While everyone was still talking, Rosinante's cruise ship had already docked at the Marine harbor.
"This is truly heaven-sent news!"
Big News Morgans clutched his camera Den Den Mushi and snapped photos nonstop, his face filled with uncontrollable excitement. This was the kind of thrill only a journalist felt when witnessing a historic headline unfold before his eyes.
Under the watchful gazes of the crowd, a single figure slowly walked down from the cruise ship.
Yes, a single person.
He wore a white casual shirt, a light gray feathered coat draped over his shoulders, and a long blade hung at his waist. That lone figure stepped down from the ship at an unhurried pace.
But the moment Rosinante set foot on the Marine dock, an overwhelmingly tyrannical aura burst forth from his body.
Rolling waves of Conqueror's Haki radiated outward, warping the very air around him. Marines standing guard throughout Marine Headquarters lost consciousness one after another, collapsing onto the ground.
Those officers who barely managed to remain conscious felt their breathing grow labored, as if the air itself had become thin.
With every step Rosinante took forward, more Marines collapsed. By the time he reached the front platform, nearly all the soldiers on duty nearby had already passed out.
"What an overwhelmingly domineering presence!"
"Such terrifying Conqueror's Haki. I can feel it even from here."
"One man facing an entire army. Just his presence alone rivals the might of Marine Headquarters' countless troops."
"Thousands of elite Marines knocked unconscious by a single person… so the reports about him stunning both pirates and Marines across the seas were all true!"
"In the future, it's best not to provoke the Gray Kingdom. Just the Dragon King alone could crush an entire nation without even lifting a hand!"
Dignitaries from various nations and leaders from all fields whispered among themselves.
What puzzled many, however, was that countless Marine soldiers with decent strength had fainted, while these officials, merchants, and elites, most of whom had little to no combat power, remained unaffected.
"That brat Rosinante did this on purpose. A deliberate show of force aimed at the Marines," Sengoku said coldly as he watched Rosinante approach.
"Hahaha, brat, you're still just as arrogant as ever," Garp laughed.
"Sorry about that," Rosinante said with a grin. "Going alone into enemy territory, I had to start with a show of force."
This time, Rosinante had indeed entered Marine Headquarters alone.
Even the people on his cruise ship were nothing more than ordinary crew members responsible for sailing and chores.
In truth, the moment Rosinante departed No Night City, the entire Gray Kingdom had already gone on full alert, even preparing for the possibility of war.
Even Rosinante himself did not know what might happen at Marine Headquarters this time. That was why he had ordered the entire Gray Kingdom to enter a state of readiness and issued emergency contingency plans in case open conflict broke out.
That was also why he came alone.
If it was only him, no matter how dangerous Marine Headquarters was, Rosinante could leave whenever he wished. The Marines would find it nearly impossible to detain him.
But if others came along, then no matter how strong he was, he would be unable to protect everyone.
"Bastard, releasing Haki so recklessly… are you trying to prevent the ceremony from being held?" Sengoku said coldly.
"I thought Marine Headquarters was the safest place in the world," Rosinante replied with a smile. "There's really no need for so many soldiers standing guard. They looked exhausted, so I let them rest for a bit."
...
"Hmph. So I'm supposed to thank you on their behalf for your concern?" Sengoku snorted.
"I wouldn't dare. I acted on my own initiative," Rosinante said indifferently.
"Since you're here, please take a seat and observe," Tsuru said calmly from the side. "The Admiral promotion ceremony is about to begin."
Don't forget the plan.
As she spoke, Tsuru glanced at Sengoku and gave him a subtle look.
"Hmph. Please be seated. The ceremony will begin," Sengoku said flatly.
A Marine officer immediately stepped forward to guide Rosinante to an exquisitely decorated VIP seat.
"Heh," Rosinante chuckled softly as he sat down.
At this moment, he became even more certain that the Marines were plotting something.
Still, since he was already here, he would face it calmly.
With his confidence and strength, Rosinante was more than willing to see what schemes the Marines were hiding.
As Rosinante took his seat, a large number of Marines rushed forward, carrying away the unconscious soldiers and quickly redeploying the perimeter defenses.
They seemed to have anticipated such a situation. The reorganization was swift and orderly, without the slightest hint of panic.
"Thank you all distinguished guests for attending Marine Headquarters today," Sengoku announced loudly. "Today marks the promotion and decoration ceremony of the Navy's highest combat power, the Marine Admirals. This symbolizes the Navy's increased ability to safeguard the seas. I hereby declare the Marine Admiral Promotion Ceremony officially begins!"
With Fleet Admiral Sengoku's declaration, the long-awaited Admiral promotion ceremony officially began.