Not to mention Ortoren's own shock—when the dazzling thunderstorm finally faded, Fleet Admiral Kong stared in disbelief at Ortoren, who stood there holding the unconscious Redfield in one hand. His expression was one of pure incredulity.
No… what's going on here? In just a single year of me not paying attention to this newcomer, he's gone from a sapling to the strongest man in the world? Impossible! That's the Red Count! I just fought him for over two days myself, and I know full well how terrifying his strength is.
Even if Roger or Whitebeard were here, they wouldn't be able to take down Redfield in a single strike!
Kong's thoughts weren't wrong. If it had been someone like Roger or Garp who showed up just now, he never would have let his guard down. And without that opening, with Redfield's power, there's no way he could have been defeated instantly.
Borsalino, standing beside the Fleet Admiral, was just as dumbfounded. If you'd said you were this strong from the start, why did I even bother rushing over? I spent two days on the road just to kick him once?
The three of them fell into an awkward silence, none of them knowing what to say.
Even Ortoren felt a little annoyed. Damn it, Old Red, you really put me in a tough spot. His plan had been simple: he and Borsalino would rush in, team up with the Fleet Admiral, and face the Red Count together. After a grueling battle, the three of them would finally bring down Redfield.
That way, not only would he have protected the Fleet Admiral, but he'd also fought shoulder to shoulder with him, building trust and camaraderie. Wouldn't that boost his position at Marine Headquarters?
Even without Garp's introduction, it wouldn't be strange for him to occasionally stop by the Fleet Admiral's office for tea and conversation, right? Over time, doors would open, connections would deepen, and promotions would follow. His future would be set.
But now? The Fleet Admiral had fought Old Red for two exhausting days, clearly struggling and looking worse for wear, while this rookie showed up and ended it all in an instant.
No hard-fought battle, no drawn-out struggle—just a sudden finish that made the Fleet Admiral's efforts look ridiculous, like a monkey putting on a show.
And now that Old Red collapsed, where does that leave me and the Fleet Admiral?
Damn Red Count, what a vile pirate. Is this your scheme—to drive a wedge between me and the Fleet Admiral?
The first rule of climbing the ranks: show your ability, but never outshine your boss. Yet here Ortoren was, making the Fleet Admiral look weak.
If word got out, the humiliation would be worse. People would say: the Fleet Admiral of the Marines is useless, nearly killed by a pirate, and it was a rookie who finished the fight. The opponent the Fleet Admiral fought for two days without success—this newcomer took down with one blow!
The silence hung heavy until finally, Kong's magnanimity won out. He was the first to speak:
"Thanks to your timely arrival, otherwise I'd have been in serious trouble. You've both worked hard to get here."
The moment he spoke, the tension eased. Borsalino grinned and said, "I didn't do anything, it was all Ortoren. Back on the warship, when he heard about your situation, he didn't even hesitate. He risked his life to rush across the sea with his ability just to support you."
As he spoke, Borsalino gave Ortoren a quick wink. Ortoren froze for an instant, then immediately caught on and said, "I might've panicked a little at the time, but looking back, there was no need to be so anxious. That's on me. I'm still new and didn't know the Fleet Admiral well. I never imagined he was this powerful. No wonder Garp-san told me there was nothing to worry about. At first I doubted him, but now I get it. Redfield only looked fierce just now, but in reality he was already at his limit. The Fleet Admiral must have forced him into a corner, and I just happened to swoop in and finish it off. Hahahaha! Even if it was just picking up the scraps, the Fleet Admiral still has to give me some credit!"
With those words, Kong's dignity was fully restored. The embarrassment he'd felt moments ago evaporated. His anger eased, his back didn't ache, even his wounds seemed lighter.
Hmm. When you think about it, the young man's right. It must be that I was simply too strong. Redfield was already bluffing at the end of his rope, so when Ortoren struck, it all fell apart.
Yes… that makes sense!
Otherwise, wouldn't I just look like a clown?
With that thought, Fleet Admiral Kong's gaze toward Ortoren softened considerably. Come to think of it, this was actually the first time he had ever spoken with Ortoren face to face.
He had heard Garp and Zephyr praise the young man before, but now, seeing him in action, Kong realized Ortoren was even more remarkable than he had imagined.
What makes an excellent Marine commander?
For the combat-focused faction, the first requirement is strength, and Ortoren clearly had no issue there. The second is solid military knowledge. According to Zephyr, Ortoren had been the first cadet in the training camp to graduate as top of his class with full credits. No problem there either.
With both qualities, he already had the potential to serve as a senior officer—a Vice Admiral. To reach Admiral, however, his combat power would have to become a symbol of the Marines, proven time and again in war until both allies and enemies alike recognized him as one of the "strongest forces."
Beyond that, though, the road ended. To reach Fleet Admiral required not just strength and military skill, but also political awareness and finesse.
In Kong's eyes, although Borsalino and Ortoren's earlier handling of the situation had been somewhat clumsy, both of them had demonstrated a budding sense of political instinct and maneuvering.
This was something Garp never cared for. Kong knew Garp understood these principles, but he simply refused to bend his pride. That was proof of his lack of political awareness. It showed that while Garp might be fit to serve as an Admiral, he could never take the seat of Fleet Admiral.
Politics is the art of compromise, and compromise was something Garp would never make in certain matters.
By comparison, Sengoku was performing the best among the Admirals. Kong had realized this long ago and had been grooming him with the Fleet Admiral position in mind.
Now, looking at Ortoren, Kong's attitude warmed further. This young man was brimming with energy and drive. The moment he heard Kong was in danger, he risked his life, even braving the risk of falling into the sea, to rush to his aid. That showed loyalty—to him and to the Marines. Maybe there was some self-interest involved, but who does anything without at least a touch of it?
As Fleet Admiral, he couldn't judge his men by questioning their motives—what mattered was what they did.
Capable. Brilliant. Top of his class at the officer training camp. Strong enough to defeat the Red Count in one blow. And, just as importantly, aware enough to smooth over the atmosphere and manage relationships with both peers and superiors.
This was the hallmark of a Marine with tremendous potential. In his heart, Fleet Admiral Kong gave Ortoren very high marks.
Such a young man deserved more opportunities. Giving him chances might very well be giving the Marines themselves a chance.
As for whether his origins were pure—that wasn't something to worry about now. Time would reveal the truth.
"I'm already an old man. Maybe the Red Count was at the end of his rope, but I was just as exhausted. Without your support, the outcome would've been uncertain. So don't sell yourself short—the credit is yours, and it's not going anywhere," Fleet Admiral Kong said with a hearty smile.
Once the words were spoken, the three of them quickly set about organizing the remaining Marines for rescue operations, while also sending word to Marine Headquarters that the crisis had passed and there was no need to rush reinforcements.
This was Ortoren's first time handling post-battle cleanup, and sure enough, it was far more taxing than fighting. Even the Fleet Admiral himself was running about because of the shortage of manpower. Ortoren couldn't just stand by—he dug survivors out of the rubble, recovered the bodies of fallen Marines, and labored side by side with his comrades.
They worked like this for six or seven days before Garp and Kuzan finally arrived with their warships to bolster their numbers. Two days later, Sakazuki also came with reinforcements, and only then was the matter truly settled.
Still, after spending those days together, Ortoren's relationship with both the Fleet Admiral and Borsalino had grown considerably closer. He was confident that once they returned, promotion—and fortune—were just around the corner.
...
(50 Chapters Ahead)
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