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At the World Government Headquarters, Pangaea Castle—Uchiha Kitaro and Fujitora arrived at the seat of the Five Elders.
Achieving the rank of Marine Admiral meant becoming a core figure in the World Government's power structure. Naturally, this required an audience with its highest leaders—the Five Elders.
When Uchiha Kitaro (Akira) and Fujitora entered the grand hall, three others were already present: the new Fleet Admiral Akainu, Admiral Kizaru, and Vice-Admiral Aramaki (Ryokugyu).
Ryokugyu's expression darkened the moment he saw Kitaro and Fujitora. His defeat in the Admiral selection process was still a sore point—one caused by the very people now standing before him.
Akainu introduced them formally. "Uchiha Akira, Fujitora—these five gentlemen are the highest authorities of the World Government, the Five Elders."
"Honorable Elders," Kitaro greeted respectfully.
Jaygarcia Saturn, the Elder known as the Warlord of Science and Defense, smiled warmly. "So you're Uchiha Akira and Fujitora. Your reputations precede you.
"First of all, congratulations on your appointments as Marine Admirals. We look forward to your contributions to global peace.
"Secondly, Fleet Admiral Akainu has proposed a new idea, one we've all agreed on. Given the escalating tensions between the world's factions, the current structure of three Admirals is no longer sufficient to maintain balance. Changes must be made.
"From this day forward, the Marines will establish a fourth Admiral position to address the growing chaos in the world."
Akainu interjected, "I've recommended Aramaki for this new Admiral role. His strength speaks for itself."
Hearing this, Kitaro's brow twitched slightly as his gaze shifted to Ryokugyu. The smug expression on Aramaki's face was practically screaming: "So what if you beat me? I'm still an Admiral like you now."
Even Fujitora, blind though he was, could sense Ryokugyu's gloating through his exceptional Observation Haki.
Kitaro understood the situation. This was not merely a recognition of Ryokugyu's strength. It was his sycophantic loyalty (being a dog) to the Celestial Dragons that earned him the seat.
The Marines, being the World Government's largest military force, had historically enjoyed a degree of autonomy thanks to the efforts of Kong, the former Fleet Admiral and current Commander-in-Chief. This independence left the Government unable to fully control the Marines.
During the competition for Fleet Admiral, Akainu's willingness to align with the Five Elders had tipped the scales in his favor over Aokiji.
Now, Akainu was reinforcing his position by introducing an Admiral loyal to the Celestial Dragons. The Five Elders couldn't be happier—they were regaining influence over half of the Marine hierarchy.
One of the Elders, Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, directed his gaze toward Kitaro and Fujitora. "As Admirals, your opinions matter. Do you have any objections to this proposal?"
This wasn't a question—it was a notification.
"I have no objections," Fujitora replied calmly. His focus was on enacting his vision of justice, and to do that, he needed power.
Kitaro smirked faintly. "No objections here, either. However, I'd suggest ranking the Admirals numerically. Otherwise, if someone's performance is too embarrassing, it could tarnish the entire Admiral title."
"You—!" Ryokugyu glared at Kitaro, his temper flaring. Everyone knew who Kitaro was referring to.
"Oh, I quite like that idea!" Kizaru suddenly chimed in, his tone playful but laced with intent. "A numerical ranking for Admirals—it's fitting for the new era."
"I agree," Fujitora added. His dissatisfaction with Ryokugyu's promotion was evident.
With all three Admirals in agreement, neither Akainu nor the Five Elders could object.
Saint Topman Warcury, the Elder overseeing Justice, asked, "So how shall we assign the ranks? Kizaru, would you like to be the First Admiral?"
Kizaru waved his hands dismissively. "Oh no, I wouldn't dream of it. I'll settle for being the Second Admiral. Let the younger generation take the top spot."
Fujitora nodded. "I'm not young either. I'll take Third Admiral. I like the number three anyway."
Saint Marcus Mars, the Elder of Environment, addressed the room. "That leaves the positions of First and Fourth Admiral. Uchiha Akira and Aramaki—who will take the top spot?"
Kitaro turned to Ryokugyu with an amused look, his eyes daring him to speak.
After a moment of hesitation, Ryokugyu clenched his jaw in frustration. "I'll... I'll take Fourth Admiral."
The humiliation was clear. If the weakest among them claimed First Admiral, it would make the entire Marine hierarchy a laughingstock. He had no choice but to back down.
Kitaro grinned. "Since everyone insists, I'll humbly accept the position of First Admiral."
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, the Elder of Agriculture, finalized it. "So be it. Uchiha AKira is now the First Admiral of the Marines."
Just then, a voice called from outside. "Elders! The Supreme Commander of the Holy Knights, Saint Figarland Garling, requests an audience!"
Jaygarcia Saturn looked surprised. "Figarland? What brings him here? Let him in."
Saint Figarland Garling, the commander of the Celestial Dragons' most elite force, rarely appeared in public. Tasked with protecting the Celestial Dragons and even authorized to execute them if necessary, his arrival was a rare event.
Moments later, the elegantly dressed Figarland Garling strode into the hall, his presence commanding.
Without sparing the Five Elders a glance, he walked straight up to Kitaro.
"You're Uchiha Akira, right? Interested in joining the Holy Knights?"
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