One Piece: Rising to Fleet Admiral Through a Coup

Watching the palace guard toss aside his helmet and step into the elevator, Shamrock and the others standing nearby looked utterly displeased. They never expected Xayuki's influence to penetrate the Holy Land so deeply, turning a palace guard to his side upon their first meeting.

In the past, they would have executed such a guard without hesitation, as his actions were even more egregious than outright treason. However, Shamrock and his group dared not voice their anger. Xayuki was at the peak of his power—any attempt to punish the guard or even a hint of dissent could provoke his wrath and transform their negotiations into open conflict.

This wasn't mere alarmism; Xayuki was entirely capable of such actions. According to their intelligence, when he was still a colonel at Marine Headquarters, he had once fought fiercely for a newly recruited soldier, eventually taking full responsibility and enduring a week of confinement ordered by Fleet Admiral Sengoku.

Always responsive to requests, repaying kindness without fail, never enjoying fortune alone, bearing all responsibility himself, and fiercely protective without reason—this was Xayuki.

Like Shamrock and his companions, those standing behind Xayuki—Gion, the three admirals, Sengoku, Zephyr, and Garp—also turned in surprise at the guard's sudden decision.

These individuals had all been Xayuki's superiors at some point, and they were somewhat aware of his actions at headquarters over the years. Yet, they hadn't realized his influence was so extensive that even a palace guard who had only heard of him would make such a bold move.

The status of a Holy Land palace guard far exceeded that of any palace guard from the World Government's allied nations—this was the Holy Land, the center of the world!

For many, becoming a palace guard was an unattainable honor, a dream cherished not only by ordinary people but also by many Marines stationed in the Holy Land.

To abandon such hard-won honor was akin to giving up one's life.

Yet not only did the guard defect on the spot, but he also expressed a desire to serve under Xayuki in the future. This demonstrated how deeply Xayuki's reputation had embedded itself in people's hearts, influencing not only the Marines but also many atop the vast Red Line who now viewed him as a figure worthy of devotion.

"What's wrong with everyone?"

Noticing the sudden silence, Xayuki glanced around after watching the guard leave, then turned his gaze to Shamrock with a friendly smile. "Stinks, what's with that expression? Are you upset because I let that soldier go? There's no need—he simply wants revenge for his parents and sister. He hasn't done anything wrong! Even if he had, it wouldn't be your concern—he's my soldier now!"

Upon hearing this, Shamrock's facial muscles twitched violently as he struggled to suppress his anger. "I am not Stinks; my name is Figarland Shamrock."

"Sorry, I have a poor memory," Xayuki nodded, then abruptly changed the subject. "How long will it take to bring Spandam here?"

Shamrock's brows furrowed instantly. "Do you really intend to eliminate them completely? Spandine has already paid for his actions—"

"Hmm?"

Before Shamrock could finish, Xayuki's demeanor shifted dramatically. His gaze turned sharp, his previously gentle smile vanishing. In a stern voice, he said, "Shamrock, just because we've exchanged a few words, don't get ahead of yourself. You have ten minutes to bring his head to me, or face the consequences!"

With that, Xayuki turned decisively to leave, no longer engaging with Shamrock.

Seeing this, Gunshi quickly winked at Shamrock before hastily following Xayuki with several other members of the God's Knights.

At that moment, a group of palace guards suddenly rushed forward. Each guard was clad in heavy silver armor, and their large numbers created the impression of an army charging forward.

However, these palace guards did not approach Xayuki directly. The leading guard halted just before reaching Xayuki's entourage, directing the others to spread out and stand in formation on either side of the moving walkway.

Within moments, hundreds of palace guards had lined both sides of the walkway.

Soon after, a group of people appeared on the walkway, led by none other than Commander-in-Chief Kong of the World Government.

Following Kong were dozens of soldiers stationed in the Holy Land, along with Vice Admiral Tsuru, who had come to the Holy Land for a temporary meeting but was unable to return due to Xayuki's rebellion.

"Vice Admiral Xayuki, you've certainly done something remarkable~"

Stepping forward from behind Kong, Tsuru—once a beautiful Marine who had fought alongside Garp and Sengoku, now transformed by time into a petite elderly woman—looked up at Xayuki with intense eyes. Her calm voice carried a hint of complex emotion: "Were you really so impatient? You should know we all had high hopes for you. If you'd given us a bit more time, you could have naturally become the next Fleet Admiral."

Faced with Tsuru's reprimand, Xayuki hesitated, ultimately choosing silence.

Since entering the officer training camp, Tsuru had been the first superior to place high expectations on him. Especially during his swordsmanship training with Gion, Tsuru had always been present, occasionally preparing special meals for him herself.

Most importantly, after his imprisonment, Tsuru had constantly traveled between the Holy Land and Marine Headquarters, leveraging her connections to try to secure his release.

"Xayuki, well done!"

Before Xayuki could respond, a pink figure suddenly leaped out from behind Kong.

The figure was a young woman with strawberry blonde hair.

She wore a pink hat and a pink dress, her entire ensemble exuding a subtle charm.

This was Peacock, Tsuru's granddaughter, who had just turned twenty. A Paramecia-type Whip-Whip Fruit user, she could command anything she had struck with her whip, including buildings.

Of course, these facts were secondary.

What mattered was that before gaining her Devil Fruit powers, Peacock had been an adorable pink-clad girl. However, as she grew older and acquired the Whip-Whip Fruit, she gradually became Xayuki's nightmare.

During Xayuki's time at the officer training camp, he often visited Tsuru's home for meals, growing familiar with Peacock.

After leaving the training camp, Peacock frequently visited his office, causing chaos with her steel whip and becoming increasingly bold, leading to misunderstandings among colleagues.

Coupled with Tsuru's favoritism toward Xayuki, rumors began to spread within Marine Headquarters—initially claiming he was Tsuru's chosen grandson-in-law. As the rumors grew more outrageous, they suggested he and Peacock had secretly married when she was eighteen, and even that a newborn in the family quarters was their child.

Unable to tolerate the situation, Xayuki had resorted to some minor tactics to send her to a confidential special unit, removing her from his sight.

For Xayuki, marriage was out of the question. Women would only be hindrances on his path to greatness.

Without achieving his ambitions, how could he consider settling down?

~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~

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