After dealing with the Punk Hazard incident, Wright arrived at the G-5 branch base.
The G-5 branch boasted an impressive lineup of formidable fighters:
Vice Admiral Smoker, the base commander; the recently returned Vice Admiral Rosinante; Commodore Hina; Major (Lieutenant Commander) Kuina, who had just returned from her mission on Skypiea; and Ace, the rising star of the new generation—now promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade.
Additionally, Tashigi and Cavendish, both of whom had recently advanced to the "Iron Cutting" realm, were promoted to Lieutenant and Lieutenant Junior Grade, respectively. There was also Instructor Issho and Major Ain, stationed in Golden City, ready to provide support at any time...
And of course, the "diligent and dedicated" newly appointed Warlord of the Sea, "Thunder God" Enel.
Enel remained on Raijin Island, training while awaiting the completion of his flying ark. Though he did little more than guard his territory, the extreme climate of Raijin Island, combined with his Rumble-Rumble Fruit, made his effective range of attack ridiculously vast. As a result, Raijin Island, not far from the G-5 branch, was practically an extension of the base's defensive perimeter.
The World Government was extremely pleased, not only praising Enel multiple times but also elevating the status of Fleet Admiral Sengoku, who had recommended him.
This was the ideal model for a Warlord of the Sea—a perfect government hound, a most enthusiastic naval enforcer...
And an incredibly powerful one at that!
On Raijin Island, where Enel diligently trained his Armament Haki, few could threaten him. His powerful Observation Haki, known as "Mantra," coupled with the island's environment, allowed him to fully grasp the natural applications of lightning. Within his domain, it was nearly impossible for anyone to locate his physical form—unless their Observation Haki surpassed his own!
With Vice Admiral Rosinante stationed at the base, Smoker could finally operate freely, leading his forces in suppressing pirates with greater efficiency.
"Wright-sensei!"
Ace had grown accustomed to addressing Wright as "sensei" in public and was gradually adapting to life in the Navy. Though still a troublemaker, Smoker had once been the same, so he had his own ways of dealing with Ace.
Under the rigorous training of both Smoker and Wright, Ace successfully awakened his Observation Haki. With such a solid foundation, Wright had to acknowledge that Garp's influence was undeniable.
As for Armament Haki, Ace was showing early signs of awakening. His talent was truly one in a million... no, more like one in ten million!
"Are you planning to visit Fish-Man Island soon?" Ace asked with enthusiasm.
Wright maintained his monthly visits to Fish-Man Island for medical outreach. Though Fleet Admiral Sengoku found it somewhat improper for a Marine Admiral to personally conduct such missions, the results of Wright's persistence were undeniable.
After all, how many in the world had the privilege of receiving direct aid from an Admiral?
Wright's reputation on Fish-Man Island was now on par with the royal family, if not greater.
Having spent so much time at G-5, Ace was well aware of Wright's standing on Fish-Man Island.
"I've captured or killed many pirates who came from Fish-Man Island to the New World, and their descriptions of the place are all the same," Ace said eagerly. "They all call it a paradise... but I've never been there myself!"
"...That's the only reason?" Wright smirked knowingly, causing Ace to scratch his head in embarrassment.
"Er... not entirely. Lately, I've been clashing frequently with subordinates of the Four Emperors, particularly Whitebeard's men. I heard from captured pirates that Whitebeard has been protecting Fish-Man Island for over a decade."
"But Fish-Man Island is a member nation of the World Government. In the past, it made sense, but now it's under your and the Navy's protection. Why would that old man Whitebeard still need to safeguard it?!"
"I... I want to see for myself how the so-called 'World's Strongest Man' is perceived by the people of Fish-Man Island!"
"Why is it that a pirate could provide the protection that the Navy failed to deliver in the past?!"
Wright narrowed his eyes. Ace's words indicated that he was genuinely observing and reflecting on the world around him.
"Very well. I can take you to Fish-Man Island. But remember, you must respect their perspective."
"Whitebeard protected Fish-Man Island for more than a decade with nothing more than a single statement and a single flag. Under his watch, pirates passing through the island dared not act recklessly."
"His status among the island's people is far greater than you might imagine. In fact, to bring Fish-Man Island's warriors into the Navy, I even promised them that they would never be forced to act against Whitebeard."
Seeing Ace's surprised expression, Wright continued slowly:
"Even as a rising star of the Navy, even as my disciple, you must show Whitebeard the respect he deserves."
"That man... was the one who ruled an entire era after the Pirate King."
"I understand. I'll be careful."
...
On Fish-Man Island, Ace, Kuina, Tashigi, and Cavendish strolled through the bustling shopping district of Coral Hill.
"So, why are you all here too?" Ace sighed in exasperation. The two sword-wielding young women and the narcissistic swordsman had insisted on tagging along, turning his visit into a sightseeing trip.
While Kuina and Tashigi seemed to be treating it as a vacation, Cavendish...
"Impossible! My charm should be unrivaled on Fish-Man Island!" Cavendish was utterly baffled. The mermaids were all stunningly beautiful, yet they showed little interest in him. Instead, their admiration seemed directed at the burly fish-men and muscular mermen...
Cavendish shuddered at the thought, visibly distressed.
"...Different species, different aesthetic standards. Isn't that normal?" Ace chuckled, patting Cavendish on the shoulder. "Maybe, in their eyes, we're both equally average-looking."
"Damn it..." Cavendish grumbled. "I've never heard of Fish-Men and Merfolk having such peculiar tastes... If only I had an ability as flashy as the Flame-Flame Fruit or the Rumble-Rumble Fruit..."
As Ace's fame in the Navy continued to rise, showcasing his incredible and visually striking abilities, Cavendish found himself seriously considering acquiring a Devil Fruit for himself—one that was as stylish as it was powerful.
"Oh! Look over there! That ship docked at the port... isn't that the Sun Pirates, led by Warlord of the Sea, "Knight of the Sea" Jinbe?!" Ace shouted excitedly.
Hearing this, Cavendish and the two swordswomen looked up, and sure enough, a massive pirate ship flying the Sun Pirates' flag was docked at the port.
"That's definitely the Sun Pirates." Kuina nodded. "Jinbe has a good relationship with our master. Since we ran into them, we should pay our respects."
No one objected. They all knew Jinbe's character and the reasoning behind his decision to join the Warlords. Yet, as Wright's subordinates, none of them had ever met him in person.
"Jinbe!"
At the port, Aladdin, the Sun Pirates' doctor and vice-captain, was overseeing the unloading of supplies when he noticed the four young Marines approaching. Recognizing them, he called up to the ship.
"A few young Marines are coming this way... Oh, they're Wright's disciples!"
Jinbe leaned over the railing, spotting the four approaching figures.
"Ah, today is the day Admiral Wright visits Fish-Man Island... Did they come with him?"
Then, his gaze landed on one particular young man grinning broadly, and his heart skipped a beat.
"...He hasn't figured it out yet, has he?"
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