The Great Voyage Begins with the Celestial Dragons

Gion seemed lost in thought.

Luther once told her that she should never underestimate anyone, even insignificant people, because they all have their own unique uses.

His Highness Luther has learned another lesson...

Chapter 22 The Ceremony of Appointing a General

The Buster Call fleet returned much slower than it had gone.

On the way there, in order to save time, we went directly through the Calm Belt.

On the way back, they chose to travel from the starting point of the Grand Line, Reverse Mountain, all the way to the Navy Headquarters at the end of the first half.

During their visit to each member state, the warships fired cannons as a signal, demonstrating the power of the navy.

Meanwhile, Sakazuki and Borsalino will take turns showcasing their abilities near the member states.

The campaign to promote him to general has already begun.

Their story quickly spread throughout the sea.

After half a month of this ordeal, the Buster Call fleet finally returned to naval headquarters.

For the entire two weeks, almost the entire world was shrouded in the shadow of the navy.

The experiences that Sakazuki and Borsalino publicized alone scared away many people who wanted to go to sea and give up the idea of ​​becoming pirates.

Although, because of Roger, the world is now full of newly set sail pirates.

But everyone knows that the navy is the true master of the seas.

Of the three legendary pirates, Roger was publicly executed by the Navy, Shiki was imprisoned in Impel Down, and only Whitebeard remains in the New World.

Among the new generation of pirate overlords, only Big Mom and Kaido seem to have some potential, but even if the three sides join forces to attack the Navy, people are not optimistic about the pirates' chances.

The navy is currently at its peak.

Not only are there veteran fighters like Marshal Kong, Admiral Sengoku, former Admiral Zephyr, and Hero Garp, but the three new generation of natural monsters have also grown up, and their strength is all at the level of natural disasters.

Just as the sea was being bombarded with news from the navy, Admiral Kong held an inauguration ceremony for a high-ranking admiral in Marineford.

The ceremony was broadcast live via Den Den Mushi to all member states.

A huge platform was erected on the open ground in front of the Navy Headquarters building.

On the high platform stood the Navy's current top combat power, Fleet Admiral Sora and Admiral Sengoku.

Beside them stood Don Quixote Luther Saint, the representative of the World Government.

Standing next to Sengoku and Sora, two top-tier powerhouses with overwhelming presence, Luther didn't feel inferior at all.

Luther was almost the same height as them, and his aura was no less imposing.

On the contrary, because he was standing with two powerful figures, his Conqueror's Haki was passively activated, making him appear even more imposing.

"Vice Admiral Sakazuki, who has vanquished countless pirates for the Navy, distinguished himself in the Buster Call of Ohara in 1495 to 1500 of the Sea Calendar, and has now been promoted to the rank of Admiral! He is hereby awarded the title 'Akainu'!"

In the open space in front of the Navy Mid-Apartment building, after the announcement was made, not only did thunderous applause erupt below, but civilians from the member states watching the live broadcast also cheered.

Given Sakazuki's experience and capabilities, no one dared to object.

After Luther made the announcement in the air, he personally draped the 'Justice' cloak, symbolizing an admiral, over Sakazuki's head, which was also a symbol of the Navy's highest combat power.

Compared to the Vice Admiral's "Justice" cloak, whose shoulder armor comes in a variety of colors, the Admiral's cloak and the Marshal's cloak are both pure gold, symbolizing the supreme authority of the Navy.

"Congratulations, Admiral Sakazuki!"

"It is my honor to have Your Highness's presence..."

Sakazuki's reply was unusually awkward; not only was his voice somewhat hoarse, but his facial muscles were also contorted.

Seeing Sakazuki's unusual behavior, Luther chuckled to himself.

"Sakazuki, we're friends. Don't force yourself to say things you don't like. Just be yourself."

Logically speaking, even with Ohara's achievements as a foundation, Sakazuki shouldn't have been promoted to general so quickly.

At the very least, Marshal Kong should report this matter to the World Government, then the World Government should discuss it internally, and finally the Five Elders should make the final decision.

Luther's existence, on the other hand, helped to eliminate the subsequent steps.

The entire ceremony of appointing the general was almost entirely orchestrated by Luther.

Whether it was Sakazuki or Borsalino who were promoted to general, the Five Elders were quite at ease and didn't have any concerns about Luther's involvement.

The Five Elders never imagined that Sakazuki would be loyal to Luther; Sakazuki wasn't that kind of person. If he were, the Five Elders would actually look down on him for it.

As for Borsalino... he's the type to do things for whoever pays the most, and the Five Elders don't think Luther would offer more than they do.

"Yes!"

Sakazuki's expression turned slightly serious, but he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

His original intention in befriending Luther was simply to find a shield so that Luther could spend all his time eliminating pirates.

At least for now, this choice wasn't wrong.

Following Sakazuki's promotion, the air force continued to announce:

"Vice Admiral Borsalino, who rendered outstanding service to the navy, in the year 1495 of the Sea Calendar..."

After recounting a long list of achievements, Kong glanced at Luther with a strange expression before continuing:

"In the year 1500 of the Sea Calendar, Saul, who was frozen in Kuzan's ice during the Battle of Ohara, was completely killed. Today, he is promoted to the rank of Admiral! He is granted the title 'Kizaru'!"

Hearing about the previous results, Borsalino happily pinched his chin, revealing a lewd smile.

Although his achievements were less than half of Sakazuki's, they were still enough for him to be promoted to general.

But when he heard the last part, his smile froze.

Borsalino felt a chill run down his spine as he sensed the piercing gazes of some naval officers, especially Kuzan's undisguised disgust, and the cracking sound of Garp clenching his fist.

What are they trying to do? Are they going to publicly execute him?

Borsalino looked at Luther in the stands with a hint of resentment, but all he received in return was a big, friendly smile.

Borsalino's face was almost contorted with grief as he inwardly groaned.

How could someone who hates trouble so much end up with countless troubles just because he couldn't refuse one?

The Celestial Dragons are truly terrifying...

That's what Borsalino thought, but he didn't blame Luther in his heart.

Putting aside Luther's identity, after returning to Marine Headquarters and receiving a gift of 3 million Berries, he felt that killing Saul was nothing special.

If Luther added another zero, he felt that capturing Kaido or something wouldn't be out of the question.

After Luther made the announcement, as before, he personally draped the general's cloak over Borsalino's shoulders.

It's only because he's tall enough; most people would be considered tall if they only reached Borsalino's chest.

"Oh, Your Highness Luther, you've really screwed me over."

Although he didn't really mean it, Borsalino couldn't help but tease him.

"Admiral Kizaru, this is a real achievement. The World Government has given Saul a temporary bounty of 5 million. If you're not short of money, you can exchange it for something else of equal value, or perhaps a more relaxed working environment," Luther said with a smile.

Borsalino didn't react much to what was coming up; 3 million was enough for him to live on for a while.

Borsalino's eyes lit up at the last sentence:

"Oh, is what Prince Luther is saying true? Don't try to fool an honest man like me!"

“I have no reason to lie to you. The government just spent a huge sum of money to build a laboratory in the Punk Hazard in the New World. It needs an admiral or an elite vice admiral to be stationed there. I think Admiral Kizaru would be very suitable,” Luther joked.

"Ah... this is a very 'important' job, I think it's perfect for me!"

Borsalino grinned slyly. He loved talking to people like Luther; a few words were all it took to get what he wanted.

He doesn't lack money now; on the contrary, he wants a leisurely job to slack off.

I heard that the work of a general is very tiring, especially since there was only one general in the Warring States period, and he almost never had a break.

Now that the other two generals are workaholics, he probably won't be so tired.

However, when Borsalino walked off the stage with his hands in his pockets and a smile, he suddenly sensed the even more undisguised disgust from the dovish navy, and his face froze slightly.

Damn it, I was careless!

Seeing how close he was to the Celestial Dragons, the other Marines realized he was in a very difficult position, no matter what.

Borsalino's smile gradually faded, and he returned to his place with a frown.

At this point, he probably understood what Luther was thinking.

While it may seem like they're trying to get close to him, Luther isn't really trying to win him over; at best, he's just a shield.

As for Luther's true goals...

Borsalino glanced at the serious-looking Sakazuki beside him, and became even more hesitant.

Could it be this guy? He doesn't seem like it...

Chapter 23 Youth is wonderful!

After the naval promotion ceremony, the navy was able to complete its configuration of one marshal and three admirals, and there was also an admiral awaiting promotion.

Everyone knows that Kuzan's promotion to general is only a matter of time; Sakazuki and the other two are simply in place ahead of time.

When the marshal's seat becomes vacant, it will probably be time for Kuzan to be promoted.

However, both Admiral Kong and Luther knew that this was not the case.

"It seems Kuzan needs to work on his patience a bit more. For now, two generals at sea are enough."

In the marshal's office, Kong expressed his feelings.

Saul's affair landed Kuzan on the Five Elders' blacklist. Now that the Navy is strong enough, there's no need to fill the vacancy with admirals so quickly.

"Congratulations to Marshal Kong! Once you complete your final mission, you can retire to the Holy Land."

Luther was sitting on the sofa next to his office, with Gion standing expressionlessly beside him. Her straight posture perfectly showcased her shapely figure.