One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

"So, I joined the Marines as an Ensign—and I was the last to find out."

"Graduated from the training camp as a Major—and I was the last to find out."

"Returned from the North Blue as a Rear Admiral—and I was still the last to find out."

"And now, once again, I'm the last to know about my promotion to Vice Admiral. Ugh... Rosinante, Smoker, don't you think I'm a bit of a failure here?"

As Wright strolled through the base, selecting his future office with Rosinante by his side, he basked in the admiring gazes of the Marine soldiers around him. Each "Vice Admiral, sir!" addressed to him filled him with a mix of pride and exasperation at his perpetual tardiness when it came to receiving news about himself.

"To me, it looks like you're so excited you can't even recognize the way," Smoker interjected, grabbing Wright's shoulder and steering him back from a wrong turn. "That's the direction of the mess hall. The Vice Admirals' offices are over here."

"..."

Wright chuckled awkwardly. "Ah, right... That reminds me, a few Rear Admirals have been promoted to Vice Admirals in recent years. Should I pay them a visit? Oh, and the Giant Vice Admirals—although I don't think their offices are in this section."

"Indeed," Rosinante began, pondering for a moment, "the Giant Vice Admirals—John Giant, Lacroix, and Lonz—are veterans who joined the Marines decades ago, probably around forty or fifty years back."

"The Giants have long lifespans, and back then, the world's strongest nation—the Giant Kingdom of Elbaf—collaborated with the Marines. It was during that time that those Vice Admirals joined, becoming a cornerstone of Marine strength with their incredible power and unyielding spirit."

"Oh... Impressive as always, Rosinante. You remember this so clearly. But I haven't seen any new Giant recruits in the Marines recently," Wright commented.

"That's right. After several batches of Giants joined the Marines decades ago, something happened in Elbaf. Whatever it was, it put an end to their cooperation with the Marines. The specifics remain unclear," Rosinante explained.

Wright thought to himself, "If I told you the truth, it'd scare you to death..."

Smoker, on the other hand, brought up a different topic. "Wright, many of the Vice Admirals have recently returned from escorting the Heavenly Tribute. They're likely taking a break here at headquarters."

"If you want to pay them a visit, you'd better act quickly. Though, wouldn't it make more sense to visit the Admirals first?"

Wright froze for a moment, surprised by Smoker's uncharacteristic foresight. "You're right. I got too used to the time when Sengoku was the only Admiral around... Now, we've got three of them above us."

"Let's finalize your office choice first, then visit the three senior brothers," Wright decided.

"Hah... Only you, Wright, could describe meeting the Marine's greatest combat force as casually as a school reunion," Rosinante remarked with a chuckle. "Smoker and I wouldn't dare address the Admirals as 'senior brothers' to their faces."

"That's only because I've always had a good relationship with Kuzan-senpai. Without strength, you'll never earn their recognition," Wright replied.

"They're 'monsters,' after all... Even now, I wouldn't last long against them. At best, I wouldn't be one-shot," he added, stretching lazily.

"You two shouldn't underestimate yourselves," Wright said, encouraging them. "You've both developed your Devil Fruit abilities to an impressive level. Once you master Haki, they'll start seeing you differently."

"There's still a long way to go..." Rosinante said, shaking his head as they stopped in front of a room. "How about this one?"

Wright glanced at the door and immediately frowned. "This is next to Garp's office!"

"Exactly!" Rosinante confirmed, a mischievous glint in his eye. Behind him, Smoker couldn't help but smirk before quickly hiding it, lighting two cigars to mask his expression.

"Although Garp has an office in the Vice Admirals' section, everyone knows he doesn't care much about it. As a result, none of the adjacent offices have been occupied for years."

Rosinante chuckled, adding, "In fact, my dad's office might as well be half of Garp's, considering how often he borrows it."

"...So, this room has been unused for over a decade?" Wright asked, massaging his temples.

"More or less," Rosinante confirmed. "But I think it suits you perfectly, Wright. Garp's office is the largest and best-positioned in the Vice Admirals' area. This room, being next door, is the second-best.

"It's spacious, has great views, a private balcony... And most importantly, it's the quietest room in the area since Garp is hardly ever around!"

Wright shot Rosinante a skeptical look, then glanced at Smoker, whose slightly dazed expression was hard to ignore. He muttered, "This must be the same criteria Kuzan-senpai used to pick his office... Or maybe you, with your world-class 'sleep aid' ability, have similar standards?"

Rosinante coughed awkwardly before regaining his composure. "When Kuzan was promoted to Vice Admiral, Garp wasn't as frequently absent as he is now. This is an opportunity even Kuzan didn't have!"

"Fine, fine... I'll take it," Wright relented, waving a hand. At this rate, I'll get conned to death... Rosinante really is Sengoku's kid—just as quirky.

Opening the door, Wright took a quick look around and nodded in satisfaction.

Despite Garp's neglect of his office, this one was surprisingly clean and orderly, evidently maintained by regular cleaning.

"Not bad. Now I just need to furnish it—desk, chairs, sofa, coffee table..." Wright began planning aloud.

Suddenly, the sound of a Den Den Mushi interrupted him.

"Bluru... Bluru... Bluru..."

Taking out the receiver, Wright's expression shifted. "Smoker, secure the door. Rosinante, set up a soundproof barrier!"

The two immediately sprang into action, their expressions turning serious.

Once everything was in place, Rosinante gave Wright a thumbs-up.

Answering the call, Wright spoke into the receiver. "This is Wright."

"Grand Lord, this is Judge!"

On the other end of the line was none other than the former King of the Germa Kingdom, Supreme Commander of Germa 66, the first Lightforged, and now the leader of the Crest of Holy Flame Legion under Dawn's Watch—Vinsmoke Judge.

"By the light of dawn, we stand vigilant!"

"By the light of dawn, we stand vigilant!"

"Judge, what's the matter?" Wright asked.

"Grand Lord, we've resolved several key issues with the Lightforged Beacon project you proposed before your departure!"

"Oh? That's the best news I've heard in a while!"

"Congratulations on your promotion to Vice Admiral, Grand Lord!"

"...Word travels fast. I only just found out myself!"

"Indeed, Grand Lord. Marine Headquarters has already notified the allied nations. Your prestige in the North Blue is higher than ever—especially after the Heavenly Tribute incident."

"Fine, fine. Let's focus on the Lightforged Beacon. Tell me the details," Wright urged.

"As you command, Grand Lord!"

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