Chapter 500

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

"Independent? Hm, more or less, but it hasn't reached the level of independence yet. I just want the Navy to become a bit simpler."

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

Imu said indifferently: "Very well, I can agree to your request, but no matter what you want to do, please remember that the existence of the Navy is to maintain the rule of the World Government. If you cannot even do that, then there is no need for the Navy to exist."

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

"My true request is actually very simple: completely strip away the Navy's political attributes and become a pure, violent organization aimed at pirates."

After a long silence, Imu slowly said: "Very well, but I have a request."

"What request?"

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

"Very well."

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

"Imu-sama... about that."

"I have already agreed to him, allowing the Navy to separate from the World Government and become a pure organization for dealing with pirates."

"What? Imu-sama, this, this must not happen! If the Navy breaks free from the World Government's control, then the Heavenly Tribute... and those Revolutionary Armies..."

"Are you questioning my decision?"

"No, we dare not, Imu-sama."

Imu said indifferently: "You may negotiate these matters with the Navy yourselves."

Having said this, Imu turned and left, leaving the Five Elders to look at each other in dismay.

"Sigh~ this is troublesome now."

"Imu-sama has really given us a difficult problem!"

The next day.

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

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

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

But they would not be tough enough to leave the Navy Headquarters, because even Sakazuki didn't leave...

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

Uh, it seems nothing has changed.

The second thing was the relocation of the Navy Headquarters, because it was confirmed that Marineford could not be rebuilt, 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 is 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 picked up a Devil Fruit.

That's right, it was the Float-Float Fruit of the Golden Lion Shiki. Now, T-Bone has become the hottest star in the Navy, a new Marine star with unlimited potential.

"Rear Admiral T-Bone, I am counting on you."

"Rest assured, Fleet Admiral, I guarantee the mission will be completed." After saying this, T-Bone took the wreckage of Marineford and flew toward the Calm Belt.

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

Karl waved his hand irritably: "Don't give me that nonsense. In two days, you have to discuss issues like the Heavenly Tribute with the Five Elders. Are you prepared?"

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

"Hm, you look a bit like a Fleet Admiral now. Regardless, you must squeeze more Heavenly Tribute for the Navy. After all, after Mary Geoise was attacked last time, the Celestial Dragons suffered quite a bit."

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 Marines collected with such hard work. 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 are right. Rest assured, 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 cannot be for nothing."

Kuzan's eyes lit up. He had always treated money like dirt, but in the few days since becoming Fleet Admiral, he discovered for the first time how important Berries were.

Recruiting new soldiers costs money, building warships costs money, bullets and cannonballs also cost money... what is even more terrifying is that after the Summit War, the Navy's small treasury is almost empty.

"What is it? Are there any conditions?"

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

"Adjust? How to adjust?"

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

"Hiss~"

Kuzan gasped: "This is a huge project! But adjusting bounties so casually, will it..."

"I will fund 300 billion Berries, of which 100 billion will be used as a special bonus for pirate bounties. Whether it is Marines or bounty hunters, they can claim it."

"No problem! What is the second thing?"

"Uh, haven't thought about it yet. It is about the collection of the Heavenly Tribute. Let's talk about that after your negotiations with the Five Elders are over! No rush now."

"Then when will the Berries, hehe, be transported over? It is not that I am obsessed with money, it is mainly that the Navy really has no money now. The remaining military funds are all used to build the new Navy Headquarters, so, you see..."

Karl waved his hand: "A small matter. After T-Bone returns, let him go to the Sky Island with me, and we will just transport the Berries over."

Kuzan's face crinkled into a smile; he was extremely happy. ===== CHAPTER 502 =====