When Sakazuki saw the exploring looks on the faces of the Marines in the audience, he didn't care.
"I dream that one day there will be no more pirates and evil forces in the world, and the people will live and work in peace and contentment, working at sunrise and resting at sundown."
"They will no longer have to worry about the safety of their property and lives."
"Even the New World, where justice has disappeared and oppression is rife like hell, will become an oasis of freedom and justice!"
"I dream of a future world where the elderly are provided for, the young are educated, the poor are supported, and everyone can spend their lives happily!"
Sakazuki's voice grew louder and louder, as if he wanted to shout out the deepest obsession in his soul!
"I joined the Marines with this dream in mind…"
"With this dream, we will carve out a stone of hope from the mountain of despair. The meaning of my existence and the meaning of leading the Marines is to realize this dream!"
The audience was silent! Everyone was deeply immersed in Sakazuki's beautiful dream and couldn't extricate themselves!
"Finally, in order to realize this dream, I announce three important things!" Sakazuki suddenly shouted, pulling everyone's thoughts back.
"First, the Summit War some time ago was the most grand war launched by the Marines since its establishment. Countless Marines sacrificed their lives in this war for justice. They are all Marine heroes!"
"The title of Marine hero never belongs to any one person. All Marines who contribute to the cause of justice are heroes."
"Here, I propose building a monument at Marine Headquarters, in the very center of the Bay Square, specifically to commemorate the Marines who sacrificed their lives in this war. The names of the fallen will be engraved on it for all Marines and civilians to honor and pay tribute to!"
"Furthermore, if a Marine sacrifices their life for a just cause, they will also qualify to have their name on the monument after being determined by Marine Headquarters."
"This monument will be called the 'Marine Heroes Monument'!!!"
Sakazuki's purpose regarding Marine heroes was clear. In addition to downplaying Garp's influence, he wanted to inspire and motivate the Marines.
As for the 'Marine Heroes Monument,' Sakazuki drew inspiration from monumental projects of past lives.
Erect monuments to honor the spirits of fallen soldiers.
May the heroes of the Marine Corps live forever!
Counselor Tsuru in the audience and Sengoku, who had already stepped down, sighed together.
Garp!
From now on, the Marines may only remember that there was a powerful vice admiral who defeated Rocks pirates and hunted down One Piece, but they will no longer speak of the title of Marine Hero Vice Admiral.
Look! The Marines in the audience and those watching the live broadcast seemed to have forgotten the special meaning of the Marine hero.
At this moment, everyone was excited, and some Marines who couldn't control themselves started shouting, wanting to kill a few pirates immediately.
Even Marine generals had fiery eyes—fame and fortune should never be underestimated.
Although most Marines truly joined for the justice in their hearts, who doesn't want to leave a good name for themselves?
As the saying goes, settle the affairs of the world and win the reputation of the ages!
"Second, since this war has caused a certain degree of damage to the Marines, we have decided to conduct a three-month world conscription starting next month and ending at the end of the year!"
"Anyone willing to contribute to the cause of justice can participate, regardless of race, gender, or age. From Marine Seaman Recruit to Marine Admiral, those with ability will be admitted!"
As soon as the second announcement was made, it immediately aroused enthusiastic responses from the crowd watching the broadcast. Those who felt capable began to prepare themselves eagerly.
"Third!"
Sakazuki paused for a few seconds. He could already imagine the commotion his next words would cause, but it had to be done, and it had to succeed!
"The world is full of pirates! As we all know, the New World is home to a group of pirates who do all kinds of evil. They oppress the people, burn, kill, and loot, treating the New World as their own backyard."
"Moreover, these pirate groups completely disregard the sea's order and have even claimed territory as kings, calling themselves emperors. This group of lawless pirates should have been punished by justice long ago!"
"Therefore, I issue a military order to all Marines! Destroy all Four Emperors pirate groups within the next three years, and eliminate all pirates in the New World within five years!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire place fell silent! Heavy breathing echoed in the quiet space!
Morgans was so excited that he jumped up on the spot, scattering his feathers in shock.
"Big news! Today's headline is: 'Shocking! Marine Declares They'll Eliminate the Four Emperors in Three Years!' Write it down and spread it immediately!" Morgans' eyes lit up as he quickly ordered his subordinates.
"What a crazy decision! How amazing!" Tsuru slowly recovered from the shock and couldn't help but sigh.
It's been such an eventful time. The future's direction has become blurry and difficult to predict.
Momousagi, standing close to Commander Tsuru, couldn't help but touch the sword on her waist—Konpira, her beautiful eyes burning with the desire to fight.
The only female great swordsman in the Marines hadn't had much interaction with Sakazuki and didn't know him well.
She had only heard that Sakazuki was ruthless and showed no mercy to enemies or allies.
Initially, Momousagi thought that even if Sakazuki became Fleet Admiral, she would ignore him and let him act as he pleased.
But Tsuru seemed optimistic about him, and now Momousagi didn't expect this man to have such a great dream and courage.
Momousagi had changed her mind. How could they destroy the Four Emperors without her?
"You're taking too big a step—be careful not to fall!" Sengoku snorted coldly. It had taken him ten years of effort to take down just one of the Four Emperors, and that was Whitebeard—old, sick, and injured.
How could Sakazuki hope to kill all the Four Emperors in three years? He would only end up being humiliated!
"What courage!" Zephyr in the distance couldn't help but exclaim, and Ain next to him echoed with a shocked expression. Only Hibari appeared unsurprised.
After Sakazuki announced the third decision, reactions varied—some were happy, while others were worried.
"Marine has declared war on the Four Emperors! Won't this destroy the world?"
"I'm scared, but I've long hated those pirates! Especially that old hag. My hometown was destroyed because we couldn't make enough sweets for her!"
"Anyway, it's life or death—better to fight!"
"Yes! Fight those pirates! The Four Emperors are strong, but the Marines aren't weak either!"
"I heard Fleet Admiral Sakazuki was called the strongest admiral before. Even Whitebeard died by his hand. Maybe he really can destroy the Four Emperors!"
"…"
At this moment, the world's eyes focused on Sakazuki.
Suddenly, an unexplainable phenomenon occurred. The faith of countless Marines and civilians in justice seemed to materialize, converging on Sakazuki.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Sakazuki suddenly felt his heartbeat accelerate, as if it would leap out of his chest.
The tattoo on his chest shone brighter than ever under his military uniform.
Sakazuki's whole body grew hotter, and his mental strength surged, reaching a critical point.
Boom!
Suddenly, an incredibly powerful aura erupted from Sakazuki, not targeting anyone present but soaring into the sky.
The once-clear sky turned dark with ominous clouds. The sun was completely obscured, leaving only a faint glow.
This change coincided with Sakazuki's declaration, like the darkness before dawn!