Chapter 288: Naruto's Challenge!

(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)

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The sacred grounds of Mariejois, within a majestic palace.

Five elderly figures stood there.

Their figures differed between tall, short, hefty, and lean.

But they all, sat leisurely on a luxurious sofa. Except one who was left standing.

These were the Five Elders, the ultimate authorities of the World Government.

After informing Sengoku of their decision with minimal explanation, the elder with a beard and a birthmark on his forehead hung up the Den-Den Mushi.

"Sengoku dares to question our orders. The Marines should be reminded of their place," muttered the blonde Elder, irritated.

To him, the Marines, CP units, and even the pirates were merely tools to maintain the World Government's dominance.

When these tools begin to develop a sense of autonomy, that spells trouble.

"Calm down," said the Elder with a sword resting on his lap.

"Sengoku is simply perplexed by the abrupt change in orders from what we originally gave him."

Turning his attention to another figure in the room, he addressed him.

It was a white-haired handsome man, and he had been there since a while ago.

"Tobirama…"

"We've granted your request. But if it fails, you know the consequences."

Senju Tobirama, standing nearby, nodded.

"I understand. The Art Pirates will definitely be better Shichibukais than Moria ever was. Moria's cowardice and refusal to act beyond the safety of his ship have long undermined the authority of the Shichibukai system."

Indeed, it was Tobirama, now a member of CP9, who had successfully infiltrated the World Government.

His extraordinary skills had eventually caught the attention of the Five Elders, though his initial infiltration was modest, joining the convoy of a minor nation within the Grand Line.

From there, he meticulously crafted his identity, creating and erasing any possible inconsistencies that could arise if investigated, down to the day of his birth.

Eventually, Tobirama aligned himself with Spandam, the Chief of CP9—a decision that amused him to say the least, but it was needed.

Spandam, being incompetent and easily manipulated, made Tobirama's rise much easier.

A few words here, a favor there, and soon Spandam had introduced him to the Five Elders.

This time, however, Tobirama was in a tight spot.

Sasori and Deidara's involvement risked triggering an unforeseen series of events.

Yet, he had managed to convince the Five Elders that replacing Moria with these two as Shichibukais was a safer bet for the stability of the seas.

This government system was called the Seven Warlords of the Sea, so both could only replace one spot, but it didn't matter. It was fitting to say that the Art Pirates were the Shichibukai replacement for Moria.

Though the Five Elders had no particular attachment to Moria, Tobirama had recommended the Art Pirates, so he was in a trial now.

One that would determine his future, and it depended and how those pirates acted.

****

At Marineford, Sengoku sat silently for a moment, staring at the Den-Den Mushi before him, then turned to one of the Admirals.

"Borsalino, you heard them. You can handle this matter as requested."

Kizaru, always nonchalant, nodded and left to carry out the orders.

Meanwhile, as the meeting began to wrap up, Garp interjected, a wide grin on his face.

He just remembered what he came here for.

"Sengoku! I've found a real talent for the Marines this time! it's a young kid, about 17 or 18 with a good sense of justice, as for his power level… Wahaha, I think he should be an Admiral"

His triumphant declaration did little to garner enthusiasm from the others.

Instead, they looked at him with a mix of disbelief and amusement.

"What's with those looks?" Garp asked, feeling slightly embarrassed.

It seemed Garp's excitement about discovering a talented young Marine wasn't reciprocated by these folks.

"Are you seriously recommending a 17 or 18-year-old kid for Admiral?" Sengoku raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.

"You think an Admiral's rank is that easy to achieve?"

Even Aokiji sighed, "Garp, are you joking?"

But Garp, clearly annoyed by their skepticism, stood firm.

"I brought him here, didn't I? If you don't believe me, just see it for yourselves! Sengoku, could it be you think I've grown old and senile, huh?"

Unable to dismiss Garp's conviction entirely, Sengoku sent for the young man.

Soon enough, Naruto stood before them all.

Everyone who laid eyes on him shared the same initial thought:

He's strong!

There was something naturally disarming about Naruto, a quality that instantly drew people to him.

Garp, grinning from ear to ear, handed Naruto a pack of donuts he'd snagged from Sengoku's cabinet.

"Here, have some donuts, kid! They're the best!" Garp chuckled.

This startled a few Marines present, as Garp rarely shared his beloved donuts with anyone unless he genuinely liked them.

Naruto, however, smiled and shook his head.

"No thanks, Grandpa Garp. I'm not really into sweets."

This small exchange warmed the room, but Sengoku still had doubts.

"Naruto, Garp claims you have the strength of an Admiral. Is that true?"

Naruto scratched his head and replied, "I'm not sure what Admiral-level strength is, but I want to be the Fleet Admiral, so I'll definitely be stronger than an Admiral!"

His audacity shocked the room, especially the Admirals present.

Akainu's face sharpened, the cigar between his lips burning quicker.

"Are you saying you're stronger than an Admiral, brat?"

Naruto, unfazed, turned to Akainu.

"Oh, you're an Admiral? Then yeah, I guess I should be stronger than you."

This casual statement made Akainu frown.

"Fleet Admiral! There's no need to waste any more time with this arrogant kid!" Akainu replied.

In his opinion, Garp had just brought some overly confident kid because he had some potential, but he hadn't yet fought any hard battles, so he thought admirals were just regular fighters.

Sengoku sighed but remained calm.

He analyzed Naruto and looked back at Garp.

Finally, he made the decision.

"If you can last ten minutes against a Rear Admiral, I'll make you a Marine Captain."

It was obvious he had reached the same conclusion as Akainu.

He said a rear admiral, just because Garp had confidence in the kid.

Naruto, grinning, replied, "What if I beat that Rear Admiral?"

"Then you'll be promoted to the same rank," Sengoku replied back without hesitation.

Why would he refuse such a talent who can become a vice admiral at 17?

"And if I beat an Admiral?" Naruto's question hung in the air.

Sengoku hesitated, knowing the weight of such a promise.

"If you defeat an Admiral… you'll become an Admiral candidate then."

Naruto's eyes lit up as he pointed directly at Akainu.

"Then I'm going to challenge the guy in red!"