Chapter 102

Compared to Kong and others at the Headquarters, Carl, the protagonist of this incident, acted as if nothing had happened. After returning to his G1 branch, he first reported his safety to Ginny and Lucia, then resumed handling official business in his office as usual.

When news of the Golden Lion's death broke, Carl could no longer keep a low profile. He seemed to have stepped on the Golden Lion's head, becoming the focus of the world.

Even Garling called Carl on Den Den Mushi. After learning the specific circumstances of the Golden Lion's defeat, Garling was both amazed and pleased.

During their conversation, Garling revealed that the World Government was discussing Carl's promotion to Admiral. Warcury naturally wanted to object, but Carl's accomplishments were undeniable, leaving no room for refutation.

Not long after their talk, Carl's was appointed to the post of Admiral. It had taken Carl just one year to rise from a Naval Academy graduate to an Admiral.

At the port of Marinford, Carl disembarked from the warship, flanked by his subordinates. The soldiers of the Headquarters were already assembled, there to greet him.

They gazed at Carl's young face with complex expressions—this was a Navy Admiral who was not yet twenty years old! Many of them were still struggling to process the events that had unfolded.

Ginny and Lucia walked beside Carl as he made his way to the center of Marineford, drawing awe-struck stares from the soldiers.

Upon reaching the Headquarters building, Carl went upstairs alone and entered the office of Fleet Admiral Kong. Inside, veteran figures like Tsuru, Zephyr, and Garp were waiting.

Fleet Admiral Kong regarded Carl with amazement before handing him the Admiral's letter of appointment and a new uniform. He spoke solemnly:

"Carl, in recognition of your achievements in defeating Shiki the Golden Lion, the World Government has decided to grant you the rank of Admiral, codenamed Black Dragon."

After the formalities, Kong's demeanor softened. He patted Carl on the shoulder and said:

"Carl, you've continually surprised me. Keep this up, and I believe becoming an Admiral is just the beginning for you!"

Kong's words were sincere, echoed by the approving nods of Sengoku the Buddha and the others.

Zephyr stepped forward, taking the Admiral's cloak from Carl and draping it over Carl's shoulders. As Carl emerged from the Headquarters, soldiers along his path stopped and saluted him.

Zephyr took Carl to the Naval Academy. As a teacher, he knew the power of a role model. With a young Admiral like Carl as an example, the students would have no lack of inspiration.

On the training grounds of the Naval Academy, Aramaki lay dozing on the ground until a blast of cold air hit him, instantly freezing him into an ice sculpture. Before he could react, a wind blade sliced through, shattering the ice.

Aramaki reconnected his body, glaring at Aokiji and Dragon, who were sparring nearby.

"You two! Trying to get yourselves killed by disturbing my rest?" Aramaki bellowed.

Aokiji scratched his head apologetically. "Ah la la, sorry, Aramaki. I got carried away."

Dragon, less inclined to apologize, simply asked Aokiji, "Want to go another round?"

Aokiji waved his hand dismissively. "Nah, let's call it a day."

The trio's banter was interrupted by exclamations at the training ground entrance. They turned to see Carl entering. Aramaki's water bottle dropped from his hand, and Aokiji leapt to his feet in surprise.

"It's Senior Carl!" he shouted.

Aramaki smacked Aokiji on the back of the head. "Show some respect—it's Admiral Black Dragon now!"

Aramaki dashed over, shouting excitedly, "Admiral Black Dragon!" His outburst triggered a stampede of students, who rushed forward, surrounding Carl.

Carl's presence reminded Zephyr of a superstar's entrance, and the students left their teacher standing aside, though Zephyr watched with a content smile.

Aramaki and Aokiji elbowed their way to the front. Carl called them forward and greeted them warmly.

"No need to be so formal. Aramaki, Aokiji—how are you two doing?"

Aramaki puffed his chest out proudly. "Senior Carl, I've been training hard to follow in your footsteps!"

Aokiji rolled his eyes. "Who was just napping on the ground?"

Aramaki's face turned crimson. He shot Aokiji a glare, then grinned sheepishly at Carl. "Don't listen to this guy's nonsense. I'm working hard, I swear!"

Carl crossed his arms, eyeing Aramaki with amusement. Aramaki, feeling the pressure, avoided eye contact.

Questions flew from the students:

"Senior Carl, tell us about the Battle of Edd War! Who's stronger, Golden Lion or Roger?"

"Can you beat Zephyr now?"

"Do you have a girlfriend, Senior Carl? If not, I'm available..."

Carl answered with a smile but kept his gaze on Dragon, standing silently in the corner. Their eyes met, and the raucous crowd fell quiet, sensing the unspoken tension between them.

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+80 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg

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