Bonus 8
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"Ahem, I'm sure many of you recognize me, right? I'm Kong , the previous Marine Fleet Admiral and currently the World Government Army's Commander-in-Chief!"
Kong's booming voice echoed through the square.
Numerous Marines turned their attention towards Kong, wearing solemn expressions. Even Garp, typically cheerful, adopted a rare seriousness.
Though Garp holds a higher position than Kong in the eyes of many Marines now, he still holds great respect for the elderly man who has dedicated his life to the just cause of the Marines.
"I assume most of you took part in the recent war?"
"Under Sengoku's guidance, the Marines vanquished the so-called ruler of the seas in the New World - the Whitebeard Pirates at Marineford. The strongest man in the world was brought down by a young Marine!"
Kong's gaze was keen as he slowly scanned the assembly in the square, observing the youthful faces. His eyes eventually fixed on Sengoku, and his deep voice resonated once more:
"On this day, the pirates were reminded of the fear of being overpowered by the Marines!"
"These outcomes are the fruits of the fierce battles fought by every Marine present. The Marines will honor every hero who sacrifices their life for a righteous cause! Now, everyone, lower your heads!"
"Let's observe three minutes of silence for all our fallen comrades!"
Kong's voice gradually grew more impassioned.
As his words resonated, every Marine bowed their heads in solemn silence, and a somber mood enveloped the entire gathering area.
Even Aokiji and Kizaru, typically appearing nonchalant, adopted a serious demeanor, rising from their seats along with everyone else, their brows furrowed.
—Soon, three minutes elapsed.
The weighty atmosphere at the scene gradually eased, and the Marine executives seated in the front row also took their seats, crossing their legs appropriately.
"While we honor the fallen, let's also acknowledge the achievements of the living. Now..."
"According to the World Government's decree, Marine Admiral Sengoku has been officially promoted to the Fleet Admiral of the Marine Headquarters, assuming command of the entire Marine!"
Clap clap clap! !
Warm applause filled the air, and amid the eager looks of all the Marines, Sengoku gracefully approached the podium, exchanging glances with Kong.
Then, he picked up the receiver casually:
"Gentlemen, out on the seas, a coalition of pirates has emerged. The situation is dire, numerous civilians are displaced, facing constant threats from pirates. They are in danger!"
"Marine has risen with the tide, carrying justice on its shoulders, steadfastly combating pirates. I believe you share my conviction. Even if your body stands as a barrier against the relentless wheels of time, even if you face being crushed to pieces, you will press forward!"
"You, with these youthful faces, embody Marine's hope for the future and the heralds of justice!"
"Now, let's stride into a new era, burying the so-called Great pirate Era and forging an era of justice distinct to Marine!"
Sengoku paused, and his voice suddenly surged:
"Let's proclaim justice! Justice! Justice! Victory belongs to justice!"
"Justice! Justice! Justice will triumph!"
The Marines in the crowd erupted with excitement, their voices harmonized and soaring like thunder, echoing throughout Marineford! !
"Very good—"
Sengoku nodded approvingly, raised his hands into the air. The thunderous cheers gradually subdued, and all eyes turned back to him.
"Now, let the official award ceremony commence!"
As the Fleet Admiral, the Admiral's bestowal of honors is naturally conducted by him personally.
The moment he officially stepped onto the stage, Kong's positions within the Marine were entirely taken over by him.
"Following the World Government's appointment, four individuals—Borsalino, Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Atlas—are now promoted to the rank of Admiral!"
"Issho assumes the role of Candidate Admiral with the codename Fujitora; Vice Admiral Gion takes on the Candidate Admiral role with the codename Momousagi; and Vice Admiral Tokikake is now represented by the codename Chaton!"
"In addition, Oniguno, Yamakaji, Momonga, and Doberman... have all ascended to the position of Vice Admiral at the headquarters!"
"..."
After a series of names were announced, almost all of the Marines had received promotions to varying degrees, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.
After all, who wouldn't be delighted about a promotion?
.....
Grand Line, an uncharted sea region.
A peculiar-looking ship is anchored at sea. The hull is primarily adorned in cool colors. The ship's bow resembles an unfinished gun port, and its hull is exceptionally large. It diverges from typical mast sailing ships, bearing a resemblance to a miniature archipelago.
"Hey there! Gairam? When will this ship be finished? I'm eager for the World Government and the Marine to witness its might!"
A tall man, sporting a weathered helmet with broken horns and a green beard, chuckled in an odd manner.
Exposed and incomplete teeth protruded into the air, a thick iron chain wound around his bared chest, his gaze fierce, and two sizable gold chains adorned his neck.
"It'll be done soon. For over two decades, I've held onto the belief that you'll be alive!"
A red-nosed man, shouldering a massive hammer, adjusted the strap that had slipped off his shoulder, narrowing his eyes as he smiled.
"We share the same conviction!"
An elderly woman, wearing reading glasses and standing behind, hurriedly interjected to claim credit from the helmeted man:
"Sebastian and I went through a lot for the materials of this ship! Gairam, you're not taking all the credit!"
"That's correct!"
The blue-black fish-man known as Sebastian echoed with a chilly expression, hands held behind his back.
"What?"
Gairam spun around, glaring at the elderly woman.
"Hey, hey, hey! Enough with the bickering. I appreciate both of you. This is the ship we've been dreaming of for over 20 years, and it's finally becoming a reality, but—"
"I still want to know the earliest possible completion time!"
After uttering this, the helmeted man's eyes abruptly intensified with ferocity.
"I can't restrain the flame of revenge burning in my heart any longer!"
"This colossal artillery, when combined with my devil fruit ability, can amplify the cannonballs by a factor of 100. When the moment arrives..."
"Even the World Government and Mariejois will be obliterated in an instant!"
"No problem. We've recently gathered all the materials. We can prioritize finishing the artillery. In a few months at most, it will be ready to fully reveal its might on the sea!"
"At that point, both the Marine and the World Government will be astonished by its terrifying power!"
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