Chapter 5: The Terms of Service
"Boy, it's good to have talent, but it's a bad habit to be arrogant because of it," Vice Admiral Dalmatian (the Flying Squirrel) spoke up, unable to watch his idol, Fleet Admiral Sengoku, negotiate so transparently. "If you have no interest in being a Marine Admiral, why did you even join the Marines in the first place?"
His Observation Haki was sharp, a point of pride. Yet, when he focused it on Levi, he sensed… nothing. An unsettling void. It made him doubt. Could the terrifying Conqueror's Haki that flattened the base truly have come from this unassuming youth? If not for his absolute faith in Sengoku's integrity and impartiality in serious matters, he might have suspected the Marshal of blatant nepotism.
"It was Sengoku who brought me here," Levi said, putting on a mournful face. "He more or less… drafted me. I'd be incredibly grateful if you'd just let me leave."
"Uh…" A collective, awkward silence fell over the assembled officers. The kid couldn't be serious, could he? He hadn't volunteered?
"Ahem, Dalmatian," Sengoku cut in, his voice tight with a warning. "Questions can wait. The matter at hand is that the Admiral appointment is already decided. If he declines now… tsk… how would I even explain that to the Five Elders?" He turned his gaze back to Levi, his expression shifting to one of weary, put-upon effort. "You know, getting special permission to bring someone directly into the headquarters training camp required a great deal of persuasion on my part… Ah, if only your father could see this. I don't know what he'd think…"
The emotional card was played. The mention of Levi's father—Sengoku's fallen comrade—was a deliberate, calculated move. It effectively silenced Dalmatian, who shrank back under Sengoku's sharp glare. Idiot, the look seemed to say. I almost had him convinced, and you reminded him why he's unhappy to be here.
Levi knew Sengoku was performing. But the tactic worked on a fundamental level. He couldn't easily brush aside the debt owed to his father's memory, even if the father was a stranger to him.
After a long moment of internal debate, Levi focused on the practicalities. "A few things, absolutely clear," he said, his tone serious. "Can I really take leave whenever I need to? And the pay raise is guaranteed?"
His mind was already calculating. The system rewarded him for signing in at significant locations. Marine headquarters had been one. What about other key Marine facilities? The G-5 branch, Impel Down, even Mariejois… As a Marine Admiral, he would have legitimate, unfettered access to these places. He could grow stronger safely, systematically. Once his Reiatsu reached an advanced stage, then he could truly do as he pleased. For now, he needed the structure and the cover.
Intermediate level… he thought, glancing inwardly at his status.
Host: Levi
Reiatsu: 4000/10000 (Intermediate Level)
*Next Stage: Advanced (10,000+)*
*Ultimate Stage: (100,000+)*
Haki: 0
Swordsmanship: 0
Taijutsu: 0
Devil Fruit: 0
Attribute Points: 0
The power that had incapacitated Marineford was only intermediate. The potential was staggering. An advanced level would likely make him individually unmatched in the world. Ultimate? That might transcend the very concept of power in this era, placing him beyond the combined might of Emperors, Admirals, and Ancient Weapons. It was the path to true, absolute safety.
He focused on the sub-skills linked to his Reiatsu:
Soul Deterrence (Intermediate) – What he had unleashed.
Perception (Intermediate) – Similar to Observation Haki, but more nuanced, sensing spiritual signatures.
Soul Strike (Intermediate) – The primary offensive application, dealing direct, tangible damage to the spirit itself.
The elegance of it appealed to him. No need for flashy techniques or close-quarters brawls. A thought could be a weapon.
Hearing the shift in Levi's tone, Sengoku nodded vigorously. "Of course! Become Admiral today, and I'll approve your leave starting tomorrow!"
"This…" Dalmatian started to object again, but a single, venomous look from Sengoku—a look that promised a future posting to the most desolate rock in the Calm Belt—made him swallow his words.
"Alright," Levi said finally. "I'll be an Admiral. Temporarily. But Mr. Sengoku, don't send me out as cannon fodder. You promised my father at his grave that you wouldn't let his line die out." He emphasized the point, layering the emotional obligation atop the practical agreement. He'd never known the man, but the bond was a useful tool.
Sengoku's face grew solemn at the reminder. "I promise you," he said, the words heavy and sincere. From both a personal and strategic standpoint, wasting Levi was unthinkable.
"Then from this moment, you are the fourth Admiral of Marine Headquarters," Sengoku declared, relief coloring his voice. "In three days, I will hold an official induction ceremony in Oaks Plaza. With pirate activity rising, our morale needs a boost. A new Admiral will send a powerful message—"
"I have an objection!"
The words came not as one voice, but as two, spoken in unison.
Vice Admiral Momonga (the Ghost Spider) stood up, the thick, prehensile locks of his hair shifting restlessly like living things behind him. No one in the room reacted to the odd sight; it was simply part of who he was.
Beside him, Gion had also spoken, her expression unreadable but her stance firm.
Levi barely registered the interruption. His mind was elsewhere, pondering a final, important detail. A title… I need an Admiral title. He ran through possibilities, dismissing several. One felt right, simple and fitting. Black Crow. Yes, that will do.
(End of Chapter)
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