[OP Marine Officer Luffy] Chapter 521 - 525

Chapter 521: A Rare Gathering

"These outstanding young men and women are the future pillars of the Marines and the backbone of our dominion over the seas," Vice Admiral Tsuru declared, her weathered face set in a rare expression of pride.

A group of high-ranking Marine officers stood along the observation deck, watching with undisguised satisfaction as the young recruits demonstrated their skills in the training yard below. Among them, the unmistakable young man bobbed energetically moved with surprising grace for someone so young.

"That D. boy has surpassed all expectations," Sengoku murmured, stroking his goatee thoughtfully. "To think Garp's grandson would become such an asset to us rather than following in his father's revolutionary footsteps."

Now these young seedlings were growing vigorously under the Marines' careful guidance, and despite his youth, Luffy had somehow become a pillar among them. His potential seemed boundless.

"If nothing unexpected happens," Kong remarked from Sengoku's right, "the Marines will have nothing to worry about for the next sixty years."

The Fleet Admiral nodded, watching as Luffy effortlessly demonstrated a new technique to a group of awestruck recruits.

With genuine joy at witnessing the gradual rise of this promising new generation, Sengoku made an unprecedented decision. He ordered that the entire headquarters be given a three-day holiday.

"All personnel stationed at Marine Headquarters are hereby granted leave for celebration," he announced over the Den Den Mushi broadcasting system, his voice echoing throughout the massive compound. "This includes all ranks, from chore boys to Vice Admirals."

As soon as these words were spoken, raucous cheers erupted throughout the facility. Marines of all ranks embraced, clapped each other on the back, and began making plans for their unexpected freedom.

Sengoku allowed himself a small smile before raising his hand for silence. "Dismissed," he declared with an authoritative wave, granting permission for everyone to set aside their duties and enjoy themselves.

Luffy couldn't believe Sengoku would authorize such a grand celebration. With a wide grin splitting his face, he immediately released everyone in his G66 branch from duty, encouraging them to make the most of their rare holiday.

It was unusual that Luffy wasn't summoned to Sengoku's office for a debriefing. Instead, he was invited to follow the Fleet Admiral directly to his private residence within headquarters—an honor typically reserved for only the most elite Marines.

Like Vice Admiral Garp's home, Sengoku's residence was a separate villa, modest but dignified. For convenience's sake, the Fleet Admiral's dwelling was situated close to the headquarters building, and also near Vice Admiral Tsuru's residence.

The only real difference between Sengoku's home and Garp's was that the floor area was slightly larger, befitting his higher rank. Otherwise, the dwellings were remarkably similar in their military simplicity.

Reflecting on the four legendary Marines—Sengoku, Garp, former Admiral Zephyr, and Vice Admiral Tsuru—Luffy realized something he'd never considered before. Garp and Tsuru both had grandchildren, and Zephyr had once been married with children of his own before tragedy struck.

Only Sengoku had always remained a bachelor, dedicated wholly to the Marines. His only family connection had been his adopted son, Rocinante, who was killed years ago while infiltrating Doflamingo's crew. The memory of that loss still seemed to haunt the Fleet Admiral at times, visible in the distant look that occasionally clouded his eyes.

Despite the absence of a spouse or family, Sengoku's home was immaculately clean and organized. Everything had its place, from the carefully arranged tactical manuals on the bookshelf to the perfectly aligned photographs of fallen comrades. This stood in stark contrast to Luffy's memories of Garp's quarters, where clothes, reports, and half-eaten rice crackers were strewn about haphazardly.

This time, not only had Luffy and Garp been invited, but the three Admirals—Aokiji, Kizaru, and Akainu—had also received rare invitations to join them. Such a gathering of the Marines' most powerful figures was practically unprecedented outside of war councils.

As soon as they entered his home, Sengoku's demeanor transformed noticeably. The stern, unyielding Fleet Admiral seemed to melt away, replaced by a more relaxed, almost grandfatherly figure. His perpetual frown softened into a genuine smile as he gestured for everyone to make themselves comfortable.

"Please, sit anywhere you like," he said, his voice lacking its usual edge of command. "You're guests in my home now, not subordinates at headquarters."

Then, to everyone's surprise, he personally brought out an array of snacks and fresh fruits, arranging them carefully on the low table before retrieving various beverages—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—for his guests to choose from.

Ain and Hina, the youngest and most junior officers present, shifted uncomfortably as they watched the Fleet Admiral bustling about like a common host. They half-rose from their seats, eager to offer assistance, but Sengoku firmly waved them back down.

"I rarely get to entertain," he insisted. "Allow me this small pleasure."

Luffy and Kujaku, however, displayed no such hesitation. They settled comfortably on the plush sofa and immediately helped themselves to the snacks laid out on the coffee table. This clearly wasn't their first visit to Sengoku's home, and they had long since abandoned any pretense of formality in this setting.

Even Luffy, upon spotting the tea that Sengoku brought out, recognized the opportunity for mischief. He exchanged a knowing glance with his grandfather before both shot to their feet and began rummaging through Sengoku's cabinets.

"Oi, what do you think you're doing?" Sengoku protested, though there was more resignation than anger in his voice.

After a thorough search of the kitchen and pantry, Luffy emerged triumphant, clutching a small, ornate container. The distressed expression on Sengoku's face confirmed they'd found his precious secret stash—less than half a pound of premium tea leaves that he'd been saving for a special occasion.

"Ha! Found it!" Luffy exclaimed, holding up his prize. "Gramps, look! It's the fancy stuff!"

With complete disregard for Sengoku's growing dismay, Garp happily brewed the entire supply of rare tea leaves, distributing the steaming beverage to everyone present.

"Slurp~ha~" Garp took a noisy sip and grinned widely. "As expected, the real tea leaves make all the difference!"

Sengoku stared at the now-empty container, his eye twitching noticeably. The pain of watching his carefully hoarded treasure vanish in minutes was almost physical.

"You two bottomless pits," he growled, "do you even know what tea appreciation means? Those leaves are meant to be savored slowly, not gulped down like common barley tea!"

"Well, don't be so stingy, Fleet Admiral," Garp laughed, completely unrepentant. "We're all gathered together for a celebration! It would be shameful to serve your distinguished guests that ordinary tea you were planning to offer."

Sengoku glared at Garp with murderous intent. If Luffy hadn't just completed such an impressive mission, the Fleet Admiral might have sent a Buddha's Shockwave directly into that smug face.

Luffy, meanwhile, took control of the teapot and carefully filled each guest's cup with the aromatic brew. As everyone tasted the exceptional tea—its complex flavors unfolding in layers across the palate—a reverent silence fell over the room. Even the normally stoic Admirals couldn't help but give mental approval to the grandfather-grandson duo's brazen tactics.

Poor Admiral Akainu seemed particularly moved, his perpetually stern expression momentarily softening in appreciation. As someone so rigid in his adherence to rules and protocol, he'd never dared to help himself to Sengoku's prized possessions. This was likely his first time experiencing such a rare delicacy in the Fleet Admiral's home.

The brief tea ceremony served its purpose, dissolving the initial awkwardness that had permeated the gathering. The tension in the room dissipated like morning mist under the sun, replaced by a rare atmosphere of camaraderie among the Marine leaders.

For Ain and Hina especially, their earlier nervousness faded quickly, helped along by Kujaku's friendly conversation and the entertaining antics of Luffy and his grandfather. Even Akainu seemed marginally less intimidating as he cradled his teacup with uncharacteristic gentleness.

As Kuzan lazily peeled an orange, maintaining his perpetual air of relaxed indifference, he suddenly broke the comfortable silence.

"Hey, Luffy," he drawled, his curiosity finally getting the better of him. "Why don't you tell us how you managed to defeat Kaido? I've watched the video recording you sent, but I'd really like to hear the details of the battle from you directly. How did a kid your age manage to take down one of the Four Emperors?"

As soon as Aokiji voiced the question, the room's atmosphere shifted. Nearly everyone present turned their attention to Luffy, their expressions ranging from skepticism to undisguised curiosity.

It wasn't just Aokiji who wanted to know. This question had been on everyone's minds since news of Luffy's impossible victory had reached Marine Headquarters. How had Garp's fifteen-year-old grandson accomplished what entire Marine fleets had failed to do?

Luffy set down his teacup, his usual carefree grin replaced by an expression of unusual seriousness as he prepared to recount his confrontation with the World's Strongest Creature.

Chapter 522: The Ultimate Goal of Ability Development

Under the collective gaze of his grandfather and the Marine's highest-ranking officers, Luffy straightened his back instinctively. A smug grin spread across his face as he prepared to recount his battle with Kaido.

"Well, there's nothing much to say about it, really," he began with feigned modesty that fooled no one. "I just happened to be having a particularly good day, and I accidentally figured out how to use Advanced Conqueror's Haki with my Devil Fruit."

He stretched his arms behind his head casually, as though defeating one of the Four Emperors was hardly worth mentioning.

"Plus, thanks to how I've developed my Goro Goro no Mi, I was able to take down Kaido almost by accident," he concluded with a shrug, seemingly oblivious to the impact of his words.

Hearing Luffy's shameless downplaying of such a monumental achievement, Aokiji was rendered speechless. He exchanged incredulous glances with his fellow Admirals, who seemed equally stunned by the young Marine's casual attitude.

Garp, however, erupted into boisterous laughter. He slammed his palm against Luffy's back with enough force to make the boy spew out all the tea he had just swallowed.

"BWAHAHA! That's my grandson for you!" he bellowed, his voice reverberating throughout the room. "Defeating a Yonko like it's nothing! My blood runs strong in your veins, boy!"

Perhaps carried away by his pride, Garp raised his hand again and delivered another thunderous slap to Luffy's back, nearly sending the young Marine face-first into the coffee table.

"That's enough, you crazy old man!" Luffy protested, wiping tea from his chin. "If you keep hitting me like this, I'll die by your hand instead of Kaido's!"

As he spoke, Luffy made a subtle gesture with his fingers. Instantly, Garp froze mid-motion, his raised hand suspended in the air like a statue. The powerful Vice Admiral was completely immobilized, unable to complete his movement.

Everyone in the room stared in astonishment. Even Sengoku, who thought he'd seen everything in his long career, couldn't hide his surprise.

"Is the Hero of the Marines actually listening when someone tells him to stop?" Kizaru drawled, his perpetual smirk widening slightly. "That would be a first, wouldn't it?"

Amidst everyone's confusion, Garp let out a strange grunt, his expression shifting from jovial to perplexed.

"Huh? I can't move at all," he said, genuine surprise evident in his voice. "What kind of ability is this, Luffy?"

As he spoke, the legendary Marine began channeling his Armament Haki, the skin on his immobilized arm darkening to a glossy black as he attempted to break through whatever force was holding him.

To everyone's amazement, even with his Haki activated, Garp couldn't immediately free himself. It was only when he concentrated more intensely, his face contorting with effort, that he managed to overcome the invisible restraint.

Luffy couldn't suppress a triumphant smile as he watched his grandfather struggle. "That's exactly how I defeated Kaido," he explained proudly. "Even you, Gramps, can't break free without serious effort. Imagine what happens to someone who isn't expecting it."

The room fell silent as the implications sank in. Every Marine officer present understood the significance of what they'd just witnessed.

In theory, all Devil Fruit abilities could be countered with sufficient Haki mastery—especially for someone like Garp, whose Armament Haki was legendary throughout the seas. Normal Devil Fruit effects shouldn't be able to restrain him for even a moment if he was actively resisting.

Yet Luffy's ability had temporarily immobilized one of the strongest men in the world. And judging by the young Marine's relaxed posture, he hadn't even used his full power.

Sengoku, who had some prior knowledge of Luffy's unique development of the Goro Goro no Mi, shook his head in amazement.

"Electricity generating magnetism?" he mused, stroking his goatee thoughtfully. "Luffy, you truly are a genius. This development path has been theorized by hundreds of scientists over the years, but no one has successfully implemented it until now."

Zephyr nodded in agreement, his scarred face showing rare approval for his former student. "Back at the Marine training camp, your theoretical scores were the highest in your class, second only to Ain. Now you're applying that knowledge to develop your Devil Fruit in ways no one has imagined before. You've surpassed even my expectations."

The former Admiral's thoughts went deeper than his two old friends'. Magnetism itself wasn't particularly rare in the world—there was even a notorious pirate who wielded the Jiki Jiki no Mi, granting direct control over magnetic forces.

When it came to pure magnetic manipulation, that fruit should theoretically be more powerful than Luffy's Goro Goro no Mi. Yet in all recorded history, no one had ever developed magnetic abilities to the level Luffy was demonstrating.

This was clearly not ordinary magnetism. Standard magnetic forces couldn't immobilize a human body with such precision, especially one reinforced with Haki.

"The human body's electromagnetic field," Vice Admiral Tsuru said suddenly, her analytical mind piecing together the puzzle. "You've somehow found a way to control the electromagnetic fields generated by living organisms."

Her eyes narrowed as another realization struck her. "And that's how you moved Onigashima away from Wano Country, isn't it? By manipulating the island's magnetic properties on a massive scale."

She leaned forward, her usually stern expression replaced by genuine curiosity. "Luffy, just how far can you extend this ability? What are its limits?"

As expected of the Marines' most brilliant tactical mind, Tsuru had immediately identified the unprecedented nature of Luffy's power. The young Marine turned to her with a respectful nod before flashing a confident thumbs-up.

"Let me put it this way," he stated without a hint of modesty or restraint, his voice filled with absolute conviction. "My ultimate goal is to influence the entire planet beneath our feet. Eventually, I want to make all stop moving under my control!"

The teacup in Aokiji's hand slipped from his fingers, shattering against the floor. No one even noticed the sound.

Ain, Hina, and Kujaku stared at Luffy in stunned silence, their eyes wide with disbelief. He had never shared such ambitious goals with them before. Was this really something any human being could achieve, regardless of talent or Devil Fruit?

The reaction wasn't limited to the younger Marines. Sengoku, Zephyr, and even the three Admirals wore expressions of shock that mirrored each other's.

Each of them had eaten powerful Devil Fruits and spent decades developing their abilities to extraordinary levels. Yet even at their peak, most would struggle to completely destroy a single island.

Meanwhile, Luffy casually declared his intention to control the movement of an entire planet—perhaps even celestial bodies beyond it—as though discussing a minor training goal.

Were they all so limited in their thinking? Or was Luffy simply delusional, making grandiose claims that could never be realized?

The bewildered gathering turned as one to Vice Admiral Tsuru, silently seeking her assessment. As the Marines' foremost strategic mind and most knowledgeable officer on Devil Fruit theory, her opinion carried immense weight.

The elderly Vice Admiral had fallen silent, her sharp mind rapidly analyzing the theoretical possibilities of what Luffy had proposed. Even with her extensive knowledge, she needed only half a second of consideration before decisively shaking her head.

"Impossible," she declared firmly, cutting through the tension in the room. "Even with the most advanced development of electromagnetic manipulation, affecting planetary motion would require energy output beyond anything a human body could generate or control."

Her eyes narrowed as she studied Luffy's confident expression. "Unless..."

A new possibility began forming in her mind, one that made even the legendary Vice Admiral pause. What if Luffy had discovered something about Devil Fruits that no one else had realized in all the centuries since they first appeared in the world?

The gathered Marines waited anxiously for her to continue, unaware that this conversation would soon alter their understanding of Devil Fruit abilities forever.

Chapter 523: Admiral Nomination, Garp's Disdain

"No," Tsuru said firmly, cutting through the tense silence. "This is completely impossible."

She set her teacup down with deliberate precision, her weathered features set in an expression of certainty born from decades of experience.

"Even if you completely mastered electromagnetic manipulation, controlling planetary bodies would remain beyond reach. In theory, yes, everything from a needle to a planet has magnetic properties that could be influenced. But have you considered the physical requirements?"

Her piercing gaze focused on Luffy, who seemed unfazed by her skepticism.

"The amount of raw power needed to affect objects on that scale is unfathomable. Without physical strength that exceeds even the most monstrous beings we've encountered, how could you possibly channel such abilities? This remains purely theoretical—implementing it in practice is simply beyond human capacity."

After listening to Tsuru's authoritative analysis, Sengoku and the others visibly relaxed. Several shoulders slumped in relief, and the atmosphere in the room lightened considerably.

That's right, they collectively realized. If such power were attainable, why would the World Government maintain its elaborate power structures? If Luffy could truly manipulate planetary bodies, the entire concept of the Three Great Powers would become obsolete overnight.

The Marines wouldn't need three Admirals anymore—Luffy alone could dominate the seas with a gesture.

Luffy scratched his head, looking genuinely disappointed. This was the frustrating reality of Devil Fruits in their world—abilities were intrinsically linked to the user's physical constitution. To achieve truly world-altering effects, one needed bodily strength that defied all conventional understanding.

However, the young Marine wasn't one to be discouraged for long. He narrowed his eyes at the visibly relieved officers and said with undisguised pride:

"What are you all looking so happy about? Even if I can't control entire planets, I believe I could still manipulate dozens of islands simultaneously, just like Shiki the Golden Lion did with his Fuwa Fuwa no Mi."

His grin widened, revealing a confidence that bordered on arrogance.

"Besides, electromagnetic fields can accomplish incredible feats that would make your abilities seem trivial by comparison."

Even the stoic Akainu felt a wave of irritation at Luffy's naked contempt, but found himself unable to formulate a counterargument. The boy's words stung because they contained an uncomfortable grain of truth.

Damn, he thought bitterly. Comparing yourself to others truly is a path to frustration.

The Goro Goro no Mi had always been recognized for its versatility, naturally combining speed, power, and elemental transformation in ways that most other Devil Fruits couldn't match. Now that Luffy had developed these unprecedented magnetic applications, how could traditional Logia or even Mythical Zoan users hope to compete?

Thankfully, the Admiral reminded himself, this extraordinarily gifted youth was a Marine. If Luffy had followed his father Dragon's path, rebelling against the Marines to join the Revolutionary Army or become a pirate, the consequences would be catastrophic.

Just imagining that possibility was enough to make the future of the Marines look bleak.

When Sengoku considered this alternate reality, a chill ran down his spine. This boy was developing at such an alarming rate that his power might already have surpassed the Fleet Admiral's own.

If Luffy ever turned against them, the Marines would face an enemy unlike any they had encountered before. It might be better to disband the organization entirely than face such a threat.

What Sengoku didn't realize was that his worst fears had already materialized, though not in the way he imagined.

Unlike the Revolutionary Army, which openly opposed the Marines and World Government, Luffy harbored ambitions that were far more audacious than anything Sengoku could conceive.

The boy planned to rise through the ranks, become an Admiral of the Marines, and then lead the entire organization to independence from the World Government's control.

After that, he would unite all those oppressed by the Celestial Dragons and their puppet regimes to overthrow the entire world order that had stood for eight centuries.

Sengoku had no inkling that he had unknowingly dug himself into a hole so deep that the World Government might never recover from it. Worse still, he was eagerly helping Luffy climb the very ladder that would eventually lead to revolution.

"Luffy," the Fleet Admiral said, mercifully unaware of the young Marine's true intentions, "I've already submitted your nomination for promotion to Admiral."

He stroked his goatee thoughtfully before adding, "However, unlike Vice Admiral or even Admiral candidate positions, full Admiral rank must receive approval from the World Government—specifically from the Five Elders themselves."

Sengoku's expression became more serious. "That means you'll need to present yourself at Mariejois for their evaluation. There's no way around it."

"Mariejois?" Luffy's face fell instantly. "I'd really rather avoid that place if at all possible."

The mere mention of the holy city seemed to drain all enthusiasm from the usually energetic young Marine. A heavy sigh escaped his lips, his shoulders slumping noticeably.

Sengoku's heart tightened at this reaction, and the other high-ranking officers averted their eyes, uncertain expressions flickering across their faces. The room temperature seemed to drop several degrees.

Fortunately, Luffy didn't leave the Fleet Admiral in suspense for long. After a moment of visible reluctance, he straightened his posture and nodded in acceptance.

"Alright, I guess there's no becoming an Admiral without jumping through a few hoops," he conceded, though without his usual enthusiasm. "But speaking of which, after I become an Admiral, you won't station me in Mariejois, will you? I think I'd lose my mind if that happened."

Sengoku's mouth twitched at Luffy's blunt words. Thankfully, everyone present shared a healthy distaste for the Celestial Dragons, so there was little risk of Luffy's candor being reported to unwelcome ears.

Garp erupted into thunderous laughter, slapping his knee with enough force to rattle the teacups.

"BWAHAHA! You little brat! If you hate those parasites so much, then don't become a damn Admiral in the first place!"

His grin widened as he puffed out his chest proudly.

"It's much better being a Vice Admiral like your grandfather. We don't answer to those self-important nobles, and the perks aren't much different anyway!"

The three Admirals' expressions tightened simultaneously at Garp's tactless remarks. Aokiji rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly while Kizaru raised an eyebrow. Akainu's perpetual scowl deepened to dangerous levels.

"Ara ara," Kuzan said helplessly, "Vice Admiral Garp, the three of us are sitting right here. Perhaps a little tact wouldn't hurt?"

Garp responded with a dismissive snort, clearly unmoved by the suggestion that he should show more respect to the Admirals. In his mind, they were still wet-behind-the-ears rookies who had risen through the ranks too quickly.

Aokiji scratched his head uncomfortably but ultimately decided to let the matter drop. There was no winning an argument with the Hero of the Marines once he'd made up his mind.

An Admiral might command tremendous respect throughout the seas, but to Garp—who had refused the position multiple times—it was a title weighted down by bureaucracy and political obligations. In his eyes, the role was hardly different from a glorified puppet.

Luffy understood his grandfather's perspective perfectly, but he had his own ambitions that required a different path.

"I can't help it, Gramps," he explained with a mixture of determination and resignation. "My goal is to eventually become Fleet Admiral. If I don't first reach Admiral rank, how could I ever be considered for your position, Sengoku-san?"

He gestured meaningfully to the elderly leader across from him.

"Since the founding of the Marines, there's never been a Fleet Admiral selected from among the Vice Admirals. It's simply not how the system works."

Sengoku nodded in agreement, his gaze unconsciously drifting toward the three Admirals seated nearby. The implications were clear to everyone in the room—one of these men would likely succeed him someday.

Unless, of course, an extraordinarily gifted young Marine were to rise through the ranks at unprecedented speed, reshaping the institution from within before any of them realized what was happening.

Chapter 524: The Four Emperors Are Nothing!

When Luffy boldly declared his ambition to become Fleet Admiral, the three current Admirals showed surprisingly muted reactions.

Kizaru merely raised an eyebrow, his perpetually relaxed expression unchanged. He had never harbored aspirations for the position himself, content with the freedom his current rank afforded him without the burden of ultimate responsibility.

Aokiji remained equally unfazed. He had never actively sought the Fleet Admiral position either—his future candidacy would come only through Sengoku's nomination, and his competition with Akainu would be driven more by ideological differences than personal ambition.

In truth, as long as Akainu didn't ascend to Fleet Admiral, Kuzan had no objections to anyone else taking the position. If Kizaru somehow ended up with the job, he would accept it without complaint. And if Luffy eventually claimed the title? That possibility seemed too distant to warrant concern.

Akainu's reaction was the most telling. His brow furrowed momentarily before his expression cleared with sudden realization.

While Sakazuki certainly had designs on the Fleet Admiral position, Luffy's youth made him a non-threat in the immediate future. Even if Sengoku retired soon, it was inconceivable that the World Government would appoint someone so young to the Marines' highest office.

Logic dictated that one of the current Admirals would serve as an interim Fleet Admiral for at least a decade or two. By the time Luffy reached an appropriate age—thirty or forty, the prime of his career—Akainu would be approaching the latter stages of his own. Passing the torch then would be natural and expected.

More importantly, Akainu had been quietly monitoring Luffy's handling of criminal elements throughout his rapid rise through the ranks. The young Marine's approach was unexpectedly aligned with Sakazuki's own philosophy of Absolute Justice.

From his early days patrolling the East Blue to his current command position, Luffy had shown a surprisingly firm hand with pirates and criminals. He had even executed several corrupt branch commanders without seeking prior approval from Marine Headquarters—a decisive action that resonated with Akainu's hardline stance.

This realization led Sakazuki to a pragmatic conclusion: if fate denied him the Fleet Admiral position, he would rather see it go to Luffy than to the more lenient Aokiji. The Marine hierarchy must never fall to those who showed weakness toward criminal elements.

Observing the Admirals' lack of negative reaction, Sengoku allowed himself a small sigh of relief. A smile crept across his weathered features as he turned back to Luffy.

"You ambitious brat," he chuckled. "Focus on becoming an Admiral first before setting your sights on my chair."

His expression softened further.

"As for stationing in Mariejois—even if I approved such an assignment, those arrogant Celestial Dragons would never accept a fourteen-year-old as their protector, regardless of your accomplishments."

"Tch, you say that like anyone would be disappointed," Luffy replied with undisguised contempt, unable to hide his relief.

The most distasteful aspect of the Admiral rank was the obligation to serve as occasional bodyguard to the World Nobles. Being spared this degrading duty due to his youth was an unexpected silver lining that Luffy welcomed wholeheartedly. One less compromising position where he'd have to pretend loyalty to the system he secretly planned to overthrow.

"It's truly remarkable that you're becoming an Admiral so quickly," Vice Admiral Gion interjected, her voice carrying a hint of wistfulness. "I've dedicated years of service to the Marines, and I'm still only considered an Admiral candidate."

Though genuinely happy for Luffy's advancement, Gion couldn't help feeling a twinge of envy. Her complaint carried the familiar tone of an older sister teasing a younger brother who had somehow outpaced her.

Luffy regarded her with fond exasperation before offering his advice:

"Then you should intensify your training regimen," he said matter-of-factly. "Your candidate status proves you have the potential for further advancement."

He tapped his chin thoughtfully.

"If that's not enough, consider finding a Devil Fruit with good development potential. The Marines would benefit tremendously from having you among the Admirals."

His expression grew more serious as he continued.

"Ideally, I'd like to see you, Yamakaji, and Issho all reach Admiral rank. With that level of strength concentrated in the Marines, the Four Emperors would have no reason to exist."

Momousagi rolled her eyes at his lecturing tone.

"You're dreaming," she scoffed good-naturedly. "I have complete faith that Issho will eventually join the Admirals, but Yamakaji? That's wishful thinking."

She shook her head in resignation.

"I haven't seen him engage in serious training since he became a Vice Admiral. He's grown complacent."

Zephyr listened to their exchange silently, a knowing look crossing his scarred face.

Vice Admiral Yamakaji had joined the Marines before any of the current Admirals, but he had never been under Zephyr's direct tutelage. Nevertheless, the former Admiral was well-acquainted with the man's character and career trajectory.

Gion’s assessment was accurate. Yamakaji had lost his drive, seemingly content with his current position and unwilling to push himself further. His advancement to Admiral rank seemed increasingly unlikely.

As for Issho, Zephyr acknowledged the potential in this officer whom Luffy had personally recommended. His raw strength was undeniable, but his relatively recent enlistment meant he lacked the accumulated achievements necessary for higher promotion.

If only he could face off against the Four Emperors as Luffy had done, Zephyr mused. He wouldn't even need to defeat them—a documented confrontation, combined with the Marines' propaganda machine, would be enough to fast-track him to Admiral status.

Sengoku was contemplating similar thoughts, though his perspective was considerably more optimistic than Zephyr's.

Yamakaji's stagnation was unfortunate but ultimately inconsequential. What truly mattered was the meteoric rise of promising officers like Luffy and Issho—unexpected blessings that would reshape the Marines' future.

The possibility that the Marines might soon boast five concurrent Admirals—a historic first—brought an involuntary smile to Sengoku's face, the deep wrinkles around his eyes crinkling with genuine pleasure.

Throughout their eight-hundred-year history alongside the World Government, the Marines had never achieved such concentrated power at their highest ranks. The previous generation had suffered with merely two Admirals, largely due to Garp's stubborn refusal of promotion.

Now, counting himself, Garp, and Zephyr alongside the current and imminent Admirals, the Marines commanded a staggering eight individuals of Admiral-level strength.

This calculation struck Sengoku with sudden clarity, and his initial elation gave way to thoughtful consideration. With such unprecedented power at their disposal, how would the balance with the Four Emperors shift? For the first time in centuries, the Marines possessed the strength to potentially challenge the pirate world's established order directly.

As this realization settled over him, Sengoku's gaze drifted to Luffy, the young man whose unexpected path had catalyzed this transformation. Perhaps the boy's earlier boast wasn't so outlandish after all—with the Marines' growing strength, the Four Emperors might indeed become obsolete.

Chapter 525: Double Happiness!

The surprises didn't end there. After hearing Gion’s critical assessment of her fellow Admiral candidates Yamakaji and Issho—notably omitting herself from discussion—Tsuru's interest was piqued. The veteran Vice Admiral decided to probe further, with a hint of evaluation in her tone.

"Don't just critique your colleagues," she said, directing a pointed gaze at Gion. "What about your own prospects? Do you have the confidence to become an Admiral?"

Tsuru took a measured sip of tea before continuing.

"I watched the battle footage Luffy sent to headquarters. It seems your combat abilities haven't improved significantly in recent months."

Her voice carried no malice, only the frank assessment of a senior officer.

"Even Kaido's daughter Yamato has surpassed you now. At this rate, Boa Hancock will overtake you within a few years."

Gion's expression immediately soured at being criticized in front of such distinguished company. Her cheeks flushed with indignation.

"That's absurd!" she protested. "Yamato has mastered Advanced Conqueror's Haki, so comparing us isn't fair."

She lifted her chin defiantly.

"But Boa Hancock? She's nothing special—I could handle her with minimal effort."

Hearing Gion's boastful claim, Luffy nearly choked on his tea. He set his cup down with deliberate care before fixing her with an incredulous stare.

"Yes, yes, your inexplicable self-confidence never ceases to amaze me," he remarked dryly. "The reality is that you excel at talking, but in actual combat, the best you could hope for against Hancock would be a stalemate."

"You—!" Gion's eyes widened in outrage as she glared at the younger Marine.

Before she could launch into a heated rebuttal, Sengoku clapped his hands together enthusiastically, his expression brightening.

"A stalemate! What a wonderful development that would be!"

Gion's gaze snapped toward the Fleet Admiral, her eyes flashing with indignation. Her expression clearly communicated her displeasure: What exactly are you celebrating? Are you actually pleased at the thought of me barely matching Hancock?

Sengoku, oblivious to her silent protest, continued with unrestrained enthusiasm.

"Perfect! I'd nearly forgotten about Hancock," he exclaimed, stroking his goatee thoughtfully. "She's another exceptional talent with genuine Admiral potential."

His expression grew increasingly animated.

"And Kaido's daughter—Yamato, was it? That young woman showed remarkable courage. I reviewed the footage myself—she was the first to challenge Kaido directly."

He nodded emphatically, as though confirming his own assessment.

"Yes, yes, both could certainly reach Admiral level in the future. Definitely Admiral material!"

A broad smile spread across his face as he practically vibrated with excitement.

"Hehe, double happiness! Two more potential Admirals for the Marines! Hehehe!"

Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru, who had been content to watch the exchange with detached amusement, were left speechless by Sengoku's enthusiastic proclamation.

What was happening? Had the prestigious rank of Admiral suddenly become so easily attainable? In the span of a single conversation, Sengoku had casually identified multiple potential candidates, seemingly devaluing the position the three of them had struggled for years to achieve.

More troubling still was the implication for their own standing. If the Marines gained several new Admirals, would their individual influence diminish? Would they become obsolete?

Kizaru appeared particularly conflicted. When it was just the three of them, he could maintain his relaxed work ethic without significant consequences. But what if Sengoku appointed additional Admirals who displayed greater diligence? Would the Fleet Admiral notice his tendency to slack off and reduce his pay accordingly? How would that affect his retirement plans?

"How problematic," he muttered under his breath. "Will I actually need to exert myself in the future?"

He sighed dramatically.

"Damned workplace competition. It seems no profession is immune to it."

Among all present, Borsalino alone appeared genuinely distressed by these developments, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by workplace anxiety.

Observing Sengoku's uncharacteristic excitement, Gion huffed in dissatisfaction, muttering just loudly enough to be heard:

"That Yamato girl was simply fortunate to awaken her Conqueror's Haki early. Once I consume the Mythical Zoan Vampire Fruit, we'll see who becomes an Admiral first."

"Vampire Fruit?" Tsuru interjected sharply, her attention fully captured. "The legendary Mythical Zoan that grants rejuvenation abilities? You know its whereabouts?"

Since they were among trusted colleagues, Gion saw no reason for secrecy. She nodded in confirmation.

"Yes, I have a general idea of its location," she replied. "Luffy provided the intelligence."

At this revelation, all eyes turned toward Luffy with expressions ranging from surprise to suspicion.

Even Aokiji, normally so difficult to impress, couldn't maintain his indifferent façade.

"Hey, what's the deal with you, kid?" he drawled, though his tone betrayed genuine curiosity. "Are you some kind of human treasure map for Devil Fruits? How do you keep finding these incredibly rare specimens?"

Luffy didn't blame Gion for casually revealing information he'd shared in confidence. Eventually, everyone would discover the truth when she manifested her new abilities.

He spread his hands in a gesture of innocent helplessness.

"Perhaps it's simply good fortune," he suggested with a modest shrug. "Even when I'm not actively searching, exceptional Devil Fruits and talented individuals seem to gravitate toward me."

His expression brightened as he changed the subject.

"Speaking of talented individuals, when chatting with Zephyr earlier, I mentioned Mansherry to him and promised to bring her for a consultation in two days."

He turned toward the scarred former Admiral.

"Your respiratory condition has troubled you for years. The Marines and World Government have sent numerous physicians to treat you, but none have succeeded. Perhaps a different approach might yield better results."

Everyone fell silent, momentarily stunned by Luffy's casual reference to yet another rare asset at his disposal.

Seeing their speechless reactions, Luffy couldn't help but chuckle. He quickly defused the tension with a few well-placed jokes, deliberately steering the conversation away from further discussion of the Vampire Fruit.

Zephyr considered Luffy's offer with cautious optimism. If the young Marine claimed his associates possessed treatment methods not available to conventional medicine, why not allow them to attempt what others had failed to accomplish?

In this world of Devil Fruits and supernatural abilities, unconventional solutions often succeeded where traditional approaches failed. Perhaps Luffy's mysterious connections could indeed remedy the chronic condition that had plagued him for so long.