The matter of salary raises and world recruitment was completely announced right after Michael made his declaration.
As for the specific details and implementation, naturally, others would handle that.
Michael, on the other hand, was still savoring the constipated expressions on the Five Elders' faces when they left—especially that of Jaygarcia Saturn. That face was truly the ultimate masterpiece of modern abstract art.
Michael knew that sooner or later, they would try to trip him and the Navy up…
But this clash also proved that the other side was nothing more than a bunch of shameless politicians.
Arrogant and lacking the wisdom that comes with long life, yet at least knowing a thing or two about political maneuvering.
Dealing with politicians and dealing with the strong required two completely different approaches.
But for now, all of that had to be set aside…
Michael needed to draft a new Navy code of conduct—one that actually fit the reality of the One Piece world.
Of course, who said Navy regulations were only for the Navy to use?
Just imagine—if the Navy and the Revolutionary Army, these two forces walking entirely different paths, were to merge one day and found out that their military discipline, appearance, and even slogans were all the same…
That merger probably wouldn't even require much debate.
...
"The Navy Headquarters held a promotion ceremony for the Fleet Admiral and the new three Admirals!? So suddenly?"
Doflamingo looked at the World Economic News in his hand, slightly surprised.
What surprised him was how early and sudden it was.
As a former Celestial Dragon, he still had plenty of internal information channels within the World Government.
And yet, he hadn't received any first-hand news about this. That could only mean…
This decision came from even higher up.
The Five Elders themselves.
"Tsk tsk tsk, what exactly are those old fossils planning this time?"
But when he saw the promotion of the SWORD Secret Special Force in the report, he instinctively let out a sigh.
Losing to Michael and this group of elites among elites… unwilling as he was, he had no real complaints.
And when he flipped the paper over, his eyes immediately landed on the propaganda for world recruitment.
Even Doflamingo couldn't help but suck in a breath of cold air.
The Five Elders were… playing the open conspiracy game here!
Were they really planning to push the Navy right to the brink of division, just so they could fully tighten their control?
But Michael, that guy… would he really let those old schemers have their way?
Doflamingo absolutely didn't believe it.
And now Michael had taken a huge step up in power as the Navy's Chief Inspector.
That was actually the thing affecting Doflamingo himself the most…
As Chief Inspector, didn't that mean Michael wouldn't have as much time to keep tabs on him?
Then his grand rebellion plan should be able to proceed smoothly, right?
"Heh heh, now it seems sending Rosinante to infiltrate Michael's ranks was truly a wise choice."
In fact, at first, Doflamingo had suspected Rosinante—the timing of his appearance had been far too coincidental.
But over time, those doubts had gradually faded.
And now, seeing the SWORD Secret Special Force roster in the newspaper… completely confirmed to him that Rosinante was his man.
Even if he really was Navy, even if he might even belong to the SWORD Secret Special Force, so what?
Such a glorious moment, and he wasn't part of it… if he didn't rebel now, then when!?
...
"Not announcing Rosinante's promotion on-site was a consensus reached between me and old man Sengoku after careful consideration."
Michael sat in the conference room, looking at the perfectly straight-backed members of the SWORD Secret Special Force.
"His identity is hidden in the shadows, carrying multiple covers. For both the progress of his work and his own safety, this is the choice that maximizes benefits."
"Of course, he was still promoted. We just can't make it public, but I can announce it here in front of you."
"Rosinante, SWORD Secret Special Force member, is hereby exceptionally promoted to Vice Admiral of Navy Headquarters. He will be responsible for the economic administration of Fishman Island trade profits, the Golden City, and Jewel Iceberg."
"Of course, this is for your knowledge only. To outsiders—especially to Doflamingo—he remains a Navy Lieutenant at the Alabasta Branch."
After saying that, Michael turned to Hancock, Sandasonia, and Marigold.
"You three… have you passed the physical combat assessment?"
"Who do you think we are! Of course we passed!" Hancock said proudly. "Not only did we pass, but I've completely mastered Kami-e too!"
Michael raised his eyebrows in slight surprise.
The so-called "physical combat assessment" was an internal test set by the SWORD Secret Special Force.
It mainly served to build a foundation for those who hadn't yet eaten a Devil Fruit.
Passing the test… meant they had already mastered Rokushiki to the point of full proficiency.
While Rokushiki wasn't the strongest set of techniques, it was undoubtedly the most suitable physical combat foundation in the entire One Piece world.
Comprehensive and fundamental.
And Michael could even see that Hancock had already begun to develop some Armament Haki.
That was the beauty of Rokushiki.
"In that case, I'll hand over the Devil Fruits that should have been yours long ago."
As Michael finished speaking, little Robin ran to the storage chest on the side and took out three Devil Fruits.
Then, following the labels Michael had prepared, she placed them in front of the Hancock sisters.
"Devil Fruits… for us?"
Hancock, Sandasonia, and Marigold exchanged glances, then reached out to open the boxes in front of them.
Three Devil Fruits lay quietly inside.
In front of Marigold was the Paramecia-type "Strong-Strong Fruit" obtained from Gan Fall.
In Sandasonia's hands was the Paramecia-type "Speed-Speed Fruit," also from Gan Fall.
Power and speed—perfect matches for the talents of the two little girls.
And in front of Hancock, naturally, was the "Love-Love Fruit."
In terms of strength and compatibility, this fruit fit Hancock perfectly.
The difference was, in the original story, she was forced to eat it—a slave's helpless fate.
But now, Hancock was eating this fruit as a reward for her hard training.
It was the capital for her to become one of the Navy's future pillars.
"Love-Love Fruit? Ew, sounds like something from the Charlotte family!"
Curious as always, Hancock had naturally pestered Michael for stories about Totto Land.
"Uh, the name just sounds similar… in reality, they're worlds apart."
Michael shrugged, just as he was about to continue speaking…
"Ah-woo!"
The Hancock sisters didn't hesitate for a second before devouring the Devil Fruits in front of them.
And their faces instantly turned pale…
"Was it that urgent?"
"I was going to say, these things taste absolutely horrible. Want me to grab some soda or something first to wash it down… guess that's not necessary anymore."
"Of course it's necessary, you bastard!"
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