Chapter 291: New Admiral Takes Office

"As expected of Lord Imu, truly a powerful Conqueror’s Haki. However, I have it too!"

After feeling Karl’s Conqueror’s Haki, Imu stood up from the throne with a *thump*, their gaze becoming somewhat wary.

Such Conqueror’s Haki, even compared to Joy Boy back in the day, was arguably even greater. But that was not what surprised Imu.

What surprised Imu was that such an aura actually came from a Navy officer.

"The Five Elders were right; you are indeed not simple."

Imu’s Conqueror’s Haki gradually receded.

Karl grinned: "If I had let them manipulate me, I wouldn't be seeing you, Imu."

"You are indeed a talent. I heard you want the Navy to become independent, is that right?"

"Independent? Hmm, more or less, but not to the extent of total independence. I just want the Navy to be a bit more pure."

"The Navy, after all, should just be responsible for dealing with pirates, don't you think?"

Imu said indifferently: "Fine, I can agree to your request. But no matter what you want to do, please remember that the Navy’s existence is to maintain the rule of the World Government. If you cannot even do that, then the Navy has no need to exist."

Karl shook his head: "Maintaining the World Government is fine, but the problem is that the current World Government is rotten. The Navy can die on the sea, but it must never become a sacrifice for politics."

"My real request is actually very simple: completely strip the Navy of its political attributes and become a pure, violent institution aimed at pirates."

Imu was silent for a long time, then slowly said: "Fine, but I have one request."

"What request?"

"Find the Nika Fruit, destroy it, or kill the person who ate the Nika Fruit."

"Fine."

After Karl left, the Five Elders guarding the door immediately called for people to escort Karl out, and then they walked into the room respectfully.

"Lord Imu... about that."

"I have already agreed to his request, allowing the Navy to become independent from the World Government and become a pure institution for dealing with pirates."

"What? Lord Imu, this, this must not happen! If the Navy breaks away from the World Government’s control, then the Heavenly Tribute... and those Revolutionary Armies..."

"Are you questioning my decision?"

"No, we dare not, Lord Imu."

Imu said indifferently: "Discuss these matters with the Navy yourselves."

After speaking, Imu turned and left, and the Five Elders looked at each other.

"Phew~ this is going to be trouble."

"Lord Imu has really given us a difficult problem!"

The next day.

"The New Navy Fleet Admiral is actually that man! Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan.jpg!"

"From today on, he is called Fleet Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan!"

Soon, the news of Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan becoming Fleet Admiral spread throughout the world. The Navy was jubilant; it could be said to be the popular choice. The only ones unhappy were Sakazuki and the hardline generals.

But they wouldn't leave the Navy Headquarters in a huff, because even Sakazuki hadn't left...

The first thing Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan did after taking office was to announce that Karl would fill his vacancy and become a Navy Admiral, codenamed White Raven. From today on, Karl was also one of the Navy’s highest combat powers.

Uh, it didn't seem Move Move Like anything had changed.

The second thing was the relocation of the Navy Headquarters, because Marineford was confirmed to be beyond reconstruction, so they had to find a new home. It was convenient anyway.

As for why, one would have to ask Colonel T-Bone—no, he was a Rear Admiral now.

After the Summit War ended, he, having suffered no injuries, naturally joined the team pursuing the escapees from Impel Down, and then on a deserted island, he luckily found a Devil Fruit.

That’s right, it was the Float-Float Fruit of the Golden Lion Shiki. Now, T-Bone had become a hotshot in the Navy, a rising star with infinite potential.

"Rear Admiral T-Bone, I’m counting on you."

"Don't worry, Fleet Admiral, I guarantee the mission will be completed." After speaking, T-Bone took the wreckage of Marineford and flew toward the Calm Belt.

Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan smiled slightly and looked at Karl beside him: "Yo, isn't this Admiral White Raven? Is there something you need from me?"

Karl waved his hand irritably: "Don't give me that nonsense. In two days, you’re going to discuss issues Move Move Like the Heavenly Tribute with the Five Elders. Are you ready?"

Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan’s expression turned serious, and he nodded: "That goes without saying. Whether it’s the Heavenly Tribute or any other issue, as Fleet Admiral, I will never let the Navy’s interests be damaged."

"Hmm, you look a bit Move Move Like a Fleet Admiral now. Regardless, you must squeeze out more Heavenly Tribute for the Navy. Anyway, after Mary Geoise was attacked last time, the Celestial Dragons lost quite a bit."

Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan scratched his head: "The Celestial Dragons did die in large numbers, but the Heavenly Tribute paid by the World Government member nations has also dropped quite a bit!"

"Why worry about that? The Heavenly Tribute is the protection money we in the Navy worked so hard to collect. The lion’s share must be used on the Navy. Don't you want to do something big? How can you do that without Berries?"

"You’re right. Don't worry, I will try my best to fight for the Navy’s interests. By the way, aren't you going to fund the Navy? You, the big tycoon?"

Karl touched his chin and said through gritted teeth: "I will fund it, but it can't be for free."

Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan’s eyes lit up. He had always regarded money as dirt, but in the few days he had been Fleet Admiral, he discovered for the first time how important Berries were.

Recruiting new soldiers costs money, building warships costs money, bullets and shells cost money... What’s even more terrifying is that after the Summit War, the Navy’s small treasury was almost empty.

"So, are there any conditions?"

Karl nodded and held up a finger: "First, the bounties of all pirates must be readjusted."

"Adjusted? How to adjust?"

Karl said indifferently: "For pirates with a bounty under 500 million, double it. For those over 500 million, adjust it according to the situation."

"*Hiss~*"

Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan gasped: "That’s a huge project! But adjusting bounties so casually, will it..."

"I will fund 300 billion Berries, of which 100 billion will be a special bonus for pirate bounties. Both Navy personnel and bounty hunters can claim it."

"No problem! What’s the second thing?"

"Uh, I haven't thought about it yet. It’s about the collection of the Heavenly Tribute. Let’s talk about that after you finish negotiating with the Five Elders! No rush now."

"Then when will the Berries, hehe, be transported over? It’s not that I’m obsessed with money, it’s just that the Navy really has no money now. The little bit of military funding left is all being used to build the new Navy Headquarters, so, you see..."

Karl waved his hand: "A piece of cake. When T-Bone comes back, have him go to the Sky Island with me, and we’ll just transport the Berries over."

Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan’s face wrinkled into a smile; he was extremely happy.