The Big Brother is Still the Big Brother

In the year 1514 of the Kaiyuan calendar, the 39-year-old Aokiji finally celebrated his promotion to Admiral.

It's a little disappointing that Zephyr didn't break the record for being the first to be promoted to general.

Zephyr was only 38 years old when he was promoted to general, and he still holds the record for the youngest general to be promoted to general.

The promotion ceremony for admirals is a grand affair, held in the plaza of the Naval Headquarters. Basically, all the Navy personnel from the Naval Headquarters are present, and many family members also come to watch.

Even in the Grand Line and the New World, many vice admirals will return to participate in this promotion ceremony.

Before long, Kyle and his group arrived at the square.

The square was already very lively, packed with people, and filled with various conversations.

Everyone looked left and right with curiosity.

Luffy's mouth gaped open slightly as he exclaimed in surprise, "Wow, this is so lively!"

"Absolutely! It's packed with people!"

Ace stood to the side, also looking excited.

They've been at Naval Headquarters for so long, and this is the first time they've ever seen such a grand occasion.

As for Kyle, this wasn't the first time.

The situation was similar when Akainu was promoted to admiral; he was also brought to see Sengoku by his arms.

However, their mindsets were completely different on the two occasions.

He was still young the first time, and the system hadn't credited his account yet. Seeing a bunch of big shots filled him with longing.

I dream of whether I will have the chance to become that strong in the future.

Now, seeing these top-tier Marines again, I feel no excitement or anticipation whatsoever.

Because now he is clearly one of these top experts.

However, few in the Navy Headquarters know his current strength.

Before long, as time passed, the atmosphere on the field became increasingly lively, and the noise of the crowd grew louder and louder, until…

"Quiet!!"

Sengoku's voice was amplified and broadcast throughout the entire square via a Den Den Mushi (sound-transmitting electric scooter).

In an instant, all the noise in the square disappeared, and everyone stopped talking and looked toward the Warring States period on the distant platform.

The arrival of the Warring States period meant that the investiture ceremony had officially begun.

Seeing that everyone had quieted down, Sengoku cleared his throat and continued:

"Gentlemen, the Navy's achievements today are inseparable from each and every one of us present here. It is because of you that we have the Navy we have today!"

clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap...

A series of applause erupted, causing Kyle below to rub his forehead in exasperation.

Sure enough, no matter where it is or what an important ceremony is, the leaders always start by saying some meaningless platitudes.

The Warring States period was speaking eloquently, and applause would occasionally erupt from below.

Luffy and his crew were so engrossed in listening that they started fishing.

They were all yawning, their eyelids drooping, as if they were about to fall asleep at any moment.

"ah!!"

Ace yawned and couldn't help but say:

"How long is this old man from the Warring States period going to talk? Is he going to be this boring?"

As he spoke, Ace looked around and saw that everyone else was in a similar situation until he saw Kyle.

Kyle stared intently upwards, his posture as upright as a pine tree, looking extremely serious.

!!!

Ace looked at Kyle with awe and admiration.

No wonder he's the eldest brother; he takes even such a boring ceremony so seriously.

Is this the attitude of a qualified navy officer?

But suddenly, he realized that something seemed a little off.

Why doesn't Kyle blink?

Is it really necessary to be this serious?

Not even blinking?

Thinking of this, Ace moved slightly closer to Kyle, nudged him gently with his elbow, and whispered:

"Hey Kyle, why don't you ever blink?"

"Um?!"

Kyle let out a soft "hmm," raised his arm to his eyes, and then, to Ace's astonishment, removed an eye patch.

This eye mask is very thin and extremely realistic; you can't tell it's real unless you look closely.

Kyle turned to Ace, who looked utterly shocked, and asked:

"What's wrong?!"

"You...this..."

Ace pointed at Kyle, then at the blindfold on his hand, his voice slightly stammering.

"Oh, you mean this!"

"I put it on because the sunlight was a bit too bright. What? You want one too?"

Ace: ...

After a long pause, Ace sighed inwardly once again:

"Big brother, he really is still the big brother!!!"

After some time, the Warring States period on the stage finally finished his speech and shouted loudly:

"Next, please welcome our newly appointed Admiral Kuzan to the stage for the formal awarding of medals!!"

Upon hearing this, everyone on the field jolted, and those who were still drowsy were jolted awake, their eyes wide as they looked in a certain direction.

From the side of the stage, Aokiji, dressed in the cloak of a Marine Admiral, slowly walked onto the stage.

At this moment, all the eyes of the navy were focused on him, and Aokiji was enjoying the glory that belonged to him.

At the same time, a series of recounts about Aokiji's entire resume after joining the Navy were played simultaneously. The resounding voices echoed across the plaza, letting all the Navy personnel know how difficult the man on the stage had been to become a Navy Admiral.

Aokiji slowly approached Sengoku, looking at him solemnly. Sengoku returned the same gaze, patted Aokiji on the shoulder, and said:

"Kuzan, now that you've become a Marine Admiral, the responsibilities on your shoulders will be even greater. Are you confident you can handle it?"

Aokiji smiled slightly and asked:

"Marshal of the Warring States Period, do you think I have that confidence?"

"Hahaha……"

Sengoku chuckled and spoke again:

"Go ahead, now it's your time!"

Aokiji nodded, took the megaphone Den Den Mushi from Sengoku, and began his speech as well.

However, Aokiji spoke much less nonsense compared to Sengoku, only talking about some basic things after the conferment of honors.

Most of the navy personnel in the audience, especially the younger ones, had excited expressions on their faces.

Aokiji's promotion to Admiral means that their navy has become even stronger. As members of such a powerful organization, they have no reason not to be proud of it!

Luffy and his crew felt the same way, looking at Aokiji on stage, who was speaking eloquently and enjoying great glory, with envy.

Suddenly, Luffy spoke up:

"I want to become a Marine Admiral someday! I want to be revered by thousands!!"

"Luffy, it's good that you want to become a Marine Admiral, but I'll definitely become one before you!"

Ace glanced at Luffy and spoke with great confidence.

Sabo, standing nearby, chimed in:

"Hmm! Not bad, brothers. I'm pleased that you have such ambition, but I'll take the position of general first. I'm afraid you're too young to handle it!"

!!!

Upon hearing this, many of the surrounding marines immediately turned their gazes towards him, eager to see which guys were so arrogant, each wanting to become a Marine Admiral.

Is becoming a Navy Admiral so easy? You can just become one anytime?!

However, when they turned their gazes towards them, their expressions suddenly changed...