"In recognition of Colonel Griffin's outstanding contributions at Sabaody Archipelago, the Five Elders have exceptionally granted you the rank of Headquarters Commodore!"
Griffin's original rank was Branch Colonel, which was three levels lower than the equivalent Headquarters rank.
So this wasn't a simple one-rank promotion—it was four consecutive promotions!
Most importantly... normally, only officers who had completed the Officer Training Camp were qualified for promotion to flag rank.
Of course, that was just qualification.
There were many like Smoker who remained colonels even after completing the training camp.
This meant that from today onward, Smoker would have to salute Griffin when they met...
...
"The warship and equipment allocated for a commodore will be issued to you after your recovery."
Stussy crossed her legs, her slender fingers lightly tapping on her pale knees as she spoke slowly: "We have reached a consensus with Fleet Admiral Sengoku. You may choose any branch in the first half of the Grand Line to serve as commanding officer—whichever you prefer."
"If you choose the latter half in the New World, you would serve as deputy commander."
"Colonel Gri... I should address you as Commodore Griffin now. What is your choice?"
...
"I choose neither."
Griffin said with a smile: "I want to attend the Officer Training Camp."
...
"Hmm?"
Stussy showed a hint of astonishment, as if hearing the top scorer in college entrance exams say they wanted to repeat their final year.
"Did I hear correctly..."
Stussy frowned slightly, forcing a smile: "Your strength is evident to all, already surpassing that of an ordinary commodore. To be honest, I personally feel the commodore rank is still too low for you, it's just that you're still too young..."
"Forgive my bluntness, but what significance would attending that training camp hold for you?"
...
"Miss Stussy, you work in intelligence. Surely you're aware of that person."
Griffin's eyes burned with intensity: "The Marine's legendary figure, Black Arm Zephyr, is there!"
The former Navy Headquarters Admiral, who had fought countless pirates throughout his life, was renowned as 'Black Arm' Zephyr for his powerful Armament Haki.
As the current Chief Instructor of the Marines responsible for the Officer Training Camp, most of the Marine's core leadership had trained under him.
Including the current Marine Admirals!
...
Griffin clearly understood his own shortcomings.
His body couldn't withstand overloaded output.
Sharingan, Ice Release, and now Conqueror's Haki—his previously barely sufficient stamina had become a weakness again.
In terms of pure offensive capability, he was confident he could suppress Vice Admirals when going all out.
What he lacked was the endurance of Vice Admiral level.
This involved a critical problem.
He didn't know Armament Haki.
...
Griffin and Smoker had spent years together, with numerous fights between them.
Initially, he couldn't win at all, and even when he could later suppress Smoker, it was difficult to decisively defeat him.
All because of the cheating-like elementalization ability of Logia Types.
Armament Haki was essential for dealing with Logia Types and could also defend against various strange Devil Fruit abilities.
According to Griffin's plan, if he could awaken the Mangekyo during this Sabaody incident, learning Armament Haki wouldn't be so urgent.
He was certain that Susanoo could also affect Logia Types, potentially even more effectively than Armament Haki.
After all, that was the materialization of Eye Power. Armament Haki is merely "invisible armor," while Susanoo is a fully manifested warrior deity.
...
"When I saw Kari display that fire-based elementalization ability, I thought if I had known Armament Haki back then, I might have captured him in one move!"
Griffin shook his head helplessly. "Unfortunately, I'm overwhelmed with branch affairs and daily training at the base. I have neither the time nor a proper teacher to learn Armament Haki."
If Doll were here, she would definitely roll her eyes dramatically.
No time for training?
Then who was that person lounging under a beach umbrella at the training ground, leisurely drinking juice?
...
It took Stussy a moment to process this, and she looked at Griffin with a strange expression.
She had read the combat report from Sabaody. In her assessment, even she would have only a fifty-fifty chance against Griffin, with the odds leaning more toward her defeat.
And she had long mastered both Armament Haki and Observation Haki.
...
Right...
This guy doesn't even know Armament Haki, yet he managed to achieve such combat results!
It's no different from a primitive man wielding an iron club stepping into a modern battlefield and single-handedly crushing a fully armed squad.
Did you pour all your skill points into offense?
...
...
"Wait a moment, I need to request instructions. There's no contingency plan for this situation."
Stussy stepped out and returned about three or four minutes later.
Letting out a soft sigh, she smiled and said, "The Five Elders respect your choice. You may report to the Officer Training Camp anytime after you've fully recovered."
"However..."
Stussy smiled charmingly, about to employ her negotiation skills.
"Don't beat around the bush. Just say what you have to say."
...
...
"During your training, the Five Elders hope you will cooperate with the Science Unit's operations."
"Admiral Borsalino will contact you with the specific details."
The Science Unit...
Griffin's mind conjured the image of an apple-headed individual, a man with intellect five centuries ahead of the world.
Vegapunk!
Stussy's words hadn't revealed any information, but to Griffin, who knew the truth, this directive carried significant implications.
He's taken the bait...
...
Choosing to reveal the Sharingan was both a spur-of-the-moment decision and a carefully calculated move.
What Griffin had anticipated awakening was the Mangekyo. But what are the drawbacks of awakening the Mangekyo?
Frequent use of the Mangekyo leads to blindness, which is why it's called a cursed power.
Unless one obtains a Mangekyo from a blood relative to evolve it into the Eternal Mangekyo.
However...
In this world, Griffin is the only Uchiha.
To obtain the Eternal Mangekyo, it seems the only option is to have children and take their eyes.
But upon closer thought, there are other methods. Right before him is a successful example.
...
Vegapunk had long mastered the technology of cloning humans, creating Stussy twenty-six years ago.
Twelve years later, the technology was fully matured, capable of even cloning the abilities of the Seven Warlords of the Sea and Mythical Zoan Devil Fruits.
As far as Griffin knew, during the Boruto era, there was someone who experimented with cloning the Sharingan, using numerous Sharingan to create a pair of Mangekyo.
Although that Mangekyo's abilities were pitifully weak, it proved the feasibility of this path.
Griffin knew he lacked the aptitude for scientific research, so borrowing a capable mind was naturally the best option.
...
Vegapunk was the mind he had chosen.
Given his clearance level, under normal circumstances, he would never have access to Vegapunk, let alone ask him to clone Sharingan for himself.
Then I'll demonstrate my value and make the World Government seek me out!
Once Vegapunk successfully replicates it, I'll seize the results!
...
As for whether to worry about the replica surpassing me, or the Sharingan being deciphered and countered...
Heh, Kari's existence has already provided the answer.
If Griffin fears replicas, then he doesn't deserve to live!
The Sharingan is the eye that reflects the heart—what's powerful is the user's spirit, not merely two eyeballs!
...
"I will fully execute the orders of the Five Elders, even if it means going through fire and water!"
...
You sure have a lot of strange phrases...
I should remind Mr. Vegapunk to be careful of this guy...
Stussy picked up her handbag, bowed slightly, and took her leave.
...
"Griffin, are you still..." Lucci finally found an opportunity to speak.
Griffin waved his hand: "You leave too. I need to rest quietly."
"...Oh..."
...
After the room fell silent, Griffin began summarizing what he gained from this battle.
Uchiha Style Swordsmanship, Observation Haki, Conqueror's Haki...
Scene after scene flashed through his mind.
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