Promotion ceremonies... moved up?
Michael slightly furrowed his brows.
Somewhat unexpected, yet perfectly reasonable.
The current Marine hadn't experienced those disgraceful incidents that severely damaged its reputation.
Judging by normal age and procedures, it was about time for Sengoku to be promoted to Fleet Admiral.
After all, performing Fleet Admiral duties under an Admiral's title didn't sound proper.
And with Sengoku—the only active Admiral—being promoted, the Admiral positions couldn't just remain vacant, could they?
Hence, the predetermined "Akainu", "Kizaru" and "Aokiji" were also officially promoted to Marine Admirals.
But this timing was at least a decade earlier than in the original timeline.
In the original, by 1512—six years later—the eldest among the Three Admirals, Kizaru, was still just a Vice Admiral.
This early promotion had its advantages.
At least it could accelerate the Marine's independence process.
If one Admiral and one Chief of Staff couldn't represent the entire Marine, how about a Fleet Admiral plus Three Admirals?
Michael could see at a glance that this was undoubtedly driven by the World Government's urgency.
Simply put, Sengoku's overwhelming dominance made it extremely difficult for them to regain control over the Marine.
They couldn't even get a foothold.
So promoting the young Three Admirals would reignite internal factional conflicts within the Marine, diluting Sengoku's authority...
Had Michael not existed, this strategy... might have actually worked.
At least Sakazuki and Kuzan would eventually split due to ideological differences.
But now...
Sakazuki had ties with Michael himself, while Kuzan would likely side with his mentor Garp.
And as everyone knew, Garp and Michael were Sengoku's staunchest allies...
With all top brass united, the World Government was essentially lifting a rock only to drop it on their own feet this time.
What? Why not mention Kizaru?
At this point, did Kizaru's opinion even matter?
"Alright then, is the promotion ceremony still being held at Marineford this time?"
"Obviously." Sengoku rolled his eyes. "We'll use this opportunity to bring the SWORD Classified Special Forces into the spotlight."
As he said this, Sengoku looked somewhat pained at the geniuses lying on the ground.
Keeping these talented Marines in the shadows always felt like a terrible waste!
Hearing this, Michael nodded in agreement.
He never intended for the Classified Special Forces members to remain unsung heroes forever.
Their merits would be accounted for—promotions where deserved, independent commands where appropriate.
Training them was ultimately about strengthening the entire Marine force.
"You're right, old man. Only after this batch of finished products is handed over can the next new batch come in."
As he spoke, Michael flashed a sinister, scheming grin.
The members of the SWORD Classified Special Forces lay on the ground, exchanging bewildered glances.
"Our Vice Admiral... surely isn't a human trafficker, right?"
"Not just not a trafficker—he's the biggest hero in eradicating human trafficking..."
"Then why does this expression look so familiar?"
"Kinda gives 'the dragon slayer becoming the dragon' vibes."
"What the hell are you bastards talking about?!"
...
Having settled on the details of the promotion ceremony, Michael didn't hesitate to summon everyone under his command associated with the SWORD to Marineford.
Even Bellemere brought Nojiko and Nami to Marine Headquarters.
This could be called an unprecedented gathering of Michael's Marine faction.
There was only one purpose:
To attend the promotion ceremony.
*****
Five days passed quickly.
There wasn't too much to prepare—after all, this wasn't the first promotion ceremony.
They just had to refurbish the old procedures.
These Marine tough guys didn't care much about such formalities anyway.
But what surprised Michael was that for this large-scale promotion ceremony led by the Fleet Admiral and the Three Admirals, the Five Elders themselves would attend to do the honors.
Michael had assumed it would just be a few record-keepers from the World Government.
Seems like...
These five old men couldn't wait any longer.
"Michael, why are you spacing out? It's time to go." Garp interrupted Michael's thoughts.
"The Five Elders have already headed to the ceremony venue."
Michael looked up at Garp, fully dressed in uniform, finding it quite novel.
"I bet this is the most awkward day you've ever worn your Marine uniform."
"Hmph, awkward or not, it's just for a short while," Garp said indifferently.
"But in previous promotion ceremonies, the Five Elders never attended personally... This time they're coming in full force. Seems they place great importance on the current Marines."
Garp deliberately emphasized the word "current."
Michael understood his implication and shook his head to signal there was no need for concern.
"At this stage, it's not the right time for the Marines to show all our cards... Most likely, they'll propose a World Military Draft during this ceremony—to replenish forces for advancing into the New World."
"The real purpose is to plant enough moles within the Marines again."
Garp frowned.
Even with his less sharp mind, he could tell this was clearly targeting the currently unified Marine force.
"So what should we do?"
"Simple... We'll use their mole-planting holes to bury our own things too." Michael's lips curled into the sinister smile Garp knew so well.
"My people here are still waiting for the right opportunity to clean their records."
"And... haven't you noticed? For the past six months, Issho hasn't appeared in Fish-Man Island, Alabasta, or Sabaody Archipelago at all?"
Garp was stunned by Michael's words...Indeed!
That blind gambler had indeed been absent from his sight for a long time.
"He... could it be that he's already parted ways with you?"
"Exactly, we've indeed parted ways." Michael shook his head with a meaningful smile.
"The Issho of now is quite the favorite in the eyes of the Five Elders..."
"Favorite... holy fuck!" Garp mulled over the term before staring at Michael in shock.
"You're insane! Planting a spy right under the Five Elders' noses?"
"It's called giving them a taste of their own medicine... Who asked them to send Rosinante back to me as a mole?"
Michael shrugged, instinctively fluttering his wings twice.
Then, he fell completely silent.
Only when they entered the promotion ceremony venue did Michael walk straight up to Sengoku.
And the Five Elders—their faces was a mix of arrogance and what looked like constipation—finally revealed their true selves before Michael.
"My, my, the legendary Five Elders. I've heard so much about you."
"The honor is truly ours... to finally meet you."
At the forefront, Ethanbaron V. Nasujuro gave Michael a slight nod.
His eyes were filled with undisguised wariness.
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