"For your commanding performance during the main fleet's operational mission, leading the remaining forces to defend Mopchi against numerous pirates, achieving victory in battle, and accomplishing the rapid restoration of port facilities... Boa Hancock, I hereby appoint you as Admiral of the First Fleet."
"I humbly accept this appointment."
Before the assembled core members of the 'Black Cat' organization, including Daz and the Royal Guard, Hancock kneels before me.
(That bastard Tezoro said this was an appointment ceremony, but this feels more like a medieval knight's investiture. Well, I'm the one who arranged it, but still...)
Hancock, kneeling in her usual suit, looks slightly different today. Over her regular slacks, she wears a long, asymmetrical overskirt like a pareo, naturally embroidered with that three-clawed cat mark.
(She suggested we should change her appearance once she officially becomes an executive, and I suppose Tezoro really does have a higher aptitude for this kind of theatrical work...)
Tezoro has been performing excellently. With Stella's help, he's been managing domestic affairs skillfully, has already decided which fields to use for the next grain planting season, and begun preparations for roads, tools, and storage. As a bonus, he's also skilled at singing and instruments, so he doubles as our musician.
"I know it's late to say this after relying on you so heavily, but I'm counting on you going forward."
"Indeed. Having received three of those fruits that could be sold for immediate wealth, both my sisters and I shall strive to meet your expectations, my lord."
I had planned to give her the Devil Fruit during this appointment ceremony, but it was pointed out that this might create the impression that one must be an ability user to become an admiral. So instead, we're presenting her with a specially modified jacket in front of everyone.
This time she requested a jacket, but normally it would be a coat or cape.
I just hope the Navy doesn't think we're picking a fight with their white ones.
As I drape the jacket over her shoulders, Hancock slips her arms through the sleeves and turns around. Behind her stand the crews of the ships now under her command—the First Fleet having grown to five vessels total with the addition of two transport ships.
This is a unit I carefully reorganized after Hancock actually led them, interacting directly with them, and spending days deliberating with the help of Amis and Toya, along with her sisters.
(Good, no one's looking down on her.)
I've been sensing it gradually, but the 'Black Cat' name has grown beyond my expectations. We probably have recognition comparable to the Creek Pirates in the East Blue. The Navy, partly due to Mihawk's presence, seems to view us as mid to upper-tier Grand Line level.
This has brought many volunteers, but we're gradually getting former thugs and people who turned to us out of desperation for food. Since I can't let them become obvious villains like typical mob pirates, I'm drilling discipline into them hard.
So far, there haven't been any problems. I was prepared to make an example by cutting down or kicking out anyone who caused trouble, so this is somewhat reassuring.
"Sandersonia, Marigold."
"Yes, sister."
"Yes!"
The two sisters, who have completely mastered wearing suits instead of their original swimsuit-like outfits, step forward. Sonia hasn't changed much, but Mari has become genuinely beautiful.
What the hell happened in the original story? She had put on weight just from training... was it stress?
"I appoint you both as Assistant Admirals of the First Fleet."
While I issue orders to the First Fleet, I leave personnel matters to Hancock. So this outcome was predictable—Hancock chose her sisters as her assistants.
These two have been steadily growing as commanders as well. Unlike Hancock, they can't handle domestic administration, but that's understandable. In Hancock's case, she's been studying hard alongside Robin, conducting local surveys and confirmations.
"Please continue to assist me."
Hancock presents each sister with a cape designed to be worn over one shoulder.
Wait, this really does look like medieval knight regalia, doesn't it? I believe Tezoro and the princess were consulting on what to present.
(That explains it. I have my doubts about whether Her Highness actually recognizes us as pirates.)
Regardless, the ceremony proceeded solemnly as planned. The sailors salute toward me, Admiral Hancock, and her assistant sisters, and the three return the salute. Daz, Perona, and the Royal Guard applaud, and... wait! Is Mihawk clapping too?!
Well, I guess it's fine. He's gotten used to the 'Black Cat' somehow, and maybe like this... like this...
Hold on. If Mihawk, Zoro's ultimate goal, is with us, doesn't that put me squarely in the "getting punched by Luffy" category?
Am I going to get headbutted and sent flying by Luffy like in the original?
Well, I can't predict the future.
"That was a fine ceremony. Far from what you'd expect of pirates, but... not bad."
After successfully concluding the ceremony and withdrawing with Hancock and the others, Rayleigh appeared. Since he doesn't want his presence here widely known, we generally call him Ray.
The townspeople also call him Ray-san or Uncle Ray, and he's blended in well.
"Yeah, I was worried some might look down on Hancock based on appearance, but that didn't happen, and now Hancock has proper authority."
"Hmm. How are the abilities working out, Hancock?"
All three have already consumed Devil Fruits and gained their canonical abilities.
"No problems. I tested it against stray pirates recently, and they all turned to stone with a single glance before any fighting could begin."
As a result, Hancock's suppression power has reached near-Perona levels. Seriously overpowered, Hancock.
"Can you reverse the effect?"
"That's also fine. I've tested it as a precaution."
Oh, well then... but damn, this is scary. Aside from range, it's practically identical to Perona's power.
Sonia and the others have also gained ridiculous combat strength, and Toya, who accompanied them, said the speed at which they swept through small-time pirates was incredible.
"Good, focus on ability-based combat for now. While Mihawk and the others are conquering and developing the former Canet Kingdom, I'll move with the First Fleet."
"So I'll be working with you in Mogwa, cooperating with the Navy instead of Mihawk."
"Right. Consider it training while hunting stray pirates. Leave reconstruction, domestic affairs, and politics to me."
"Indeed. Incidentally, if I, as a newly powered ability user, serve as a prominent figure to draw attention, it would be convenient for you to keep Mihawk and the others' movements less noticed, wouldn't it?"
She's developed this kind of strategic thinking, confirming that making her a commander was the right choice. In terms of being a pirate captain or faction leader, current Hancock might be incredibly more competent than her original counterpart, setting aside pure strength.
"Exactly. Officially, we're splitting our forces to suppress stray pirate raids on non-affiliated nations... though that's actually true too."
"Better to be overly cautious. From what I hear, this Aokiji doesn't seem like the type to interfere unnecessarily, but there's still the possibility of government agents embedded within the Navy."
"Absolutely right. I'm counting on you."
To be a bit crude about it, having her lead subordinates might slightly increase the chances she'll stay with us. Honestly, I want Hancock and Sonia's group to remain. They're incredibly reliable, and considering Robin, I want as many trustworthy female executives as possible.
"It's about time for you all to get moving. So... here."
"Here what?"
What is this, Rayleigh? This black... sash?
"Ray... what is this?"
"Don't you understand?"
"No."
"It's a blindfold."
"Why a blindfold?"
I have a vague idea, but I don't want to hear it. Not yet!
"Ray and I discussed it earlier, and we've determined it's time to raise your training by about three levels."
Mihawk! Don't just appear and announce something outrageous! And take it up gradually!
"Can't we do step-by-step progression? I'm a normal human being, unlike you two..."
...
Um... Was what I said really funny enough to make you clutch your stomachs laughing?
"Well then, let's begin. Time is precious. You have natural talent for Observation Haki. Don't worry, if Ray and I get a little serious as opponents, you'll improve whether you want to or not."
"By 'get serious,' you mean serious about training, right? You're not planning to get a little serious about actually cutting down a blindfolded me, right?"
...
Stop laughing and answer me, you idiots!! And no, don't start preparing earplugs too!!
***
"Well, well, finally back."
It had been just over a month since the surprise operation departed to suppress the main pirate coalition forces. After that time, communicating only through letters and Den Den Mushi, the ship carrying that man had returned.
Seven ships in total. The flagship modified merchant vessel and one other—Capone Bege's ship—remained unchanged as fellow 'Black Cat' collaborators, but the remaining five were unfamiliar vessels.
"Did he increase his forces further, or swap with personnel who were defending the base... well, knowing Kuro, probably both."
The man—Kuzan—understood the pirate called Kuro's capabilities well. Even during the month or so since that surprise attack, he would have taken every possible measure.
In terms of simple numerical strength alone, the Black Cat Pirates had become a force that ordinary pirates would find nearly impossible to crush.
"Ooh, so that's the famous three claws. When I saw it in reports and photos, I thought it was un-pirate-like, but seeing it directly like this, there's something intimidating about it."
Beside Kuzan stood a man in a yellow suit with large glasses, wearing a Navy coat. Admiral Kizaru. The somewhat shady man who had become an admiral alongside Kuzan and Sakazuki following the Navy's reorganization was admiringly observing the approaching ship's sail.
"Goes without saying, but if you underestimate him, you'll get burned. He's the type whose mental agility and combat power both spike when cornered."
"I know, I know. The Fleet Admiral specifically warned me not to antagonize him unnecessarily."
"Heh... Sengoku said that?"
"Well, you know. A pirate popular with Navy personnel is troublesome to handle."
"Yeah, that's true."
Indeed, the 'Black Cat's' reputation was rising daily. Though cooperative, pirates were still pirates. To confirm their base, they had Navy personnel disguised as non-affiliated citizens gather intelligence in Mopchi, the 'Black Cat' stronghold. The result quietly spread word that 'Kuro of a Thousand Plans' was far from being a raider, instead ruling as a proper governor.
"Oh, they've docked. Better go greet them."
"Guess I'll come too. Got a message from the Fleet Admiral."
Oooooooohhhhhhhoooooohhhhhooooooohhhhhhhhhhoooooooohhhhhhhh...
The pirate they met after so long was emanating miasma from his mouth. His characteristic glasses had been replaced with new ones, and his left eye bore a shallow but visible cut.
"K... Kuro...?"
Kuzan, who usually addressed him formally in front of regular soldiers, called his name hesitantly. Suddenly, Kuro's vacant, unfocused eyes that had been staring at nothing snapped toward Kuzan with mechanical precision, his head jerking up as if pulled by strings.
Kuzan instinctively stepped back. Behind Kuro, Hancock and the Royal Guard members were holding their heads as if in pain. Meanwhile, Bege was clutching his stomach, laughing.
"Are you... alright?"
"I'm back..."
"I've returned... from hell! I made it back alive!"
"Wait, weren't you just back at your base?"
***
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