74. Fleet Admiral Marine And The World Conscription

At the Sea Restaurant Baratie...

Zeff sat reading a newspaper, his wooden right leg keeping him steady. A smile broke through his usually stern expression.

"This kid, he's really come a long way."

Nearby, a group of chefs whispered to each other while cooking.

"What's gotten into the old man today? Is he actually smiling?"

"I think it's because of that newspaper."

As they whispered, a chef burst in, holding the newspaper high.

"Sanji, Sanji, he's become famous!"

"Where? Sanji, that brat?"

Soon, everyone gathered around the newspaper, shocked.

In the paper, a man with black flames under his feet faced off against Admiral Kizaru, holding his own.

"Hey, boss, how strong is an Admiral?"

The chefs, many of whom had never been to the Grand Line, scratched their heads, turning to Zeff for answers.

"Admirals? They're top dogs in the sea, the toughest fighters in the Marines, real monsters."

Zeff explained, a rare smile on his face.

"But if you don't get it, just look at Sanji's bounty."

Zeff said proudly, showing off like a parent.

"So many zeros! 1.9 billion Berries?"

The chefs were stunned. Sanji's bounty was over a hundred times higher than the leader of the biggest pirate group in East Blue.

"Wait, is something burning?"

Zeff's joy turned to annoyance as he noticed the burnt food.

"You lot! How dare you waste food! Keep cooking and eat these burnt dishes!"

The chefs scurried off, chastised by Zeff's chef hat.

Later, Zeff stepped onto the deck, gazing at the sea.

"You've exceeded my expectations, Sanji. Chase your dreams, find the legendary ocean."

In Syrup Village...

"Miss, look at Usopp's news!"

Merry rushed into the mansion, holding the latest newspaper.

In the sunlight, Kaya closed her medical book and took the paper from Merry.

On it, a photo of Usopp on the Moby Dick, wearing his Sniper King mask and holding his giant slingshot, looked impressive.

Kaya was momentarily stunned by the mask but recognized Usopp instantly.

There wasn't much written, just a photo and a brief mention of Usopp. But below was a bounty for him.

"Straw Hat Pirates sniper, Usopp."

"Dead or alive."

"Bounty: 500 million Berries."

The high reward surpassed most pirates in the sea.

"He's become a brave warrior of the sea, just like he said he would."

Kaya hugged the newspaper, looking out at the tree outside.

Usopp used to sit on the tree trunk, sharing stories with Kaya getting her through tough times.

"I want to learn medicine too. When Usopp comes back, I'll heal his wounds."

Kaya cheered herself on, fist clenched.

"Miss Kaya!"

A child's voice interrupted her.

Peering out the window, Kaya saw a ten-year-old kid, a member of Usopp Pirates from Syrup Village. After Usopp left, they renamed themselves Usopp Self-Defense Group, with names like Ninjin, Tamanegi, and Piiman. They idolized Usopp.

"Have you seen Captain Usopp's newspaper?"

Tamanegi waved the paper.

"Yeah, Usopp, big brother made it!"

Kaya smiled, holding her own newspaper.

"Just like I said, Usopp can turn lies into reality."

Ninjin cheered. Kaya smiled softly, feeling happier than ever.

Merry stood beside her, smiling too, remembering when the pirates first arrived.

In Drum Kingdom...

Dr. Kureha held a wine bottle, looking at the paper with a fond smile.

"Look at him now, like a monster."

The paper showed Chopper's muscles bulging, eyes fierce.

"Straw Hat Pirates' Doctor, Tony Tony Chopper."

"Dead or alive."

"Bounty: 1.4 billion Berries."

"See that, Hiriluk? Your apprentice has grown."

Kureha placed the paper on a cross, pouring wine over it.

In Goa Kingdom, Windmill Village...

"Makino, more wine!"

Dadan yelled, holding a newspaper.

"Dadan, you've had enough."

Makino worried.

"Just one more for the boss. We'll carry her back."

Dadan's brothers insisted, excited about Ace's rescue.

"Who cares about Ace? And Luffy's risking his life at Marine Headquarters!"

Dadan cursed, drunk.

"Why didn't Garp save Ace? If Ace dies, I'll..."

Her brothers watched, used to her drunken rants about Garp.

Even drunk, Dadan wouldn't stop talking about Garp's failures.

"But Luffy and Ace are okay. That's what matters."

Makino glanced at the newspaper, not caring about bounties, just relieved that Ace and Luffy were safe.

In the first half of the Grand Line, Paradise...

On the Isle of White Clay, Baltigo...

The headquarters of the Revolutionary Army was hidden here.

"What's got you so happy, Mr. Dragon?"

Revolutionary Army General Staff Sabo approached Dragon.

"Oh, this? It's news about my son."

Dragon smiled, showing the patterns on his face.

"The Straw Hat kid? The one who caused chaos at Marine Headquarters is your son?"

Sabo took the paper, surprised. But seeing Ace and Luffy, he felt a headache.

"Forget about that, Sabo."

Dragon didn't notice Sabo's distress.

"Try to contact Ivankov. The world's about to change. We need to prepare."

The dragon was excited, waiting for a chance to overthrow the World Government. The Revolutionary Army was weaker, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Now was the time. The failed plans of the Marines weakened the World Government's control.

"Sabo?"

Dragon turned to Sabo, who was clutching his head, staring at the paper.

At Marineford...

The island was still being rebuilt after the war.

Marineford was a target for lunatics, like the Golden Lion Shiki, who attacked twenty years ago.

Garp laughed as he read the paper.

"This is too much."

"The Pirate King's descendants? Inheriting the power of the Gol D. Roger Pirates? Can power really be inherited? Do these newspaper writers have any sense?"

Garp picked up his tea, taking a sip. But he couldn't help but spit it out when he saw the headlines, causing more tic-tac-toe marks on Sengoku's forehead.

"Ha, the 'Fifth Emperor' surpassing the 'Four Emperors'? Ridiculous."

After a chuckle, Sengoku punched Garp.

"Sorry," Garp apologized, wearing his bag hat.

But as he looked at the paper again, he burst into laughter, tears streaming down his face.

Can't really blame Garp. The report was outrageously exaggerated, flattering the Straw Hat Pirates beyond belief.

Luffy defeating Admiral Akainu easily? True, he won, but it wasn't easy. After defeating Akainu, Luffy was drained. His real strength matched the Four Emperors', maybe a bit better. It depended on willpower and stamina.

Luffy's Fifth Gear was powerful but drained energy fast. Against Kaido and Big Mom, even Fifth Gear might not be enough.

But here, Luffy's danger was exaggerated. And saying Zoro firmly surpassed Hawkeye? Exaggeration. Hawkeye was on par with the Red-Haired Shanks.

In short, the World Economic News exaggerated the Straw Hat Pirates' achievements. Garp knew the truth but found it amusing.

"Okay, Garp, orders from above are in."

Sengoku's gaze was stern as he addressed the room full of top Marines.

"Due to the failure at the Summit War, I'm stepping down as Marine Fleet Admiral. We need to choose a new one."

Though they knew this was coming, it was still a surprise to many. Aokiji spoke up, acknowledging the defeat wasn't Sengoku's fault.

"It's done. I'm tired. The new pirates have risen."

Sengoku waved it off. "Our Marine can't rely on us old folks anymore. If anyone wants to be the new Fleet Admiral, let me know."

"The position of Marine Fleet Admiral?"

Aokiji's eyes hardened with determination. As an Admiral, he saw the darkness within the organization but felt powerless to change it. Becoming Fleet Admiral could be his chance to enact real reforms, to make Marines truly stand for justice instead of being a tool of oppression.

Akainu also clenched his fists, determined to vie for the position. He saw the weakness of the current Marine as a threat, fueling the rise of pirates. As Marshal, he could enforce absolute justice.

Kizaru glanced at Aokiji and Akainu, scratching his head. He had no interest in the position; he just wanted to do his job and go home on time.

"We'll discuss it after the selection meeting. Next, we need to prepare for expanding the army," Sengoku announced. "Strength will be the only criteria for promotions, regardless of seniority or past achievements. We'll conduct widespread conscription worldwide, promoting to the rank of Admiral based solely on strength."

----------

You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion