After the secret meeting among the three of them ended, Fleet Admiral Sengoku returned to his office.
He opened the second drawer of his desk and pulled out a small Den Den Mushi.
"Buru buru… buru buru… moshi moshi, Sengoku-san. This is Kuzan."
The snail's face changed shape, mimicking the laid-back features of Aokiji as his voice came through.
Sengoku got straight to the point. "How are things going on your end?"
"Uh… that kid Liam Ross is a bit cautious. He hasn't agreed yet."
Aokiji's tone carried a hint of helplessness through the line.
Sengoku didn't seem surprised. "That's understandable. He's just a sergeant major. Being suddenly chosen by a vice admiral for personal mentorship would make anyone cautious."
Aokiji was quiet for a long moment before speaking again. "Sengoku-san… are you suspecting that he's connected to Emperor Tian?"
"Only a suspicion," Sengoku replied, his tone measured. "Don't you think it's all a little too coincidental? Just when we were secretly investigating Emperor Tian, he suddenly appeared and attacked the West Blue branch. That's what makes me wonder."
He laid his thoughts bare without hesitation.
"What if he refuses?" Aokiji asked.
Sengoku's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Who in their right mind would turn down a promotion and a raise? If he refuses, it means he's hiding something. Or perhaps there's another factor at play. Either way, it doesn't matter. Your job is to keep him close understood?"
"…Got it."
When the line went dead, Aokiji sighed and tossed the snail aside. I should've kept my mouth shut about that kid, he thought. Now I've got an extra headache to deal with.
The night passed quietly.
By morning, sunlight bathed the sea in shimmering gold. The waves rolled gently, the salty breeze carrying a faint fishy smell across the deck.
Liam Ross rose early, completing his special daily "sign-in" through one of his shadow clones. He received a Mid-tier Experience Card which he immediately applied to his swordsmanship.
Swordsmanship: 710/1000 (Expert)
He grinned. "Tch, just a few more steps, and I'll reach Swordmaster level."
This wasn't twenty years later back then, even legends like Red-Haired Shanks and Dracule Mihawk were still at the Swordmaster stage. But Liam had something they didn't: a system.
Overtaking them wasn't just possible it was inevitable.
Otherwise, what kind of "system user" would he be?
By midday, Liam and his squadmates Torres and the others were having lunch when a lazy voice interrupted them.
"Mind if I join you guys?"
Everyone froze. They turned toward the sound and immediately straightened.
"V-Vice Admiral Kuzan!"
Torres and the others jumped to their feet, eyes wide with shock.
"No need to be nervous," Aokiji said casually, balancing a tray as he sat down beside Liam. "Eat up."
The relaxed tone didn't ease the tension. The table fell silent. No one dared to speak above a whisper.
Liam looked at him with feigned confusion. "Vice Admiral, to what do we owe the honor?"
"Nothing much," Aokiji replied, picking at his food. "Just wondering if you've made up your mind yet. I'm heading back to Headquarters tomorrow. If you agree, you'll come with me."
The table went still again.
Torres and the others looked at Liam with envy practically radiating from their faces. They'd already heard the rumors: Vice Admiral Kuzan wanted to personally take Liam under his wing.
For them, this was a dream come true.
Kuzan was one of the Navy's brightest stars a future Admiral, maybe even the next Fleet Admiral. To be chosen by him was like winning the lottery.
They couldn't understand why Liam would even hesitate.
But they weren't Liam.
Ever since that meeting, he had been thinking carefully about why Aokiji had approached him. He had no powerful background, and while his talent was decent, it wasn't exceptional compared to the Navy's elite.
Was it really just because he'd awakened Observation Haki?
That reason felt too flimsy. Too convenient.
If it were anyone else, maybe he'd buy it but he knew better. He knew the world's future. And Aokiji wasn't some random officer; he was one of the Navy's strongest calm, calculating, and anything but naïve.
So why lower himself to recruit a low-ranking soldier like him?
No, there was definitely more to it.
Last night, Liam had replayed everything that had happened every strange coincidence, every reaction. Once he pieced it all together, the picture became clear.
Someone at the top likely Sengoku was testing him.
A trap hidden behind a smile.
If he refused, it would make him look suspicious. After all, who turns down such a golden opportunity?
But if he accepted, he'd be placing himself under their watchful eyes, with every move monitored and restricted.
A clever scheme. Subtle and flawless. The kind of political move only Sengoku could orchestrate.
Liam smirked inwardly. You play your game, old man. I'll play mine.
He had already made up his mind.
Just then, Aokiji's voice pulled him back. "So, still undecided?"
Meeting the man's gaze, Liam stood and gave a polite bow, his expression calm. "To be chosen by you is an honor, Vice Admiral. I'll gladly follow your lead."
For a moment, Aokiji looked genuinely surprised. Then, a rare smile touched his lips. "Good. Pack your things we leave tomorrow."
"Yes, sir."
As the vice admiral walked away, Liam's lips curved into a faint, knowing grin.
"Liam, congratulations, man!"
"You're moving up fast! Don't forget about us when you're a big shot!"
"Yeah, yeah, just remember your brothers!"
Liam laughed. "Come on, you know me better than that. Working with you guys has been an honor. If you ever need help, just say the word."
"Ha! That's what we like to hear!"
Meanwhile, Aokiji returned to his quarters and contacted Sengoku once more.
"He agreed," he reported.
"Good," Sengoku said. "Keep observing him. If he's clean no ties to Emperor Tian then we'll invest in him. Oh, and hurry back. The hunting operation starts soon."
"Understood."
The line went dead again.
The next day, Liam boarded a small ship with Aokiji, leaving the patrol fleet behind.
As the waves stretched endlessly around them, he watched the horizon with a quiet sigh.
Fate really is unpredictable, he thought. I was hoping for a quiet month and now I'm heading back to Headquarters again.
Whether what awaited him was fortune or disaster, he couldn't tell.
But one thing was certain he'd have to tread even more carefully from now on.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Already captivated by Liam Ross's rise through the seas? Share what thrilled you your words and reviews keep his legend alive! Every 300 Power Stones will unlock a bonus chapter, pushing Liam's journey toward domination even faster!
Liam Ross's adventure has only just begun, and his reign across the seas is far from over. Stay aboard with World Shaker of the New World, and sail beyond the horizon together!
[email protected]/_sey
Change @ to a