One Piece: I am the Fleet Admiral?

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari

----------

"By the way, Mr. Garp, you'll need to work hard for a while.

"For the next seven days, you'll act as the captain of the Akatsuki security team and lead the Marine officers to patrol the island.

"Make sure you're always visible to those kings and nobles."

Akira's clone blew out a thick puff of smoke and said with a light smile:

"We want to create the illusion that buying a house in Akatsuki is like hiring the top protectors in the sea as personal bodyguards."

"That way, those who are extremely insecure will feel reassured."

The Den Den Mushi and newspaper bombardment-style publicity has always highlighted "safety and peace of mind" as Akatsuki's main selling point.

If this key feature isn't emphasized, the villa sales will likely be disappointing.

After all, the potential buyers are either wealthy or influential.

They either live in palaces or have self-built homes that are as comfortable as palaces.

No matter how beautiful the exterior and interior design of the villas in Bertomy Passion Kingdom, it won't impress them on its own.

So, the allure and the implied threats are what will make them willing to pay.

That's why, in the month since Akira's clone arrived, part of the time has been spent developing other areas besides Akatsuki.

This includes, but isn't limited to, establishing casinos, entertainment streets, theaters, supermarkets, high-end hotels, hospitals, and other facilities.

Not only does this solve the employment problem in Bertomy Passion Kingdom, but it also makes the kings and nobles appreciate the conveniences.

Even if they don't live there themselves, it's nice to let their children, wives, and lovers enjoy the place.

The newspapers also play to the vanity of humans.

They advertise that those living in Akatsuki are all successful people—the best and richest tycoons in the world.

So far, the results are promising.

The fact that so many kings, officials, and nobles came today shows that it's working.

As for threats!

"Any news from Lu Feld?" Akira's clone narrowed its eyes slightly and asked.

"I heard from Vice Admiral Tsuru this afternoon—still nothing!" Garp shook his head.

"This guy can't even handle this simple task, yet he wants our support?"

The Akira clone was clearly displeased by the news.

He crushed the cigar in his hand into the ashtray.

"Tell the main body to remind Lu Feld to give us a clear answer.

"Don't waste our precious time."

The Akira clone let out a long breath. Time was running out for him.

If these kings and nobles don't feel threatened within seven days and don't make their purchases by then, all the efforts put in would be for nothing.

God of Fortune Lu Feld's work is becoming unreliable. Regardless of whether he completed the tasks assigned to him, there was no word back.

If he succeeded, great! But if not, Akira had a Plan B ready to go.

"I'm going to make the call right now!" Garp understood the urgency of the situation and immediately walked outside without hesitation.

Out on distant seas.

"Yes, don't worry! I'll give you an answer by tomorrow!" Lu Feld repeatedly assured the Den Den Mushi in his hand. He only let out a long breath once the call ended.

"Umit, take me there."

Lu Feld got up from the deck, gazed at the white whale-headed pirate ship in front of him, and spoke in a deep voice.

"Are you out of your mind?" Umit, with his big hat and bearded chin, was startled. He quickly stepped forward, grabbed Lu Feld, and said, "Are you really willing to risk your life just to make money?"

"I'm willing to gamble!" Lu Feld replied seriously. "And I believe Whitebeard won't refuse the olive branch offered by Fleet Admiral Akira."

"Even if he doesn't care about himself, he has to think about his sons, right?"

"I'm not asking him to do much; just to come to the Bertomy Passion Kingdom and put on a show with the Marines."

As he spoke, Lu Feld couldn't help but recall a few days ago. He had been discussing future ventures with "Deep Ocean Current" Umit when Fleet Admiral Akira suddenly called.

The task given to him was simple: find a big pirate to cooperate with, stage an attack on Bertomy Passion Kingdom at a specific time, and then get beaten back with serious injuries.

Honestly, Lu Feld hadn't thought it would be difficult. Although he had gone legitimate, he still had connections on both sides of the law.

Finding a big pirate? That should be easy with his network. After all, in the second half of the Grand Line, there were plenty of "big pirates."

So he asked, "How big are we talking?"

The Fleet Admiral on the Den Den Mushi went silent for ten minutes, seemingly deep in thought.

Finally, he gave a name that shocked Lu Feld:

The undisputed king of the seas, "Whitebeard" Edward Newgate!

Lu Feld nearly collapsed right there.

Compared to other pirates, Whitebeard was known for being reasonable and not particularly bloodthirsty. But Lu Feld knew that if he approached Whitebeard with this request, it likely wouldn't end well for him.

He immediately regretted asking that question.

But the Fleet Admiral didn't give him time to back out, stating that if he couldn't convince Whitebeard to cooperate personally, then forget it!

The Marines would arrange for some other pirates to play the role.

And if Lu Feld failed, he would lose the friendship of the Marine Fleet Admiral.

After saying this, Akira hung up without giving him a chance to respond.

Following that call, Lu Feld spent an entire day and night thinking it over before finally deciding to take the gamble.

If he won, his future would be filled with luxury and success.

If he lost, well, there's always another chance—maybe in eighteen years.

So, he asked "Deep Ocean Current" Umit to get him there as quickly as possible.

"Enough talking, just get me there," Lu Feld said, waving off Umit's concerns with a tone that brooked no argument.

Umit's face was full of mixed emotions, but in the end, he chose to support his old friend. However, he couldn't resist adding, "Don't worry, I'll make sure to collect your body."

Lu Feld's expression froze: "..."

Soon enough, after being thoroughly searched by Marco and the others, Lu Feld boarded the Moby Dick.

Umit watched from afar.

But not long after, a powerful wave of Haki swept across the entire sea.

The white clouds in the sky were dispersed instantly.

Umit felt his heart tighten, and a chill ran straight down his spine.

"The strongest man at sea is angry!" he murmured softly.

Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Bertomy Passion, Graeme had been exploring the area with a guide over the past few days.

Even he had to admit that this place was perfect for living.

It had everything: warm and welcoming people, captivating aromas, convenient facilities, excellent entertainment options... and more importantly, a powerful security team led by the hero Garp.

In a sense, it was like the "Mariejois" of the lower world—safe, convenient, and fun!

He believed that anyone who spent time here would want to stay.

But...

It's useless!

It's just too expensive!

The most basic villa here costs 5 billion berries. Even though the kings and nobles aren't exactly short on cash, they still have to seriously consider whether it's worth the investment.

Anyway, after these six days of observation, it was clear to Graeme that the Akatsuki, heavily advertised by the Marines, hadn't sold many units at all. Those who did buy were mostly destitute kings, whose kingdoms had been overrun and who were too scared to return home.

"My lord, these are just model houses, and they cannot be lived in for a long time. However, we've arranged accommodations for you in a five-star hotel until the villa is fully constructed."

"What? So you're telling me that I paid, but I can't move in?"

"Yes, the money you pay is considered a deposit, and this is your reserved spot."

"How can you operate like this? Refund my money! I won't buy it."

"You haven't even built the villa yet, and you're already selling it. Isn't this a scam?"

"That's not the case, please listen to my explanation."

"I don't want to listen, I'm not buying!"

Standing outside the sales office, Graeme couldn't help but laugh as he overheard the conversation between the king, the nobles, and the sales staff.

'Selling houses before they're even built—what was Akira thinking?' he grumbled to himself.

To him, this kind of behavior was as if he paid for a piece of fruit but was told he'd have to wait a year to get it. Just two words... outrageous.

After listening for a while, Graeme decided he'd had enough. Based on his experience, unless something drastic happened, this so-called door guardian plan was destined to fail.

He could tell by the expressions on the faces of many kings and nobles as they walked by.

"It's time to leave tomorrow. Let's pack our things tonight," Graeme told his subordinate.

"Yes!" The CP subordinate nodded in agreement.

As night fell, most people drifted off to sleep. Even the kings, who typically spent their nights winning money at the casino, turned in early, knowing they had a rough sea journey ahead.

Plus, there was a slight sense of guilt.

Over the past few days, they had enjoyed top-tier services, indulging in food, drink, and entertainment without spending a single berry. In the end, not only did they not buy the villas being promoted, but they also walked away with significant winnings from the casino.

It seemed only fair to show a bit of restraint on the last night.

Suddenly—BOOM!

A deafening explosion rocked the entire sea.

Everyone was jolted awake, with some even falling out of bed in panic.

Before they could fully comprehend what was happening, a booming, familiar laugh echoed across the kingdom.

"Gurararara! So this is the kingdom protected by the Marines? I, Whitebeard, am here to test just how strong your security really is!"

Everyone's eyes widened in shock!