Over the next few days, Kane thrived at Marine Headquarters.
During the day, he was the admired and promising Admiral Star of the Navy, an idol to countless Marines.
At night, he was the diligent and tireless "life mentor," earning respect and admiration while simultaneously farming massive amounts of Violation Value.
With Kumbhira as their token of love, Gion's devotion reached new heights. She obeyed every piece of his "guidance" without question, almost to the point of blind obedience.
This boosted Kane's efficiency in farming Violation Value by several levels.
In his spare time, he would gather his three "bosom friends"—Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino—in their secret hideout, savoring aged fine wines and debating the true meaning of Justice.
Living a life where he could strut around Headquarters freely, tease a future Admiral candidate at night, occasionally lead the future three Advisors astray, and harvest Violation Value in bulk—it was pure bliss for Kane.
He was even starting to forget his original ambitions.
However, peaceful days never last long.
That afternoon, under the pretext of "correcting her sword grip," he held Gion in his arms for an in-depth "exchange."
Bang! Bang! Bang!
A series of intimidating knocks shattered the intimate atmosphere in the office.
Kane frowned in displeasure.
He had given strict orders that no one was to approach during his "private guidance" sessions.
"Rear Admiral Kane."
A voice devoid of any emotion came from outside the door.
"By order of the highest authority of the World Government, you are to come with us immediately."
The highest authority of the World Government?
Kane's eyes narrowed.
Who else could claim to be the highest authority of the World Government besides those five old men?
"Understood."
He gave Gion, who was already blushing furiously in his arms, a reassuring look and gestured for her to retreat to the restroom.
Then, he leisurely put on his clothes and walked over to open the door.
Outside stood two men.
They wore immaculate white suits, white top hats, and eerie masks that revealed no expression.
Their postures were ramrod straight, and their auras were as deep and unfathomable as an abyss.
Yet, the chilling and oppressive aura emanating from their very bones far surpassed that of any Marine officer.
CP0!
The World Government's top intelligence agency, the direct guards of the Celestial Dragons.
Kane sneered inwardly.
What was bound to come has finally arrived.
With all the commotion he had stirred up, if the Five Elders hadn't reacted, they would have lived all these years for nothing.
"What can I do for you, gentlemen?" Kane asked with just the right amount of puzzlement on his face.
"Rear Admiral Kane, the Five Elders wish to see you," the lead CP0 agent said coldly, without a trace of respect.
"Now, immediately, you will accompany us to the Holy Land Mariejois."
"Oh? The Five Elders wish to see me?" Kane's face showed an expression of "feeling honored," "This is my privilege. Please wait a moment, I need to change into a formal military uniform."
"Hurry up!" Cipher Pol Aigis Zero interrupted coldly, "The Five Elders have no time to wait for you."
The smile on Kane's face remained unchanged, but a chill crept into his eyes.
'How dare they refuse the face I gave them.'
He didn't lose his temper, merely turned and closed the office door again, casually locking it before walking straight into the inner restroom.
Inside the restroom, Gion sat nervously wrapped in a blanket by the bed, her beautiful and spirited face filled with worry.
Seeing Kane enter, she immediately stood up: "Brother Kane, are they from the World Government? Is it because of me..."
She thought their secret "improper" relationship had been discovered, her heart filled with guilt and unease.
"Don't be silly, this has nothing to do with you."
Kane casually picked up the brand new Justice Coat hanging nearby and walked over to Gion, his face once again wearing that signature gentle smile that could melt away all anxiety.
"It's just that those old men have taken some interest in this 'rising star' and want to discuss the future of 'Justice' with me. You know, exceptionally talented people always receive special attention from above."
He extended his large hand and gently stroked Gion's smooth black hair, his eyes revealing just the right amount of "indulgence" and "reluctance."
"But while I'm away, you mustn't slack off."
Kane's fingers slid down her hair and lightly tapped on the ornate scabbard of Kumbhira, his tone becoming low and serious.
"You must carefully perceive this sword's breath. When I return from Mary Geoise, I'll be checking your 'homework.' If your grip is still that stiff by then..."
He leaned down, his lips approaching Gion's already crimson ear, warm breath spraying against her skin with a hint of ambiguous threat:
"Then I... will have to give you a much stricter 'punishment.'"
"Mmm..."
Gion's entire body went soft, feeling as if an electric current had instantly coursed through her. Her previous worries were immediately replaced by shyness and sweetness.
She raised her head, her beautiful eyes seemingly about to drip with emotion, and nodded firmly: "Yes! I... I will definitely work hard! I'll be here waiting for your return!"
"Good girl."
Kane smiled and gently kissed her forehead, as if treating his most cherished lover.
After calming Gion's emotions, Kane turned around, the tenderness on his face instantly withdrawn, replaced by a depth and calculation in facing unknown risks.
With a thought, he retrieved three Senzu Beans from his System Space and hid them close to his body.
This was his true trump card.
Mary Geoise was a dragon's den and tiger's lair; even with the system by his side, he was accustomed to preparing for the worst.
Then, he changed into a brand new, spotless white Rear Admiral coat and hung Tensa, Zangetsu at his waist.
After adjusting his attire, Kane took a deep breath and adjusted the curve of every muscle on his face.
When he turned around again, the scheming ambitious man had disappeared, replaced by the Navy's pillar with an open heart.
He walked to the door and pulled it open abruptly.
What the two CP0 agents outside the door saw was a perfect Navy officer—dignified, heroic, and radiating an aura of "Justice."
His composed demeanor made even the two battle-hardened CP0 agents pause briefly.
"Let's go."
Kane adjusted his crisp collar one last time in the reflection of the polished wall, revealing his signature warm smile.
"We shouldn't keep the Five Elders waiting."
He strode out of the office with firm, purposeful steps, his voice carrying a hint of perfectly measured anticipation.
"Besides, I'm quite curious to see what the legendary Holy Land truly looks like."
...
News of Kane being taken away by CP0 quickly reached the upper echelons of the Navy.
Fleet Admiral's Office.
Kong slammed his fist on the desk, rattling the teacup.
"Bastards! Those CP scum dared to take him right from under my nose!"
Sengoku adjusted his glasses, his expression equally grave. "They had orders from the Five Elders. We have no authority to interfere."
"What are those five old geezers planning?" Garp picked his nose with a nonchalant expression, though a flicker of concern flashed in his eyes. "That kid Kane might have a sharp tongue, but his heart's in the right place."
Sengoku glanced at Garp, who was still defending Kane, and sighed inwardly.
He knew the situation was far more complicated.
An audience with the Five Elders was always a test.
Pass, and you soar to new heights.
Fail...
"I just hope that kid knows what to say... and what not to say."
Sengoku gazed out the window at the sea leading to the Red Line, which now seemed deeper and more unfathomable than ever.
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