The matter with Cavendish had been settled for the time being. Now, Wright could only wait for Dr. Vegapunk's research results before taking the next step.
Wright had already witnessed the genius of this top-tier scientist firsthand.
If their relationship had initially been one of cooperation—with Dr. Vegapunk admiring Wright's ideals, abilities, and character—his decision to join Dawn's Watch was based on a belief that, under Wright's leadership, the world could truly change for the better.
Compared to working for the World Government or even the Navy as it once was, Vegapunk now stood firmly on the side of the Navy led by Wright.
And after this latest operation...
Dr. Vegapunk's attitude had shifted entirely—he was now fully committed.
It was as if the "Greatest Scientist" had finally come to understand the fundamental difference between Wright and the World Government.
That realization filled him with an unprecedented passion for the future.
The Reverie was drawing near.
After the assault on Whole Cake Island, the Vice Admirals who participated in the operation—still carrying the fierce aura of warriors who had breached a Yonko's territory—were dispatched to provide protection for allied nations.
Surprisingly...
Their presence was met with overwhelming praise.
The kings of the member nations voiced unanimous approval—seeing such battle-hardened Vice Admirals filled them with a sense of safety they had never felt before.
The Navy had descended like divine soldiers from the heavens. In just a few days, the mighty Totto Land had been uprooted entirely.
Now, Admiral Aokiji—Kuzan—remained in Totto Land to handle post-operation affairs. Across the world, confidence in Wright as Fleet Admiral surged among the nations aligned with the World Government.
Just how many years had it been since the Navy had stood this tall?
The accolades from the kings were prominently published in the World Economic News Papers. As the "Guardians of the Sea," the Navy's reputation soared once again.
Dr. Vegapunk's name, too, returned to public attention—
His newly developed classified Navy equipment allowed for precise, long-range strikes across regions. It was a terrifying deterrent for pirates, and a source of reassurance for allied nations.
Naturally, the World Government couldn't just ignore the fall of a Yonko. After reluctantly broadcasting their "heroic" involvement to the public, Wright received an official summons from the Five Elders.
Holy Land Mariejois – Highest-Level Meeting Room of the Five Elders.
"..."
Wright sat calmly in his seat, smiling as he studied the mixed expressions of the five old men.
Under Wright's leadership, the role of Fleet Admiral was nothing like it had been in the past.
The Five Elders had never truly supported Wright's appointment to the position. But after their own chosen candidate, Sakazuki, lost in a fair duel, they had no grounds to protest.
Wright's popularity was simply too great.
Coupled with his unparalleled healing abilities, the Five Elders and the entire World Government were forced to maintain a delicate relationship with this Fleet Admiral who clearly didn't play by their rules.
"Wright…"
One of the Elders finally spoke. He wore a deep blue suit, had long white hair, and sported a flowing beard.
"The Navy has grown tremendously in strength. I didn't expect you to strike directly at a Yonko's base of power."
"But doing so was incredibly reckless... Never before has a Fleet Admiral ventured into the heart of enemy territory."
"Haha... Isn't that a good thing? I'm pretty damn good at staying alive."
Wright shrugged casually. "Besides, with me present, not only was morale sky-high, but our casualties were reduced to almost zero."
"From a cost-benefit perspective, it was more than worth it. The only cost was me working a little harder—but that's expected, right? A Fleet Admiral should be tireless."
"..."
Watching Wright's expression—like he was waiting to be handed a medal—the five old men twitched in unison.
"But in doing so, you left Marine Headquarters vulnerable. At the time, Kizaru was stationed in Mariejois. If Headquarters had come under attack, could you have taken responsibility?!"
The bald, short Elder in a dark green suit spoke with disapproval. His drooping mustache and a prominent birthmark on his forehead made him easy to recognize.
"As Fleet Admiral, you should command from Headquarters. If you personally take to the frontlines, what purpose do the Admirals serve?"
"Indeed..." said another Elder in a black suit with a white flat cap. His thick white curls, full beard, and a scar running down his left cheek gave him a solemn air.
"The primary duty of the Navy is to defend Mariejois. No matter how fast your teleportation device is, it can't eliminate all risks."
"This time, nothing went wrong—so we'll let it slide. But don't do this again."
"Well... I admit, there was a bit of a lapse in judgment regarding Headquarters."
Wright's concession eased their expressions somewhat—but then his next words darkened them again.
"So here's what we'll do. Borsalino will remain stationed in Mariejois. Next time I head out, Kuzan will stay at Headquarters. That solves the issue, right?"
"Headquarters still has Old Man Sengoku, Old Man Garp, and Teacher Zephyr. Besides, I've already uprooted Big Mom's entire force. The only threats left are Kaido and Red-Haired."
"Red-Haired isn't ambitious. Of the 'Four Emperors'—well, now it's 'Three Emperors'—he's the least aggressive."
"Kaido? Even if you gave him a hundred extra lives, he wouldn't dare strike us. That shameless beast may have grown stronger these past years, but has he ever actually attacked a Navy base?"
Wright sneered coldly.
"Our power in the New World has surged. Kaido knows it—and he's scared. He barely even leaves Wano anymore. Just stays holed up, scheming useless little plots."
"I said not to do this again!"
The Elder clad in a white monk's robe, bald, wearing glasses and cradling a long sword in his arms, growled coldly:
"You're twisting the argument!"
"Come now... Let's not overreact~"
Wright waved a hand, looking entirely unserious—as if trying to say, you know I've got a point.
"You're a skilled swordsman too, right? That's the original Shodai Kitetsu, isn't it?"
"One of the 12 Supreme Grade Blades. My 'Ashes' is one too. As fellow swordsmen, surely you understand how torturous it is to be stuck behind a desk every day?"
"I don't find it torturous at all."
"You're old. I'm only in my thirties!"
"I—"
"That's enough, Wright! Be serious. This is no way for the Fleet Admiral to behave."
The golden-haired Elder in a deep red suit, with a matching golden beard and a scar across his chest, furrowed his brow and spoke firmly:
"We summoned you today not just to offer some suggestions about your approach to warfare."
"The Reverie is nearly here. You've caused quite a stir and it does reflect well on the World Government…"
At this, the five Elders grimaced slightly.
In recent days, the papers had run glowing reports from kings of allied nations, praising Wright's courage—personally leading the charge, penetrating enemy territory, and confronting a Yonko face-to-face.
The Five Elders had no doubt: if a king proposed expanding Navy deployments at the conference, most others would agree.
Tempting as that idea was, it also placed enormous pressure on the World Government.
After all, the Navy was under the authority of the Fleet Admiral.
Which meant... even more power would have to be handed over to Wright!
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