Chapter 131: Major General Luo Lan

Zoro naturally had no reason to refuse Koby’s request. He had seen the potential of this Devil Fruit; not only could it protect his allies on future battlefields, but he could also use this barrier to sharpen his own swordsmanship. Why would he turn down such a win-win situation?

Luo Lan was also quite satisfied with Koby’s performance. The fact that his first demonstration of the fruit’s power had failed was not a significant issue. Including Koby, how many people in this world could master their Devil Fruit abilities the very first time they used them? Luo Lan reckoned that, aside from Sabo, perhaps no one else could manage it.

With Koby’s matter settled, Luo Lan shifted his gaze to Bogard. "I wonder how Vice Admiral Garp is doing lately?"

"If you want to ask about the G-10 Branch, just ask directly. There’s no need to beat around the bush," Bogard replied with a knowing smile.

Garp had long since confided in his trusted aide about the establishment of the G-10 Branch and the reasons behind it. Sengoku was willing to indulge all of Luo Lan’s seemingly absurd demands simply because he wanted to keep him. A man with such extraordinary talent and a unique Devil Fruit ability could not, under any circumstances, be allowed to stand against the Navy. If he remained at Marine Headquarters, he would inevitably grow disillusioned with the Navy due to the filthy deeds of the Celestial Dragons. He might eventually turn against them, just like the revolutionary Dragon, to create a force to oppose the World Government.

Rather than letting that happen, it was better to agree to Luo Lan’s unreasonable demands and let him lead a branch base elsewhere. Firstly, it would win over Luo Lan’s loyalty, ensuring he continued to serve the Navy. Secondly, having someone of Luo Lan’s strength out in the field would act as a powerful deterrent to pirates. In the past, the majority of the Navy’s strength was concentrated at Marineford, and responding to incidents often wasted valuable time on travel. Now, with Luo Lan stationed elsewhere, pirates would be forced to restrain themselves.

Furthermore, Luo Lan’s nickname, "Devil Luo Lan," had already spread throughout the entire naval base. If a Colonel could earn such a reputation among pirates, was that not a sufficient deterrent? It was said that ever since Colonel Luo Lan hung Kidd from the South Blue on Salon Island, the crime rate in that sea area had plummeted, as pirates feared becoming the next Kidd.

"Then I’ll be straightforward. Three months ago, Fleet Admiral Sengoku practically promised me. I’m wondering what the status is now?" Luo Lan cared deeply about being able to lead a branch base, as it was linked to his subsequent plans.

"Rest assured. If Vice Admiral Garp could tell me about this, do you think it would have leaked if Fleet Admiral Sengoku hadn't agreed to it?" Bogard reassured him. "If nothing goes wrong, Fleet Admiral Sengoku should be waiting for you in his office right now. Aside from needing your report on the Kidd incident, he likely wants to discuss the G-10 Branch."

"Is that so? Then I’ll leave Koby and Zoro to you. I’m off to see the Fleet Admiral." Luo Lan nodded, gave instructions to Koby and Zoro, and turned away from the training ground toward the administrative building.

Since returning from this mission, Luo Lan felt his reputation had grown significantly. Aside from the cold reception upon his initial arrival, every marine he encountered now greeted him with enthusiasm. Even the hawks among Sakazuki’s subordinates would nod in acknowledgment when they saw him. This left Luo Lan feeling somewhat flattered. He had offended Sakazuki as soon as he arrived at the base, so why were these men showing him such approval? Was his method of hanging pirates truly so popular among the hawks?

"Reporting?"

Filled with surprise and curiosity, Luo Lan quickly reached Sengoku’s office. After a symbolic knock, he pushed the door open to find Sengoku sitting behind his desk. The office was empty; there was no one else present, not even his close friend Garp.

"Luo Lan? You’ve returned?" Sengoku seemed slightly surprised by his appearance.

"I arrived yesterday. It was late, so I didn't come to see you immediately," Luo Lan apologized.

"I’ve received the report on the Kidd Pirates. You handled it very well; you successfully intimidated the pirates in that region." As he spoke, Sengoku took a document from his drawer and handed it to Luo Lan. "After a decision by the higher-ups, we have decided to promote you. Starting today, you are officially a Rear Admiral."

"A Rear Admiral?" Luo Lan took the appointment letter and glanced at it. It felt somewhat rushed. However, he kept quiet, knowing that such a hasty promotion meant other things were in store for him—specifically, the G-10 Branch. Leading a base as a Colonel would certainly invite criticism. Even if the Navy remained silent, the higher-level World Government would never approve such an order.

But as a Rear Admiral, the discord would be much quieter. After all, a Rear Admiral is still a general, even if lower in rank than others, whereas a Colonel is merely a mid-level officer with no standing to lead a base in the Grand Line.

The letter also included promotions for Zoro, Koby, and even Nami. Zoro had taken a giant leap from Warrant Officer to Commander, putting him on equal footing with Penglis. Nami, perhaps due to her unique talents as a navigator being recognized, was promoted from Seaman First Class to Master Chief Petty Officer. Although that was lower than Zoro’s previous rank, it was respectable, considering Tashigi was only a Master Chief Petty Officer herself. After all, Nami was a navigator, not a combatant. Koby, perhaps benefiting from Luo Lan’s influence, didn't rise as quickly as Nami, being promoted only to Sergeant.

Luo Lan didn't mind. Koby now had the strength, and it would be easier for him to accumulate military merit in the future; his rise would surely be faster than Nami’s. The only one unchanged was his adjutant, Penglis, who remained a Commander after several months of missions. Luo Lan understood this well; Zoro, Koby, and Nami were his core team. To keep him in the Navy, they had to grant him favors. Their promotions were almost entirely due to his influence, with the exception of Zoro, whose promotion was earned by his true strength.

"Well? Are you satisfied with this appointment?" Sengoku asked, a rare smile appearing on his stern face.

"I have no objections. I am very satisfied to be a Rear Admiral. After all, I lack the strength and seniority; even if I wanted more, I wouldn't be able to handle it," Luo Lan replied frankly.

Sengoku’s promotion was perfectly balanced. Any more, and it would breed jealousy or resentment, making him look like a product of nepotism. Any less, and he wouldn't be qualified to lead a branch base. Everything was just right.