25 Learn Observation Haki!

Calm Belt sea area.

Hundreds of undead Sea Kings, each over 100 meters long, dove into the deep sea. A few minutes later, a medium-sized Sea King, nearly a kilometer in length, was dragged to the ocean's surface by about a dozen undead. Capturing this medium-sized Sea King had cost the lives of several smaller Sea Kings, but with the undead warship's ability to resurrect the fallen, these casualties were insignificant.

The warship continued forward, consuming the massive Sea King.

"We're nearly done," Ron said, surveying the multitude of undead in the sea around him.

After three consecutive days of hunting, most of the Sea Kings in the area had been eradicated. The remaining few either lurked in the deep sea or had fled to other parts of the Calm Belt. However, with hundreds of undead Sea Kings now at his command, Ron had more than enough firepower. These undead creatures were strong enough to tip the balance in any sea battle, even toppling large warships with ease.

Recalling all the undead Sea Kings, Ron steered the warship back to the fortress.

"Ron Vice Admiral, the fleet from headquarters has arrived. You need to personally receive them," his adjutant reported not long after they docked.

"Already?" Ron raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Since his promotion to Vice Admiral of Naval Headquarters, the size of his fleet had tripled. Under normal circumstances, it would take nearly a month to mobilize elites from various Marine divisions and to commission new warships from the World Government. But now, only half a month had passed. When did Marine become so efficient?

Shrugging it off, Ron made his way to the fortress's pier. To him, the new fleet was almost irrelevant. In battles involving Vice Admiral-level combatants, ordinary marines were essentially bystanders, and Ron could handle most situations below that level on his own. These extra warships were just a formality.

Upon reaching the pier, Ron saw dozens of warships neatly lined up, with Marine soldiers brimming with excitement.

"Look, it's Ron Vice Admiral!" one of them shouted.

"That's the Ron Vice Admiral who took down the infamous pirate Byrnndi World! He looks so young."

"You don't know? Ron Vice Admiral is only thirty. Among the higher-ups in Marine, he's considered young."

"He's the rising star of Naval Headquarters! Some say he's already been tapped as the next Marine Admiral."

As Ron noticed the near-fanatical gazes of the marines, he found himself confused. When had his reputation grown to such heights? Even soldiers from distant sea areas seemed to know his name.

"It must be the work of higher-ups," Ron thought. The World Government was likely building his reputation to motivate the marines and, possibly, to pave the way for his promotion to Admiral. There were only a few others who were currently considered contenders for the position of Admiral: Sakazuki, Polusalino, and Dragon. All three possessed the powers of Logia-type Devil Fruits, or at least that was the prevailing belief.

The future Aokiji Admiral had yet to join Marine at this point in time. Historically, there was no set number of Admirals within Marine; promotions were based purely on strength and qualifications. There had been times when Marine had only one Admiral, while at its peak, it had boasted more than five. At present, Marine had two active Admirals, Sengoku and Zephyr, as well as Garp, whose power exceeded that of the typical Admiral. Adding in the current Marshal, Kong, Marine's Admiral-level combat strength stood at four.

In addition to these, there were four more candidates with the potential to become Admirals. This was a rare high point in Marine's history. In fact, the Five Elders themselves had said that Marine was currently in its strongest state.

Theoretically, in another ten to twenty years, Marine could have up to eight Admiral-level fighters simultaneously. In such a case, Marine could dominate the New World without difficulty. 

"But reality doesn't work that way," Ron thought grimly.

Though Marine had the potential for such strength, unforeseen events would disrupt their plans. The upcoming era of piracy would challenge everything, and certain defections would only add to the chaos. Zephyr and Dragon would leave Marine to establish the Neo Marines and the Revolutionary Army, respectively. Aokiji would eventually desert Marine, and Sengoku would retire. Instead of increasing in strength, Marine would lose control over the Grand Line, with even World Government-affiliated nations beginning to rebel.

Ron himself had infiltrated the heart of Marine. His presence alone ensured that the World Government wouldn't enjoy peace for long. Eventually, he would be the one to bring about its downfall.

"Ron Vice Admiral, I've delivered the fleet. Now I need to return to headquarters."

Ron turned and saw the Marine Rear Admiral at the head of the fleet. With a long cloak of justice casually draped over his shoulders, the officer looked more like a monkey playing dress-up.

"Borsalino?" Ron said.

"It's an honor that Ron Vice Admiral knows me," Borsalino replied in his usual exaggerated tone.

Ron suddenly felt irritated, as though he were being teased by a monkey.

"I've heard stories about someone with the Pika-Pika Fruit. They say you're fast. How true is that?" Ron asked, his eyes narrowing.

"What's this? Does Ron Vice Admiral want to test me?" Borsalino's lighthearted tone vanished, and a serious expression overtook his face. The air around him shifted as if Ron were no longer dealing with a man but a predator.

"Let's see," Ron said, a smirk curling his lips as he activated his Armament Haki.

A dark aura surrounded him, distorting the very air.

"Blood Slash!"

[Power Stones Required]

A crimson slash tore through the space between them. Polusalino dissolved into photons and reappeared behind Ron.

"Terrifying! Ever been kicked at the speed of light?"

A golden light burst forth as Borsalino aimed a kick at Ron's back.

"Iron Body!" Ron's muscles tensed, and blood surged through his veins, causing his body to harden.

Boom!

Borsalino's foot collided with Ron's back, sending a shockwave through his leg as if he'd kicked a steel wall.

"Terrifying," Borsalino muttered, his voice filled with awe. Ron's defense was so formidable that few at Marine Headquarters could rival it. Still, Borsalino knew that even the strongest defense was meaningless if Ron couldn't land a hit. He would simply continue attacking from a distance.

"Speed is power!" Borsalino's body flickered as he kicked at Ron's chest, the rapid flashes of light making him almost impossible to track.

Ron closed his eyes, trying to focus. "Sometimes the eyes can deceive," he whispered to himself. With his other senses heightened, he started to feel the movements of the air around him, the faintest ripples giving him clarity. 

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Borsalino struck multiple times, each hit absorbed by Ron's evolved skin, which was capable of using the force of attacks to further strengthen his defense. Borsalino's frustration grew as Ron's defenses seemed to become even more impenetrable with every hit.

Just as Borsalino prepared for another strike, Ron's hand shot out, grabbing his leg mid-kick.

"Got you," Ron said calmly. Before Borsalino could react, Ron's sword slashed through the air, cutting Polusalino in half.

I hope your like the chapter 😊.