Chapter 102: Admiral Black Dragon

Compared to Kong and the others at Marine Headquarters, Carl—the protagonist of this entire incident—acted as if nothing had happened.

Upon returning to the **G-1 branch**, he reported his safety to **Ginny and Lucia**, then resumed handling official business **as usual**.

But the world wouldn't let him stay in the shadows for long.

The moment **news broke** of Golden Lion's **death**, Carl's name exploded across the seas.

He had essentially **stepped on Shiki's head**, becoming the **center of global attention.**

Even **Garling** called him via **Den Den Mushi.**

During their conversation, Garling was both **shocked and pleased** to hear the details of Shiki's defeat. He also revealed something **even bigger**—

The **World Government** was discussing Carl's **promotion to Admiral.**

Warcury, naturally, opposed it.

But **Carl's accomplishments were undeniable.**

There was simply **no argument** to be made.

Before long, the decision was final.

Carl was officially **promoted to Admiral.**

It had taken him just **one year**—

From a **Marine Academy graduate** to a **Navy Admiral.**

###

At the **port of Marineford**, a warship **docked**, drawing the eyes of everyone gathered.

Carl stepped off the ship, flanked by his subordinates.

Awaiting him was a **massive assembly** of Marine soldiers.

They stood at attention, watching as **history walked before them.**

Carl was **not even twenty years old.**

Yet he now held a rank that many **veterans** could only dream of achieving.

As he made his way through the crowd, **Ginny and Lucia** at his side, awe-struck whispers filled the air.

By the time Carl reached **Headquarters**, the entire base was buzzing.

###

Inside **Fleet Admiral Kong's office**, some of the **Navy's most powerful figures** were waiting.

Tsuru. Zephyr. Sengoku. Garp.

When Carl entered, **Kong himself** handed him the **letter of appointment** and a **new uniform.**

His voice was solemn.

**"Carl, in recognition of your achievements in defeating Shiki the Golden Lion, the World Government has granted you the rank of Admiral.**

**Your codename will be—Black Dragon."**

With the formalities done, Kong's expression softened.

He **patted Carl's shoulder**, his voice carrying genuine admiration.

**"Carl, you've continued to surprise me. Keep this up, and I believe becoming an Admiral is just the beginning for you."**

Sengoku and the others **nodded in agreement.**

Carl had not only proven himself—he had exceeded **every expectation.**

Zephyr stepped forward, taking the **Admiral's cloak** from Carl's hands.

Without a word, he **draped it over Carl's shoulders.**

###

As Carl left Headquarters, soldiers along the way **stood at attention, saluting him.**

Zephyr, walking beside him, suddenly changed course.

"Come with me," he said.

Carl followed—straight to the **Marine Academy.**

Zephyr knew better than anyone:

**A true role model was worth more than a thousand lectures.**

And with a **young Admiral** like Carl, the students would have **no shortage of inspiration.**

###

On the training grounds of the **Marine Academy**, three figures were engaged in an intense spar.

Aokiji. Dragon. Aramaki.

Their battle had left deep scars in the training field—ice spikes, gusts of wind, and slashes of energy marking their clash.

But as **Carl entered the scene**—

Everything **stopped.**

###

Aramaki, who had been **dozing on the ground**, suddenly found himself frozen **solid.**

Before he could even react—

A wind blade **shattered** the ice, sending him **tumbling** across the field.

Aramaki reformed his body, glaring at the culprits.

"You two!" he bellowed at Aokiji and Dragon. "Trying to **kill me** over a spar?!"

Aokiji scratched his head, grinning lazily.

"Ah la la, sorry, Aramaki. Got a little carried away."

Dragon, on the other hand, **didn't even look at him.**

"Want to go again?" he asked Aokiji.

Aokiji waved a hand dismissively.

"Nah. Let's call it a day."

Before their conversation could continue, however—

The **training ground entrance erupted into chaos.**

Exclamations filled the air.

"It's **him**!"

"Admiral **Black Dragon**…!"

Aramaki, Aokiji, and Dragon turned toward the commotion—

And their **eyes widened.**

Carl was walking **straight toward them.**

Aokiji **leapt to his feet.**

"It's **Senior Carl**!" he shouted.

Aramaki, still recovering, **smacked him on the back of the head.**

"Show some respect—it's **Admiral** Black Dragon now!"

But before long, **he himself** was sprinting forward, yelling,

"Admiral Black Dragon!"

His enthusiasm triggered a **stampede.**

Students **rushed forward**, surrounding Carl in an instant.

Zephyr, watching from the side, couldn't help but smile.

Carl had **become a legend before their very eyes.**

###

Aramaki and Aokiji **pushed through the crowd** to stand before Carl.

"Senior Carl!" Aramaki said excitedly. "I've been training hard to follow in your footsteps!"

Aokiji shot him a deadpan look.

"Yeah? Who was just napping on the ground?"

Aramaki's face turned red.

"That's… That's training too!"

Carl crossed his arms, eyeing Aramaki with amusement.

Aramaki, suddenly feeling the **pressure**, avoided his gaze.

Meanwhile, questions **flew from the students**:

"Senior Carl! Tell us about the **Battle of Edd War**!"

"Who's stronger, **Golden Lion or Roger**?"

"Can you **beat Zephyr now**?"

"Do you have a **girlfriend**, Senior Carl? If not… I'm available~!"

Carl chuckled at the barrage of questions.

But his gaze **drifted**—

**To the corner of the training ground.**

Where **Dragon stood, watching him silently.**

For the first time since Carl arrived—

The crowd **fell silent.**

The air between them felt **heavy.**

Carl and Dragon locked eyes.

And in that moment—

Everyone knew.

There was **more** to this meeting than simple reunion.