Boom!
A black shockwave and a golden one intertwined in the air, merging into a massive combined blast that shot straight toward the center of the Olt Kingdom.
Crack… crack…
Something was breaking.
Oh—right.
The island itself.
With a thunderous roar, the center of Olt Kingdom erupted with a terrifying shockwave. The entire island trembled violently.
Then, before the eyes of every Marine soldier present—
The island began to split apart.
Chunks of land cracked, tilted, and collapsed into the sea.
Olt Kingdom was literally falling to pieces.
Someone swallowed nervously.
"My god… is this really Vice Admiral White Crow's power?"
"Even Admirals might not be stronger than that…"
"Of course! Remember the criminal who destroyed Mary Geoise, Enel? Vice Admiral White Crow defeated him easily!"
"Destroying an island is nothing!"
Another Marine added excitedly:
"And the Vice Admiral was considerate too. He let us bombard the island for three hours so we could feel like we contributed!"
Mission Complete
Floating in midair, Karl watched as the remains of the island slowly sank beneath the waves.
A satisfied smile appeared on his face.
Mission accomplished.
It was fortunate he had mastered swordsmanship.
Otherwise, with his height of less than two meters, destroying an entire island would have been far more troublesome.
He landed back on the warship.
The Marines were still staring at him in shock.
Karl frowned slightly.
"Why are you all standing there?"
"Let's move!"
Commander Nelson immediately ran over, practically wagging his tail.
"Sir! That was incredible!"
"We bombarded the island for three hours and couldn't sink it!"
"You destroyed it in a single strike!"
Karl waved dismissively.
"No."
"You're mistaken."
"What I did was simply the final straw that broke the camel's back."
"You all deserve credit as well."
If it had been someone like Edward Newgate, the world's most professional island-destroyer, the island would've been shattered instantly.
Karl's method was far more complicated.
No wonder Marshall D. Teach risked his life to obtain the Gura Gura no Mi.
Though unfortunately for Teach…
Just when he finally became a Yonko—
The story update happened.
The protagonist unlocked a cheat code.
Teach lost the spotlight completely.
Still, Karl suspected the "symmetry-loving author of fate" would give Teach another chance.
Probably within a year or two.
No Moral Complaints
Interestingly, this mission—hardly a righteous act—did not cause dissatisfaction among the Marines.
There were several reasons:
The Revolutionary Army already had a controversial reputation.
The Revolutionaries had attacked Marine forces first.
Karl had never allowed the fleet to approach the island closely.
That last point was important.
By keeping distance, the soldiers avoided seeing civilians directly.
No emotional scenes.
No moral dilemmas.
No room for "bleeding hearts."
All things considered—
The mission was a complete success.
All that remained now was returning to Marine Headquarters and waiting for the ceremony.
Marine Hero.
Karl smirked.
That title sounded pretty good.
Marineford
The Five Elders studied Karl carefully.
Five Elders
They had already received the CP intelligence report.
And honestly—
They were impressed.
Karl had shown no hesitation.
Three hours of bombardment.
Then a decisive strike that sank the island.
His attitude.
His methods.
Everything satisfied them.
This was exactly the kind of Marine the World Government needed.
The blond elder spoke:
"Vice Admiral Karl."
"You performed excellently."
"Your decoration ceremony will be held in five days at Marineford."
"Fleet Admiral Commander-in-Chief Kong will personally award you."
"And the event will be broadcast worldwide."
Karl scratched his head awkwardly.
"Isn't that a bit… high-profile?"
The blond elder shook his head.
"Not at all."
"This is the treatment a Marine Hero deserves."
"The whole world must know that the Navy has produced another hero."
"It will inspire more young people to join the Marines."
Karl nodded politely.
Sure. Whatever you say.
Then the elder kept talking.
And talking.
And talking.
One speech after another.
Propaganda. Ideology. Patriotism.
Karl's brain nearly melted.
But outwardly he maintained an attentive expression.
His persona couldn't collapse now.
Eventually, the lecture ended.
Karl escaped as fast as possible, afraid they might call him back.
Outside the building he exhaled.
"Dealing with those guys is exhausting…"
He stopped mid-sentence.
Someone was nearby.
Hancock's Call
Buru buru buru—
Karl answered immediately.
Only one person had such a beautiful Den Den Mushi.
"Dear."
It was Boa Hancock.
"Yes?"
"Did the relocation work out?"
Hancock giggled happily.
"You guessed correctly!"
"Elder Nyon finally agreed a few days ago."
"I've been mobilizing the people ever since."
"We're ready to depart soon."
"But since we're going to Sky Island, could you notify Gan Fall so they can receive us?"
"No problem."
"I was planning to visit you anyway."
"I'll report to Sengoku first, then come to Amazon Lily."
Hancock squealed happily.
"Really?"
"Wonderful!"
"I'll wait for you!"
A New Appointment
After hanging up, Karl quickly left Mary Geoise.
During the journey to Marineford he called Dragon again.
The Revolutionary Army had done a good job in Olt Kingdom.
Karl believed in returning favors.
They arranged to meet later in Shimotsuki Village in the East Blue.
Karl was actually looking forward to it.
That village was the hometown of a certain future swordsman.
Roronoa Zoro.
If Karl remembered correctly—
Zoro would soon set out to sea.
And knowing Zoro's personality…
He would definitely challenge Karl.
Karl rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Should he fight Zoro with a fruit knife?
Or maybe nail clippers?
Maybe he could borrow a manicure blade from Borsalino.
Nah.
Better not think too much.
First—
Report to Sengoku.
Sengoku's Office
Knock knock.
"Enter."
Karl walked in.
"Fleet Admiral."
"I just came from Mary Geoise."
"They scheduled my ceremony five days from now at Marineford."
Sengoku nodded.
"I know."
"Prepare yourself."
"If everything goes smoothly, tomorrow's newspapers will officially announce you as the new Marine Hero."
Karl laughed.
"I've been in the papers dozens of times already."
"What's there to prepare for?"
Sengoku sighed.
"You're different from Monkey D. Garp."
"But it's not a big problem."
"You'll understand soon."
Then Sengoku added:
"After the ceremony, take some time off."
"You've been too high-profile lately."
Karl nodded.
He agreed.
For a Marine—
Being too famous wasn't always a good thing.
Especially with the Five Elders watching.
Karl had to remain cautious.
After all—
The higher you stand, the harder you fall.
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