One Piece: I am the Fleet Admiral?

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Akira, who was far away in Marineford, wasn't idle at this time.

After a long break, he stepped out of the Fleet Admiral's office and made his way to the living room.

"God of Fortune Lu Feld?"

A Marine soldier opened the door, and Akira walked in with his hands in his pockets.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he observed the middle-aged man sitting on a chair, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

Thud.

Lu Feld quickly stood up and trotted over to Akira without saying a word, extending his hands and bowing: "Fleet Admiral Akira, I've long admired your reputation."

Akira just looked at him, a slight smirk forming on his lips.

At this point, Lu Feld was only in his thirties or forties, not in his fifties as depicted later. It seemed he hadn't yet fully capitalized on the opportunities of the Great Pirate Era, so his arrogance hadn't developed.

Right now, he was so nervous that the fat on his face trembled.

But this was understandable.

As an illegal businessman, he had the nerve to come to Marineford in person for an appointment.

Even Akira had to give him credit.

No wonder, even though this guy isn't strong, he was specially invited by Big Mom.

'With courage and a mindset like this, if he doesn't die, he'll definitely go far,' Akira thought to himself.

At that moment, his assessment of Lu Feld improved considerably.

Finally, as Lu Feld's heart pounded, Akira extended his hand and shook his.

"Nice to meet you, my partner."

In the God's Generals plan, there's a branch dedicated to Lu Feld, so Akira felt it wasn't an exaggeration to call him a partner.

Of course, this was mainly to put Lu Feld at ease.

Otherwise, given how nervous he was, his suit would soon be drenched in sweat.

Sure enough, as soon as Akira called him a partner, Lu Feld let out a sigh of relief.

The color returned to his plump cheeks.

"I wouldn't dare, I'm just making a living under your command."

"Hehehe, have a seat!"

Akira sat down in the chief chair, waved to the soldiers, and signaled them to leave.

He pulled a cigar from his suit's inner pocket and was about to light it.

A lit match suddenly appeared in front of him.

Akira didn't refuse Lu Feld's gesture to light his cigar, taking a deep puff once it was lit.

"Have you received the first installment of funds from the headquarters?"

"Received, received, Marine truly is the most powerful force on the sea, distributing so many berries without hesitation."

"Good. Keep at it. For every replica, Marine will need more."

"Of course."

In the living room, the two engaged in what seemed like a dull conversation.

Dull, because mostly it was Lu Feld talking, and Akira responding indifferently, or Lu Feld trying to follow Akira's lead.

But despite the dullness, it was enjoyable to some extent.

After all, having someone constantly flatter you can be satisfying.

Akira had just been liberated from a mountain of paperwork, so he was happy to relax for a moment.

Half an hour later.

"Alright, what you promised me has been done, and what I promised you will be fulfilled. I spoke with the presiding judge at Enies Lobby yesterday, so just go through the formalities when you get there."

Akira crushed the cigar, stood up, and walked toward the door.

At the same time, he said lightly, "I know you want a legal cover, but as long as it doesn't compromise Marine's justice, I'll turn a blind eye."

"But remember, there's a limit. If you tarnish this hard-won cover, it won't be there for you again."

Hearing this, Lu Feld immediately raised his hand in a salute, just like a Marine soldier, and said seriously, "Fleet Admiral Akira, I won't let your help go to waste."

Though his body size made the action somewhat amusing, Lu Feld's face was full of seriousness.

Akira stood at the door, glanced back, and couldn't help but smile.

The underground world was incredibly profitable.

Everyone inside is involved in illegal business, doing whatever it takes to expand their sales.

But no matter how much money they make, it's still shady.

Lu Feld bowed his body like that because he knew the future of his business would be tough, and he wanted to bring it into the light.

Especially since his main business was usury.

Those who lend money at high interest, of course, prefer borrowers who are honest and have a good reputation.

It's exhausting dealing with pirates who disappear when it's time to collect debts.

Although honest people might borrow less, they have more vulnerabilities.

As long as they dare to borrow, and have someone they care about in this world, they'll never dare to not pay back.

Even if they have no one who cares, and can't repay the debt, selling their organs to cover it seems fair, right?

Anyway!

Akira didn't believe that Lu Feld, who had tasted the quick profits of the underground world, would switch to honest business.

But it didn't matter. Once the Great Pirate Era ended, with his cooperation, Akira would keep a close watch on him when he had time.

"By the way, the payments that were supposed to be settled monthly might be delayed by two months, and you'll get them all together then. Is that a problem?"

Akira paused at the door, gripping the handle, as if remembering something, and spoke again before leaving.

"Damn, of course not!"

Lufeld was momentarily stunned but quickly responded loudly.

His voice, however, was slightly uneasy.

But Akira didn't care, and after getting the answer he wanted, he nodded in satisfaction: "Good, the main reason is that Marine has a new money-making project in the works. Otherwise, there wouldn't be a need to delay your small payment."

New money-making project?

Lu Feld caught on to the key phrase, his pupils narrowing slightly.

Before he could ponder it, Akira lifted his leg to leave, and Lu Feld's plump body displayed an unexpected agility as he grabbed the doorknob.

"Huh? What's the matter?" Akira raised an eyebrow and asked.

Lu Feld rubbed his palms together, smiling, "Fleet Admiral Akira, do you need manpower for your new money-making project?"

"You want to know?"

"Uh-huh!"

Lu Feld nodded vigorously.

The God of Fortune plan was incredibly lucrative; it wasn't an exaggeration to say it was a goldmine.

It's just about going out to sea, catching some pirates, and squeezing them dry. Once they're used up, just toss them back into the sea.

But even someone as inexperienced as Marco could see that this operation wouldn't last long.

Once the Great Pirate Era truly ended, or if Marine no longer needed so many replicas, his God of Fortune branch factory would be the first to be shut down.

Without foresight, disaster awaits!

So, it was wise for Lu Feld to think ahead and find a way out as soon as possible.

But today, after hearing about the new money-making plan, there was no way Lu Feld could pretend he didn't hear it.

Even if the plan wasn't a good fit for him or beyond his abilities, it wouldn't hurt to listen. At the very least, he could boast about it to his old friends later.

Akira chuckled, giving Lu Feld a once-over before shaking his head. "It does require outsourcing, and if everything goes smoothly, this project could last for decades, maybe even a lifetime."

"But!"

"Your main business doesn't seem to align with the requirements of this new project."

Lu Feld , captivated, immediately slapped his chest without hesitation. "Don't just see me as a loan shark! I've done all sorts of things in my younger days. Don't worry, I can handle anything."

"Oh? Talking too much can lead to mistrust, Lu Feld," Akira cautioned.

"Fleet Admiral Akira, rest assured, I've got solid connections… both on land and at sea, with experts in all fields," Lu Feld responded confidently.

"In that case..."

Akira's smile widened as he pulled a document from his pocket and handed it to Lu Feld. "Take a look at this on your way. If you genuinely think you can manage the outsourcing, contact your friends and let's discuss further."

With that, Akira turned and walked towards the corridor.

"Soldier, escort him to Enies Lobby."

"Yes, Fleet Admiral!" the soldier responded with a salute before turning to Lu Feld. "Sir, please follow me."

Lu Feld resisted the urge to read the document on the spot, nodding as he followed.

"In my capacity as the presiding judge of Enies Lobby, I declare that Lu Feld is not guilty!"

With the decisive strike of the gavel, Lu Feld, the former illegal businessman, was officially recognized as a legitimate businessman. The past was now behind him.

"Mr. Lu Feld, please extend my regards to Fleet Admiral Akira," the presiding judge said warmly as he personally escorted Lu Feld out.

"Don't worry, I will," Lu Feld replied, shaking the judge's hand with equal seriousness.

But there was one thought he kept to himself: If I remember to.

After exchanging a few pleasantries at the door, the two parted ways.

Eager to learn more, Lu Feld reached into his coat, pulling out the document Akira had given him, and began reading it right then and there.

The more he read, the wider his eyes grew.

His whole body trembled with excitement.

"Rich, rich, rich."

"This project… I absolutely must secure it."

Lu Feld's pupils were bloodshot, gripping the document tightly, oblivious to the fact that he was still at Enies Lobby. He paced back and forth, deep in thought.

"No, this project needs expertise in many areas, but usury isn't one of them."

"I need to figure out how to get involved… somehow."

"At the very least, I've got an in with the Marine Fleet Admiral."

Lu Feld muttered to himself.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, he quickly picked up his Den Den Mushi and dialed a number.

Pere~Pere~Pere~Pere~.

The call connected quickly, and before the other person could speak, Lu Feld impatiently blurted out:

"Deep Ocean Current, get ready to mobilize your workforce."

"I've got a huge opportunity on my hands, and it's a goldmine!"