the comment. He was well aware that his youthful appearance would draw attention, especially as he aged without showing the typical signs.
"Well, you're right, you are starting to resemble an old dog. Maybe it's time for some skincare." Brontes said in a serious voice.
"Fuck off!" Borsalino retorted with a mix of annoyance and jest.
Then, shifting to a more serious demeanor, Borsalino asked: "By the way, do you know what this meeting is about?"
"If I'm not mistaken, it's about the Fleet-Admiral position. Kong-san is getting old; I think he's planning to retire." Brontes said casually.
"That means..." Borsalino and the others, except for Garp, looked astonished.
"This kid is still as sharp as ever." Garp muttered under his breath, a hint of pride in his voice.
....
The marines who had hurried to Marineford were all high-ranking officers, Rear-Admirals and above.
They followed Garp and Brontes into the conference hall at Marineford, which was already filled with many high-ranking officers. Even Zed was there, sitting beside Tsuru and Garp in the front row, with Brontes joining them. The other Vice-Admirals took their seats in the second row.
The most prominent position in the room was reserved for Fleet-Admiral Kong.
Once everyone was seated, Kong entered the room, stood before the assembly, and then took his seat.
"The World Conference will be convened soon, and before that, we at Marineford also have a very important meeting." Kong said in a loud voice.
The room fell silent, all eyes on Kong. He had been with the Marines for over fifty years and had led them as Fleet-Admiral for three decades. Now, at an age where retirement was expected, he was a figure of respect and authority.
Kong had been a pillar during the Marines' darkest times, guiding them through the era of upheaval and nurturing legends like Sengoku, Garp, Zed, and Tsuru, creating a force that could stand against the era of Rocks.
His contributions to the Marines were immense, but not without their costs. The Marines had been deeply infiltrated by the World Government, and for the sake of progress, Kong had made many compromises, some of which were shrouded in darkness and secrecy.
A light smile appeared on Kong's face as he looked at Sengoku and others: "I am not as young as I once was, and the future is in the hands of the younger generation. At the upcoming World Conference, I intend to propose my resignation. Sengoku is set to succeed me. Zed has also expressed a desire to step down from his Admiral role, and I have different plans for Brontes. This means we will have three Admiral positions opening up."
Brontes was taken aback. He hadn't anticipated being a part of Kong's announcement, and he was intrigued by the undisclosed plans Kong had for him.
It was unusual for him not to be privy to such information, especially when it concerned his own position.
As an Admiral, not being consulted about these changes made him suspect that there were secret schemes at play within the World Government.
Despite his confusion, Brontes was certain of one thing: Kong wouldn't sideline him without reason.
The World Government's cautious approach to him was likely due to their perception of him as being as uncontrollable as Garp.
Brontes had been relatively inactive in recent years, but he was under no illusion that the World Government had ceased their vigilance. They were probably still trying to uncover any secrets he might be keeping.
Kong, however, did not elaborate on his plans for Brontes. Instead, he proceeded to distribute a stack of papers, detailing the new appointments: "The vacant Admiral positions will be filled by Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan. Gomil will take command of the G-2 Base, and Jonathan will oversee the G-8 Base..."
The list Kong had prepared was extensive. The first batch of graduates from the Elite Camp, who had become Rear-Admirals years prior, were now mostly in command positions, governing their respective jurisdictions.
The room was abuzz with speculation about Brontes's future. With his step down from the Admiral role and his command of the G-1 Base reassigned, it seemed as though he might be pushed out of any significant role within the Marines.
Some might have even wondered if Kong intended for Brontes to retire.
The notion seemed absurd; Brontes was a year younger than Kuzan and, by all accounts, his prestige and strength were still at the pinnacle within the Marine ranks.
Kong's voice cut through the murmurs, clear and authoritative, yet tinged with an undercurrent of sorrow and helplessness: "As for Brontes, the Five Elders have made a decision. They have entrusted you with the critical task of overseeing the security of the World Nobles. You will be granted the title of Fleet-Admiral, primarily responsible for military dispatches worldwide and ensuring the safety of the World Nobles!"
