The appointment and promotion document from Marine Headquarters was written clearly in black and white.
Bai Yu was officially promoted to Marine Captain.
Before this, Bai Yu had never expected such a rapid rise through the ranks.
After all, while it was true that he had once apprehended a rogue Warlord of the Sea, and was later personally endorsed by the legendary Marine Hero—Monkey D. Garp—promotion still wasn't something he had thought about seriously.
But now, his promotion was not just confirmed.
He had leapt straight from an unranked recruit to the rank of Captain—skipping multiple levels entirely.
"Part of this might be the World Government and Headquarters trying to show strength..."
Bai Yu silently guessed in his heart.
To elevate a newcomer like him so dramatically, and let the world know about it, was a strong message to the pirates.
Even a random recruit from the Marines could defeat a Warlord of the Sea.
The implication: The Navy is overflowing with strength. Pirates beware.
Of course, this was only Bai Yu's speculation.
The real motives likely remained known only to the high-ranking brass at Marineford.
Now possessing the status of a Captain, Bai Yu didn't need to explain anything.
He immediately ordered the Marine unit stationed at Mock Town on Jaya Island to escort all captured pirates to Impel Down or Marineford, depending on their bounties.
The prisoners would be processed by the authorities once reports were uploaded to Headquarters.
As for Bai Yu and his two companions, having found no further intel on the mysterious movements in Jaya...
They saw no reason to stay any longer.
The trio made their way back to the warship anchored offshore.
"Captain Bai Yu! You're too amazing!"
"In just weeks, you've gone from a rookie to a Captain!"
"This is almost unprecedented in Marine history!"
Throughout the walk back, Koby and Helmeppo constantly showered Bai Yu with admiration.
Both were visibly grateful for their decision to follow him.
"You two don't seem nearly as enthusiastic when it comes to training."
"Flattering someone must be easier than working hard."
Bai Yu gave them a sidelong glance and smirked.
The three laughed heartily and returned to the ship, the sea breeze swirling around them.
"Sir! Urgent delivery from Marine Headquarters!"
"There's also a package for you!"
As soon as Bai Yu stepped aboard, a saluting Marine officer approached and handed over both a sealed envelope and a thick-wrapped parcel.
Bai Yu opened the document first.
As expected, it was the official certificate of appointment, confirming his status as Marine Captain.
It hadn't been delayed—just missed him because he was away on a mission.
Next, he carefully opened the parcel.
Inside was a freshly folded white Marine coat.
Recognizing what it meant, Bai Yu flipped it over and donned it right on the spot.
The word "Justice" blazed across the back in bold kanji.
This was the standard-issue attire for officers ranked Lieutenant and above.
It was likely tailor-made based on measurements provided by Garp himself.
It fit Bai Yu perfectly—clean, sharp, and unmistakably authoritative.
"Captain Bai Yu! You look so cool!"
"When do we get ours...?"
Seeing Bai Yu's imposing new look, Koby and Helmeppo both sighed with admiration.
"Train hard. Your time will come."
Bai Yu smiled as he adjusted his collar.
Putting on this coat wasn't just about looks.
It was a declaration. Bai Yu had officially stepped into the limelight.
"Yes, sir!"
Both Koby and Helmeppo responded in unison.
"Let's move. Supplies are stocked. Our next destination is—Water 7!"
With all preparations complete, Bai Yu gave the command.
The sails caught the wind, and the warship once again departed at full speed.
They were now heading for the legendary City of Water.
---
Meanwhile—
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Fleet Admiral's Office.
At this moment, Fleet Admiral Sengoku was in a meeting with all three Admirals: Akainu (Sakazuki), Aokiji (Kuzan), and Kizaru (Borsalino).
On Sengoku's desk lay a stack of documents and a photo—Bai Yu's profile.
"Don't you think this promotion is a little hasty for someone we know so little about?" Akainu questioned, tone stern.
"According to Branch 188's report, this 'Bai Yu'…"
"There's nothing in his file before he enlisted."
Indeed, before Marineford approved the promotion, they requested a full background check.
But the only detail Branch 188 could confirm was that Bai Yu had registered as a new recruit.
Everything before that? Completely blank.
This deeply unsettled Akainu.
"Sakazuki, you're being overly cautious."
Sengoku replied with calm certainty.
"He was personally recommended by Vice Admiral Garp."
"You don't believe Garp has the instincts to judge a man's loyalty?"
Sengoku countered.
Akainu crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes.
"You're forgetting something. Crocodile didn't just want power—he wanted the kingdom of Alabasta."
"And now, Bai Yu's next destination is Water 7."
"There are...rumors," he added grimly.
Everyone in the room understood what he meant.
The blueprints of Pluton, an ancient weapon capable of destroying islands, were said to be hidden in Water 7.
Bai Yu had already taken down Crocodile in Alabasta.
Now he was en route to the place where whispers of Pluton's existence still echoed.
Akainu couldn't ignore the possibility—what if Bai Yu was after Pluton?
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Sengoku fell silent, drumming his fingers on the desk.
Then, after a pause—
Kizaru casually broke the tension.
"Shall I go check things out, light-speed style?"
Given the high stakes, even Sengoku knew caution was justified.
He took a long breath and nodded.
"Fine. But don't make contact until absolutely necessary."
"I'd rather not have Garp come storming in yelling at me."
"Understood," Kizaru replied lazily.
With a flash of light, the Admiral departed toward Water 7.
After Kizaru left, only Sengoku remained, staring out the window.
"…Garp, I hope your judgment hasn't been clouded by sentiment."
---
Elsewhere…
News of the new Marine Captain Bai Yu spread like wildfire.
The World Economic Journal had already run headlines about him.
Journalists dug into his combat record:
—Defeated Mr. 5 (10 million bounty) shortly after enlisting.
—Defeated and killed Mr. 1, Daz Bonez (75 million bounty).
—Captured the former Warlord Crocodile (81 million bounty) during the Alabasta incident.
—Recently dismantled a pirate nest solo, capturing dozens, including Bellamy (55 million bounty).
Such an unprecedented string of achievements instantly elevated Bai Yu to the status of a super rookie.
Some even claimed: "He may be the one most likely to become an Admiral in the future."
Meanwhile, the man behind the legend?
He was calmly sailing toward Water 7.
Casually swinging his blade every day refining his technique beneath the open sky.