Kong accepted the premium cigar Raleigh handed him, opened the packaging, took one out, and placed it between his lips.
Raleigh quickly struck a match and lit the end of the cigar.
"Phew, this cigar really does taste excellent."
Kong expressed great appreciation for the gift Raleigh had given him.
"I'm glad you like it, Fleet Admiral Kong. I have quite a few more of these cigars stored away," Raleigh promptly replied with an obedient expression.
Kong nodded with satisfaction.
"If only you showed this much enthusiasm in your work."
"During your posting out in the Four Seas, although the credit on the reports always went to your subordinates, I asked around, and they all said it was under your command that they achieved so much."
"Perhaps you have your own reasons for keeping a low profile, but Headquarters still hopes you will earnestly uphold the Marine's Justice."
"Whether it was the East Blue where you previously served or the North Blue you later governed, during your tenure, the number of pirates significantly decreased, and crime rates dropped noticeably—these are the most evident statistics."
Kong picked up a document stamped with the World Government seal.
"Therefore, after consistent discussion and research among the senior officers of Marine Headquarters, it has been decided to officially promote you to the rank of Vice Admiral of Headquarters."
Upon hearing this, Raleigh stood up happily, gave a serious military salute to Fleet Admiral Kong before him, and said.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, I am deeply grateful for everyone's trust in me."
"Since joining the Marines, I have always upheld the Justice of the Marines everywhere I go. This is why the number of pirates in the areas I govern has significantly decreased."
Kong nodded and gestured with his eyes for Raleigh to sit down.
"No need to be so formal, Raleigh. This is an honor you rightfully deserve."
"Vice Admirals of Headquarters are crucial pillars in maintaining the safety and governance of the World Government. Most of the current Vice Admirals are renowned worldwide."
"For instance, our Marine Hero Garp, your brother Borsalino, your senior Sakazuki, and others."
"Everyone who reaches the rank of Vice Admiral in the Marines is a formidable force in their own right."
"If there are no special circumstances, we will hold your promotion ceremony at the Marine Officer Academy the morning of the day after tomorrow."
Raleigh nodded earnestly, then his expression serious and said, "I will absolutely not disappoint you, Fleet Admiral Kong."
Kong waved his hand dismissively, then took out another document from the folder beside him.
"I believe in you, Raleigh."
"There is plenty of time. You can prepare thoroughly. If there are people you wish to invite, you can arrange seating for them in advance."
Raleigh felt both relaxed and elated.
He had now become a Vice Admiral of Marine Headquarters much earlier than he had originally planned.
To be honest, this far exceeded the goals Raleigh had set for himself.
Raleigh's promotion this time was actually far ahead of his peers.
Even Kuzan, the monster rookie of their academy class, still fell short in reaching the rank of Vice Admiral at this moment.
While most of his peers were still striving to become Rear Admirals, Raleigh had already ascended to Vice Admiral.
How could this not stir envy in others?
Vice Admirals of Marine Headquarters were extremely rare assets.
Even during the Summit War in the original timeline, despite the Marines having accumulated personnel over many years, true elites at this rank were scarce.
...
After Raleigh left Fleet Admiral Kong's office, information about his promotion was no longer concealed by the Marines.
Instantly, news of Raleigh's promotion spread across the world via the News Coo.
In an extremely short time, it caused an uproar within the Marines.
Whether considering Raleigh's age or his length of service since joining the Marines, he was still relatively new.
In Raleigh's academy class, the strongest talent, Kuzan, had only just crossed from the rank of Comodore to become a Rear Admiral.
Including Gion and Tokikake, the two officers who had followed Raleigh in the North Blue and earned numerous military merits, there were only three Rear Admirals in total from that generation.
Even their speed of promotion surprised many veterans, let alone Raleigh achieving the rank of Vice Admiral.
Discussions could be heard everywhere within Marineford.
"Is this guy a monster? According to his records, he's practically a newcomer with not much service time."
"Raleigh? That name sounds familiar. In the last intelligence report about Byrnndi World, it mentioned that Raleigh, the Governor of the North Blue, was the one who ultimately took down the World Pirates."
"There have been quite a few monsters emerging over the past two years—Garp's son Dragon, Vice Admiral Sakazuki, and Vice Admiral Borsalino."
"I heard there seems to be some relationship between Raleigh and Vice Admiral Borsalino."
"They're brothers who grew up together in the North Blue."
"However, Raleigh's promotion to Vice Admiral has nothing to do with his brother Borsalino—it's entirely due to his own merits."
"But I heard it was the World Government's idea to promote Raleigh to Headquarters Vice Admiral so they could transfer him out of the North Blue, as his cleanup operations were affecting certain 'balances'."
The news about Raleigh overshadowed all previous hot topics within just a few days.
Even many great pirates on the Grand Line were carefully reading the newspapers in their hands.
On the Moby Dick:
Edward Newgate let out a hearty laugh, speaking to a pineapple-haired boy before him.
"Gurarara! Marco, this guy's about your age but has already risen to the position of Vice Admiral. I bet he'll become your generation's formidable rival."
Marco curled his lips dismissively, "So what? There's no way he can defeat me,-yoi."
Marco was extremely confident in his abilities.
Edward Newgate's boisterous laughter filled the entire deck—to Whitebeard, Raleigh was still just a green youngster.
Even with his promotion to Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral, Raleigh remained a mere kid in Whitebeard's eyes.
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