"How grand!"
This was something Lancelot hadn't anticipated; he had thought that having Sengoku, Vice Admiral Tsuru, and Garp would already be the peak.
After all, Akainu and Aokiji are Navy Admirals.
They each have their own responsibilities.
At that moment, Kizaru let out a strange laugh and very naturally walked over to his exclusive seat, sitting down.
Then he looked meaningfully at Lancelot.
At this point, Sengoku, Vice Admiral Tsuru, Garp, Akainu, and Aokiji also reacted.
Garp was the first to speak, examining Lancelot with great interest before asking bluntly.
"If Kizaru hadn't intervened, would you have been confident in surviving against Kaido?"
Hearing this, Lancelot narrowed his eyes slightly.
Because Garp's question, to some extent, represented everyone present.
That's right.
Sengoku, Vice Admiral Tsuru, Garp, Akainu, and Aokiji — every single one of them.
Although they already highly recognized Lancelot's strength, after discussing among themselves earlier, they still felt that Lancelot hadn't truly reached Kaido's level.
He could only fight Kaido briefly, but if the battle lasted slightly longer, he would be overwhelmed.
Just like the Navy's two Admiral Candidates, Gion (Momousagi) and Tokikake (Chaton).
They indeed possessed the initial capability to confront Admirals.
When they fought with all their might, even Admirals like Akainu and Aokiji couldn't easily handle them.
However, this state of full power couldn't be maintained for long.
Once that state passed, that's when they would be suppressed.
Therefore, they believed that Lancelot should be at the same level as Momousagi and Chaton — the level of Admiral Candidate.
But don't underestimate Admiral Candidates — to some extent, they are also Admirals.
If any of the three main Admirals encountered problems, they could step in at any time...
They absolutely possess the strength to intimidate an entire region.
You could consider them as "Junior Admirals," or... the weakest Admirals.
Alternatively, reaching the level of Admiral Candidate can be seen as having Admiral-level strength.
They're just relatively weaker among the Admirals.
Most importantly, orders had come down from the Holy Land.
They wanted Lancelot to directly assume the position of Admiral Candidate.
There were three reasons for this:
Combat Prowess: Lancelot's solo battle against Kaido proved his strength was sufficient.
Strategic Structure: With candidates Momousagi and Chaton, plus Lancelot, that would make exactly three people.
The Navy would then have the "Next Generation" of three Admirals ready.
Moreover, this way, the Navy would form a structure of Three Main Admirals and Three Candidates, which would make for a good narrative and boost overall morale.
Political Impact: Lancelot's reorganization of the East Blue made the region more stable.
Through the Goa Kingdom incident, he gave all member kingdom royals reassurance.
This strengthened ties with the World Government.
Simultaneously, it made other non-member kingdom royals interested.
Especially those with internal conflicts within their countries.
Those who originally didn't want to join the World Government as member kingdoms now actively applied to become member kingdoms.
After all, when choosing between paying the Heavenly Tribute and preserving their kingdom and throne, they decisively chose the latter.
The results were significant — three kingdoms had already become member kingdoms, with five more applying.
Several others were also showing interest.
Furthermore, Lancelot successively saved two member kingdoms of the World Government (Alabasta and Dressrosa).
This showed all kingdoms the World Government's capability and determination to protect member kingdoms, further increasing interest.
The number of kingdoms that became member kingdoms increased from three to six.
Those applying rose from five to thirteen.
The number of kingdoms with such intentions has multiplied exponentially.
Thus, Lancelot has invisibly and significantly strengthened the World Government's control over its member nations, greatly enhancing the World Government's power.
For this alone, Lancelot's achievements are sufficient to qualify him for any position in the Navy...
Because of this, even Fleet Admiral Sengoku, and Admirals Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru have never accomplished such feats.
They are military personnel. Politics might not be their forte.
But they are not foolish—the tangible results are right before their eyes.
They cannot deny it... it is truly a monumental achievement.
Not to mention the position of Admiral Candidate.
Even promoting him to Admiral or Fleet Admiral would not be excessive.
So, is it really excessive for the Holy Land to promote Lancelot directly to Admiral Candidate?
It is not excessive at all.
Although these achievements are "invisible," their benefits are in no way inferior to those gained from eliminating an Emperor's Pirate Crew.
Most importantly, the Holy Land also stated: Promoting Lancelot exceptionally to Admiral Candidate is also a message to the kings of the world.
It makes all kings understand that Lancelot's status represents the World Government's stance.
To further escalate the situation.
And maximize the benefits.
'Good heavens...' With these words, Sengoku didn't even have a reason to refute...
"Hah..."
Sengoku took a deep breath and then looked at Vice Admiral Tsuru.
Understanding his meaning, Tsuru picked up the Justice Cloak for the Admiral Candidate, which had been prepared in advance, and held it respectfully with both hands.
Then, step by step, she walked over to Lancelot.
"This is..."
Lancelot couldn't help but widen his eyes.
As a Navy officer, he was naturally very familiar with Navy ranks.
If he wasn't mistaken, this was not the rank of a Vice Admiral.
But that of an Admiral Candidate... This was completely beyond his expectations.
Sengoku spoke at this moment: "Your actions in the Goa Kingdom, Alabasta Kingdom, and Dressrosa have led numerous kingdoms to join the World Government as member nations, with remarkable achievements... The Holy Land has issued a special order to exceptionally promote you to Admiral Candidate."
"Numerous kingdoms joining the World Government?"
"A special order from the Holy Land for an exceptional promotion?"
Lancelot immediately grasped the key points in Sengoku's words.
His actions in the Goa Kingdom, Alabasta Kingdom, and Dressrosa were not unintentional.
When he carried them out, he had anticipated they would provoke some reactions.
After all, in this chaotic world, the kings of various kingdoms are also deeply anxious.
Especially in turbulent regions like the Grand Line, the West Blue, the North Blue, and the South Blue.
Without sufficient strength, a single misstep... could lead to the fall of a kingdom.
Or the royal family could be slaughtered by pirates... After all, who is wealthier than a kingdom's royal family?
Now, Lancelot's actions have demonstrated an attitude to all kings.
As long as they join the World Government and become allied nations:
If there is a rebellion within the kingdom?
No problem, as long as you seek help... the Navy will intervene to deal with the rebels and ensure the throne remains with the royal family.
If pirates attack or take control? No problem, the Navy will also intervene.
No matter who it is, even if it's the Shichibukai who are allied with the Navy, they will be dealt with.
In short, anyone who dares to threaten the interests of our allied nations is threatening the World Government.
They will not be spared...
Naturally, some kingdoms would be tempted.
He never expected the effect to be so significant and to come so quickly.
'What a pleasant surprise.'