Chapter 95: Pirates Supernova
**
An **18-year-old candidate for Admiral** had appeared in the **Marines**.
Within just a few days, thanks to the relentless efforts of the news birds, this shocking news spread across the seas.
For the pirate forces, this was **anything but good news**.
---
On the **Moby Dick**, Whitebeard was holding a banquet with his **sons** when someone handed him the latest newspaper. With a single glance at the front page, he crushed the **barrel** in his hand.
**"That Navy brat again… Carl? And he's fighting Zephyr? What a joke!"**
The lively atmosphere of the banquet **suddenly froze**.
Seated beside Whitebeard, **Oden** picked up the newspaper, his gaze locking onto Carl's photo with a fierce **hatred** burning in his eyes.
He touched the **empty sleeve** of his left arm and growled,
**"The Whitebeard Pirates must take revenge!"**
Whitebeard glanced at Oden but remained calm.
**"Oden, of course, I'll take revenge. But right now, you should be more concerned about Toki—she's about to give birth."**
Oden's **rage cooled slightly** at the mention of his wife. He clenched his fists, then nodded without saying more.
Whitebeard spread the newspaper across the table, his voice steady.
**"The Marines are promoting their so-called 'supernovas' to pressure us. But they're not the only ones with new monsters."**
Oden paused, confused. **"Pops, you mean…?"**
Whitebeard grinned. **"Pirates can have their own supernovas. And our Whitebeard Pirates will take up two spots—**you** and **Marco**."**
Oden, now **31 years old**, was the same age as **Drake** when he later became a supernova.
As one of the most powerful pirate crews in the world, the **Whitebeard Pirates' declaration** caused an immediate sensation. The newspapers **jumped at the opportunity**, expanding the list to include **five pirate supernovas**, shaking the Grand Line.
---
Elsewhere, in **Wano**, the **Beast Pirates** were growing in strength.
**Kaido** had already made a name for himself, and his **second-in-command, King**, was rising alongside him.
But when Kaido read the newspaper, his expression **darkened instantly**.
He **slammed the paper onto the table**, his voice full of irritation. **"These damn reporters! They put me on this stupid supernova list?! I'm sick of being called a rookie!"**
King, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow. **"Boss, you don't look happy."**
Kaido took a long **gulp of liquor** before grumbling, **"Hmph! I don't care about their stupid titles!"**
He moved to tear up the newspaper—only to **pause** when his eyes landed on another name.
**"Big Mom's second son, Charlotte Katakuri…?"**
Kaido suddenly smirked. **"Linlin has so many kids, and only **one** made the list? That's embarrassing."**
The remaining two pirate supernovas were also causing a stir—**Moria** and **Crocodile**.
Kaido barely paid them any attention. He simply glanced at Moria's photo and snorted.
**"This guy looks ugly. I feel like beating him up!"**
---
At **Marine Headquarters**, Carl and his fellow students were still living in the dormitories while waiting for their official assignments.
With nothing urgent to do, the **older students** often visited the training grounds, watching the new recruits and occasionally offering guidance—**enjoying their new authority**.
As for **Lucia**, she remained inseparable from Carl.
She frequently **snuck out at night**, seeking Carl out to indulge in their private moments, only returning **late into the night**.
One evening, as Lucia quietly **returned** to the dormitory, she unexpectedly ran into **Ginny**, who had woken up for a drink of water.
Lucia **froze**. Normally, she always kept her composure, but at this moment, a **rare trace of panic** flickered across her face.
At the same time, a strange mix of **excitement and shame** stirred in her heart.
Ginny tilted her head, her gaze drifting to Lucia's **slightly disheveled** clothes.
**"Lucia, did you go out at night? Couldn't sleep?"** she asked casually.
Lucia hesitated before muttering, **"Yeah."**
Ginny laughed and **patted Lucia's shoulder**.
**"You should be careful. Staying up too late is bad for a girl's skin. Anyway, Brother Carl's warship will be approved soon! We'll be sailing with him!"**
Lucia **nodded** but remained silent.
A **ship**? That was too big. **A bed was enough.**
Their conversation **stirred Gion**, who leaned against her bed, watching them with a knowing smile. She wore **silk pink pajamas**, her expression unreadable.
Ginny, noticing her, immediately **apologized**.
**"Sorry, Gion, did we wake you up?"**
After two years together, the **awkwardness** between Ginny and Gion had disappeared. Ginny never held grudges, and Gion had softened toward her over time.
Gion smiled gently. **"It's fine. I've been having trouble sleeping lately."**
Lucia's **brows furrowed slightly**. She had been too relaxed.
Gion's words were clearly **a hint**.
Could she have noticed Lucia **sneaking out**?
But one thing was certain—**Gion couldn't have seen what she and the Young Master were doing**. Carl's senses were too sharp for that.
With that thought, Lucia **calmed down**, silently returning to bed. After a quiet **goodnight**, she closed her eyes.
Gion simply **shrugged**, while Ginny looked between them, puzzled.
She muttered, **"Everyone is acting so weird…"**
---
The next day, **Marine Headquarters officially approved warships** for all new officers ranked **Commodore or higher**.
As a **Commodore**, Lucia had the right to her **own** warship.
But instead, she **chose to remain Carl's adjutant**, staying on the same ship as him.
Ginny and Jessica **also joined Carl's crew**.
Meanwhile, three rising stars were assigned to critical **Grand Line bases**.
- **Carl → G1 Branch**
- **Akainu → G2 Branch**
- **Borsalino → G3 Branch**
Unlike the Marine bases in the **Four Seas**, these **Grand Line branches** were dangerous. Pirates roamed these waters, causing constant chaos.
Among them, the **G1 Branch**, Carl's assignment, was **the most vital**.
It served as the **strongest line of defense** behind Marineford and could **reinforce Headquarters** at a moment's notice.
By assigning Carl to G1, the Marines had made **a statement**—they fully recognized his **strength and potential**.
---
At the **port of Marineford**, Carl stood at the **bow** of his newly assigned warship.
On either side of him stood **Ginny and Lucia**, their eyes set on the vast ocean ahead.
With a loud **whistle**, the warship slowly sailed away from **Marineford**, marking a new chapter in Carl's journey.
From the harbor, **Zephyr** watched them go.
Raising a **glass of sherry**, he took a slow sip, his eyes full of quiet contemplation.
**"The world is watching…"**
---
**+74 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg**
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