-----
The Red Line, huh?
What a carefully chosen location. Without a doubt, it was selected to prevent the destruction of islands like last time.
After all, everyone already knows that I can stand on the ocean as if it were solid ground. If an island were to be destroyed, I wouldn't lose any combat effectiveness, but Ryokugyu's power would be severely diminished.
However, this detail is insignificant to Uchiha Kitaro.
The group quickly dispersed, but Akainu narrowed his eyes as he watched Kitaro leave. "Aramaki, if possible, I don't want to see Uchiha Akira remain in the Navy. An invader from another world becoming an Admiral is a disgrace to the entire Navy."
As Akainu spoke, molten magma dripped from his hand, melting the box that had been used for drawing lots. Within it were three identical balls, each inscribed with the name Uchiha Akira.
If Sengoku harbored suspicion toward Uchiha Akira thinking he is Uchiha Kitaro, Akainu's stance was pure hostility whether he was Akira or Kitaro.
The Uchiha clan—an invasive species from another dimension—was an abomination far worse than pirates. Such a bloodline needed to be eradicated from this world entirely.
"My brother Akainu, rest assured! Over the past year, I've absorbed the essence of many powerful pirates. My strength is far beyond what it once was. This time, I'll ensure that he disappears from this world forever, reduced to nothing but nourishment for my growth!"
"Darling, I know Akainu all too well," Gion said softly as they walked away from the Fleet Admiral's office. "He'll never allow you to become an Admiral without resistance."
"I know," Kitaro replied calmly. "But even as the Fleet Admiral, he can't do much about me right now. My military achievements are more than sufficient, and he's only just taken the position himself. He has to play by the Navy's rules."
"As for any underhanded schemes…" Kitaro's Sharingan glinted momentarily. "No amount of trickery can withstand absolute strength."
Uchiha Akira's record of achievements included capturing the Golden Lion, Shiki. Though Shiki later escaped, that wasn't Kitaro's responsibility. Shiki had been broken out of Impel Down—by none other than Kitaro himself. That had nothing to do with his earlier capture.
"What Kitaro did wasn't my fault. I'm Akira after all." Kitaro was thinking as he began to love to act as his own creation, Akira, the twin brother.
Thus, Kitaro's exemplary accomplishments still stood. Moreover, he had contributed valuable intelligence about the Flying Thunder God Technique to Sengoku. With three extraordinary merits under his name, his promotion to Admiral was beyond question.
Hearing this, Gion felt reassured. She knew her man's strength better than anyone. No matter how much Aramaki had grown, he was no match for her man.
---
Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Uchiha Kitaro traveled to the Red Line for the showdown, accompanied by numerous Vice Admirals, Rear Admirals, and Commodores from Marine Headquarters.
This wasn't just a competition; it was an opportunity for Navy officers to witness the power of Admirals firsthand. It was also a chance for them to decide who they would align with in the future.
After all, each Admiral could select five direct Vice Admirals, ten Rear Admirals, twenty Commodores, and a hundred Captains as part of their personal command. Admirals represented authority, and their forces operated independently of the Navy Headquarters, at their discretion.
Leadership was a two-way street—officers chose their commanders as much as commanders chose their officers.
The venue for the battle was a vast, primordial forest, with trees that had stood for centuries.
The observation deck was located on a nearby mountain, providing a clear view of the combat through binoculars and telescopes.
Suddenly, a voice rang out:
"Lord Rozward has arrived!"
"Lord Charlos has arrived!"
"Lady Shalria has arrived!"
The announcement made many Navy officers frown. Though they served as naval leaders, few had any love for the Celestial Dragons.
The Celestial Dragons treated everyone else as less than human, immune to laws and free to act without consequences. Their whims and actions were unchecked by any authority.
A grand procession arrived, featuring an ostentatious entourage. At its center, Rozward and Charlos Saint rode upon a massive, muscular man, accompanied by Lady Shalria.
"Father, it's the Admiral Selection! This looks like it'll be so much fun!" Shalria exclaimed excitedly.
"Let's hope this selection brings forth competent individuals—not someone like Kizaru, who couldn't even capture a single criminal. What a useless fool," Rozward grumbled bitterly. The fiasco at Sabaody Archipelago, where their family had been attacked and Kizaru failed to apprehend the culprits, still enraged him.
As Charlos Saint scanned the gathering, his gaze fell upon Gion. His eyes lit up with desire, and he quickly approached.
Thanks to Kitaro's influence, Gion now appeared no older than eighteen, radiantly beautiful. Her youthful charm stood out, even among the crowd of Marines.
Pointing a finger at her, Charlos declared, "You're beautiful! I've decided—you'll be my wife!"
Gion's expression darkened immediately, while the other Marines looked equally displeased. This Celestial Dragon dared to humiliate the Navy by treating a Vice Admiral as if she were some commoner or slave.
"Charlos Saint, stop embarrassing yourself! The Navy is not yours to trifle with!"
A green-haired Celestial Dragon stepped forward, reprimanding Charlos sharply.
"Donquixote Mjosgard! Mind your own business!" Charlos retorted angrily.
"I'll interfere as I please," Mjosgard shot back. "I can't stand people like you."
"You little brat from the Donquixote family! Don't tell me you're planning to follow in the footsteps of Donquixote Homing?" Rozward snarled at Mjosgard, using his age and status to intimidate.
Suddenly, a commanding voice cut through the tension:
"The Supreme Commander of the Holy Knights... Saint Figarland Garling has arrived!"
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