That was right.
Carlo’s biological father was that very Marine ‘desk-bound Admiral’ who, in the manga, had been slain solo by Rocks in the Holy Land.
And it had happened right before his eyes—he had witnessed it himself.
Carlo was a transmigrator.
In fact, he had transmigrated straight into the womb.
Eighteen years ago, he was born into the world of One Piece as the son of a Marine Admiral.
It was a god-tier starting hand!
Carlo had once fantasized about it.
One day, he would stand among the Marine high command or even become an Admiral himself, witnessing all those thrilling stories from the manga world firsthand.
He would clash with the sea’s legendary pirates alongside Garp, Sengoku, Zephyr, and Tsuru.
He would see the future ‘Pheasant, Dog, and Monkey’ trio join the Marines with his own eyes.
Then, decades later, when Luffy set sail and the Supernovas gathered at Sabaody…
Maybe he could join Kizaru and beat up some Supernovas just to show off.
But man proposes, and God disposes.
Carlo had never dreamed the script handed to him would turn out like this.
It had all started twelve years ago.
That day, the Reverie was convened in the Holy Land.
The kings of over a hundred affiliated nations were invited to attend.
Rocks seized the opportunity to infiltrate the Holy Land.
He kidnapped five kings.
The Marine Admiral stationed in the Holy Land at the time—Soros White, codenamed White Dragon—immediately went to rescue them.
He thought that as the World Government’s ultimate battle force, he could easily subdue the intruder.
Who could have guessed that Rocks’ savage ferocity far exceeded Soros White’s wildest expectations?
Those cannonfire-like attacks infused with Conqueror’s Haki possessed island-shattering, nation-destroying power in every strike.
He was beaten into a steady retreat!
On top of that, a few hostage kings dragged him down.
In less than a few dozen seconds, a pinnacle force of the World Government—a top-tier Marine Admiral of the world—fell mortally wounded!
And at that time, six-year-old Carlo happened to be right by his father’s side.
Even to this day, he could not forget it.
After Rocks swung his blade and blasted a gaping hole into his father’s chest, he had waved at Carlo through that bloody hole with a smile.
That arrogant, wild, cynical, overbearing, completely invincible smile was burned into Carlo’s mind like a brand!
As for Rocks…
it was impossible for Carlo not to hate him.
The murder of his father was an absolute, irreconcilable vengeance.
Sooner or later, he would settle this score with Rocks!
However, he knew how much he actually weighed right now.
Forget taking on Rocks; he couldn’t even stand against the divisional commanders under Rocks!
First Division Commander, Whitebeard, Edward Newgate!
Second Division Commander, Golden Lion Shiki!
Third Division Commander, Charlotte Linlin!
Every single one of them was a legendary pirate destined to shake the world!
Compared to these famous veteran sea monsters, eighteen-year-old Carlo was still far too young!
If he wanted to contend with these monsters, he at least had to catch up to the monsters on the Marine side first—Garp and Sengoku!
Even if he caught up to Garp and Sengoku, even if he caught up to Whitebeard and Golden Lion, he might not be able to exact his revenge and kill Rocks.
After all, that was…
Rocks!
Rocks’ strength was completely off the charts!
His power was in a league of its own!
Even a Marine Admiral like Carlo’s father, or Figarland Garling of God Valley, suffered nothing but defeat and death before Rocks!
He was a man who dared to break into the Room of Flowers alone, face Imu face-to-face, and walk away unscathed!
Without a doubt, he was an absolute overlord above Admirals and Four Emperors, reigning supreme over the seas like a king, like a god!
Even in the entire history of the One Piece world, Rocks’ power could easily rank in the top five, if not top three!
So, even though Carlo wanted revenge on Rocks, he only intended to grow his own strength first.
When he was strong enough and entered the Marine decision-making level, he would leverage the power of the Marines and the World Government to confront and attack Rocks.
He never intended to do what Kong suggested—go infiltrate the Rocks Pirates as an undercover agent right now.
Wasn’t that just lighting a candle over a latrine—looking for death?
Perhaps sensing the resistance in Carlo’s voice, Kong sighed.
For a moment, he didn’t know how to keep persuading him.
In truth, Kong was stuck in a tough spot during this trip.
On one side was the proposal from the Marine Staff Officer Department.
On the other side, Carlo was the offspring of his comrade-in-arms.
Carlo’s father, White Dragon Soros White, was a Marine Admiral just like him in life.
He was a comrade who had gone through life and death with him, a close friend.
After Soros White died, Kong, as an Admiral, looked out for Carlo immensely.
He had even offended the World Government for this, talking back to the Five Elders when they wanted to confiscate White’s estate for the public treasury.
Otherwise, how could Carlo afford such lavish spending today?
An Admiral’s accumulated assets over decades amounted to well over ten billion Berries!
What a massive wealth—enough to make anyone green with envy!
Keep in mind, this was forty-two years before Luffy set sail!
With neither speaking, a long silence fell over the room.
Only the cigars clamped between their teeth continuously drifted trails of smoke.
After a long time, Kong spoke up to break the oppressive atmosphere.
He looked earnestly at Carlo across from him.
“Carlo…
you don’t need to belittle your own strength too much.”
“Though you might not be equal to Garp or Sengoku right now, your strength far exceeds the standards of your current rank.”
“Even some HQ Vice Admirals can’t beat you.
That’s something we’ve all seen with our own eyes.”
“Unquestionably, you inherited your father’s talent…
No, I’d even say your talent surpasses his!”
“Because even your father, even Garp and Sengoku, weren’t as strong as you at your age…”
Carlo crossed his arms and crossed his legs casually.
“Save the flattery.
I’m not going.”
“It’s not flattery!
I’m serious!”
Kong said with a stern face, “I truly believe you have the potential of an Admiral…
or even Fleet Admiral!”
“Heh.”
Ignoring Carlo’s scoff, Kong continued, “What you lack right now is merely sufficient battle merits and a place to temper yourself.”
“And now…
the opportunity has arrived!”
“As long as you complete this undercover mission, not only can you accumulate enough battle merits, but you can also thoroughly hone yourself, letting your monstrous talent grow rapidly!”
“I believe that one day in the future, you will definitely become an Admiral like your father!
You might even have a shot at becoming Fleet Admiral!”
“Keep painting those pie-in-the-sky promises,” Carlo sneered.
“If it’s such a great opportunity, why don’t you send Garp?
You should send Garp or Sengoku instead.
They’re much stronger than me and have way more experience.”
“Do you think they’re suitable?” Kong smiled bitterly, spreading his hands.
“Setting aside their reckless, hatred-for-evil personalities, just their current fame alone is known to pirates all over the world.
How could they possibly infiltrate the Rocks Pirates?
Do you think the pirates are blind?”
“But you’re different, Carlo.
You haven’t officially stepped onto the seas yet, and your name isn’t known to the outside world.”
“Plus, your style of doing things…
in a way, suits that place very well…”
Carlo curled his lip.
“Not necessarily.
There are plenty of face-blind people in this world.
Add a scar to the face, change the hairstyle, snip off the dick, and maybe no one will recognize them.
Besides…”
“I feel like you’re talking shit about me.
They hate evil—don’t I hate evil too?”
Kong glanced at the few lingerie straps scattered on the floor, his cheek twitching.
“You…
do hate evil quite a bit.”