Chapter 262

He agreed without hesitation to let Vergo attack Huang Jincheng and stated he would personally explain the matter to the Five Elders.

The power of money is boundless; Thasolo actually has quite a few secret dealings with the World Government.

This is the reason no one has dared to make a move on Thasolo until now.

To move against Thasolo, the Five Elders' approval is certainly required; Akainu taking this matter upon himself shows his regard for Vergo.

But Vergo's next sentence made even Akainu hesitate.

"Admiral Sakazuki, the position of Fleet Admiral has not been decided yet, has it?"

"After eliminating Thasolo, I intend to go to Headquarters to compete fairly with the newly joined Fujitora and Ryokugyu for the position of Admiral."

Akainu fell silent.

In terms of Seniority and Merit, Vergo is certainly more qualified than Fujitora and Ryokugyu to become an Admiral.

But in terms of strength, Vergo should still be a bit lacking, right?

Akainu plans to eliminate all pirates in the New World and must also contend with the increasingly arrogant Beasts Pirates.

What he cares about most now is the Navy's strength.

As long as there is sufficient strength, promoting a newcomer exceptionally to the rank of Admiral is no problem at all.

But without sufficiently powerful strength, even with past Seniority and Merit, Akainu does not wish to make him an Admiral.

Akainu thought for a moment and said:

"Vergo, you know that Fujitora and Ryokugyu both possess monster-level strength; they are very suitable to be Admirals."

The calm and composed voice from Vergo's end of the phone said:

"I heard those two are strong, but I fear them not. In any case, fair competition is acceptable, yes?"

With things said to this extent, what more could Akainu say to dissuade him? He could only agree to Vergo's request.

But in his heart, he could not help but wonder: is Vergo that confident?

And the next day,

when Vergo, having spent only Half-Day's Effort, eliminated Thasolo of Huang Jincheng, arrived at Navy Headquarters, and began fighting Fujitora and Ryokugyu,

Akainu completely understood the source of Vergo's confidence.

Akainu was simply both shocked and delighted.

Vergo actually possessed strength equal to Fujitora and Ryokugyu; the Navy had gained another top-tier combatant. This was truly a tremendous good thing!

224. Struggle for the Admiral Position, Vergo vs Fujitora! Fujitora's Shock

The new Navy Headquarters, formerly the G1 Branch.

Directly facing the New World.

Here, the newly appointed Fleet Admiral Akainu has forged into a thorough war fortress.

Cannons and warships are deployed all around; the dense firepower is enough to make any pirate feel terrified.

At this very moment,

on the plaza of this new Navy Headquarters, many Marines gathered to watch the spectacle.

These Marines were all naval officers with positions, including powerful elite Vice Admirals from Headquarters.

Even the retired former Fleet Admiral and current Navy Inspector General Sengoku was watching with wide eyes, curious.

"Tsuru, tell me, who will win between Vergo and Fujitora?"

Sengoku asked the Chief of Staff Tsuru beside him.

During the Summit War, Tsuru was sent by Sengoku to report to the Five Elders after learning of the destruction of Impel Down.

Tsuru went to Impel Down together with Tama, Momonga, and CP0.

Unfortunately, she was played around by Luo Xing using Yongrenyi Sect.

Afterwards, she also participated in the battle for the Sabaody Archipelago between the fifty-thousand-strong army of the Navy and World Government and the Beasts Pirates.

She witnessed with her own eyes Momonga, whom she regarded as a younger sister, being captured by Luo Xing.

She also witnessed with her own eyes her junior Tama being killed by a single sword strike from Luo Xing.

Although Tsuru's strength was not weak, she was powerless on such a battlefield.

She herself also suffered not light injuries.

Now that her injuries have mostly healed, she still holds her post as Chief of Staff of the Navy.

Unlike Koby's anger toward Akainu or Sengoku's disagreement with Akainu's philosophy, Tsuru maintains fairness toward Akainu.

She only focuses on doing her own duty well.

Hearing Sengoku's question, Tsuru said:

"Didn't you previously praise Base Commander Vergo as having the bearing of an Admiral? He eliminated Zephyr and seems to have also eaten the Bat Fruit: Mythical Zoan Type: Vampire Form. His strength should not be inferior to Fujitora's."

"Hahaha! I thought so too!"

Sengoku laughed while eating senbei.

He held Vergo in high regard, considering Vergo an excellent Navy officer who dares to act and takes responsibility.

Unlike Huang Yuan, that good-for-nothing, who knows nothing but slacking off every day.

If Huang Yuan had not been unwilling to exert his utmost effort, would the Navy have suffered such a crushing defeat in the Sabaody Archipelago battle?

Regarding this, the Five Elders were furious, unleashing a torrent of rage.

Fortunately, Sengoku directly resigned in disgrace, avoiding the Five Elders' scolding.

But the head of CP0 was miserable, being scolded by the Five Elders until he was covered in blood.

What Sengoku did not know was that the Five Elders themselves were also scolded by that mysterious Lord Imu until they were covered in blood, and even nearly lost their heads.

The reason the Five Elders were so eager to have the Navy conduct a world-wide conscription and to have Koby mobilize the entire army on land, sea, and air was because of the death order issued by Lord Imu.

At the same time,

The Five Elders also ordered Vegapunk to develop new weapons.

It is said that such new weapons could even replace the combat power of the Seven Warlords.

Sengoku continued:

"However, I have seen Fujitora's strength before; he is a genuine monster!"

"Who is stronger or weaker between the two is truly hard to say."

Under the gaze of Sengoku, Tsuru, Akainu, and the Green Bull beside Akainu, along with countless marines,

Vergo and Fujitora, standing on the arena, began their contest.

Vergo held a ghost bamboo staff, his expression cold and stern.

Fujitora, holding a round-bladed sword, lifted his pale pupils and said slowly:

"Since I chose to join the Marines, I naturally have my own ambitions; I will not hand over the position of Admiral to anyone."

Vergo said expressionlessly:

"No need for more words; let strength speak."

"Then forgive my rudeness."

Fujitora suddenly drew his sword.

Buzzzz~~

Rings of Gravity rippled upward, soaring into the boundless universe.

Fujitora's range of Observation Haki perception is absolutely one of the widest in the World of Pirates.

The Rings of Gravity shot toward the universe, and before long, they pulled down a massive meteorite burning with flames.

This meteorite was dozens of times larger than Akainu's Meteor Volcano.

Descending from the sky with fierce pressure, it made all the marines below turn pale in terror, their minds shaken.

"A meteorite, actually a meteorite from space!"

"It's too incredible; no wonder Fujitora is called a monster!"

"Admiral-level powerhouses indeed each possess the strength to destroy heaven and earth!"

Fortunately, this arena is surrounded by high walls of Sea-Prism Stone blocking it off.

Otherwise,

Menzhe Gang, the marines watching, would have long since run away in panic.

The huge meteorite quickly descended above Vergo's head.

Powerful wind pressure made Vergo's coat flap loudly.

His skin also felt the intense heat of the flames on the meteorite.

But Vergo remained expressionless.