Chapter 80: The Call to Return
The decisive battle for the title of Fourth Admiral was set for one month later. The details were known only to the immediate parties—Satoru and the World Government's chosen champion. Though Satoru didn't know who his opponent would be, his confidence was absolute. He would not lose. His current strength was a solid, unshakable fact within him.
This move by the World Government also revealed their ambition. They wanted a direct hand inside the Navy's highest echelon. While the Navy was nominally under the World Government's authority, no direct Government agent had ever held the rank of Admiral. The senior Marines had always bristled at the Government's frequent, clumsy attempts at oversight.
"That brat… he won't have a problem, will he?"
In a secure office at Marineford, Admiral Sakazuki—Akainu—spoke, his voice a low growl. He sat with his arms crossed, seeming to radiate a smoldering heat. His brand of 'Absolute Justice' often clashed with others in the room, but on this, they were united. He did not want a Government watchdog among the Admirals. His future goal was to become Fleet Admiral, and he would not tolerate such interference.
Admiral Aokiji, who had little personal connection to Satoru, remained silent, listening.
Admiral Kizaru, who had been examining his fingernails, spoke without looking up. "Well~ if the boy hasn't slacked off this past year, there should be… no problem~"
The room's attention snapped to him. It was rare for Kizaru to offer a definitive opinion in these meetings.
"Don't look at me like that," Kizaru said, raising his hands in a placating gesture. "I simply don't want the World Government getting their fingers in our pie."
"You have that much faith in him?" Akainu pressed, his eyes narrowed. He hadn't seen the boy fight himself, but he knew Satoru was backed by Garp, Zephyr, and Sengoku. That trio's endorsement was not given lightly.
"It's not faith. It's an observation," Kizaru drawled. "A year ago, he could already trade blows with Kaido in his base form. What might his strength be after another year of growth? I couldn't say. He may have even… surpassed a few of us~"
Akainu snorted, dismissive. He didn't believe his own hard-won power could be so easily overtaken.
"I believe in the boy's strength," a firm, older voice cut in. It was Zephyr, who had been standing quietly by the window. "Do not forget his unique ability. Unless the World Government sends a fighter of that specific caliber, Satoru will not be defeated."
Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Garp, also present, nodded in grim agreement.
In the World Government's ranks, fighters who could use Advanced Conqueror's Haki infusion were exceedingly rare. Their agents were raised from childhood in harsh, systematic training that stripped away individuality. A person without a strong, independent will—a king's ambition—had virtually zero chance of awakening Conqueror's Haki, let alone mastering its advanced application.
The three Admirals present exchanged looks, understanding the unspoken point.
"I hope that brat is as capable as you all believe," Akainu grunted, standing up. "If he fails, he will answer to me." With that, he stormed out of the conference room.
He had been the sole dissenting voice when Sengoku first proposed establishing a Fourth Admiral, fearing it would dilute authority. He'd been outvoted. Now, this mess with the Government was the result.
"It's time to recall him," Zephyr said to Sengoku once Akainu was gone. His tone was gruff, but there was a hint of something else. "I'm sure after over a year stationed outside, he's… missed the place." It was less that Zephyr thought Satoru was homesick, and more that the old master missed his only apprentice.
"We should bring him back," Sengoku agreed. "It will also let us gauge his progress firsthand."
Soon, the order reached G-8.
"Calling me back already?" Satoru mused, a wry smile on his face as he read the communique. "The folks at Headquarters really don't have much faith in me, do they?"
It was understandable. Over the past year, Satoru had seen little major action. The pirates he'd dealt with were minor-league, offering no true measure of his growth. Headquarters had no current benchmark for his power.
Before departing, he summoned Commander Claire.
"Claire, you're in command while I'm at Headquarters," Satoru stated. "I want the base exactly as I left it when I return. No better, no worse."
"Understood, sir!" Claire saluted sharply. "The mission will be accomplished. But, sir… if I may ask, why has Headquarters summoned you? They're not trying to send a new commander here, are they?" His expression turned fiercely loyal. "If that's the case, we won't accept it. We only recognize your authority, Vice Admiral."
Satoru felt a genuine warmth in his chest. This was the reward for his efforts. Treat others with sincerity, and receive sincerity in return.
"Don't worry about that," Satoru said, his smile turning confident. "If all goes according to plan, the next time you see me, I'll be an Admiral."
Claire's eyes bulged. "An… Admiral? But sir, there are only three…"
"Things change," Satoru said, cutting him off. "Just keep it under your hat for now. This is still confidential."
"My lips are sealed, sir," Claire said, miming locking his mouth shut. "Not a word."
Satoru gave his base one last look—the imposing walls, the disciplined soldiers training under the New World sun. He then boarded a small, fast Marine cutter bound for Marineford. The stage was set. In one month, he would fight for a title that would change everything. But first, he had to pass the inspection of the men who had placed their bets on him.
✨If you're enjoying this story, consider supporting me on Patreon —
Patreon.com/TofuChan
💕Patreon members get early access to chapters, bonus content, and voting power on future ideas.💕
Every bit of support helps me write more and faster. Thank you so much for reading! 🥰
Bonus Chapter For Every 100 Power Stones
Lets hit the goal of 200 Patreon Members now for 5 Extra Chapters 💕