Chapter 93
After the battle, Zephyr, Carl, and the others returned to the podium under the awe-filled gazes of the entire audience.
The silors looked at Carl and the others differently. Even though Carl and his comrades were younger than everyone else present, after today, no one would ever treat them as juniors again.
Everyone who watched today's battle had the same thought: Carl and the others were already destined to be the future three Admirals.
In their eyes, the battle was a draw, but how old were Carl and the others? It was clear that the position of Admiral was already prepared for them.
Soldiers delivered three brand-new Navy cloaks for Carl and the others. The shoulder straps in black, yellow, and red denoted their ranks as Vice Admirals!
After Carl and the others put them on, they stood at the front of the podium at the signal from Fleet Admiral Kong.
Kong looked down at the crowd and announced loudly, "Based on the outstanding performance of Carl and the others in the assessment, the Headquarters has decided to award them the rank of Vice Admiral!"
As soon as the announcement was made, cheers erupted. In both the Navy and among pirates, strength is respected, and Carl's performance had earned the respect of everyone present.
Dazzling flashes, boiling magma, and endless darkness—each scene left a deep impression on the audience.
Carl's performance, in particular, was the most eye-catching. During the battle, he displayed physical skills, swordsmanship, Haki, and his Devil Fruit abilities—all at a level that surpassed everyone present. This 18-year-old Navy soldier had no weaknesses!
The senior Navy officers knew this well, so after the crowd quieted down, they dropped another bombshell.
"Among the three, I believe everyone has witnessed Carl's strength. Therefore, I am listing him as a candidate for Admiral, and I hereby announce it!"
Kong declared, and unlike before, the audience fell unusually silent.
Carl himself did not expect to be promoted so quickly, the Headquarters had just made him an Admiral candidate.
Although an Admiral candidate is not an official rank, a Vice Admiral with this status holds much greater value than any other Vice Admiral.
Moreover, Carl was now the only Admiral candidate in the Navy, and Gion and Tokikake, who were expected to rise later, couldn't compare to him.
Kong then turned to Carl and asked, "Carl, since you are now a candidate for Admiral, you should have a code name. Think about it carefully when you go back."
However, Carl only thought for a moment before answering, "Fleet Admiral Kong, I have already decided. My code name will be Black Dragon."
The black represents his power, and the dragon symbolizes his identity, as he is a Celestial Dragon.
Kong nodded, indifferent to code names as long as they weren't outrageous, and announced Carl's title to everyone: Admiral candidate: Black Dragon!
Hearing this, Garp was momentarily stunned, wondering if his son would become an Admiral someday, with a code name also related to a dragon...
Dragon looked at Carl, who was the center of attention. He wasn't sure how long Carl would remain like this—perhaps forever.
He remained lost in thought until Carl and the others descended from the stage and were surrounded by the crowd. He was pulled back to reality by a chorus of congratulations.
Ginny jumped onto Carl and shouted joyfully, "Brother Carl, you're already an Admiral, the Black Dragon Admiral!"
Carl patted her pink hair and smiled, "Not yet a full Admiral, just a candidate…"
Carl's honest words landed like a heavy blow on the students, even causing Akainu to twitch slightly.
That evening, the Naval Academy's cafeteria hosted a grand banquet for the students, as many would be leaving after tonight.
At a central table, Zephyr sat at the head, with Carl and Akainu on his left and right, and Kizaru next to Akainu.
Zephyr allowed everyone to drink, and after the dishes were served, everyone in the hall, regardless of rank, raised their glasses and drank.
After setting his glass down, Kizaru reached for a banana from the fruit plate. He had grown rapidly in recent years, and a single banana now seemed too small, so he ate it in one bite.
Carl, Zephyr, and Akainu continued to eat and chat. As they were dining, Ginny, face flushed from drinking, approached and pulled Carl up.
"Brother Carl, come sit with us at the girls' table for a while~"
Ginny's cheeks were rosy, making her look adorable. Carl glanced at Zephyr, who nodded and waved, "Go on, the girls adore you."
Zephyr was more relaxed today, and after a few glasses of wine, he spoke casually, in stark contrast to his usual strict demeanor.
Ginny made a face and dragged Carl to her table, where Lucia and Gion were also seated. Carl looked around and asked, "Ginny, where's your friend Jessica?"
Ginny pulled up a chair, and as Carl sat down, she clung to his arm, pouting, "Jessica is helping in the kitchen. Many of the dishes tonight are her creations!"
Carl nodded, now understanding why the food tasted exceptionally good, it was Jessica's cooking.
As he pondered, Lucia poured a glass of red wine and slid it over to Carl. He picked it up and downed it in one gulp. Just then, Jessica returned from the kitchen.
Surprised to see Carl at their table, she removed her apron and found a seat. Carl immediately praised, "Jessica, your cooking is amazing. Come join my crew after graduation!"
Jessica was taken aback, her cheeks tinged with shyness as she nodded, "Okay, I will!"
"Great, it's settled. You'll be the head chef on my ship!" Carl's declaration stunned the girls, who then looked at Jessica with envy.
Everyone knew that Carl is a Vice Admiral and an Admiral candidate. Being head chef on his ship wasn't an opportunity just anyone could seize.
Jessica had just been handed a prestigious position by Carl, elevating her in the eyes of her peers.
The girls at the table looked at Carl with growing admiration…
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+74 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg
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