One Piece: I am the Fleet Admiral?

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To be honest, Akira was very confused.

That Tesoro would actually run to become a member of CP0 was really puzzling.

Akira wouldn't be surprised if he became a pirate, a mafia boss, or even an unscrupulous businessman.

But this? He hadn't considered it.

'It seems that the CP0 member who was looking for a woman for me that night pushed him too far.'

'He must've shifted his obsession from money to power.'

Akira thought to himself.

But he shrugged it off.

Whether Tesoro is chasing money or power, it doesn't change the man's potential.

In terms of both strength and business talent, Akira recognized his abilities.

What Tesoro lacked was just an opportunity to rise.

Opportunities were something Akira had in abundance.

What he lacked was a group of capable people like this.

As for Tesoro being a CP0 member, Akira didn't see it as a big deal.

Looking at his outfit and demeanor, Tesoro seemed like just an ordinary CP agent.

It was similar to how some Seaman Recruits or soldiers from the Four Seas Branch appeared.

He wasn't a core member and hadn't been exposed to any classified information. Akira believed that as long as he brought it up, Graeme, who was still relying on the smooth handover of all Marine industries at this stage, wouldn't refuse him this favor.

So, the real question now was whether Tesoro was willing to join the Marines and work under him.

"..."

After Akira spoke, the CP0 agents who were still standing in the field suddenly gasped.

"Hey, did I hear that right? The Fleet Admiral actually invited him to join the Marines?"

"You heard it right, it's true. What's so special about this guy Tesoro?"

"Why? Is it because he disobeyed a Celestial Dragon's order?"

"I just can't figure it out!"

Everyone's attention turned to Tesoro, who was coughing up blood at the corner of his mouth.

Even the guards holding him down quickly released him.

Tesoro clutched his chest and slowly sat up.

He looked up at Akira, who was patiently waiting for his response, and his heart began to race.

'Why does someone as powerful as the Fleet Admiral know about someone as insignificant as me?'

'It doesn't make sense,' he thought, puzzled.

But then, a sudden realization hit him.

Tesoro's eyes lit up as he glanced over at Stella, who stood quietly nearby.

'Yes, that's it! It must have been Stella who mentioned me to the Fleet Admiral.'

'Otherwise, there's no way this would make sense.'

'Stella must still care about me. Why else would she have brought me up to him?'

Some time ago, when the Marines interrogated Rayleigh live for the whole world to see, Stella—known for her Truth-Truth Fruit powers—had made an appearance.

After investigating, Tesoro discovered that Stella had been handed over to the Fleet Admiral by the CP0 as a bed-warmer.

As for the more classified details, Tesoro wasn't in a position to know.

Originally, he thought Stella had forgotten about him. But now, it seemed she hadn't.

Not only had she remembered him, but she had also gone so far as to mention him to the Fleet Admiral.

'If that's not a sign she cares, then what is?'

Tesoro's love for Stella surged within him.

"I'm willing, but I have one condition."

Tesoro took a deep breath, calming the excitement in his heart, and spoke up.

"Oh? What's the condition?" Akira asked, curious.

"Can you let Stella go? Give her her freedom?"

Akira was momentarily stunned.

It wasn't just him—Stella, the one being talked about, was also taken aback.

Her expression quickly shifted to displeasure.

She couldn't understand why her name was being dragged into this.

Freedom? 

Stella thought she was already quite free and content with her life.

If anything, she would rather stay by Akira's side for the rest of her days.

'Tesoro… we only spent three nights together, listening to my songs. He's got this all wrong,' she thought to herself, feeling annoyed.

Stella sighed helplessly but remained silent, understanding that Tesoro still clung to his memories from the night the CP0 took her away. She couldn't blame him, but there wasn't much she could say to clarify things either.

"Oh? And who exactly is Stella to you? What's your relationship with her?" Akira asked, raising his eyebrows slightly.

"Uh…"

Tesoro was immediately stumped by the question.

Who was Stella to him?

Truthfully, she wasn't anyone significant to him—at most, a friend. 

And even then, it was a one-sided friendship built on his own feelings. Whether Stella shared those same feelings, he had no clue.

The reality was, they had only spent three nights together before Stella was sold. That wasn't nearly enough time to form any deep emotional bond.

But for Tesoro, someone who had always craved validation, Stella had been the first person to appreciate his singing, which felt like an angel's blessing to him. He had been infatuated ever since.

He couldn't let go, and he didn't want to.

"Stella is my friend. She was sold to you as a slave."

"That's why I'm asking you to give her her freedom."

"If you agree, my life—Tesoro's life—will be yours from this moment forward."

"No matter your command, even if you ask me to die, I will not hesitate."

Tesoro spoke with complete seriousness, and it was clear to Akira that he meant every word. Once given the chance, Tesoro would undoubtedly become a loyal subordinate.

But Akira also understood that Tesoro's plea wasn't just about Stella's freedom. There was a deeper layer—he wanted to claim Stella for himself. 

And if Stella were freed but didn't choose to go with him, it was likely Tesoro wouldn't give up so easily.

Akira shook his head, then motioned for Stella to come forward.

Seeing the signal, Stella quickly trotted over. "Fleet Admiral," she greeted softly.

"Your friend Tesoro is asking me to grant you your freedom. Do you want to leave?" Akira asked casually.

Without a second's hesitation, Stella shook her head resolutely.

"No, Fleet Admiral. Unless you no longer want me, I would never leave your side—not even if it cost me my life."

As she spoke, she gently placed her small hands around Akira's much larger one, her eyes filled with admiration and devotion.

Ever since she became Akira's woman, she had lived a life far better than anything she'd ever known. She felt safe, well-cared for, and happier than when she was a slave or even before that. There were no worries, no struggles for daily survival.

Though Stella was just one of Akira's many women, she was still the woman of the Marine Fleet Admiral—a man with immense power.

Whenever she wandered around Marineford, everyone treated her with utmost respect.

She never sought out or cared for this special treatment, nor did she use her status to flaunt any power. But it was nice to be treated well regardless.

Most importantly, Akira treated her with equality, care, and genuine affection. He never looked down on her because of her past as a slave.

Tall, handsome, influential, and loving… how could she find someone so perfect elsewhere?

There was no way she would ever want to leave him.

Stella, no longer a naïve girl, especially after her experiences as a slave, had a deep understanding of the realities of life.

"Tesoro, I appreciate that you care about me."

"But I'm happy where I am now. Please don't make decisions for me."

"We were just friends who spent three nights together—less than 36 hours in total. Please focus on your own life," Stella said decisively.

Her words were firm, signaling the end of any misunderstanding between them.

She knew Tesoro had feelings for her, but she didn't want those emotions to be misconstrued. She didn't agree with his one-sided affections, and she wasn't about to let it interfere with her life.

Tesoro's face paled as her words hit him.

"No, Stella, you must be under pressure."

"I get it… after all, he is the mighty Fleet Admiral of the Marines. Of course, you have to go along with it."

"I understand, you don't have to explain—I know how it is," Tesoro muttered to himself, unable to accept the truth.

He couldn't believe it.

In his memory, Stella was gentle and kind, like an angel. How could she possibly say such hurtful words?

'She must've been coerced.'

'Damn Fleet Admiral... I knew there wasn't a single good person in this world.'

Tesoro lowered his head, hiding the resentment and frustration brewing inside him.

He silently resolved to "rescue" Stella from Akira, thinking of her as trapped.

But Akira, keen as ever, noticed Tesoro's shift in demeanor.

"It seems you're still far from being ready, Tesoro."

After thinking for a moment, Akira shook his head.

"Forget it, I take back my invitation."