Compared to the tension and debate raging within Marine Headquarters, Lloyd himself appeared entirely unaffected by the storm he had caused. As the central figure of the incident, he showed no outward reaction at all. After returning to G1 Branch, he first reported his safe return to Ginny and Lucia, his tone calm and businesslike, then proceeded straight to his office to resume handling official duties as if nothing extraordinary had happened.
It was only after the news of Golden Lion Shiki's death spread across the seas that Lloyd could no longer remain in the shadows. With Shiki's fall confirmed, Lloyd had effectively stepped upon the corpse of a legend and risen into the spotlight of the world.
Even Garling contacted Lloyd through a Den Den Mushi. After hearing the detailed account of Shiki's demise, Garling could not help but click his tongue in amazement. His voice carried unconcealed satisfaction, and the conversation between uncle and nephew was unusually relaxed and pleasant. During the call, Garling also revealed that the World Government was already discussing Lloyd's promotion to Admiral.
Saint Warcury had naturally attempted to oppose the decision, but Lloyd's military achievements were simply too solid. There was no angle from which they could be challenged or dismissed.
Not long after the call ended, Lloyd's Admiral appointment letter arrived.
From graduating the Naval Academy to becoming an Admiral, Lloyd had taken only a single year.
Marineford.
At the port, Lloyd disembarked from the warship surrounded by his subordinates. Below, Marine Headquarters soldiers were already neatly lined up, all gathered to welcome him. Their gazes lingered on his youthful face, expressions filled with awe, disbelief, and complicated emotions.
A Navy Admiral under the age of twenty.
Even now, many of them had yet to fully recover from the shock.
Ginny and Lucia followed Lloyd on either side as they walked through Marineford, the soldiers instinctively straightening their backs and saluting as he passed. Lloyd's expression remained composed and distant, his presence alone exerting a silent pressure that discouraged anyone from approaching too casually.
Upon reaching the Headquarters Building, Lloyd went upstairs alone and entered Fleet Admiral Kong's office.
Inside, Kong was already waiting, along with Tsuru, Zephyr, Garp, and several other veteran figures of the Navy. When Kong looked at Lloyd standing before him, his eyes were filled with unmistakable admiration.
Kong stepped forward and handed Lloyd the Admiral appointment letter along with an Admiral's uniform. His voice was solemn and authoritative.
"Lloyd, in recognition of your military achievement in slaying Golden Lion Shiki, the World Government has resolved to formally promote you to the rank of Admiral. Your Admiral codename is Black Dragon."
After completing the official declaration, Kong's rigid expression finally softened. He reached out and patted Lloyd's shoulder, his tone becoming far more personal.
"You have given me far too many surprises, Lloyd. Keep moving forward. I firmly believe that Admiral will not be the endpoint of your journey."
These words were spoken from the heart. Sengoku and the others present shared the same thought. A nineteen year old Admiral meant limitless possibilities for the future of the Navy.
Zephyr stepped forward, took the Navy cloak from Lloyd's hands, and personally draped it over his shoulders. When Lloyd exited the Headquarters Building wearing the brand new cloak, every soldier who passed by immediately halted, stood at attention, and saluted him with utmost respect.
Afterward, Zephyr brought Lloyd directly to the Naval Academy. As a teacher, Zephyr understood better than anyone the importance of role models. With an Admiral like Lloyd standing before them, the impact on those young cadets would be immeasurable.
On the Naval Academy training ground, Aramaki lay flat on the ground with his hands behind his head, dozing lazily. Suddenly, an overwhelming wave of cold air swept over him, freezing him solid in an instant.
Before he could fully regain consciousness, a sharp wind blade sliced cleanly across his waist.
Crack.
The ice shattered. Aramaki reformed his body, twisted his head, and roared furiously at Kuzan and Dragon, who were sparring nearby.
"You two looking for death? How dare you interrupt my nap!"
Hearing his shout, the two stopped fighting. Kuzan scratched his head awkwardly.
"Ararara, sorry about that, Aramaki. I didn't control my ability very well."
Dragon showed no intention of apologizing. Instead, he turned to Kuzan and asked calmly, "Are we continuing?"
Kuzan waved his hand. "No more fighting today. Let's call it."
Dragon turned away without another word and walked toward the corner of the training ground. Kuzan dropped down beside Aramaki and casually tossed him a bottle of iced soda.
"Hey, Aramaki, I heard Senior Lloyd returned to Marine Headquarters today. I really want to see him."
Aramaki tilted his head back and gulped down the drink. He smacked his lips, finding the taste slightly strange, but dismissed the thought.
"Senior Lloyd isn't someone you can just see whenever you want. He's here to officially take office as an Admiral. Wait until you kids get promoted first."
Kuzan sighed. "I really want to graduate soon…"
Before the conversation could continue, a series of startled exclamations erupted from the entrance of the training ground. Both of them turned to look. When Aramaki saw who had arrived, the bottle slipped from his hand and hit the ground.
Kuzan shot up instantly, eyes wide with excitement.
"It's Senior Lloyd!"
Slap.
Aramaki smacked the back of Kuzan's head and scolded him. "Show some respect. It's Admiral Black Dragon."
With that, Aramaki rushed forward, shouting as he ran. "Admiral Black Dragon!"
At his voice, every student on the training ground except Dragon surged toward the entrance like a tidal wave. The scene briefly reminded Lloyd of the chaos surrounding famous figures back on Blue Star. Zephyr was pushed to the side, but he only watched with a smile, clearly unconcerned.
Aramaki and Kuzan forced their way to the front. Lloyd gestured for them to step closer and spoke with a faint smile.
"There's no need for titles here. At the academy, I'm still your senior. Aramaki, Kuzan, it's been a year. How have things been?"
Aramaki puffed out his chest proudly. "Senior Lloyd, I've been training hard every day to follow in your footsteps!"
Kuzan immediately exposed him. "Then who was lying on the ground sleeping just now?"
Aramaki froze. He shot Kuzan a vicious glare, then turned back to Lloyd with an exaggerated grin.
"Senior Lloyd, don't listen to this idiot. I really have been training seriously."
Lloyd crossed his arms and looked at Aramaki with a faintly amused expression. Under that calm, penetrating gaze, Aramaki quickly lowered his head, suddenly feeling guilty.
Soon, Lloyd was surrounded by an endless barrage of questions.
"Senior Lloyd, can you tell us about the Battle of Edd War? Who was stronger, Golden Lion or Roger?"
"Senior Lloyd, can you defeat Zephyr Sensei now?"
"Senior Lloyd, do you have a girlfriend yet? If not, how about me…"
The questions came one after another. Lloyd answered them calmly, his tone polite yet distant. However, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Dragon standing alone in the corner. Dragon was also watching him.
Their gazes met.
Without any visible action, a subtle pressure spread through the training ground. The noisy crowd gradually quieted, instinctively falling silent under the weight of Lloyd's presence.
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