Chapter 459: Thunder Boy

When the news broke that Akainu assumed the post of Navy Admiral, it left countless people stunned.

At first, it seemed absurd and unexpected, but upon careful reflection, Akainu's appointment as Navy Admiral was in fact the most suitable arrangement.

Among the three Navy Marshals, Kizaru, as a member of the Morning Star Corps, was originally a direct subordinate of Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen.

Yet Kizaru's nature is lazy and carefree, and he excels at self-preservation and taking advantage of chaos.

Such a casual and passive disposition is more than sufficient for holding the rank of Navy Marshal.

But to oversee the Navy Headquarters, coordinate branches across the four seas and the Grand Line, and shoulder the immense responsibility of commanding the entire Navy—he is simply unsuitable.

Aokiji… is still in a state of confusion, having yet to find his path forward.

Only Akainu possesses a fierce temperament, strict adherence to duty, and an unwavering determination to uphold justice, never bowing easily to personal ties or social conventions.

Akainu's succession as Navy Admiral is indeed appropriate.

Navy Headquarters, New Marineford.

On this rare day off, Akainu specifically invited his old friend Kizaru for a small gathering, hoping to clear up his doubts.

"Borsalino, why did Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen choose me to succeed as Navy Admiral?"

Kizaru smiled and shrugged.

"You know my nature—I've already reached the limit as a Navy Marshal, and Bellmère is about to give birth. Kuzan's gone with Enel to the Infinite Land."

"Within the entire Navy, only you can shoulder such a heavy burden."

With that, Kizaru lowered his voice deliberately.

"Let me tell you something interesting."

"A few days ago, Admiral Sengoku, Dragon, and Shi Ji argued for a long time in the Government Office over Xia Luote Linlin's three hundred men."

"Shi Ji accused Admiral Sengoku of rebellion. The very next day, Sengoku went to Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen to resign. Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen failed to persuade him otherwise, and thus proposed you as the successor to Navy Admiral."

"Because of this, Sengoku nearly fell into depression."

Hearing these secrets, even Akainu's stoic nature couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Admiral Sengoku… perhaps he's grown so accustomed to being oppressed under the World Government that he hasn't yet adapted to the United Kingdom's governing style."

Akainu understood perfectly why Sengoku was depressed.

According to the United Kingdom's constitution, Sengoku was fully eligible to remain in command of the Navy for another ten years or so. But Sengoku, in his arrogance, mistakenly believed Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen had signaled his retirement through Gold Lion.

"Indeed," Kizaru sighed.

"Back when they served under those five onions and garlic, what miserable days the Navy endured—Sengoku's inability to adapt is entirely understandable."

"Once you become Admiral, make sure to give the brothers more leave and assign less work."

Akainu smiled but said nothing—he knew Kizaru was joking.

Given his long-standing friendship with Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen, this Navy Admiral might not even be able to control Kizaru.

Moreover, since Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen, without holding grudges, appointed him, Akainu, as Navy Admiral, he must perform his duties flawlessly.

So as not to betray Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen's kindness.

Three months later, Akainu assumed office as the new Navy Admiral at the Sacred Sky City; Sengoku stepped down to the sidelines, becoming Navy Headquarters' Grand Inspector.

The Navy Headquarters Grand Inspector is akin to the Navy Headquarters Chief of Staff, a supervisory role with duties including oversight, investigation, and execution of special missions.

As a result, the date for Rossy to assume the position of Navy Headquarters Chief of Staff had to be indefinitely postponed.

Thus, the world reached equilibrium: Sengoku was satisfied, Akainu was fired up, and only Rossy was heartbroken.

And meanwhile.

After completely eliminating the threats posed by Blackbeard, remnants of the old era, and Lingling's forces, Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen finally prepared to travel to the past.

After bidding farewell to Master Tenghu, Bear, and Kaido, Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen used the time machine to return to the year the War of God's Valley erupted.

That is, Sea Calendar 1503.

At that time, Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen was just one year old.

……

"For Xia Qi!!"

"For Xia Qi!!"

Sea Calendar 1503, West Blue.

Dark clouds blotted out the sun and sky; the sea surface was black as ink.

On the deck of the Garp's Sword, the great pirates led by Whitebeard, Gold Lion, and John roared—

"Save Xia Qi! Save Xia Qi!"

It was hard to imagine just how suppressed the spirits of these legendary pirates were at that moment.

One could hardly tell whether it was the tragedy of the age or the misfortune of the individual.

At the bow, Xia Luote Lingling, eight meters and eight centimeters tall, and her shadow Kaido watched coldly.

Suddenly, a purple lightning bolt landed steadily on Lingling's shoulder, transforming into a two-meter-tall little figure: Lei Ting.

He was none other than Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen, who had traveled thirty years into the past, altered his appearance, and joined the Rocks Pirates.

"What a depressing era!"

Not long ago, the Celestial Dragons had declared Xia Qi the prize of the God's Valley Hunting Competition, claiming the victor would claim the Ocean's First Beauty.

Once the news leaked, countless pirates—including the Rocks Pirates and Roger Pirates—flocked to God's Valley.

Can you believe it? The legendary God's Valley War, the pinnacle of pirate tournaments, was sparked by a woman?

Truly, this is the Great Depression Era.

"Lei Ting, you're not interested in Xia Qi?"

For this little brat who liked to sit on her shoulder and bounce like a trampoline, Lingling had no patience to spare.

She couldn't catch him.

Love is too small.

Even if she squatted down and stuck her ass up, with that kid's height… he still couldn't reach.

Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen spread his hands: "Xia Luote Lingling, you know I only feel for you."

At just thirty, Xia Luote Lingling's figure hadn't gone out of shape; her mature wife aura was fully dialed in, and teasing her right in front of Kaido always gave him a peculiar feeling.

He, Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen, was the man who almost became Kaido's stepfather.

Hearing this, Kaido immediately flashed an extremely lewd expression, as if picturing something.

"Xia Luote Linlin, just give in to the Thunder Kid..."

Boom~ The future Four Emperors Big Mom's love fist crashed hard onto Kaido's head.

"When we reach the Valley of the Gods, both of you stick close to me. They're after their women—we're after those Devil Fruits."

Xia Luote Lingling and Kaido now had plans to form their own pirate crew.

One of the prizes for the Valley of the Gods Hunting Competition—nine Devil Fruits—was undoubtedly the best startup capital for pirates who loved free shopping.

Hearing "Devil Fruits," Kaido nodded solemnly: "Xia Luote Lingling, we follow your lead."

With that, Kaido instantly switched to a grin: "Thunder Kid, you're fast—remember to help me!"

In the Rocks Pirates, intern Kaido deeply envied the Thunder Kid, who, despite joining the Rocks Pirates only recently, had become captain of the Sixth Division after eating the strongest Natural Logia Devil Fruit.

Without the Thunder Fruit, Kaido believed he could hold his own against the Thunder Kid in a three-to-seven split.

Three minutes—kill him seven times.

At this point, Kaido was not yet the future master known for declaring: "Haki surpasses all."

At this time, Kaido, spurred by the Thunder Fruit's influence and heeding Whitebeard's advice, vowed to find a powerful Devil Fruit.

Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen smiled brightly: "Kaido-san, don't underestimate the bond between us."

The young Kaido was not only Xia Luote Lingling's shadow, but also acted like a fool.

Kaido grinned, his pride impossible to hide: "Bro, once this is over, I'll find you a beautiful bride."

"Arigatō, Kaido-san."

Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen couldn't help thinking: Kaido the old bastard, if Yamato finds out you're trying to find me a bride, she'll beat you to death.

The Gibeck Sword suddenly accelerated, racing toward the Valley of the Gods.

After a brief chat, Xia Luote Lingling pulled Kaido back to their room, leaving Barzab Saint Saint Saiwen stunned in place.

"WTF, you two are totally a thing."