Carl looked at Lucia's bleeding arm and said softly, "Does it hurt? Why don't you let Kuma take care of it for you?"
Lucia shook her head and replied, "It's okay, this kind of injury will heal after a rest... I don't want any man other than the young master to touch me."
Carl frowned, stretched out his hand, and gently flicked Lucia's smooth forehead, saying, "What's the matter? Come with me!"
Without waiting for Lucia to respond, Carl reached out and scooped her into his arms like a princess, disappearing in a flash.
At this time, Kuma had used his Paw-Paw Fruit ability to eject a pain bubble from his body. Suddenly, Carl appeared before him, holding a flushed Lucia.
Carl released the Dark-Dark Fruit to absorb Kuma's pain bubble, then set Lucia down and smiled at Kuma.
"I have to trouble you again, Kuma. My cousin is a bit stubborn."
Lucia wanted to say something, but Carl's gaze stopped her. He held Lucia's shoulders, turning her to face him. Kuma reached out, lightly touching Lucia's back, popping out the pain bubble, which Carl quickly absorbed with the Dark-Dark Fruit.
Seeing Lucia looking much more relaxed, Carl smiled at Kuma. "Thank you, Kuma."
Kuma scratched his head, looking slightly embarrassed. "Brother, I just wanted to help, but Lucia walked too fast..."
"She's silly, but you're the one who makes me worry less," Carl chuckled.
Lucia pouted, showing a rare cute expression. Carl couldn't help but pinch her nose and said, "Kuma, your ability can't heal the wound completely. You two should go and bandage it quickly, especially you, Lucia. It won't look good if a girl is left with scars." Both Kuma and Lucia nodded obediently, and Carl watched as they were surrounded by a group of nurses. Carl then used his Geppo to return to his position.
Fleet Admiral Kong looked back at Carl, and Carl raised his hand and smiled. "Sorry, Fleet Admiral Kong, I just needed to handle something."
Kong, known for his seriousness, was much more amiable to Carl. He nodded and said, "It's okay. You did a good job just now. We in the Navy should help each other."
Carl responded with a smile and glanced around, noticing Zephyr was missing. He looked at Borsalino and Akainu, asking where Zephyr was.
Borsalino spread his hands. "I don't know where the old man went. He left when you went downstairs just now."
Akainu also said he hadn't seen him.
While they were talking, Kong suddenly stood up, approached the front of the platform, and spoke into the loudspeaker Den Den Mushi,
"The two students performed very well. I have decided to promote Bartholomew Kuma to Rear Admiral and Lucia to Commodore!"
This announcement elevated the ranks of Kuma and Lucia, a significant leap considering their original positions. None of the sailors present objected, as the performance of the two justified the reward.
The students below applauded excitedly. However, Lucia and Kuma maintained calm expressions, not particularly caring about rank advancements. After finishing his speech, Kong turned to Carl and the others, then announced, "Next, the afternoon exam: Carl, Sakazuki, and Borsalino will face a single opponent... instructor Zephyr!"
"?!"
The announcement caused an uproar, surprising even Carl. He had expected each of them to face a Vice Admiral, not an Admiral, highlighting the Headquarters' high expectations.
While there is only one rank between Admiral and Vice Admiral, the gap in strength is vast, almost insurmountable, except for rare cases like Vice Admiral Garp. Admirals are the face of the Navy and represent its absolute power.
Upon hearing the news, Borsalino's face fell as he complained, "Why is it the old man? Why not Vice Admiral Garp or Admiral Sengoku?"
Akainu said nothing, straightening his Navy cap, his eyes filled with determination.
The reporters went wild, capturing the moment. The students' exam being overseen by an Admiral was sure to make headlines.
The students watching were excited. Aokiji clenched his fists. "Great, I finally get to see Carl go all out!"
Aramaki crossed his arms, scoffing. "I just hope Sakazuki and Borsalino won't hold back Senior Carl!"
Dragon, standing nearby, remained silent, his thoughts hidden.
Jessica, visibly upset, turned to Ginny. "What are they thinking? Admirals are so strong. What if they hurt Carl... What should they do?"
Ginny patted Jessica's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, he's just an Admiral. Brother Carl is the strongest!"
By the afternoon, the exam venue was packed. Even soldiers without missions had gathered, eager to witness an Admiral in action.
To ordinary soldiers, Admirals were invincible. Although they were stationed at the Headquarters, few had ever seen an Admiral in battle, as their presence was only required against formidable foes. Ordinary soldiers could easily faint or perish from the aftereffects of such clashes.
Carl, Borsalino, and Akainu stood ready on the field when Zephyr, wearing his Navy cloak, finally arrived, greeted by cheers. Despite his semi-retirement, Zephyr's reputation remained untarnished.
Zephyr walked to the opposite side of Carl and the others, throwing off his Navy cloak with a flourish. Carl couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret—he should've worn his cloak too.
Borsalino muttered under his breath, "The old man just loves showing off..."
Akainu, focused as ever, was already warming up.
Zephyr smiled at the trio and said, "Today, let the teacher assess the results of your three years of training!"
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+70 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg
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