40 Two New Admirals

"Last but not least… It pains me to say this but seeing as Admiral Sun Wu has tragically died heroically in battle, a position has opened at the rank of Admiral.

Garp has made it clear that he has no interest in the rank, so between the recommendation of Sun Wu himself before he passed away and the acceptance of Admiral's Z and Sengoku we decided to promote Vice-Admiral Borsalino."

Everyone started clapping to congratulate the newly promoted Admiral. Everyone bar two; Admiral Z whose face was completely indifferent as if what was happening had nothing to do with him and Vice-Admiral Sakazuki.

[How can that yellow buffoon be promoted before me? He spends his time monkeying around, never taking the job seriously, whereas I on the other hand have the highest arrest rate out of all Vice-Admirals, surpassing that of even Garp!]

Just as he was lost in thought, Kizaru's voice brought him out of it.

"I'm going to have to reject the promotion for now!"

As he said that everyone present looked at him as if he was insane. Kong quickly spoke out trying to convince him.

"Borsalino, you shouldn't blame yourself for Sun Wu's death. It wasn't your fault, running into that monsteress is only bad luck. There was nothing you could've done differently and even Sun Wu, the man who mentored you after graduating had recommended you to be the next Admiral."

Kizaru shook his head, as he replied indifferently.

"It's not that. I've just come to realise after the incident that sitting in that position without the strength to match would be sentencing myself to an early death."

Sakazuki stood up with a face full of rage slamming his palm on the table!

"Borsalino you pussy! Your teacher risked his life so that you could live and now you find out that he recommended you for his seat and instead of accepting it and trying your best to live up to his expectations you run away from the responsibility?! Pathetic! Admiral Sun Wu is probably turning in his grave!"

"Sakazuki that's enough! Sit down and shut up!"

Hearing Kong's words, Akainu sat down with a snort.

Kizaru didn't react impulsively after hearing Akainu's words, he just glanced coldly at the brash man before standing up and taking his leave without saying a word to anyone.

Kong sighed seeing that but made no effort in stopping him as what he said wasn't exactly wrong and despite hiding it behind an indifferent face he could see the pain he was in after having to run away after his teacher and the man he most respected gave his life for his own.

Kong looked at Sengoku who nodded and Z who gave no response before continuing.

"Since Vice-Admiral Borsalino has turned down the promotion but the position still needs to be filled, next in line is Vice-Admiral Sakazuki."

There was an immediate silence as no one was happy about his prior outburst but when Sengoku and Kong started clapping everyone else followed.

Sakazuki paid no attention to the others as he looked at Kong and performed a proper Navy salute as he said respectfully.

"I promise to do everything in my power to live up to the seat!"

As he said that he sat back down. Kong nodded before looking to Sengoku and Z and asking.

"Any further points?"

Sengoku nodded as he said.

"As you know I ran an operation to capture the "Operation Devil Fruit" from the hands of the Barrel Pirates. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the fruit was eaten by a child being taken care of by one of my men "Commander Rosinante". The boy; "Trafalgar Law" has been convinced to join the marines.

You and I both know the implications of being the holder of that fruit, so I want to make it clear from now. I have adopted Trafalgar Law as my adopted grandson and I will not tolerate ANYONE making a move on my grandchild!"

Even though he didn't say it in so many words, Kong and everyone else understood the meaning behind his words:

"If the world government try to make a move on my grandson I won't hesitate to protect him by any means necessary!"

Kong frowned because he knew what that fruit means to the World Government, but he knows how much the marines need Sengoku.

He made the decision there to use his position as Fleet Admiral to protect the boy as long as he's willing to serve the marines loyally in the future as he could be trained to be a strong marine one day.

Coming to that decision Kong nodded towards Sengoku expressing his support before turning to Z.

"Zephyr, you've been unusually quiet today… Have you any further points?"

Z nodded as he said with complete indifference.

"I'm resigning from the Marines as of today!"

As he said that, the room went silent! Even Sakazuki who didn't care about anyone else couldn't help but frown at the bombshell dropped.

Kong looked at the Admiral as he said.

"We all know what happened with regards to your family and I'm truly sorry for your loss, but resigning won't bring them back.

You've had a stellar career so far. Between the heinous criminals you've brought to justice, the amount of your brothers in arms you've saved and the recruits you've played a part in training, I speak for the whole of the world government when I say thank you.

To that end, I'd like to offer you the unique position of special instructor of the marines. Like now, your position would be directly under me but unlike before I can't give you any direct orders. You would be exempt from any missions unless you felt like taking them, your only responsibility would be to train the elite recruits into fine marines and bringing the pirates who killed your family to justice, with the only time you'd be called into active duty is if Marineford is attacked and we require your strength to resist the attackers!"

When he heard the offer Zephyr had to seriously consider it.

[I had originally planned to leave the navy to chase down the pirates who killed my family so I wouldn't be called away with any other random missions but now with that position I could chase down the pirates who did this with the help of the navy's intelligence making it easier to find them.

All I'd have to do is help if Marineford is attacked and train new elite batches of marines which to be honest I really enjoy anyway. It's a win-win!]

"Kong, I accept your offer!"

Kong nodded with a satisfied smile. He then looked at the Vice-Admirals and said.

"Seeing as now former Admiral Z has stepped down from his position as Admiral the position needs to be filled, both Garp and Borsalino have no interest in the position. Kuzan you're next in line!"

Kuzan stood up and lazily saluted as he said.

"I promise to protect and serve to the best of my abilities."

Kong nodded as he looked around at the group before him.

"I hereby call an end to this meeting. You're all dismissed!"

As everyone left the room he looked down at the reports as he let out an exhausted sigh.

[The navy has been forced into such hard times due to 2 incidents. 1 of which was started by the lawlessness of a 10 year old boy!

This boy needs to be found by all costs or he could end up another Roger!]