The natural system started off strong, but the navy finally reached its peak!

Libo suddenly stopped eating her popsicle, her furry ears perked up, and she blinked as she looked out the window.

"It sounds... even more hopeless than yesterday. Lipo has been sleeping alone for many nights now."

“No problem.” Enel replied lazily without turning his head, taking a lick of his popsicle.

"If he didn't wail like this three times a day, I would suspect that he had already died suddenly in that mountain of documents."

Marshal? Ha, sounds impressive, but he's just a high-ranking clerk.

Nobody feels as at ease as when I was a 'god'.

Upon hearing this, Xiong smiled憨厚ly, the popsicle appearing unusually small in his enormous hand: "Enel, Gern works very hard too."

Naval independence involves countless issues, and he has to make all the decisions. He's already been very understanding of us.

Because of the Mother Spark, Ginny, who possesses exceptional talent, has joined the Navy's own experimental unit, while Bonney has joined Zephyr's Navy training camp.

His wife and children have a stable and bright future, and he himself has also benefited from his powerful strength and special spatial abilities.

He holds a prominent position in the navy, and in addition to carrying out important missions, he even serves as the navy's internal "spiritual pastor."

Although he himself didn't quite understand what the title specifically entailed, people seemed to enjoy confiding in him or seeking comfort from him.

This kind of life, where you have a wife, kids, and a warm bed, yet can still contribute to the cause of justice you believe in.

For Xiong, who had experienced so much displacement and suffering, it was like a dream.

Therefore, he held the deepest loyalty and gratitude for Guern, and for all the men who had given his family shelter and opportunity.

Enel didn't comment on the bear's "easily satisfied" mentality; he was more concerned with other things.

"I've already officially submitted my application!" Enel suddenly straightened his back, tossed aside the popsicle stick he'd finished eating, and a smug smile spread across his face.

“Gern has now been promoted to Marshal, so the position of ‘General’ is now vacant!”

In terms of ability, seniority, and merit, who else but me deserves this position of general?

He became more and more excited as he spoke, his eyes flashing with lightning: "When I become a general, I've already thought of my title—'Thor'!"

How about that? Impressive, right? Much more impressive than 'Akainu,' 'Aokiji,' 'Kizaru,' and 'Hakuki'!

"At that time, I will be the new Admiral of the Navy, 'Thor' Enel!"

As he spoke, he envisioned himself draped in the righteous coat of a general, the center of attention, and couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! Back then, I was a general, and that muscle-bound idiot Barrett, who only knew how to use brute force, was just a lieutenant general!"

Let's see how arrogant he can be in front of me now! I'll just completely overpower him, no explanation needed!

"From now on, when he sees me, he'll obediently call me 'Sir'! Hahaha!"

Enel was immersed in his fantasy of soon being able to "overpower others with his rank," and his laughter was particularly loud.

But after he laughed a few times, he noticed that Xiong and Libo beside him did not agree.

Instead, they all stopped eating their popsicles and turned their heads to stare at him.

Bear: "Enel, Barrett submitted his application for promotion to Admiral a week ago."

Furthermore, because he directly repelled the members of the Knights of God during the mission to escort the Mother Flame.

Based on his past performance evaluation, his application has passed the first round of review and is currently undergoing processing.

Lipo (licking her popsicle): "Hmm, Uncle Barrett seems to be the first one to submit an application."

The former marshal of the Warring States period even praised him, saying, "His awareness has improved; he knows how to proactively take responsibility."

Enel's arrogant and smug smile froze instantly.

His mouth remained in the arc of a big laugh, but his eyes widened, his pupils dilating violently.

Lightning crackled uncontrollably around him twice, scorching the grass at his feet.

"..."

silence.

A suffocating silence.

Only the distant sounds of drill chants and the cries of seagulls could be heard.

A few seconds later, Enel suddenly jumped up, almost throwing his hat off.

"What?! That bastard Barrett?! A week ago?! He beat me to it?!"

Enel is furious.

"How dare he! I haven't even submitted my application yet! What right does he have to beat me to it!"

Does Gern know?! Aren't they biased?!

"That Barrett, that muscle-bound warmonger, does he even know what the duties of a general are?!"

Bear and Lippo: "You talk like you know everything."

Enel didn't care. He angrily spun around twice and pointed in the direction of the office building: "No way! I'm going to find Gern!"

Now! Immediately! Right now! This god wants to confront him face to face!

The position of Admiral must be filled through fair competition! In terms of speed, mastery of Devil Fruits, and strategic destructive power, in what way is this god inferior to that barbarian?!

The bear watched Enel's fur stand on end, silently licked his popsicle again, and calmly delivered the finishing blow.

"In addition, according to unofficial sources, Mr. Mihawk also seems to have been jointly recommended by Marshal Sengoku and Staff Officer Tsuru and included in the list of candidates for general."

The reason given was that "the addition and stable appointment of the world's greatest swordsman will have an immeasurable effect on enhancing the image and deterrent power of the navy's high-end combat capabilities."

“But don’t worry!” Ribo patted Enel on the shoulder: “Mihawk refused!”

I overheard Perona complaining: "That jerk who can cook and take care of people said 'Admiral' doesn't sound as good as 'World's Greatest Swordsman.'"

Enel was completely petrified.

Barrett got ahead of the pack, Hawkeye was recommended, and Tezzolo became chief of staff?

So it's not that there's only one opening and everyone's sitting in a row sharing the spoils? Or has the competition suddenly become exceptionally fierce?

His dream of being "Thor's general, dominating Barrett" hasn't even begun...

"This...this is outrageous..." Enel gritted his teeth, lightning crackling around him, clearly deeply disturbed.

He stomped his foot, transforming into a bolt of lightning, and vanished in a flash, leaving behind only a lingering declaration.

"The title of 'Thor' belongs to me alone!!"

On the lawn, only Xiong and Libo remained.

Bear slowly finished the last bite of his popsicle, carefully put away the small wooden stick, and looked at Ribo: "Enel, very energetic."

Libo finished the carrot popsicle in a few bites, then squinted her eyes contentedly: "Yeah, but I feel like Uncle Barrett might actually succeed this time."

Enel needs to step up his game.

She stretched and her furry ears twitched: "But speaking of which, Xiong, why don't you consider applying?"

"Your abilities are amazing too—spatial teleportation, super healing, and even the ability to deflect attacks."

"I'm fine as I am now." Xiong shook his head and gave a gentle smile: "Protecting important people, carrying out important missions, and occasionally listening to everyone's troubles."

General...the responsibility is too heavy.

Furthermore, Bonnie said she hoped her father wouldn't be too tired.

"Libo also hopes that Gern won't be too tired; Libo doesn't want to sleep with Toritoma anymore~"

Chapter 591 August

August, 1522 (Haiyuan Calendar)

Several months have passed since Gern succeeded as Admiral of the Navy and announced a complete break with the World Government, which has dominated the world for eight hundred years.

The world remains turbulent.

In early July, after a bizarre and absurd wedding farce, Straw Hat Luffy and his crew finally erupted into a full-blown conflict.

On Whole Cake Island in the New World, they will face Charlotte Linlin, one of the "Four Emperors".

Captain Monkey D. Luffy defeated two powerful "Sweet Commanders" from the Big Mom Pirates – Cracker and Katakuri.

This conflict, where the odds were heavily against them, ultimately ended with the Straw Hat crew's technologically advanced forces at Germa 66, and the Fire Tank Pirates' defection at the last minute.

The case ended with the perpetrators managing to "exit unscathed" due to the complex intervention of multiple forces.

Meanwhile, Morgans, president of World Economic News and known for his "big news" stories, had already placed a heavy bet on the surging tide of the "new era."

Thus, amidst the overwhelming reports and the difficulty in verifying the authenticity of the details...

Straw Hat Luffy has acquired strength sufficient to rival a Sweet Commander, and his "Grand Fleet" boasts over five thousand heroes.

Furthermore, following the Whole Cake Island incident, the original Shichibukai, "Knight of the Sea" Jinbe, officially joined the crew!

Strength, influence, prestige, legendary status... all shaped by the public opinion fueled by Morgans.

Monkey D. Luffy, the Straw Hat Boy, has a bounty of 15 billion Berries!

The title of "Fifth Sea Emperor" quickly spread, and he was known to the world alongside the "Four Emperors".

A "Fifth Emperor" who is only nineteen years old?

Absurd, yet so perfectly in line with this crazy era.

Meanwhile, the actions of other forces are also stirring up the situation.

Edward Weevil, formerly one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, who called himself "the son of Whitebeard".

At the urging of his mother, Miss Bajin, he attacked the emerging mercenary organization, the "Cross Guild."

However, they unexpectedly encountered the legendary figure who was in charge of the place—the "Lone Red" Earl Redfield.

After a brief but intense exchange, Weebull suffered a crushing defeat and fled in disarray.

Lord Redfield, the "Lone Red," praised him, saying, "He certainly has the strength of the young Whitebeard!"

Meanwhile, in another sea area, the actions of the Yonko "Red-Haired" Shanks suddenly took a sharp turn.

The organized and targeted harassment of the New Navy's outposts and patrol fleets on the edge of the New World and along certain key shipping routes is a mystery.

In the first half of the Grand Line, the Revolutionary Army's flag still fluttered in the wind.

They chose to ignore the friendly signals released after Gurn's "Declaration of Independence," and their logic remained consistent.

For a time, many islands in the first half of the Grand Line that were still under the actual control of the Navy were attacked.

Despite the dramatic changes in the world, the navy, which declared independence, did not fall silent.

Grand Admiral Gern Reginald Sigmar officially signed the order announcing the first appointment of the highest combatant since the new navy's independence.

Enel, a former core member of the "Cataclysm" organization and known as "God," has been promoted to Admiral of the Marine Headquarters, with the codename "Thor"!

Douglas Barrett, a former core member of the "Cataclysm" organization, has been promoted to Admiral of the Navy Headquarters, codenamed "Devil"!

They no longer use codenames like "Aokiji" and "Kizaru," but instead use titles that highlight their abilities, personality, and intimidation.

The most powerful team under Gern has completely taken over the Navy's highest combat force.

The Naval Headquarters has officially entered the "Gern era".

On the World Government's side, the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, after a long period of silence, finally reacted.

Topman Worchli, one of the Five Elders, the highest authority in the World Government and a war god in charge of legal affairs, personally descended to the mortal realm to negotiate.

This August of the year 1522 in the Chinese calendar

The rise of the Fifth Emperor, the alliance of the former Emperors, the clash of legends, the spread of revolution, the sharp edge of the Navy...

.........

New Marineford, Marshal's office.

After a short (and redemptive) vacation, Sengoku returned to his familiar office.

Although his status had changed from Marshal to Grand Inspector, his calm and wise demeanor remained undiminished.

He sat in the guest chair opposite Guern, holding a cup of hot tea, listening to Guern's arrangements for the recent series of turbulent events.

"As for Shanks," Gern's finger traced across the New World waters on the chart, "let Borsalino handle it."