This kind of thing really fits the style of CP0.
To avoid a spy having a sudden change of heart and risking exposure, CP0 will kill the person the spy wants to help, eliminating the motive for exposure from the root.
And everyone knows CP0 truly operates this way. They have the authority to do so because CP0 serves the Heavenly Celestial Dragon directly.
Of course...
The World Government also has the power to mobilize them.
Currently, only seven people in the World Government have the authority to mobilize CP0, besides the Five Elders, only Yakushi Kabuto and Commander-in-Chief Steel Bone Kong.
Obviously...
According to Marshal Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru's speculation, the activities of CP0 in Wano Country are very likely to be under Yakushi Kabuto's instruction.
After all...
Only Yakushi Kabuto has been consistently monitoring the intelligence from Wano Country.
They couldn't help but turn their gaze towards Yakushi Kabuto.
Yakushi Kabuto slowly pushed up his glasses, showing a slight serious expression on his face: "Colonel Naraku, what CP0 did in Wano Country was under my instruction. Everything I did was for your safety..."
At this point, Yakushi Kabuto's face even showed a trace of sternness: "If it weren't for you, CP0 wouldn't have lost so many personnel, even losses for protecting the World Nobles were not as significant as the losses to protect you!"
That statement is quite true.
Ever since Akatsuki took over Wano Country, the CP0 personnel have been continuously diminishing there, even the CP0 assigned to the Heavenly Celestial Dragons have been reduced. The entire CP department finds it hard to endure the losses.
Every year, the CP0 members dispatched to Wano Country disappear without a trace. If not for Yakushi Kabuto's expertise in training spies, the CP Department might have collapsed...
"Vice Admiral Kabuto, but those were people I wanted to save, not only failing to save them, but ended up dying under our knives because of me..."
Uehara Naraku's face gradually dimmed, he gritted his teeth, muttering: "What should I do? I only dare to vent my anger in my secluded place, telling myself it's for a greater purpose...
But the persistent feeling of helplessness and guilt is like a nightmare, I don't even know how long I can hold on..."
"Colonel Uehara Naraku..."
Sengoku the Buddha slowly took off his glasses, wiping the fog off the lenses. This Navy Admiral finally empathized with the pain and struggle of a spy.
This story completely moved this Navy Admiral's compassion.
Back then...
His adopted son Corazon...
Was probably tortured under a similar mindset as Uehara Naraku, right?
No, perhaps Corazon's torment was even greater because the pirate gang he infiltrated was led by his own brother, Donquixote Doflamingo.
Corazon ultimately sacrificed himself.
Now, Uehara Naraku has returned from his torment in Wano Country.
If Uehara Naraku is further forced to execute undercover missions, it could genuinely cause mental issues for a Navy who has chosen to risk himself for justice...
Sengoku slowly slid the glasses back on his nose bridge, shaking his head and sighing heavily, he seriously spoke: "Alright, after we conclude this meeting, I will promote you based on your accomplishments, and..."
"That's not permissible..."
Yakushi Kabuto pushed up his glasses again, standing in front of the Navy Admiral's desk, speaking leisurely: "Colonel Naraku is the most skilled undercover member in the Navy SWORD Squad, CP0 wasted many resources for him to lurk in Wano Country for so many years..."
Yakushi Kabuto's lips curled into a cold smile as he looked at the Naval Admiral: "Your Excellency Admiral, can you truly believe CP0 would lose so much in protecting him, only for him to return as an ordinary Navy Captain?"
Yakushi Kabuto slowly crouched in front of Uehara Naraku, chuckling softly: "Impossible... I will recruit him into the CP0 department, to continue doing what he's best at..."
"Kabuto!"
Vice Admiral Tsuru's face turned nasty quickly, she couldn't believe her eyes watching this white-haired youth, once seen as the Navy's hope.
Didn't Yakushi Kabuto hear about Uehara Naraku's situation?
Why has Yakushi Kabuto become this way?
Could it be that after being in the World Government for too long, one is gradually corrupted by its power? Now Yakushi Kabuto really regards human life as grass!
"Kabuto... How could it come to this?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru sighed, looking at Yakushi Kabuto: "Colonel Uehara Naraku has had enough of living in such a dark world. If this continues, he may not be able to perform as you wish as an undercover operative..."
"Vice Admiral Yakushi Kabuto!"
Sengoku the Buddha slowly stood up, looking at Yakushi Kabuto, spoke sternly: "I am still the Navy Admiral, I still have the qualifications to appoint a Vice Admiral in the Navy!
Colonel Uehara Naraku has been undercover in Wano Country for nearly three years, providing endless intelligence for the Navy and World Government. Effective immediately, promoting Colonel Uehara Naraku to Vice Admiral of the Navy Headquarters, Vice Admiral Yakushi Kabuto, now your ranks are equal!"
"..."
Yakushi Kabuto's expression changed slightly.
Next, Yakushi Kabuto slowly stood up, reaching out to squeeze Uehara Naraku's shoulder, his smile gradually turning wicked: "Your Excellency has quite the audacity, Admiral?"
Yakushi Kabuto picked up a glass of juice again, handing it to the somewhat dazed Uehara Naraku, smiling: "Promoted so quickly... Vice Admiral Naraku... So now, on the ocean, I wish Vice Admiral Naraku the best of luck, I will always allow the CP department to protect you!"
"..."
That remark caused Sengoku the Buddha's face to turn increasingly unpleasant.
In the Navy Admiral's eyes, Yakushi Kabuto is certainly not letting the CP department protect him, but using the CP department to monitor Uehara Naraku.
This Yakushi Kabuto...
Since slowly entering the World Government, becoming a favored figure among the Five Elders and Heavenly Celestial Dragon, has become increasingly arrogant!
Moreover...
This man indeed has the capital for arrogance!
The once courteous Yakushi Kabuto now seems to be a vulture donned in a gentle dove's guise!
Unfortunately...
Sengoku has no way to deal with him.
While Sengoku and Yakushi Kabuto disputed, the Three Great Admirals of the Navy Headquarters remained unmoved, seemingly indifferent.
At this moment, the three of them truly did not know what to say.
The three admirals of the Navy Headquarters glanced at each other, Aokiji rested his chin in thought, Akainu slowly closed his eyes for a nap, and Kizaru polished his nails.
Life at Marinford is really mundane...
"Hmm?"
Aokiji suddenly reacted, looking at Uehara Naraku in disbelief.
Sengoku and Yakushi Kabuto almost argued...
And now... Uehara Naraku is promoted?