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[Ding! The host has successfully completed 1000 sword swings. Rewards received: Gathering Liulian proficiency +5%, Dragon Force proficiency +5%, Ben Lei proficiency +5%, Haki (Tri-color Domineering) proficiency +1%.]
The crisp system prompt echoed in Bai Yu's mind.
Every skill—each technique—gained a noticeable boost in proficiency.
His Haki mastery, the core of any high-level combatant in this sea, had now climbed to 48%.
"Just 2% left," Bai Yu muttered, eyes glinting as he stared at his status panel.
"Let's keep going!"
Determined, Bai Yu gripped his sword and prepared to resume his intense training, aiming to raise his Haki to a clean 50% today. But reality, as always, refused to cooperate.
Before he could make his next swing, a navy officer came jogging up the deck, saluting before presenting a freshly sealed dispatch from Marine Headquarters.
Bai Yu broke the wax seal, his eyes quickly scanning the contents. Moments later, he understood.
Due to the outstanding performance of Bai Yu and his unit during the Hannabar operation, Marine Headquarters had issued a commendation and approved further promotions.
His close allies, Koby and Helmeppo, were both promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
And Bai Yu himself—he was officially promoted to Brigadier General.
In the ranks of the Marines, that put him right beneath the Major Generals and Vice Admirals—part of the general-level structure which included: Admiral, Vice Admiral, Rear Admiral, Commodore, and now, Brigadier General—a relatively newer classification used for high-performing officers in special cases.
This kind of promotion speed? Unheard of.
A buzz swept through the ranks. Even among Marine elites, Bai Yu's ascent was drawing shocked whispers and envy.
After all, he had only joined the Marines for less than a month!
"This… is compensation," Bai Yu whispered to himself.
He wasn't naïve. This was Headquarters trying to make amends for the previous mishap with Admiral Kizaru. The political gesture was clear: a subtle apology wrapped in prestige.
And no doubt, Garp had pulled some strings in the background to ensure it happened.
Still, Bai Yu had no reason to refuse.
Only by climbing higher could he gain the reach and power he needed. This was just the beginning.
Right then, another voice called out across the deck.
"Admiral Bai Yu! A warship has appeared ahead on our return route!"
It was the lookout's voice, filled with tension.
"A warship?"
Bai Yu frowned. They were en route back to Marine Branch 188—and he knew for a fact there were no other official installations nearby.
So where was this ship coming from?
His interest piqued, Bai Yu sheathed his sword and called for Koby and Maya, heading directly to the warship's bow.
Sure enough, a massive Marine warship slowly emerged in the distance, its silhouette looming steadily closer.
As it came into full view, Bai Yu's eyes narrowed.
G5.
The bold stencil was unmistakable.
G5 was one of the Marine's most infamous branches—stationed deep in the New World. Unlike other bases, it was known for its brutal and irregular tactics, and the soldiers stationed there were often described as "wild hounds" of justice.
Several names flickered in Bai Yu's mind immediately:
Smoker, Tashigi…
And one more.
A man who mastered the Six Powers and used Haki at a terrifying level—
Vice Admiral Vergo.
Koby stared at the approaching ship, confusion on his face.
"Why would someone from G5 come here? They're always busy fighting pirates in the New World…"
Indeed, the G5 Marines operated with almost total autonomy. Their reputation for disobeying central orders was well known.
"Have our ship hold position," Bai Yu ordered. "Let's see what they want."
Moments later, the G5 warship drew alongside them. A connecting bridge was dropped, and a group of uniformed Marines marched across.
At their head, a tall man in a pristine suit and Marine coat stepped forward.
Vergo.
His expression was unreadable, but the air around him felt heavy. Bai Yu's eyes instantly sharpened—and with one step, he casually shielded Maya behind his back.
He knew something few others did.
Vergo was not loyal to the Marines.
He was an undercover operative—planted years ago by Donquixote Doflamingo, the Warlord of the Sea.
A high-ranking spy right under the World Government's nose.
To everyone else, Vergo was a model soldier.
To Bai Yu, he was a threat.
"I am G5 Vice Admiral Vergo," the man said, scanning the crew before his gaze landed on Bai Yu.
"I've come with a message. And a request."
Bai Yu's voice remained cool. "Strange. I don't recall having any prior ties with G5."
His tone held no deference, despite technically being lower in rank.
Vergo's eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
"I need to speak with you. Alone. All others are to leave the area."
A command, not a request.
Instantly, Bai Yu's face turned frosty.
"No need. Say what you came to say right here."
"These are all officers of Branch 188. They don't take orders from G5."
"They take orders from me."
The deck quieted. Vergo's fists clenched faintly. After a tense pause, he released a breath and took a single step closer.
"I was sent by someone… important. They want a meeting—with you."
He lowered his voice, whispering near Bai Yu's ear, still maintaining a tone of arrogant command.
But Bai Yu stepped back, disgusted.
"If someone wants to meet me, they can come themselves."
"I'm not interested in errands."
"If you're done, leave."
The surrounding Marines exchanged uneasy looks. Vergo's expression turned cold.
"I'm ordering you—as a Vice Admiral—to come with me."
Bai Yu's answer was immediate.
"What if I refuse?"
"Then I'll arrest you for insubordination."
That was it.
The calm broke.
Bai Yu's right hand drifted to the hilt of his Wushuang Taidao, his signature sword.
The atmosphere turned frigid.
Vergo's killing intent surged. A faint shimmer of black iron-colored Haki flickered around his clenched fists.
Soru.
In a burst of speed that broke the sound barrier, Vergo vanished—and reappeared instantly in front of Bai Yu, hand outstretched to seize his throat.
His movements were fast, clean, and brutal—the result of years of mastering the Six Powers and Armament Haki.
But Bai Yu didn't even blink.
He gripped his sword, its blade gleaming in the sun.
"This is my ship."
"You don't get to throw your weight around here."
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