56. Not Good, Old Vice Admiral Was Beaten By Rear Admiral Hououin!

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Marineford.

Not long after the warship departed, a piece of news quickly spread among the Marines.

— Fleet Admiral Kong had taken Acting Fleet Admiral Akira to Mary Geoise. Once the Five Elders approve, he will become the new Fleet Admiral of the Marines.

Many soldiers heard this rumor and immediately asked their officers about it.

Although no definite answers were given, the officials didn't deny it either.

This ambiguous response only fueled the belief that the news was true.

All day, the soldiers couldn't stop smiling.

Time passed quickly.

Before they knew it, night had fallen.

The once-bustling Marineford gradually quieted down.

Most of the hardworking soldiers had returned to their dormitories.

"You know, it's been an entire day, so why hasn't Fleet Admiral Akira come back yet?" A shirtless soldier stared out at the deserted port through the window, muttering to his roommates.

The other soldiers, busy with their own tasks, paused and looked at each other when they heard him.

"True, Mary Geoise isn't that far from here. He should've been back by noon."

The roommate who had been reading a book was intrigued and closed it, joining in.

The others also stopped what they were doing, gathering by the window as they began to speculate:

"Maybe something delayed him? Or perhaps the Five Elders invited him to dinner to strengthen their relationship?"

"Could be. After all, Fleet Admiral Akira is about to be promoted to Fleet Admiral. The Five Elders must want to win him over."

"Yeah, you're probably right. They might even set him up with some women tonight."

"Sigh... a dozen women, wow..."

"Hey, hey!"

The soldiers didn't know what scenes they had conjured up in their minds, but they all grinned mischievously.

As they looked at each other, they burst out laughing.

It's no surprise they were thinking this way.

After all, in their understanding, the Fleet Admiral is a very powerful position.

Commanding all Marines globally, someone like that would surely be treated exceptionally well by the Five Elders.

And how would they entertain such an important figure?

Of course, with women.

Not just any women, but those of high caliber.

"It's a pity that Admiral Sengoku never got to experience that; he's still single."

Suddenly, one of them said this, and the dormitory immediately fell silent.

The soldiers first restrained their expressions, and the one holding the book glanced at the man who had spoken, asking, "So, do you support Admiral Sengoku as the Fleet Admiral?"

Everyone turned their eyes to him.

"Er..." The man scratched his head, thought carefully for a moment, then shook his head and said:

"Admiral Sengoku is great, but I think Akira-sama would be a better Fleet Admiral."

As soon as these words were spoken, the others' smiles returned.

"Akira-sama has only been leading us for two months, and thanks to him, the salary that was owed to me by headquarters has been paid in full, and now my mother is all smiles."

"My wife is also very happy. This is the first time I've received performance bonuses and perfect attendance awards—awards I've never even heard of before—and the amounts are significant. Akira-sama has really been good to us."

"Admiral Sengoku is incredibly strong, and I'd gladly follow him to hunt down pirates, but he can't pay our wages."

"I also support Akira-sama as Fleet Admiral!"

"Hahahaha, I didn't expect everyone to support Akira-sama as the Fleet Admiral like I do. Let's go, drinks are on me!"

"Sure enough, a bachelor is rich!"

Marineford is a massive military fortress.

It covers an enormous area and can accommodate hundreds of thousands of people.

Such a large place isn't entirely filled with military installations.

Marine soldiers have a special position, and even though the Sabaody Archipelago is nearby, it's not practical to sail a warship there every day for leisure.

In fact, when Marineford was constructed, the headquarters designated a large area specifically for recreation and rest.

In this area, there are many shops, such as grocery stores, clothing stores, and general goods stores, along with a street filled with taverns dedicated to soldiers, officers, and even high-ranking generals.

Tonight, every tavern on that street is bustling.

Not only were the soldiers, who had just received generous paychecks, out spending their spare cash, but even high-ranking officers, who rarely visited, were enjoying beer without restraint.

"Huh? What a coincidence to run into you here."

Rear Admiral Hououin walked in with his subordinates, looking for a place to sit when he noticed several veteran Vice Admirals gathered together out of the corner of his eye.

Among them were the two Vice Admirals who had accompanied Sengoku to confront Gage.

He quickly approached and greeted them respectfully.

"What's the matter? Is an old man like me not allowed to drink here?"

A flushed Vice Admiral Archibald raised his head, speaking with a slurred voice, "Or did you buy this place?"

These words put Hououin in a rather awkward position.

To be fair, he was only trying to be polite and strengthen ties.

After all, in the Marine's bureaucratic system, besides strength, connections are crucial.

And when it comes to seniority, these Vice Admirals have been around much longer than Hououin.

Building a positive relationship with them could only be beneficial.

But before he could say anything further, he was immediately met with hostility.

It wouldn't have been such a big deal under normal circumstances, but he had his subordinates with him.

If he didn't handle this well, he'd lose face.

But how to respond?

These were all veteran Vice Admirals, and their rank far surpassed that of a Rear Admiral like him.

His subordinates behind him kept their heads down, not daring to intervene.

But Hououin could feel their eyes occasionally glancing at his back.

Hououin's face twitched slightly, but he forced a smile: "You're right, of course, you're welcome here anytime. Who would dare stop you?"

"Heh!" Vice Admiral Archibald glanced at him, recalling Hououin's identity.

"I remember you're one of Zephyr's students, right? Why weren't you invited when they went to the party on Sabaody?"

"Vice Admiral-sama, I'm on patrol duty at headquarters tonight, so I couldn't go."

"Oh~~~ I thought maybe you were left out too."

Left out?

Hououin frowned.

He couldn't help but take a closer look at the veteran Vice Admirals, observing them carefully this time.

He noticed that each of them had a sad and dejected look on their faces, which was in stark contrast to the cheerful soldiers around them.

'It seems they've been sidelined by Admiral Sengoku and Sensei,' Kong Ming thought to himself.

At this point, he decided not to leave. He raised his hand, signaling to his soldiers to find another spot, then took the initiative to sit down with the Vice Admirals.

With the attitude of a respectful junior, he offered a toast to the older Vice Admirals.

"Although I don't know what's going on, you all have always been the officers I respect and admire the most."

"Since we've met here, please allow me to toast to you a few times."

Under Hououin's intentional flattery, the atmosphere at the table soon became lively again.

The veteran Vice Admirals, now more at ease, began talking more openly.

As time passed and the alcohol took its toll, their faces became flushed, and their words flowed more freely, without much thought.

"That bastard Akira said it's the age of the young and that we old-timers should step aside."

"What a jerk! He's already acting arrogant, and he hasn't even become Fleet Admiral yet. If he does, he'll probably have his head so high in the clouds we won't see his face."

"Sengoku really disappointed me by backing down. Why admit defeat?"

"Even Garp's siding with him, that old man who never seems to change."

"This old man here isn't retiring just because someone says so. Let's see what Akira can do about it."

Hououin held his wine glass delicately, turning it between his index finger and thumb.

After sipping his wine, he finally understood why these veteran Vice Admirals were so downcast from their complaints.

—When it became clear that Akira would be the new Fleet Admiral, they began to worry that they'd be forced to retire due to their age.

It's a natural concern.

After all, time spares no one, and their strength has faded with age, making them less fit for their positions as Vice Admirals.

But having tasted power for so long, it's hard for them to let go without regret.

This scenario isn't new in the Marine's long history. In the past, there was a Vice Admiral named Danzo, who clung to his position long past his prime, refusing to retire gracefully.

'But the question is, does Akira really have the means to make them step down, or is he just bluffing?'

Hououin's eyes glinted with interest.

He casually glanced around and easily found his answer.

Unlike the soldiers who were thrilled about Akira becoming Fleet Admiral, the veteran Vice Admirals showed no respect for him.

They called him "that brat Akira" and "that bastard," clearly dissatisfied and itching for a confrontation.

Hououin understood.

These old guards would need to be removed.

No Fleet Admiral would tolerate subordinates who defy them, especially when their authority is at stake.

If these veterans were dismissed, who would fill the vacant Vice Admiral positions?

Hououin's ambitions stirred.

With Akira moving up to Fleet Admiral, why shouldn't he aim for a promotion to Vice Admiral?

Bang.

"Hououin, why are you just sipping your drink like a little guy?"

Vice Admiral Archibald suddenly slammed a large bucket of beer in front of him, ordering, "Down this drink!"

Hououin glanced at it coolly.

Instead of acknowledging the command, he downed the small glass of wine in his hand and slowly stood up.

"Apologies, but I have to continue my patrol duties at headquarters later, so I won't be able to stay. You all enjoy your drinks."

"Huh? I told you to finish it, didn't you hear?"

Vice Admiral Archibald's eyes narrowed in anger, feeling disrespected.

Hououin leisurely waved his feather fan, still shaking his head in refusal.

"I don't want to drink!"

"You bastard, what's that supposed to mean? Are you defying my orders?"

"Oh? Such a commanding tone, but I'm still declining."

"You insolent brat!"

The noisy tavern suddenly fell silent.

Everyone turned their attention to the brewing conflict.

"What's happening? Rear Admiral Hououin is defying a Vice Admiral?"

"Hey, how dare he? Archibald-sama is one of the oldest Vice Admirals."

"So what? If seniority was everything, why haven't they been promoted to Fleet Admiral based on it?"

"Hey, don't you think Rear Admiral Hououin's tough stance is impressive?"

"Yeah, Hououin is really standing his ground. I like it."

The crowd whispered among themselves.

Some, too drunk to care, shouted and egged them on.

The veteran Vice Admirals found themselves increasingly uncomfortable under the soldiers' curious and critical gazes, their faces flushing with embarrassment.

Vice Admiral Archibald was the worst off, his eyes bloodshot with fury, a murderous aura seeping out.

To be humiliated by a mere Rear Admiral in public was a blow to his pride.

It was one thing to be challenged by Akira, who would soon be his superior.

And getting hit by Garp? Well, that was something he couldn't do anything about.

But to be treated like this by a Rear Admiral in his twenties? That was too much.

He couldn't stand it, not if he wanted to maintain his position at headquarters.

Boom!

Vice Admiral Archibald slammed his fist on the table, his aura flaring up suddenly.

Hououin's long hair was blown back by the force, but the corner of his mouth curled into a disdainful smirk.

"I respect you because you're a senior, but don't think for a second that I'm afraid of you."

"You brat, I'll kill you!"

Vice Admiral Archibald's anger completely took over, and he charged at Hououin without a second thought.

In response, Hououin's mind focused, and with a swift motion, he infused his feather fan with Armament Haki, turning it into a blackened weapon.

Boom.

The sound of a fierce clash echoed through Marineford Square.

Meanwhile, at the Sabaody Archipelago.

In a high-end hotel, the hall was buzzing with activity. Sengoku and Zephyr, both reeking of alcohol, were in the middle of a heated drinking contest, downing large bottles of red wine and pouring them into each other's glasses.

"Zephyr, stop trying to outdrink me!" Sengoku roared.

"Mr. Garp, you've already eaten twenty chicken legs. Leave this one for me," someone shouted as Garp, now a food-devouring machine, grabbed at the food, creating afterimages with his hands as he demolished the feast in front of him.

Kuzan, sitting nearby, wasn't far behind, also engaged in a fierce eating competition.

The other Marines were scattered around, drinking and laughing in small groups. It was a rare chance to eat, drink, and have fun with no restrictions, and since it was a party organized by their teacher, everyone let loose.

Some of them were clearly drunk, standing on the tables, belting out songs.

Pere~Pere~Pere~Pere~

The sound of a Den Den Mushi rang out, but it was barely noticeable amidst the noise.

It rang for nearly ten minutes, almost giving up when someone finally answered.

A wrinkled hand reached out from the corner.

"Hello, I'm Tsuru. Sengoku's busy right now; you can tell me what's going on."

Tsuru took the Den Den Mushi and stepped into a quieter corridor.

"Vice Admiral Tsuru, it's bad!" came the panicked voice of a soldier.

"Huh? What happened?"

"Vice Admiral Archibald and several other Vice Admirals were beaten up by Rear Admiral Hououin."

"???"

Tsuru blinked in confusion.

Did I hear that right? Am I hallucinating?

"Soldier, did you just say Hououin beat up Vice Admirals as a Rear Admiral?"

"Yes, ma'am, it's true!"

"That's impossible! Are you joking?"

Tsuru couldn't believe it.

She knew Hououin well, being one of Zephyr's more notable students, and his Haki talent was indeed impressive.

But in her experience, Hououin wasn't someone who acted impulsively or recklessly.

In theory, a Rear Admiral beating a veteran Vice Admiral could happen, but not Hououin. It just didn't fit his personality.

"I swear, it's true," the soldier stammered, almost in tears. "Vice Admiral Archibald and the others are causing a scene at headquarters, demanding an explanation from Fleet Admiral Kong. What should we do? We're on the verge of chaos!"

Hearing this, Tsuru rubbed her temples in frustration.

Fleet Admiral Kong had taken Akira to the Holy Land, and they likely wouldn't return anytime soon.

That meant Sengoku would need to handle the situation.

The problem was, Archibald and the other veteran Vice Admirals were known for their difficult personalities. Aside from Kong, they only respected Sengoku.

Tsuru glanced back at the lively scene in the hotel, especially at Sengoku and Zephyr, who were shoulder-to-shoulder, laughing and reminiscing about their younger days.

She hesitated.

It had been decades since they last gathered like this. After tonight, who knew when they'd have another chance to get together and have such an open-hearted conversation?

Was it worth ruining the atmosphere over a brawl involving a veteran Vice Admiral?

"Let them make a fuss. We'll deal with it when Fleet Admiral Akira returns."

Click.

After Tsuru finished speaking, she hung up the Den Den Mushi.