Chapter 138: The Future of the Navy?

New World.

The core area of the World Military Draft!

At this moment, thousands of Marines stood at attention, their anticipation palpable.

They awaited the next major event in the World Military Draft process—an event of immense importance.

The Navy Admiral Award Ceremony!

Since Admiral Aokiji's departure and Admiral Akainu's promotion to Fleet Admiral, two of the Navy's three admirals had vacated their positions.

Thus, without exaggeration, the entire Navy was eagerly awaiting the appearance of the new Admirals!

For most of the Marines present on the island, the upcoming Admiral Award Ceremony held special significance. They were about to witness the rise of the youngest Admiral in Navy history!

Among them were Marines from Navy Headquarters who had participated in the Summit War. Their eyes burned with fanaticism as they recalled the past.

At first, Shiro, once the most promising Admiral, had turned the tide of battle at Marineford by himself, leading to the destruction of the infamous stronghold.

For those who had chosen not to follow Shiro when he left the Navy, that decision remained an eternal regret.

After all, Shiro's performance had been nothing short of dazzling. At such a young age, he seemed capable of surpassing even the most seasoned Naval veterans!

And after the war, in the calm waters of the Calm Belt, a new power had emerged: Central Authority.

For the elites who remained in the Navy, the destruction of Central Authority couldn't come soon enough. They didn't want to live in constant fear of regretting their decision to stay behind.

But now, everything had changed.

Though Central Authority had grown stronger in a short time, the World Military Draft had revived the Navy's strength.

The Navy had gathered a new trio of Admirals, and with the emergence of Aramaki, whose power rivaled that of an Admiral, the Navy stood strong once again!

Especially the young man who had defeated Aramaki. In the eyes of the gathered Marines, Shiro, though disguised, represented the future of the Navy!

"All Marines, be silent!" the command came.

Finally, the highly anticipated Admiral Award Ceremony began.

The host? None other than Fleet Admiral Akainu himself, Sakazuki.

In truth, Sakazuki was just as shocked as everyone else.

He hadn't expected Aramaki to be defeated by someone so young.

There was no question of underestimating the opponent—defeat was defeat.

If this hadn't been Navy territory, where Aramaki was immediately rescued, and if it hadn't been a mere match instead of a battle to the death, Aramaki would surely have been killed.

This world, where the strong preyed on the weak, was cruel indeed.

Even Akainu couldn't help but marvel at the young man's prowess.

Such a young Admiral!

When Akainu had been that age, he had only held the rank of a lower officer!

But fortunately, after thorough investigations, there were no ties between the young man and Central Authority. These young warriors had seemingly appeared out of nowhere.

"Next, we will commence the inauguration ceremony for the Navy's Admirals. The two on stage symbolize the highest combat strength of the Navy!"

As Akainu made his announcement, every Marine focused their gaze on Shiro and Issho.

Meanwhile, none of the gathered Navy personnel noticed that the people, led by Hancock, had already begun their covert operations following Shiro's signal.

"Mr. Fujitora, how did I do? I hope I didn't disappoint you with my performance!"

Shiro said confidently, standing calmly in the spotlight. However, beneath the calm exterior, excitement simmered.

Once upon a time, when he had first joined the Navy, Shiro had dreamt of becoming an Admiral.

But he had never imagined it would happen this way, or that his time as an Admiral might be so short.

"Mr. Shiro, you've exceeded expectations. Now, I believe your words. If we're going to bet everything on this one gamble, I'll bet on you!"

Issho, also known as Fujitora, had finally dropped the facade and voiced his trust in Shiro.

Of course, he spoke softly enough that no one else could hear him over the noise of the crowd. He had no doubt that from this moment forward, Shiro had the power to reveal his true identity at any time.

Issho's statement was a gesture of allegiance to Shiro. Despite only knowing him for a short time, everything that had happened in that time had changed his outlook.

Especially the gamble he had made with Shiro the previous night—it had been a turning point for him.

In the end, he had won the gamble.

Now, he was willing to trust in the potential of Central Authority, the place where he believed he could truly achieve his ambitions.

"Don't worry, Senior Fujitora. You won't be disappointed. Teacher Zephyr, Kuzan, and my Aunt Momousagi—they'll all welcome you with open arms!"

Shiro laughed heartily, unfazed by Issho discovering his identity. He had expected it. After all, Enel had a big mouth, and it was likely his interactions with Issho that led to this.

But it didn't matter. What mattered was the future—Issho would become the future Admiral Fujitora.

Before officially taking up his position as an Admiral, Issho had completely committed to Shiro's cause.

This was a strategic victory of the highest order.

However, while Shiro felt at ease, Issho was once again shocked by the wealth of information in Shiro's words.

Two of the Navy's highest-ranking officers—Admiral Kuzan and former Navy Admiral Zephyr—were part of Central Authority!?

If this news spread, it would shake the entire world!

Issho felt a newfound sense of confidence in his decision. Central Authority had great potential—perhaps it could truly change the world!

"You two, what are you whispering about?" a voice interrupted.

Sengoku the Buddha, now Inspector of the Navy, personally stepped forward, holding two Admiral justice cloaks, accompanied by two Admirals. He handed the cloaks to Shiro and Issho.

To Sengoku, as long as no unforeseen incidents occurred, the Admiral selection would mark the successful conclusion of the World Military Draft.

And with that, he could finally rest easy.

"Senior Sengoku, would you do us the honor of putting the cloaks on us?"

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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg