Then, Whitebeard paddled away, using the small boat—a remnant of their previous vessel—as a sampan, rowing far into the horizon.
At this moment, the dissolution of the Rocks Pirates was undeniable. One by one, the once-feared overlords of the sea had gone their separate ways, each pursuing their ambitions and personal goals.
On the shore, three figures stood watching Whitebeard's boat shrink into a mere dot on the vast ocean before shifting their gazes.
"Where are we going now, boss?"
Brad turned to Caesar and asked.
[81] Refused Promotion to Admiral! Naval Hero Garp!
Caesar, gazing at the endless sea, smiled meaningfully. "We'll stay here for a while. No rush."
His injuries from the battle had yet to fully heal, so he chose to remain here until he recovered. Beyond that, he needed time to reflect on and absorb the lessons from their recent life-or-death struggle, using them to strengthen himself once more.
Additionally, both Gliner and Brad required further training. Caesar planned to push their abilities to the level of a Marine Vice Admiral, ensuring they became true powerhouses.
Neither of them objected. They had come to terms with their limitations during the battle, and this was an opportunity to grow stronger.
---
Meanwhile, on Beehive Island…
Under the leadership of Admiral Steel Bone Kong, along with Vice Admiral Sengoku and a battalion of elite Marines, the remnants of the Rocks Pirates on Beehive Island were eradicated in a short but brutal campaign.
The waters near the shore ran red with blood.
The entire island was engulfed in raging flames.
"It seems some of those scum fled before we arrived," a Vice Admiral remarked, stepping out of the burning wreckage. He had just finished off the last of the enemy's stubborn resistance and extracted crucial intelligence from a dying pirate.
Before the Marines reached the island, several prominent Rocks Pirates had returned—only to hastily escape again, taking an immense fortune with them.
Upon hearing news of Rocks D. Xebec's fall, many of the surviving crew abandoned ship immediately.
"Dammit!"
Steel Bone Kong clenched his fists, frustration evident.
"Should we give chase?" a Vice Admiral asked.
"Return to Marineford first!" Steel Bone Kong ordered.
The enemy had vanished into the vast sea. There was no telling where they had gone, and a blind pursuit would be meaningless. The matter would be discussed further upon their return to Navy Headquarters.
---
As a result of this mass exodus, word of Rocks' defeat spread like wildfire.
"Did you hear? The Rocks Pirates are no more!"
"What?! They disbanded? Just like that?"
"I heard Rocks was killed, but the details are murky."
"Maybe the Navy did it..."
"No way! That was Rocks! The most fearsome overlord in the New World! You're telling me he was taken down that easily?"
Elsewhere, other discussions took place:
"I never expected that man to fall. I thought he'd achieve even greater things…"
"Hah! That's the nature of the sea. No one reigns forever. Someone new will replace him soon enough!"
"I've made up my mind—I'm setting sail! I'll be the next 'Rocks'!"
"Hahaha! You wish! That title belongs to me!"
---
By the time Steel Bone Kong returned to Marineford with his fleet, the entire world was abuzz.
With Rocks gone, numerous factions that once feared his dominance saw an opportunity. Pirates across the seas grew restless, eager to carve out their own legend.
In his office, Steel Bone Kong massaged his temples. The storm that Rocks had left behind wasn't going to settle anytime soon. But there were more pressing matters to attend to.
Without delay, he compiled the full report of the God Valley Incident and personally delivered it to Mariejois.
---
One day later—Pangaea Castle, Holy Land of Mariejois.
In the grand meeting hall, the Five Elders sat in their usual places, their expressions dark. Steel Bone Kong stood silently before them.
"The God Valley Incident may have wiped out the Rocks Pirates," one of them spoke gravely. "And their leader, Rocks D. Xebec, has been eliminated… but the real threats—those monstrous pirates—escaped!"
"The news of Rocks' downfall is causing an uproar across the world!" another Elder added.
"But the biggest problem is that some Celestial Dragons perished in the battle," the bald Elder said with an accusatory tone.
Steel Bone Kong frowned but remained composed. He had led the operation at God Valley and personally spearheaded the destruction of Beehive Island. Those who escaped were no ordinary pirates.
As for the deaths of the Celestial Dragons… in his mind, it wasn't a great loss. But, of course, he wouldn't say that out loud.
"No use discussing that now," another Elder interrupted. "What matters is taking immediate action to eliminate the remaining Rocks fugitives!"
"Luckily," one of them said, eyes narrowing, "those pirates who fled Beehive Island seem unaware of what truly happened at God Valley…"
Hearing this, the room fell into a heavy silence.
The Five Elders exchanged glances, then nodded.
"The truth of the Celestial Dragons' deaths is tied to the prestige of the World Government. It must never be revealed!"
"For the sake of the government's authority, we will bury this incident."
The bald Elder turned to Steel Bone Kong.
"It was Roger and Garp who truly defeated Rocks. But aside from the Marines and us, the only ones who know this truth are those who escaped from God Valley."
Steel Bone Kong's eyes narrowed. He could already guess where this was going.
"The news of Rocks' defeat has already spread," the Elder continued. "We must control the narrative."
"The official story will be this: Garp, the Hero of the Navy, personally defeated and killed Rocks D. Xebec!"
"This will not only glorify the Navy but also serve as a deterrent to other pirates. It will reinforce the authority of the World Government!"
The decision had already been made.
"As a reward, Garp will be promoted to Admiral of the Navy."
"Any objections, Kong?"
The Five Elders all turned their gaze toward him.
Steel Bone Kong shook his head.
Fleet Admiral was retiring soon; a new generation needed to take the reins. Garp was undoubtedly one of the most capable candidates.
"I fully support this decision," he declared. "I will immediately mobilize forces to hunt down the remaining Rocks Pirates and prevent them from spreading any unwanted truths!"
"Good," the Elders said. "The CP organizations will provide a list of targets and assist in the operation."
"Also, keep an eye on Roger's crew," one Elder warned. "That man is showing signs of becoming a dangerous threat."
"Understood," Steel Bone Kong replied, his expression grim.
With that, he departed Mariejois and returned to Marineford.
---
Marineford – Fleet Admiral's Office.
"What?"
"They want to promote me to Admiral?"
"I refuse!"
Garp waved his hand dismissively after hearing the Five Elders' decision.
"What?! REFUSE?!"
Steel Bone Kong's veins bulged.
"Becoming an Admiral is the pinnacle of a Marine's career! This is a direct order from the Five Elders! What nonsense are you spouting, Garp?!"
His schedule was already packed—organizing the Rocks remnants' pursuit, coordinating with CP, and dealing with Roger's growing influence. Now, Garp was pulling this?
"Pfffft! Hahahaha!"
Garp laughed heartily.
"A Vice Admiral can hunt pirates just fine, Fleet Admiral Kong! Why would I want to be Admiral?"
"In short—I refuse!"
Steel Bone Kong slammed his hands on his desk.
"I'll say it again! The Five Elders have personally promoted you due to your accomplishments in God Valley!"
"That's their business, not mine," Garp grinned. "I have no interest in becoming an Admiral!"
And so, the man known as "Hero of the Navy" refused the highest military rank—forever remaining a Vice Admiral.
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