One Piece: Rising to Fleet Admiral Through a Coup

The darkness before dawn had passed, and the sun rose as it always did, casting its golden light across Marineford.

Marine Headquarters – Fleet Admiral's Office

In the end, Kuzan chose to remain at Marine Headquarters, standing shoulder to shoulder with Sakazuki and Borsalino before the newly appointed Fleet Admiral.

As Xayuki had pointed out, the balance of power had irrevocably shifted. Kuzan's options were indeed limited—though his decision to stay wasn't born from fear of elimination. Rather, after years of internal conflict over the Marine's direction, he was genuinely curious to see what changes Xayuki's leadership might bring.

Above all, he wanted to witness firsthand where this man—who had earned both Zephyr's profound respect and the unwavering loyalty of countless officers—would ultimately lead the Marines.

Behind the three Admirals stood Gion, Momonga, Strawberry, Bastille, and several other Vice Admirals, their attention fixed on Xayuki, who sat with composed authority behind the Fleet Admiral's desk.

"Daybreak has come," Xayuki observed, his gaze sweeping across the assembled officers. "The Holy Land will soon notice their inability to contact Headquarters. While we've secured control here, the real challenge is only beginning."

After a measured pause, he turned his attention to the Vice Admirals. "Gion, take command of the communications center. Any transmissions from Mariejois must be personally handled by you." He gestured toward the door. "Also, have Ain and Binz report to me immediately."

"Yes, sir." Gion saluted crisply before departing.

Moments later, Ain and Binz entered the office with purposeful strides. They halted before Xayuki's desk and saluted in perfect unison. "Fleet Admiral!"

Xayuki's expression softened as he regarded the pair.

Three years earlier, while escorting civilians—including Sakazuki's mother—back to Marineford after eliminating a pirate crew, Xayuki had encountered the aftermath of tragedy. Ain, Binz, and Zephyr—his right arm freshly severed—had barely survived an attack on their training vessel. Thanks to Xayuki's timely intervention, all three had returned safely to Headquarters.

Though years had passed, the trauma of that day still haunted them. During his free hours, Xayuki often visited Zephyr for drinks, which naturally led to interactions with Ain and Binz. Initially, Ain had remained withdrawn, her heart consumed by vengeance, rarely engaging in conversation.

Binz, more resilient by nature, would eagerly approach Xayuki during these visits, often challenging him to friendly sparring matches.

Perhaps it was Xayuki's magnetic personality, or their shared connection as Zephyr's students, but everything changed when Ain observed their swordsmanship duels. As an accomplished swordswoman herself, she gradually emerged from her shell, eventually joining their training sessions.

Later, when Xayuki's duties took him away from Headquarters, Ain and Binz assumed responsibility for caring for their mentor, whose mind had begun showing signs of decline. Despite limited direct interaction, the three developed a profound, unspoken bond.

"Ain, effective immediately, you will assume the position of Vice Admiral, replacing Maynard."

After studying them for a moment, Xayuki handed Ain an official appointment letter. "Your primary mission is clear: select the most elite officers from the training division and lead them in hunting down those responsible for the attack on the training vessel."

"Fleet Admiral, I—" Caught completely off-guard by the promotion, Ain's eyes widened in astonishment. "I've been stationed at Headquarters for three years without any significant achievements. I... I don't—"

Xayuki raised a hand, silencing her objection. "Which is precisely why I'm giving you this opportunity to distinguish yourself."

He shifted his attention to Binz. "You will serve as Ain's adjutant on this mission. Upon your successful return, you'll be promoted to Vice Admiral, filling the vacancy left by Onigumo."

"Yes, sir!" Binz stepped forward with a sharp salute. "LOYALTY!"

Xayuki nodded. "The matter is settled. You're dismissed."

The pair exchanged a brief glance—a mixture of determination and trepidation in their eyes—before departing with crisp salutes.

Once the door closed behind them, Xayuki turned his full attention to the three Admirals. His tone became more formal as he addressed them directly.

"Marine Headquarters requires structural reorganization. I've decided to establish three distinct military divisions under your command."

"Sakazuki will lead the Red Dog Division. Borsalino will command the Yellow Monkey Division. And Kuzan will head the Blue Pheasant Division. Each division will be assigned six Vice Admirals, with all subordinate officers arranged in a three-tiered command structure."

Without pausing for questions, Xayuki retrieved three dossiers from his desk and distributed them to the Admirals. "These documents detail the Vice Admirals and Rear Admirals under your respective commands, along with a list of officers slated for promotion. These promotions are non-negotiable—every name represents an individual who proved their value during last night's operation."

Meanwhile, at the Holy Land of Mariejois – Chamber of Authority

The Five Elders—the highest visible authority within the World Government—had begun their daily routine in the grand Chamber of Authority.

Jaygarcia Saturn, the Warrior God of Scientific Defense, sat on an ornate sofa, idly watching a Den Den Mushi placed on the coffee table before him.

Behind him, Izanbaron V. Nasujuro, the Warrior God of Finance, stood by a massive floor-to-ceiling window in his traditional robes, a katana cradled in his arms. He stifled a yawn as he observed the growing crowd in Pangaea Square below.

Shepherd Ju Peter, the Warrior God of Agriculture, sat nearby in his immaculate suit, his expression grave as he studied a newspaper with unusual intensity.

Marcus Mars, the Warrior God of Environment, leisurely sipped coffee as he settled into a single armchair. His gaze occasionally drifted between his colleagues with mild curiosity.

"It appears I'm fashionably late."

The voice cut through the chamber's silence, drawing everyone's attention.

Topman Warcury, the Warrior God of Legal Affairs, entered with measured steps. The distinctive birthmark on his forehead caught the light as he took his seat on the central sofa. Turning to Saturn, who continued staring at the silent Den Den Mushi, he inquired, "Any pressing matters requiring our attention today?"

Saturn shook his head, his brow furrowed in mild confusion. "The Den Den Mushi hasn't activated once this morning. We've received no intelligence from any CP organization, and Marine Headquarters has been unusually silent." He gestured toward the empty table. "By this hour, we typically have numerous reports awaiting review, and the Marines would have submitted their daily briefing."

Hearing this, Topman smoothly redirected the conversation. "Any developments from the New World?"

It wasn't that he placed implicit trust in Marine Headquarters—rather, protocol dictated that all Marine communications first passed through the Supreme Commander before reaching the Chamber of Authority.

Saturn again shook his head. "Only two significant events have emerged from the New World recently: the Elbaf incident and Red-Haired Shanks' ascension as one of the Four Emperors. Both situations, however, fall under the Holy Knights' jurisdiction."

Topman's eyes brightened with interest. "I hadn't realized Shanks had grown so formidable. Not only subduing Prince Loki of Elbaf but also claiming the title of Emperor." He leaned forward slightly. "Perhaps if Figarland Garling were to intervene now, we might persuade Shanks to serve our interests?"

"Shanks once resided in Mariejois, did he not?" Saturn replied, his tone tinged with resignation. "His twin brother, Shamrock, made every effort to convince him to remain in the Holy Land, yet he ultimately chose to leave."

With no urgent matters demanding their attention, the world's most powerful men gradually relaxed into casual conversation, exchanging gossip and speculation much like ordinary citizens.

Time passed unnoticed as they conversed, and the morning slipped away.

Just as they prepared to adjourn for lunch, the Den Den Mushi—silent throughout the morning—suddenly activated. A deliberately modulated voice, neither distinctly male nor female, emerged from the snail:

"Are the Five Elders present?"

The unexpected communication caused an immediate transformation in the Elders' demeanor. As one, they rose to their feet and bowed deeply toward the Den Den Mushi, their expressions filled with reverence and trepidation.

"Lord Imu!"

~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~

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