"Karl, may I experience your ability?" Akainu's burning eyes were fixed on Karl, and an invisible pressure enveloped him. Aokiji, standing to the side, also cast a "longing" gaze at Karl. Although he said nothing, his face was full of words.
"Well, of course, Admiral Aokiji, do you want to try as well?" Karl smirked.
"Oh? Am I involved too?" Aokiji feigned surprise.
Karl smiled, but in his mind... nonsense, what if you all obstruct me in the future?
Upon hearing Karl's words, Kizaru's expression became somewhat sad. Don't ask Karl how he knows this; it's because when Monica's relatives visited, they wore the same expression. However, Monica is a young woman and can always ease Karl's "grief" effectively. But Kizaru just looks sad, with no hint of a mean or angry expression. An old man is an old man.
Karl had no choice; he couldn't afford to offend anyone, so he had to spread his hands, concentrate two golden light balls, and throw them at Akainu and Aokiji.
The moment the Holy Light entered his body, Akainu immediately closed his eyes, feeling the power of the Holy Light. His body instantly relaxed, and his fatigue significantly reduced, but that wasn't the main point. Slowly clenching his fists and feeling a stronger body, Akainu couldn't help but sigh inwardly—a long-awaited feeling of becoming stronger! He became about 2% stronger; perhaps his sense wasn't accurate, but Karl's ability's effect was very obvious, not only physically but also psychologically. Akainu suddenly opened his sharp eyes and stared at Karl—this man must become his subordinate.
On the other hand, Aokiji also slowly opened his eyes. Although not as overtly as Akainu, his eyes were filled with a longing for Karl.
"Karl, become my subordinate! I promise to make you a Rear Admiral in three years!"
"Oh, Sakazuki, isn't that different from what we discussed earlier, right? No way! Are you trying to take even my reserved subordinates?" Kizaru was surprised, pouted, and started mumbling, using the opportunity to poke fun at Akainu for not keeping his word, then he smirked. The general idea was that Akainu's promise was a joke, just for laughs.
Akainu ignored Kizaru's sarcasm and calmly said:
"Sorry,Borsalino , but Karl's ability is exactly what I need. With his help, I'll be more efficient in fulfilling assignments. I won't even fear facing Whitebeard's pirates!"
"You're capable enough without Karl; you don't need his help. Let him be my adjutant!" he apologized, but Kizaru didn't even hint at an apology. It was obvious that he wanted to take him directly, which made me furious!
"Karl, what do you think? Don't forget, the more tasks you complete, the more military merits you'll earn, and you'll advance further!" After saying this, Akainu glanced at Kizaru and easily said: "Borsalino, Karl can only get the best environment for growth under my command.
"Whether it's physical training, ability development, or even fencing, I will train Karl without any restrictions, you... he-he-he..." Honestly, Karl was almost moved, but when he remembered Akainu's character from his memory, he lost all hope.
"Truly frightening... Since you put it that way, it seems I'll have to give Karl to you..." Akainu's expression didn't change, but the joy in his eyes revealed his mood at that moment. However, Kizaru changed his tone, slightly lifted his sunglasses, and continued, "Oh yes, I almost forgot... Brother Karl has long agreed with me that after finishing his studies, he should come to us, right, Brother Karl?"
Great. Now the pressure is on Karl. Karl looked serious, thinking that if it were Aokiji, he might have considered it, but Akainu was not on his list for consideration at all. Simply put, they have different values. Instead of facing conflicts in the future, it's better to speak openly. Every time he would hug Monica and listen to her gossip during wise time, he heard many rumors about Akainu. Simply put, Akainu is too devoted to his work. He's either killing pirates or on his way to kill pirates. Becoming his subordinate would mean Karl has to constantly toil. He cannot come to terms with that. Karl's thoughts were very clear. He would slowly relax to gain experience, accumulate military merits, and gradually climb ranks to increase his own strength. That's what Karl needs. Some might say that Karl is an unsuitable sailor who thinks about lazing around all the time, but for Karl, the Navy Marines is just a job, nothing more.
So, it's you, Monkey !
"Admiral Akainu, though I really want to be your subordinate, I indeed had an agreement with Admiral Kizaru, and I am a man of my word, so I apologize." After these words, Karl turned to Kizaru, who was pouting: "Admiral Kizaru, I will inform you about my status after completing the internship, rest assured."
Akainu's face darkened, and he felt awkward. He said in a cold tone:
"Karl, you won't regret it when the time comes..." After this, Akainu gave a cold snort and left. Watching Akainu's departing back, Karl sighed. See? Kizaru, for the pleasure of being with you, old man, I even upset Akainu. Three years! I can't be promoted to Rear Admiral; don't blame me if I change my mind!
"Ha-ha-ha, the youth are truly amazing!you actually mercilessly refused Sakazuki! Well, come on, work hard, grow! You are very important to the Navy !" Aokiji laughed, patted Karl's shoulder in support, turned around, and left, never indicating that he wanted Karl as his subordinate.
Both competitors left, and Kizaru shrugged and spread his hands, expressing "what happened."
"Brother Karl, here's my phone number. If during your internship you encounter an opponent you can't handle, just call me directly. Of course, you can call me even after the internship." Karl was a bit surprised to receive the note from Kizaru. If Aokiji and Akainu had given him their phone numbers, he wouldn't have paid much attention, but who was Kizaru? The fastest man in the world! If Whitebeard blocked him that day, Kizaru would have come to his aid in no time, with just one call. Even if he couldn't defeat him, they could surrender together! At least there would be a companion, right?
"Thank you, Admiral Kizaru, no, Sir!" Kizaru gave a sly smile, nodded contentedly, and transformed into particles of light, disappearing on the spot.
At that moment, Smoker and Zephyr approached, and Smoker had a teasing glint in his eyes: "I didn't know you were so popular! But that's fine!"
"After all, your ability is so useful!" Smoker had just learned about Karl's ability from Zephyr, and even he wanted Karl to become his subordinate, but that was out of the question. Karl's power and strategic abilities were already highly regarded in the Navy Marines , and for him, a major, it was simply unrealistic to recruit Karl. And once Karl completes his internship, he will become at least a major, given that he was originally a captain in the division, and it's completely normal for him to be promoted. How could he follow someone as rowdy as him!
"You still want to join that Kizaru?" Zephyr looked seriously at Karl.
"Yes, Mr. Zefa, Admiral Kizaru and I arranged this a long time ago." Zephyr sighed helplessly and said, "In that case, I won't interfere, but you must remember not to squander your physical talent."
"Ha-ha-ha, of course. By the way, Mr. Zephyr, will we be catching pirates during our internship?" Zefar nodded, "Yes, I have already chosen a target, a pirate group with a total bounty of about 60 million. With your strength, they will be manageable, but I hope you remember one thing— the Navy is an entirety."
An entirety? A light sparked in Karl's eyes, meaning it would be wrong to let him fish! Give others a chance to prove themselves! He could abstain if he wanted to, right? I know this all too well!