Chapter 128: 100% Control of Ancient Weapons, Talent Rewards

After passing the test, it didn't take long before a Rear Admiral personally came to invite him.

It was said that someone wanted to meet them.

Shiro naturally did not reject this. Although it was best to avoid unnecessary attention before revealing his identity, since someone took the initiative to invite, there was no reason to refuse.

Based on Shiro's deductions, before the selection of Admirals started, only a select few could take the initiative to meet them. The most likely person was Akainu!

The Navy had suffered severe losses after the Summit war, and Akainu had just assumed the position of Fleet Admiral. It was likely that he was looking to train young sailors with both strength and potential.

In fact, if you put aside Akainu's extreme belief in absolute justice, among the Navy, Akainu undeniably had the strongest work ethic. But since Shiro's own goals clashed with Akainu's ideology, there was no point in trying to recruit him.

Moreover, in the coming times, Akainu was sure to be one of Shiro's main enemies.

As expected, the person who wanted to meet them was indeed the current Fleet Admiral Akainu. His purpose was clear, to express his interest in recruiting them. Although his tone remained as gruff as ever, Shiro could sense Akainu's intentions.

After taking over as Fleet Admiral, it seemed even Akainu was feeling the weight of his new responsibilities.

In comparison, Borsalino appeared unbothered, going about his life as usual.

Speaking of Borsalino, Shiro had already learned about his situation within the World Government and Navy Headquarters. His pay cut was real. After the disaster at Mary Geoise, the Celestial Dragons and the World Government needed someone to take the blame. But thanks to Sengoku the Buddha and Kong, the punishment Borsalino received was superficial at best.

Currently, within Navy Headquarters, Kizaru's status remained stable. As for his reduced salary, it was likely that Navy Headquarters would compensate him from their own funds.

After the war and the Whitebeard Pirates' retreat, Shiro had established his base. With pressure mounting on the Navy, they couldn't afford to cripple themselves by losing Kizaru.

That said, Shiro was almost certain that Borsalino held some dissatisfaction, which might serve as a potential opening for him. If Shiro could sway Kizaru to his side, it would be a massive blow to both the World Government and Navy Headquarters.

However, since Kizaru was currently the only Admiral left in the Navy, Shiro couldn't risk contacting him just yet.

The more immediate priority was to get in touch with the two future Admirals, Fujitora and Aramaki, as soon as possible. Once Shiro revealed his true identity, a war would break out, and there would be no time to make further alliances.

Luckily, the selection process for Admirals would take time, giving Shiro a chance to meet the people he wanted.

The first round of the Admiral selection soon began. A total of ten people had passed the test so far, including Shiro's group. But it was clear to any observer that most were simply there to make up the numbers.

As planned, Robin voluntarily withdrew from the selection to prepare for the next phase of their plan.

"Fleet Admiral Akainu, one of the four young people you had high hopes for has voluntarily withdrawn from the selection."

Up in the viewing stands, Fleet Admiral Akainu surveyed the nine remaining candidates with fiery determination in his eyes.

"It doesn't matter. The one who withdrew was the weakest among the four. My real focus is on that guy. I have a feeling he's a dark horse!"

Akainu's eyes were fixed on the inconspicuous young man standing on the field.

For some reason, Akainu couldn't shake the feeling that this youth was different—perhaps another monster with terrifying strength, hidden beneath a youthful appearance.

In these chaotic times, led by the notorious Shiro, a wave of terrifying young devils was rising swiftly!

[Ding! It has been detected that the host is participating in the Admiral selection. Mission choices triggered!]

Choice 1: Reveal your true identity and destroy the World Government's recruitment efforts in the name of Shiro! Reward: 100% control of the ancient weapon, Poseidon.

Choice 2: Remain disguised, pass the first round of assessments, and become one of the final four candidates for Admiral. Reward: Talent: God of Gamblers (Grants absolute talent in gambling, all plans and schemes have a higher chance of success).

As Shiro quietly awaited the first round of the selection to begin, the system's voice echoed in his mind. Both rewards were tempting, but the control of Poseidon, the ancient weapon, was clearly more precious. Still, it didn't align with his current plans.

Therefore, the second mission seemed more fitting. He decided to proceed as planned.

"Everyone, the battle to determine the candidates for Admiral is about to begin. The four people still standing in the ring at the end will pass the test!" announced Fleet Admiral Akainu.

Shiro observed the field carefully. He recognized the smiles of Aramaki and Issho, the future Admirals Aramaki and Fujitora, as well as several other notable combatants.

Although no major battle had erupted yet, Shiro couldn't fully gauge the strength of some participants. It was uncertain whether any of them were even close to the level of Momousagi or Tokikake.

Nevertheless, Shiro noticed Fujitora's composed demeanor, his closed eyes betraying a hidden sharpness. Once the test began, Fujitora would surely be a force to reckon with.

With a subtle signal from Shiro, Hancock took the hint and gracefully abstained from participating in the selection.

The fight was sure to be fierce, and though Hancock was powerful, she had other responsibilities to attend to. It would be best if she avoided unnecessary injury. Compared to her, Enel was more suited for such battles, with fewer responsibilities to weigh him down.

As the Empress withdrew, boos erupted from the stands, particularly from those loyal to the Navy or seeking recruitment through the World Government's conscription.

However, neither Shiro nor Enel paid them any mind.

Finally, the first round of the Admiral selection began.

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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg