One Piece : From Slave to Fleet Admiral

The voice coming through the Den Den Mushi made all of Slixus hopes plummet into the abyss.

He couldn't even speak, only weeping uncontrollably until his whole body shook, barely able to breathe.

Sengoku's voice remained cold with anger.

"I've already heard from Lieutenant Jake—no, I should say Captain Jake, since he's unaware of his promotion. I'm fully informed about your crimes, including those of every soldier in your entire Marine branch base! The specific judgment will be made after I arrive there personally. This incident will not be easily dismissed—it concerns the very negation of the Marine institution itself. You understand my meaning."

Sengoku's words stunned everyone present.

Slixus trembling as he asked into the Den Den Mushi.

"F-Fleet Admiral Sengoku, you're coming here personally?"

"Not just me. I'll be bringing most of the Marine's high-ranking officers with me. Arresting an entire Marine branch base is no small matter."

At this point, Slixus's eyes began rolling back—the situation had spiraled far beyond his expectations.

He already knew what awaited him would be worse than death!

Sengoku's voice continued.

"Every one of your crimes will be accounted for. This trial will serve as an example, publicized throughout Marine Headquarters. It will be published in newspapers, exposing all your crimes to the world. Though it will deal a heavy blow to the Marines, this necessary pain will cleanse our ranks of rotten flesh like yours."

These words extinguished Slixus last shred of hope.

One thing was clear: he would become the most infamous stain in Marine history, forever nailed to the pillar of shame.

He might not even live long enough to endure that disgrace.

With this realization, Slixuscollapsed in a sobbing faint.

The slave traders nearby had turned deathly pale, their pleading eyes fixed on Jake as they begged for mercy.

But Jake paid them no heed, simply holding the Den Den Mushi as he slowly walked out.

After Jake left, the women once again picked up their torture devices and subjected the slave traders to another round of torment.

With the Den Den Mushi in hand, Jake stepped outside and said to Sengoku with some surprise.

"Sengoku-san, I've been directly promoted from lieutenant to captain—another leap in rank. Wouldn't that be a bit inappropriate?"

Hearing Jake's words, Sengoku merely chuckled and replied.

"You wiped out the entire Black Hawk Pirates entrenched in Prince Kingdom, took down a notorious Pirate with a bounty nearing a hundred million, and even held your own against one of the Four Emperors. With such merits, giving you the rank of captain is already taking into account the feelings of other Marines. Otherwise, based on your achievements, you should've been promoted straight to comodore or even rear admiral."

"By the way, were you listening to what I said earlier? I plan to expose this incident to the public. What are your thoughts on that?"

Jake frowned slightly upon hearing this, his expression tinged with concern:

"Sengoku-san, I understand that you want to use this incident to reform the marines, but the events here are simply too disgusting. I'm worried that exposing them might worsen the public's perception of the Marines—it could even backfire. So I was thinking, perhaps we should conceal some of the darker details?"

On the other end, Sengoku laughed, his voice carrying a hint of admiration.

"You think the same way I did when I was young. If it weren't for you, I would've only allowed the media to report the less gruesome aspects of this incident. I know all too well how devastating the impact would be if the heavier truths were revealed. But you're overlooking one person—someone who can completely change the course of this matter."

"One person? Someone who can alter the entire situation? Who?"

For a moment, Jake was at a loss.

"YOU, you little fool. Do you realize you're the future of the Marines? Do you know you're the next leader of this organization?"

Jake lowered his voice sheepishly.

"Wouldn't it be shameless for me to say that myself?"

"Your abilities are more than enough—no need to feel ashamed. Your influence alone can suppress all the negative repercussions. The main purpose of this exposure isn't just to deter corrupt Marines in the region—it's also to build your reputation. The incident in Prince Kingdom couldn't be widely publicized because you weren't there, but this time, we'll use both events to elevate your prestige to its peak!"

"You will become the hero who purges the darkness within Marines and defeats the Pirates—the flawless savior in the eyes of the world. And in my eyes, you truly are that person. But I need you to amplify that influence across the entire world. My judgment tells me your reputation might not eliminate all the negative fallout at first, but this opportunity will pave the way for subsequent internal purges within the Marines."

"And this operation to purge internal parasites—you will be the primary driving force behind it. Never mind how much impact you can have, the simplest point is that you need to become a global superstar. Even if it's just for show, it doesn't matter. The number of Pirates grows every year, and within the Marines, signs of a generational gap are already emerging. We need a symbol, a beacon that can inspire confidence in everyone."

"That person, without a doubt, is you! Your existence will, to some extent, curb the influence of the Great Pirate Era and also provide the Marines with a fresh influx of young talent. So, Jake, all your actions from now on will be tied to the Marine's reputation!"

Listening to Sengoku's words, Jake felt both honored and under immense pressure.

Letting out a soft sigh into the Den Den Mushi, he responded.

"Sengoku-san, I've already investigated the mastermind behind this slave trade. It's most likely Pica of the Donquixote Family. If possible, I'd like to eliminate him, but..."

"Are you worried about Doflamingo? Don't be. If it were about killing him personally, I'd have to consider it. But as for his subordinates, as long as you have the strength, go ahead."

Jake nodded at this and then shared another piece of news.

"Sengoku-san, didn't I say I'd bring the Marines a grand gift upon my return?"

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