Chapter 8: Recognition and Arrangements
Kizaru's words carried immense weight, especially in that moment. An Admiral's acknowledgment was the highest form of validation within the Marines' power structure. It wasn't just about rank; it was about the brutal, unspoken law of strength. By speaking those words, Kizaru, on behalf of the Admirals, had officially affirmed Levi's power. Levi could now truly wield the authority of the title, not just wear it as an empty name.
"Don't want to continue?" Levi asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice. He'd been considering pressing the attack himself, just to see more. But he dismissed the thought. If Kizaru, who had initiated the test, was satisfied with a single exchange, then pushing further was pointless. The admiral's casual demeanor suggested a lack of real fighting interest.
"No, that's quite enough~," Kizaru drawled, already slipping back into his languid posture.
Levi let his Reiatsu recede, the oppressive weight lifting from the ruined conference grounds. Vice Admiral Momonga rose unsteadily from the floor, relief washing over him. He didn't mention another challenge. Gion had been flicked away like a bug. Kizaru had drawn his legendary light-sword and struck with force enough to level the building, only to be pushed back a step by Levi's unmoving defense. He, Momonga, was a Vice Admiral—strong, perhaps near Gion's level, but the gulf between that and an Admiral's true power was vast. If Kizaru himself acknowledged the Fourth Admiral, what right did he have to object? A man who couldn't even stand firm in the face of this power had no place making demands. He knew his place.
However, Admiral Akainu needs to be informed of this development immediately, he thought, filing the observation away.
"Since there are no further objections," Fleet Admiral Sengoku's voice rang out, firm and final, "the matter is settled. An immediate notice will be issued to inform the world and all Marine commands. All officers of Rear Admiral rank and above who are not on critical missions in nearby waters are to attend the investiture ceremony for the Fourth Admiral in three days' time!"
"Understood!" The response was a unified shout. The addition of a fourth Admiral was a world-shaking event. The ceremony needed to be grand, a display of the Marines' renewed and strengthened might.
"I will say this plainly," Sengoku continued, his gaze sweeping the assembled officers. "Although Admiral Levi is new and lacks a record of achievements, you will extend to him the full cooperation and respect his rank commands. Is that clear?"
"Mr. Sengoku," Levi interjected, his tone dry. "Are you implying I should go out and chase merit immediately? That's not great. I just took office. A breather would be nice."
Sengoku fought the urge to sigh. You saw right through it, you brat, but did you have to say it out loud? It robbed him of the diplomatic veneer. "How could that be?" he said smoothly. "An Admiral's schedule is… flexible."
A sudden whoosh of air announced a new arrival. Gion landed lightly amidst the rubble, her uniform slightly torn and dust-streaked, but her eyes burning with a fierce light. "Again," she said, her voice tight. "I want to try again."
"???" Confusion rippled through the crowd. This wasn't like the composed, proud Gion they knew. Was she a sore loser?
"No, I didn't mean it like that," she clarified quickly, flustered. "I meant…" She trailed off. She couldn't very well say, I enjoy the soul-crushing pressure of your Conqueror's Haki because it might make me stronger. That would raise even more eyebrows.
Levi looked at her, his head tilted in curiosity.
It was then that Vice Admiral Garp asked the question on everyone's mind. "Kid, just how did you train your Haki?" The curiosity in the air was palpable. They all desperately wanted to know the secret to such monstrous, youthful power.
"Well…" Levi scratched his cheek, thinking. "I didn't really train much. It just… sort of ended up like this before I knew it." It was the only explanation he could give that was even remotely true, and he certainly wouldn't elaborate.
A wave of silent, collective frustration washed over the veteran officers. Listen to him! Is that even human? their minds screamed. He 'ended up' this strong by accident, while we've bled and sweat for decades?
"A natural-born conqueror, huh?" Garp boomed, a note of awe in his laughter. "Incredible!" He and Sengoku had seen enough of the world to know such freaks of nature existed—figures like Big Mom, Rocks, or even the younger generation like Bullet, who achieved nation-shaking power in their teens. Talent on that scale couldn't be taught or copied.
"Marshal Sengoku," Gion spoke up again, seizing the moment. "Admiral Levi is new to the role. He will require an experienced adjutant, correct?" Her real motive was to stay near Levi, to be exposed to that pressure again. The fleeting touch of a breakthrough was intoxicating. It wasn't the right time or place to explain, but if she could serve under him, the opportunity might present itself again.
Is she looking for a chance to get back at me? Levi wondered, studying her. No… probably not. He remembered the sheer, unadulterated will in her eyes during their clash. She wasn't petty; she was a warrior obsessed with the path of strength.
"It is a necessity," Sengoku conceded.
"I volunteer to serve as Admiral Levi's adjutant," Gion stated firmly.
"You are an Admiral candidate. There's no need for you to take on such a duty."
"I still request that you consider it, Marshal." Gion wouldn't back down. This chance was too precious. A breakthrough would permanently close the gap between her and the Admirals. She was no decoration; she was a powerhouse in pursuit of the pinnacle.
"Levi, your thoughts?" Sengoku turned to him.
"It's fine," Levi said with a shrug. "If it's not her, it'll be someone else. Might as well be her." His tone was utterly indifferent.
"Very well. The two of you can work together on a trial basis. If it proves unsuitable, other arrangements will be made. Now, Levi, you should go and… attend to your inheritance matters."
"Ahem, no rush, no rush," Levi said quickly, waving a hand. Sengoku was being a little too eager to get him out the door.
As the gathering dispersed, Gion led Levi towards his new quarters, launching into a detailed explanation of an Admiral's duties, protocols, and administrative responsibilities. Levi listened for about three minutes before a profound sense of drowsiness settled over him.
"Hey, you are an Admiral now. You should at least understand the basics of all this!" Gion chided, noticing his glazed expression.
"I think," Levi said, yawning, "it would be better if my adjutant handled these things. I don't want to live a tired life."
"This guy…" Gion muttered, equal parts exasperated and intrigued.
Meanwhile, the news, stamped with the official seal of Marine Headquarters, raced across the seas.
MARINE HEADQUARTERS ANNOUNCES FOURTH ADMIRAL
CODE NAME: BLACK CROW – ADMIRAL LEVI
The information spread on wings of news coos and crackling Den Den Mushi signals, reaching every corner of the globe.
In the New World, aboard the Moby Dick, Whitebeard Edward Newgate held the fresh newspaper in his massive hand.
"The Fourth Marine Admiral… Levi? 'Black Crow'?" his voice rumbled. "Never heard of the name. Promoted from recruit… that's unusual. That old fox Sengoku… shouldn't be going senile." A deep, unsettled feeling had been gnawing at him lately, growing stronger since the day Teach betrayed the family. This new development felt like another shift in the wind, a herald of gathering storms.
(End of Chapter)
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