---
"..."
Everyone was speechless. Bad temper? That wasn't just bad; it was downright terrifying.
At this moment, Aokiji broke the silence. "Uchiha Akira, can Kitaro use that technique too?"
"Of course!" Kitaro replied casually. "Most of my ninjutsu were taught by my brother. The few techniques he didn't teach me? They're just ones he deemed beneath him—not something he can't learn."
He smirked. "The only things my brother can't use are bloodline techniques that require specific kekkei genkai. But honestly, it doesn't matter. Our clan's Sharingan is the strongest bloodline limit in the shinobi world."
Hearing Kitaro repeatedly refer to "my brother," the surrounding onlookers couldn't help but feel convinced that he was indeed Akira, Uchiha Kitaro's twin brother. Otherwise, if he were Kitaro himself, wouldn't it be absurdly shameless to keep saying such things?
Sengoku turned his gaze to the future Admiral Ryokugyu. "Aramaki, what's your take on this?"
Aramaki's expression soured. He was the one who suggested settling things between the three of them, yet he ended up the most battered. If not for Fujitora pushing him at the last moment, he might have perished on that island.
"Hmph! I lost this time. But don't think I'll lose forever. Next time, I'll settle the score!" Ryokugyu said stubbornly. This battle had shown him the terrifying strength of the Uchiha clan. Kitaro's attacks were relentless—not just destroying the seeds he relied on but obliterating the very ground they would grow in.
And then there was Fujitora. The old man's meteor summoning had genuinely shaken him to the core.
Fujitora spoke humbly. "Old man accepts defeat too. The Uchiha Clan truly lives up to its reputation. For someone as young as you to wield such power, Uchiha Akira... I can hardly imagine just how strong your brother, Kitaro, must be."
"My brother's strength? It's on a level I can't hope to match," Kitaro admitted nonchalantly. "That's why I had to seek the world government's help in the first place."
At this, Sengoku addressed the three of them. "The three of you are immensely powerful. In this era of rampant piracy, your decision to join the navy is a blessing not only to us but to the world."
"On behalf of the navy, I officially welcome you all."
"However, since this is a recruitment through the World Conscription, prior achievements can't be considered. Your ranks will be determined purely by strength. All three of you are on par with admirals, but since the admiral slots are filled, your initial rank will be Vice Admiral."
"Becoming an admiral requires competition. The navy is filled with experts just a step below the admiral level. To rise, you'll need to surpass them."
Kitaro shrugged. "Fair enough. Makes sense. Jumping straight to admiral would definitely cause some unrest."
Sengoku thought to himself, Not just unrest—there's already plenty of dissatisfaction over you skipping straight to Vice Admiral.
Military promotions weren't that simple. Strength was one thing, but service and accumulated achievements were just as critical.
Fujitora nodded. "I have no objections. As long as it allows me to carry out justice, it's enough."
Seeing the other two agree, Ryokugyu had no choice but to acquiesce as well.
"Bring the Vice Admiral coats!"
Three naval soldiers stepped forward, each holding a pristine new coat. None of the three hesitated as they draped them over their shoulders.
Kitaro marveled at the surreal experience. Who would've thought he'd one day wear a navy uniform and hold the rank of Vice Admiral?
Returning to navy headquarters, Sengoku announced before the entire assembly that Akira, Issho, and Aramaki had joined the navy as Vice Admirals through World Conscription.
The news sent shockwaves across the world.
The revelation that Uchiha Kitaro had a twin brother, Uchiha Akira, was astonishing enough. But for Akira to join the navy as a Vice Admiral? It was beyond belief.
The very next day, Kitaro issued a public response.
"Kids grow up. It's natural for them to rebel. If he wants to play navy, let him."
This short, dismissive statement was dripping with Kitaro's trademark arrogance, likening the navy to a child's game and showing complete indifference toward his brother's actions.
When asked about the Mangekyō Sharingan's rumored need for a sibling's eyes to evolve into the Eternal Mangekyō, Kitaro scoffed.
"As if I'd stoop so low. I, Uchiha Kitaro, have my pride. My foolish little brother simply overthinks things."
His words further convinced many that Akira truly was his twin brother. But Sengoku remained skeptical, discreetly assigning the Cipher Pol agents to investigate.
---
Six Months Later
Time passed quickly. The New World had largely stabilized, and those who doubted Kitaro's control due to a lack of subordinates quickly learned otherwise.
The Uchiha Security Company's New White Division had made a name for itself, earning the moniker "The undying White Division."
Why? Because these guys seemed impossible to kill. Swords through the heart didn't even slow them down. Those who dared to try? They now worked in the mines.
Uchiha Security also began handling security for several nations abandoned by the world government after failing to pay the Heavenly Tribute. The fee? A mere tenth of the nation's total income. Such an affordable rate made many other member nations green with envy.
Meanwhile, Crocodile had undergone a radical transformation since Kitaro turned him into a demon. With his newfound powers, Crocodile operated openly and with little restraint. No longer called the Sand Crocodile, he was now known as the Cannibal Crocodile.
In just six months, Crocodile's bounty skyrocketed to 2,563,000,000 berries.
Many now viewed him as a strong contender for the vacant Yonko position. Pirates flocked to his banner, and his influence in the New World had become a formidable force.
.
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