The warship sailed smoothly across open waters. In the distance, at the farthest edge of the horizon, an island emerged. Enies Lobby, one of the three great fortresses of justice and the current base of CP-9.
On deck, Finn stood with one arm encased in plaster, suspended in a sling across his chest. Bandages wrapped his torso and visible limbs, giving him a somewhat wretched appearance.
Despite that, his movements remained unimpeded. He'd gone into this mission prepared for serious injury, even potential defeat. Therefore, he'd specifically brought several great doctor from Marineford.
More than a week had passed since the battle with Katakuri on Kenzan Island. Finn's condition had improved dramatically. Most injuries had nearly healed. Only the broken arm remained problematic, requiring several more months of recovery.
Finn felt deeply satisfied with the battle. Not just because he'd established the extent of his current capabilities, but because defeating Katakuri had given him something invaluable: confidence.
Though he was a transmigrator, he'd lived miserably for many years after arriving in this world. His "golden finger" abilities remained confusing. Iron Will was straightforward enough, but he still hadn't figured out what the black core in his consciousness actually was.
Even with those advantages, he hadn't been able to achieve rapid success.
Compared to this dangerous world, Finn had always felt somewhat inadequate. Like he was playing a game he didn't fully understand.
It wasn't until arriving at Marine Headquarters that he'd truly begun to take off. But even then, uncertainty had nagged at him. Could he actually establish himself here? Could he survive among monsters?
Now, he no longer felt that inadequacy. Defeating Katakuri was just the beginning.
He would keep winning. Keep climbing. Until he stood at the apex of this world. Only then would his journey to this cruel yet beautiful place have meaning.
As sea breeze washed over him, these thoughts swirled through Finn's mind.
After a while, he heard light footsteps approaching from behind.
"Rear Admiral Finn, your injuries haven't fully healed yet. It's not good to be exposed to the wind constantly." Stussy walked to his side with a pleasant smile.
Even though her administrative rank technically exceeded Finn's, she didn't dare put on airs before him now. Her words carried genuine respect.
This was normal. In this world, one should always show proper deference to the strong.
Finn smiled at her words, glancing sideways. "Thank you for your concern, Commander Stussy."
Stussy nodded, looking at Finn with an appraising expression. "I heard that Rear Admiral Finn served as deputy chief of Marineford's intelligence staff and once predicted both the rise and dissolution of the Roger Pirates. That's truly remarkable. I hadn't expected that besides being so powerful in combat, Rear Admiral, you also possess such keen intellect."
Finn looked at Stussy with mild confusion. What was this woman playing at, suddenly flattering him?
Stussy's surprise was genuine, though. After leaving the orphanage, she'd been gathering information about Finn's background and accomplishments. She'd finally obtained detailed intelligence recently, and it had shocked her. This man wasn't just a combat monster. He was genuinely brilliant.
But that knowledge alone wouldn't have prompted this conversation. Her investigation had also caught the attention of certain CP agency members. They'd tasked her with testing whether Finn could be recruited into CP, or even directly absorbed into CP-0.
Just as Finn had tried persuading Stussy to join the Marines at the orphanage, the CP agency was now attempting to poach talent from the Marines.
After all, they were "brother organizations."
They served the same ultimate authority. Both were messengers of justice!
"I think your talents, Rear Admiral, might not be fully utilized in the Marines," Stussy began carefully. "After all, seniority still takes priority there. Even with your exceptional abilities, you're still less experienced than Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Borsalino. Your room for advancement isn't very wide. But CP is different..."
She paused briefly, then continued in a quieter voice. "If Rear Admiral Finn is willing to join CP, our Director General is prepared to personally consult with Fleet Admiral Kong and transfer you directly to CP-0 as a Senior Operations Commander. I've never heard of such treatment being offered before. Perhaps you're aware that all CP-0 members hold administrative rank equivalent to Vice Admiral at Marine Headquarters. A Senior Operations Commander's qualifications aren't inferior to an Admiral candidate. Give us two years, and as you continue growing, CP can offer even more."
Finn had to admit, Stussy's offer was sincere. Far more substantial than his own casual recruitment attempt at the orphanage. Back then, he'd just been running his mouth, making empty promises with no real intention of following through.
Stussy would have been a fool to believe him.
But now, when Stussy turned the tables and recruited him, she came with genuinely generous conditions.
If Finn nodded, he'd immediately transfer to CP-0 as a Senior Operations Commander. Compared to Marine Headquarters, it was equivalent to jumping directly from Rear Admiral to Admiral candidate.
That was quite a leap. Clearly, the CP organization was desperate to add valuable high-level combat power to its ranks.
It was impossible for Finn not to be tempted.
But he finally smiled and shook his head. "Commander Stussy, if you'd said this to me three years ago at the 113th Marine Branch in the North Blue... no, even if you'd just offered me a position in CP-9, I might have agreed without hesitation. But unfortunately, you've come too late."
It was true. Within the Marines, Finn currently couldn't achieve rapid promotion due to institutional "old diseases" endemic to the organization.
Consider that Borsalino and the other future three Admirals weren't promoted until more than a decade later, after the Fisher Tiger incident and its aftermath.
Even at his fastest possible pace, Finn probably couldn't change that timeline significantly. Maybe with exceptional luck, he could become an Admiral of the same generation as them, replacing one of them. Perhaps he could even convince the Marines to establish four Admiral positions instead of three.
But even so, Finn had no intention of leaving the Marines to join CP.
The Marines were ultimately a fairly independent military organization. Yes, they were somewhat restricted by things like budget allocation, but Finn could feel that Admiral Sengoku and other ambitious leaders were working to change that situation, both openly and covertly.
He believed the Marines could be reformed.
But CP was different. In terms of administrative level, there might be no difference between it and the Marines. But in terms of independence? A massive gap. CP was essentially the running dogs of the Celestial Dragons.
Unlike the Marines, who could rely on their own strength and, to some extent, push back against the World Government, CP agencies had no such leverage. No one there could be as tough or autonomous as the Marines. Join them, and you'd be treated like a dog.
If he'd had no other choice, of course he could have swallowed his pride for the sake of power, strength, and status.
But now that he was thriving in the Marines, why would he go to CP to kowtow to others?
As for limited promotion opportunities, the Marines currently had many restrictive regulations, true. But with the development and changes in global situations, the organization was also evolving. More than twenty years from now, the World Military Draft would happen. Outsiders like Issho would be promoted directly to Admiral in one breath. The fact that such a thing could happen demonstrated how strong the Marines' desire for change would become.
Finn was patient. After this battle, he was filled with confidence. Give him a few more years, and he believed he could match Kuzan and the others in qualifications and achievements. Perhaps even surpass them.
By then, claiming one of the three Admiral positions should be no problem. After the Battle of Marineford, he might even become Fleet Admiral.
If he joined CP, he might achieve rapid promotion in the short term. But could he become Director General of CP within twenty years?
Genuinely uncertain.
Even in the Marines, even if he couldn't secure one of the next three Admiral positions, he surely wouldn't end up inferior to outsiders like Fujitora and Ryokugyu, would he?
Just wait a bit longer, and he could still become an Admiral!
Comparing it like that, you'd have to be insane to switch careers to CP.
"I think you're rejecting too quickly, Rear Admiral," Stussy said, unwilling to give up. "You can think about it more. We at CP don't have much else, but we have plenty of patience. If one day you change your mind, we would absolutely—"
"Hahahaha!" Finn interrupted with a boisterous laugh. "Speaking of which, according to our agreement, once I become an Admiral, Commander Stussy will have to seriously consider my proposal about working for the Marines."
Stussy's expression stiffened slightly, but she forced a smile and nodded. "Of course. I'm very honored to be valued by you, Rear Admiral."
This woman has no principles whatsoever, Finn thought privately. She'll say whatever serves her purpose in the moment.
Seeing that Finn wasn't interested, Stussy stopped pressing. The two chatted about other matters as Enies Lobby drew steadily closer.
"It's been a pleasure working with you this time," Finn said eventually. "I hope we can cooperate again in the future, Commander Stussy. Also, I've always felt there's a noble aura emanating from you. You might be about to receive a promotion and get rich soon. If my prediction proves true, please take good care of me in the future."
Stussy blinked. What an odd thing to say.
Still, it was a blessing of sorts, so she forced another smile. "Of course, of course. I'll accept your kind wishes, Rear Admiral."
"Well, regarding Katakuri, I'll leave everything to Commander Stussy," Finn continued. "I hope we can save the Kingdom of Vilix."
He didn't take those words seriously. His goal had been achieved. He didn't particularly care whether the Kingdom of Vilix lived or died.
Let the CP agency handle the diplomatic mess. If they succeeded, he'd share in the credit. If they failed, he wouldn't take any blame. Win-win from his perspective.
The warship docked at Enies Lobby briefly. Stussy and other CP agency members departed with Katakuri, who was bound in seastone shackles and barely conscious.
Finn didn't linger. He rode the Current back to Marineford from Enies Lobby.
In the cabin, Admiral Zephyr sat drinking tea. Given his status and position, there was naturally no need for him to see off someone like Stussy. On the contrary, before disembarking, Stussy had come to pay her respects to Zephyr.
Despite the less-than-ideal relationship between CP agencies and Marine Headquarters, Stussy was indeed skilled at navigating politics. She avoided offending either side.
"After returning to headquarters, take proper rest and digest what you've gained from this battle," Zephyr said in a gentle tone as Finn entered. "Perhaps your strength can improve further. Understand?"
Finn nodded, then said with mild helplessness, "I'm afraid I won't be able to rest for long. Admiral Sengoku has assigned me a special mission. When Vice Admiral Garp returns, I'll be going to the West Blue with him soon..."