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Chapter 12 - Chapter 12

Under Fleet Admiral Sengoku's command, the Marine battleship completed its reorganization and was now heading straight for Marine Headquarters—Marineford.

After sailing for half a month, the ship—outfitted with cutting-edge Seastone technology—passed safely through the Calm Belt. Thanks to the Seastone-lined hull that masked the ship's presence, the Sea Kings lurking below remained unaware and didn't attack.

Inside the warship's strategy room, Sengoku's orders summoned all elite personnel involved in the recent Golden Lion operation.

The briefing was led by Sengoku and former Admiral Zephyr, with Admirals Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru standing nearby—Marine legends in their own right.

But among them stood a new face: Kyle.

"You did well, Kyle," Sengoku said firmly, arms crossed over his chest. "For a recruit to hold his own during the Golden Lion incident is no small feat. Once we arrive at Marineford, I'll submit a formal request for your reevaluation. Based on your contributions, I expect you'll be promoted to ensign."

Kyle blinked. He hadn't expected praise this direct, especially from someone like Sengoku.

Sengoku, noticing his expression, smiled faintly. "This isn't favoritism. You've earned it. But it's best we follow proper procedure. Let your results speak for themselves."

Kyle gave a deep nod. "Thank you, Admiral."

Zephyr stepped forward, arms behind his back. His expression was serious, but there was a hint of approval in his voice.

"Kyle, I've been thinking of transitioning into training full-time—guiding the next generation. Once we stabilize Marineford, I'd like you to work under me. You've got raw potential… but raw power without foundation leads nowhere. Don't let the Gravity Fruit go to waste."

Kyle's eyes widened. Zephyr himself wanted to train him?

He bowed slightly. "It would be an honor, sir."

He needed the Marines just as much as they seemed to need him. The system that helped him grow stronger required attention points, and the only way to earn them was to stay in the spotlight.

Kizaru, lounging near the wall, gave a lazy chuckle.

"Yoyo. This rookie's a real gem. Two famous swords, a Paramecia-type Gravity Fruit… What kind of monster are we raising, hmm?"

No one reacted to Kizaru's relaxed tone—everyone knew that was just how he talked.

Even Aokiji, who'd been away during the Golden Lion mission, had heard the buzz.

"Didn't expect such a promising guy to come from this batch of recruits," he muttered, scratching his head. "Guess I've got competition."

He turned to Kyle with a calm smirk.

"Well then, Kyle, try to catch up to me… and maybe carry some of the weight while you're at it."

Sengoku's eyebrow twitched slightly at Aokiji's usual laziness, but said nothing.

Kyle, meanwhile, was taking it all in.

This mission had changed everything.

He had gained more than just experience. He'd earned respect.

He'd also gained something even more precious—the Gravity Fruit, and during his duel with Golden Lion Shiki, he had received the Sakura Juma Kuname, a famed blade gifted by none other than Akainu.

And the system had rewarded him handsomely.

> Attention Points Gained: 280,000

According to the system:

Beginner Level: 100,000 points

Intermediate Level: 200,000 points

Advanced Level: 500,000 points

Top-Tier: 1,000,000 points

Kyle wasn't in a rush. There were no immediate threats at Marineford, and attention was easier to gather when the stakes were high.

Unlike other transmigrators who stayed hidden and suddenly became overpowered, Kyle's growth was public. His battles were watched, his risks acknowledged. The world was watching.

That was both a blessing… and a danger.

As the old saying went, "The brighter you shine, the more shadows you attract."

He had already heard murmurs—people comparing him to Rocks D. Xebec.

Too bright. Too fast. Too dangerous.

Someone would try to drag him down eventually.

But Kyle wasn't afraid. He just preferred to avoid unnecessary trouble—for now.

As he mused, the ship's gentle rocking began to ease.

Moments later, a sailor stepped inside the strategy room and saluted.

"Admiral Sengoku, Admiral Zephyr—we've arrived at Marineford!"

Kyle stood straighter.

"Already?" he muttered. Time had passed quicker than he realized.

Back at Marineford… with no Golden Lion around, how was he going to gather attention now?

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