Kane closed his eyes, savoring the cold and powerful ocular strength dwelling deep within his pupils. The sensation was intoxicating, a sharp contrast to the mundane world around him. He remained perfectly still, lost in the feeling of his new power, until the cigar clamped between his fingers burned down to the very end. The ember scorched his skin, sending a sharp jingle of pain through his nerves that snapped him back to reality. He didn't flinch. Instead, he let out a slow, measured breath.
A true hunter, after enjoying a successful hunt, will immediately begin plotting the next one, he muttered to himself. His voice was low, carrying a chill that matched the calculated look in his eyes. He reached out and picked up the den den mushi sitting on the mahogany table. He had no intention of contacting Fleet Admiral Kong, nor did he care to report to the Gorosei at this moment. Instead, he dialed a number he knew by heart, his fingers moving with practiced ease.
Bulu bulu... click.
The snail's shell adjusted, its features shifting to mimic a young girl. From the other end, a voice filled with surprise and genuine shyness came through. The device even managed to replicate Gion's blushing cheeks, its skin turning a faint shade of pink.
Big Brother Kane! Your injury... is it better? she asked, her concern practically radiating through the line.
Yeah, the injury is mostly healed, Kane replied. His voice shifted instantly. Gone was the cold, predator-like tone, replaced by a gentle, magnetic quality. He sounded like a man who had just recovered from a long, grueling illness, someone who was vulnerable yet dependable. Gion, I need you to do something for me. This is a top-secret mission, something that can only be entrusted to you.
Yes!! Gion's response was immediate. Her voice rose an octave, so full of excitement that it almost cracked under the strain. Please give your orders! Whether it is climbing a mountain of blades or jumping into a sea of fire, Gion will not hesitate, even at the cost of her life!
It is not that serious, Kane said with a light chuckle, though his mind was already three steps ahead. Aren't there many uninhabited islands near the G-5 Branch? I need you to go find one. Look for an island with a pleasant climate and the most secluded location you can find. Then, build a cabin on it. Make it comfortable, cozy, and absolutely safe. Remember, this matter must be kept strictly confidential. Use only the most reliable workers you have.
The line fell silent for a moment. All Kane could hear was Gion's rapid, hot breathing. She was clearly overwhelmed. Her mind was racing, and countless romantic images exploded in her head like fireworks. She imagined a secret, cozy cabin that belonged only to the two of them, tucked away on an island far from the noise of the Marines and the World Government. She thought about how Kane had been seriously injured and how the first thing he wanted to do upon recovery was build a home for them. To her, it felt like a silent promise.
Is this... a hint of a marriage proposal? she thought, her heart hammering against her ribs.
Understood! Gion's voice carried a hint of a sob, but she was excited to the extreme. In the background, the sharp clang of her famous sword, Konpira, being unsheathed rang out clearly. Don't worry, Big Brother Kane, I will personally supervise the construction! I guarantee it will be the most beautiful and sturdy love nest... no, cabin in the world!
Kane hung up the phone and rubbed his hands together in satisfaction. He wasn't thinking about romance. He was thinking about the bloodline of the Pirate King. Raising the future Ace right under the nose of the Marine G-5 Branch was a move of pure brilliance. If this plan were exposed in the future, the sheer volume of discipline points he would earn from such a massive violation of Marine protocol would be staggering. The thought alone made his lips curl into a smirk.
The next day arrived with a clear sky. Kane stood before a mirror and put on his brand-new Calamity Admiral's robe. It was a symbol of his new status, yet he didn't wear it with the usual pride. Although his body was strong enough to kill Sea Kings with a single punch, he deliberately let his shoulders slump. He composed his face into a mask of exhaustion, putting on a sickly appearance of being completely powerless.
He pushed open the heavy doors to the Fleet Admiral's office. Inside, Fleet Admiral Kong was hunched over his desk, fretting over a stack of budget sheets and logistical reports.
Kane? Why aren't you at home resting? Kong asked, looking up. Seeing Kane's pale face, he hurriedly dropped his pen and stood up to offer support.
Kane waved his hand with difficulty, refusing the help with a shaky gesture. He wobbled over to the leather sofa and sat down, letting out a suppressed groan of pain that sounded far too real.
Fleet Admiral, I have managed to keep my life, but my three brothers... Kane's tone was desolate. He kept his eyes dim, looking like a man haunted by guilt and worry for his subordinates.
Fleet Admiral Kong was taken aback by the sudden shift in mood. Sakazuki and the others? Aren't they doing quite well? I heard they were so full of energy they tore down the training ground yesterday.
No, they are not well, Kane insisted. He stared intently into Kong's eyes, projecting the image of a tragic hero who cared more for his comrades than himself. During their time at G-5, the three of them withstood the pressure from various forces in the New World. They turned the tables on the enemy and wiped out several large pirate groups. Their achievements are outstanding! You know how ruthless Roger's crew members are. In the South Blue, those three risked their lives to block blades for me. Especially Sakazuki. To protect me, his back was slashed countless times by Pluton Rayleigh! He almost bled out from his wounds!
Across the base at the training ground, Sakazuki suddenly sneezed. He stopped his training, looking completely bewildered as to why he felt a sudden chill.
And the result? Kane's voice suddenly rose, filled with a sharp, righteous indignation. Now that I have been promoted to Admiral, if the three of them are still mere Colonels, what will people say about me? They will say I am guilty of nepotism. They will say I only care about my own success while ignoring the life and death of my brothers who bled for me! What will the Marine soldiers think? They will see this injustice and be disheartened!
Fleet Admiral Kong's old face twitched as he listened to the lecture. In all his years of leading troops, this was the first time he had seen a newly promoted Admiral who didn't come to ask for more money or personal power. Instead, Kane had crawled out of his sickbed just to plead for his colleagues' promotions. Kong knew that the three monsters were the future hope of the Marines, but there were protocols to follow.
This isn't according to the rules, Kong said, rubbing his temples in an attempt to stave off a headache. It has only been a year since they were promoted to Colonel. Usually, we wait for more seniority.
Rules are dead, but people are alive! Kane shouted, slamming his hand onto the table. He controlled his strength perfectly so the wood didn't splinter, but he made sure the impact looked violent. As if the effort was too much for his "injured" body, he began to shake. His face turned as pale as paper in an instant.
Pfft—!
A mouthful of bright red, stagnant blood sprayed from his mouth, splattering across the expensive wool carpet in a gruesome display. It looked horrific, but in reality, it was a juice blend of top-tier tomatoes and cherries he had hidden in his mouth beforehand. The taste was excellent, and the visual effect was a perfect ten.
Kane! Kong panicked. He rushed over in a single stride to support the younger man. What are you doing! Your injuries haven't healed yet! Don't exert yourself!
Seeing Kane's tragic state—coughing up blood while still trying to secure a future for his brothers—struck the softest part of Fleet Admiral Kong's heart. He felt a wave of shame. What did rules matter? What did the process matter? In front of such a hero who burned his life for justice and poured his heart out for his comrades, the bureaucracy was nothing but nonsense.
[Ding! The Host has successfully distorted the Fleet Admiral's decision through superb acting and moral blackmail!] [Disciplinary Violation +50!]
Enough, enough, stop coughing blood! I promise you! Kong waved his hand, completely compromising. I will immediately apply to the Gorosei for a special promotion channel. Sakazuki, Kuzan, Borsalino... these three are officially promoted to Marineford Rear Admiral! Are you happy now?!
Kane knew exactly when to stop. He wiped the "blood" from the corner of his mouth with his sleeve. With Kong's support, he stood up shakily and gave a slightly crooked, respectful salute.
The Fleet Admiral's great kindness... I... all of us in G-5... will never forget it, Kane stammered. I will take them to the South Blue now to take over those confiscated goods and finish the mission.
Watching Kane's figure as he quickly slipped out of the office, Fleet Admiral Kong felt a nagging sensation that something was not quite right. He stared at the door for a few seconds. This kid... why does it feel like he is walking much more briskly than when he came in?
Two hours later, the air at the port was salty and fresh. Kane's personal warship was ready to depart, its sails fluttering in the breeze. Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino stood on the pier, looking at the promotion documents in their hands with varying expressions. The ink on the paper was still wet.
Rear Admiral? Kuzan scratched his messy hair, his eyes looking a bit dazed. I just went for a spin in the South Blue, and I'm already promoted? This is moving too fast.
Oh my~ Kane really is efficient at getting things done~ Borsalino remarked. He was busy trimming his nails, but his gaze beneath his tinted lenses drifted thoughtfully toward Kane. He watched the new Admiral standing on the deck, giving orders with total composure.
Sakazuki stared at Kane for a long while, remaining silent as he processed the news. Finally, he blurted out: Next time something like this happens, give us a heads-up.
Hearing this, Kane turned around. There was no trace of smugness or the "sickly" persona he had used in Kong's office. He simply pointed toward the horizon leading to the South Blue, his tone becoming deep and serious. We are all brothers, don't worry about it.
As the warship slowly sailed away from Marineford, the wind pressure around Kane's body suddenly began to surge. He looked at the distant horizon, and the corners of his mouth slowly curled up into a confident grin.
You guys sail slowly; I will head over first to take stock of the spoils of war, he announced.
As soon as he finished speaking, his entire being transformed into an azure tornado that tore through the sky. Ignoring the shocked gazes of the sailors and his three brothers, he shot straight into the clouds and instantly vanished into the horizon, leaving nothing but a trail of swirling wind behind him.
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