"…I formally recommend Vice Admiral Rogers Daren for promotion to Admiral of Marine Headquarters!"

Kong's deep, resonant voice—carrying the unwavering determination of a seasoned warrior—echoed through the vast, empty council chamber of Pangaea Castle.

The Five Elders paused slightly, then looked up, their gazes calm as they turned to face Kong.

"Didn't Daren just submit his application to become an Admiral candidate?" said Saint Nusjuro, the "Warrior God of Finance," resting his katana across his knees with an indifferent tone.

"We've already approved the process," he continued. "It'll be forwarded to your Marine Headquarters soon."

Saint Peter, the "Warrior God of Agriculture," gently sipped his tea, speaking casually.

"That brat Daren is certainly talented, but isn't promoting him to Admiral at his age a bit too soon?"

Saint Mars, the "Warrior God of Environment," who had a long white beard, smiled lightly.

"If I recall correctly, Sengoku was already in his thirties when he was promoted to Admiral, wasn't he?"

Saint Saturn, still wearing his trademark black flat cap, nodded.

"Daren is far too arrogant and impulsive. If possible, we'd prefer he gain a few more years of experience first."

Kong didn't falter at their words.

He could tell the Five Elders weren't firmly opposed. That meant there was still room to push.

Steadying himself, he followed the carefully prepared argument he had rehearsed in his mind and spoke with solemn conviction.

"Your assessments are, of course, valid."

"However, the situation in the New World is growing more severe by the day. The Marines are stretched thin. We urgently need a powerful figure to stabilize morale."

"Vice Admiral Rogers Daren, who rose from the North Blue, has already built a brilliant record in combat and earned countless merits. In both strength and prestige, he's long surpassed the threshold of a mere Admiral candidate."

"During the recent rollout of the Shichibukai system, he played a crucial role in securing its implementation—earning significant merit for both the Government and the Marines."

"A man like that, if only granted the nominal title of Admiral candidate, would struggle to command genuine respect. It could even undermine the authority of you, the Five Elders, and of the World Government itself."

"Even putting all that aside—since Zephyr stepped down, the position of Admiral has remained vacant. The weight of both military and administrative burdens has fallen entirely on Admiral Sengoku's shoulders. It's simply unsustainable."

"If we promote Vice Admiral Rogers Daren to Admiral of Headquarters, it would greatly ease that burden and help stabilize the situation."

Kong's eyes blazed with determination as he raised his chin, his stance firm and unwavering.

The Five Elders fell silent for a moment.

Then, to Kong's surprise, they all broke into light laughter.

"Didn't expect you to value that brat Daren so highly, Kong."

"Looks like you've already prepared to take up your new post here in the Holy Land and make your final arrangements for Marine Headquarters."

"That's good."

"Rogers Daren is indeed an exceptional talent. Every mission the Government has assigned him so far, he's executed near perfectly."

"Promoting him to Admiral ahead of schedule isn't entirely out of the question."

Their words came offhandedly, as if discussing the weather. Yet in that casual tone and effortless exchange, they held the power to determine not just a future—but a man's fate.

"So… the Five Elders approve?"

A flash of joy stirred in Kong's heart.

His transfer to the Holy Land to take command as Commander-in-Chief of the World Government's forces had long been in the works—but he had delayed it, unwilling to leave the Marine Headquarters rudderless.

He trusted Sengoku, the disciple and subordinate he'd personally trained. But with the world in constant upheaval, there was no way Sengoku alone could bear the full weight of justice.

Once Sengoku succeeded him as Fleet Admiral, there would be an unprecedented three Admiral slots left vacant.

Finding suitable replacements had to be prioritized.

Sakazuki and Borsalino both met the requirements in strength and qualifications, but their glaring personality flaws—and drastically different styles—made it difficult to balance relations between the Marines, the Government, and the allied nations.

Now that the Shichibukai system had been established, the seas were more volatile than ever. With so many power-hungry Shichibukai out there, neither Sakazuki nor Borsalino was the ideal person to deal with them.

Daren, on the other hand—despite his womanizing, corruption, and debauchery—was shockingly competent when it came to politics. So much so that even Kong, a seasoned political veteran, found him more cunning and pragmatic than himself.

Promoting Daren to Admiral would allow him and Sengoku to complement each other perfectly.

Sengoku could focus on internal matters: administration, logistics, and strategic planning.

Daren would handle external affairs: expansion, diplomacy, and combat operations.

On top of that, Daren had the political finesse to balance relations among Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan, maintaining a competitive but stable dynamic among the Admirals.

…

With Sengoku and Daren working in tandem—one managing internal affairs, the other handling external operations—alongside the rise of the "Golden Generation" led by Daren himself...

Kong had absolute confidence that the Marines were on the verge of entering their most powerful era yet.

Only after setting all this in place would he feel secure enough to step down as Fleet Admiral and accept his new post in the Holy Land.

"Kong, you know we've always valued your opinion."

The bald, mustachioed "Warrior God of Justice," Saint Topman Warcury, offered a faint smile.

"Since you're this adamant about promoting Rogers Daren, we naturally won't stand in the way."

"After all, Rogers Daren is undeniably talented. Especially in certain... delicate matters, he's bold enough to make things happen."

As he spoke that final line, a faint gleam of cunning flashed in his aged eyes, hinting at something deeper.

But Kong didn't catch the nuance in the tone of the notoriously shrewd elder. Instead, he responded with some excitement,

"Thank you for your trust. I'll get started on the promotion paperwork immediately—"

"Hold on."

Just then, Saturn, leaning on his old cane, suddenly spoke with a faint smile.

"We have one condition."

Condition?

Kong paused, caught off guard.

Before he could respond, Saturn slowly pulled a gold-embossed letter from his coat and placed it on the table.

"The World Noble Hunting Tournament, held every three years, is about to take place again. After discussion, we've decided this year's tournament will be hosted on Philseque Island."

Kong's pupils instantly shrank to pinpoints.

The World Noble Hunting Tournament?!

The normally steady and stoic man now wore a rare expression of shock and unease. For a brief moment, his mind went completely blank.

A name, like a nightmare, surged up in his thoughts, sending a chill through his entire body.

God Valley.

Most wouldn't know the truth, but as the supreme commander of the Marines, he knew all too well: the so-called God Valley Incident had been, at its core, a hunting tournament held exclusively for the Celestial Dragons.

The native inhabitants of God Valley were used as "prey," hunted at will by elite Celestial Dragons competing in martial skill. The winner received generous rewards.

It was... a genocidal bloodsport, utterly devoid of humanity.

After the disaster at God Valley, with the Celestial Dragons suffering severe casualties, the tournament had quietly been discontinued.

But now—they were bringing it back?

An overwhelming wave of dread and anxiety surged through Kong, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

Saturn watched him with a smirk, his tone thick with veiled menace.

"Our condition is this—security for this year's World Noble Hunting Tournament will be the responsibility of the future Admiral... Rogers Daren."

Kong's eyes flew wide open. A deep and instinctive sense of dread flooded his mind.

Before he could respond, Saturn added with a cold smile,

"Oh, and I nearly forgot... Philseque Island? It's in the North Blue."

Kong was struck like thunder had crashed directly into his chest.

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