When Admiral Finn returned to Marineford, nearly all of the base's senior officers were already in position.
Subsequently, a series of power transfers and personnel changes were rapidly issued.
Interestingly, Finn had told Jinbe, Dragon, and the others he'd be extremely busy during this period. In truth, over these few days at Marineford, Finn didn't actually participate much in the proceedings.
Of course, the promotion of Fleet Admirals and Commanders-in-Chief wasn't his concern anyway.
Only Borsalino's affairs warranted his involvement, but even that didn't require much effort.
After returning to Marineford, Finn first handled some accumulated administrative work and arranged for Jinbe's appointment as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Finn submitted the report directly to Mary Geoise.
In fact, Mary Geoise had always wanted to maintain positive relations with Fish-Man Island. During the previous series of cooperative efforts between the Marines and Fish-Man Island, the Five Elders had expressed their full support.
But relations had deteriorated again, which had been embarrassing.
Now, Admiral Finn was setting aside whatever dirty history existed between him and Jinbe, selflessly proposing that Jinbe be appointed as one of the Seven Warlords to further improve relations between Fish-Man Island and the World Government.
Naturally, the Five Elders had no reason to disagree. They approved the matter quickly.
However, at this stage, it wasn't appropriate for Jinbe to jump forward and steal the spotlight from the Marines' major events. Therefore, Finn planned to wait until Admiral Sengoku officially became Fleet Admiral and finished all Marine ceremonies before arranging Jinbe's appointment.
Seven days after Finn returned to Marineford, the Five Elders, the highest authority in the World Government, issued their supreme administrative directive.
Marine Fleet Admiral Kong was promoted to Commander-in-Chief of the World Government's Armed Forces, overseeing all military matters.
From that moment forward, the CP Agencies, the Mary Geoise Army, the armies of World Government member nations, Marine Headquarters, the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and all other related military organizations under the World Government fell nominally under Commander-in-Chief Kong's command.
Of course, it was only nominal. Organizations like the CP Agencies and the Seven Warlords of the Sea couldn't seriously be expected to obey the Commander-in-Chief's orders.
Commander Kong had been mentally prepared for this reality. He wasn't concerned. As long as the Marines fully supported him, that would be sufficient. After all, among violent organizations, the Marines were Mary Geoise's primary force.
On the surface, Commander Kong had no plans to integrate the CP agencies' or Seven Warlords' power.
Because he understood perfectly well that those above him would never truly allow him to interfere in such matters.
So his main objectives were twofold: first, to coordinate the armies under various allied nations' flags to enhance his influence; second, to rebuild Mary Geoise's Army Department.
As for his primary internal goal, it was naturally to secretly and strongly support Marine development while giving the Marines every possible advantage.
Fleet Admiral Kong became Commander-in-Chief Kong.
So naturally, the position of Marine Fleet Admiral became vacant.
On the second day after Kong's promotion to Commander-in-Chief, a coalition of Marine leaders led by Finn and including Sakazuki, Borsalino, Kuzan, Garp, Gion, Chief of Staff Tsuru, and even the reclusive Chief Instructor Zephyr jointly submitted a petition to Mary Geoise requesting approval for current Marine Admiral "Buddha" Sengoku to serve as the new Marine Headquarters Fleet Admiral.
This matter had been decided internally already. Apart from Admiral Sengoku, no one else possessed the prestige to serve as the new Marine Fleet Admiral.
Not even Finn.
Therefore, the Five Elders didn't hesitate. They directly forwarded the petition to the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief Kong for processing.
It could also be considered a favor to both the Marines and the Commander-in-Chief, helping Kong quickly establish his authority.
When Kong had been Marine Fleet Admiral, he'd already chosen Sengoku as his successor.
So there was no possibility of complications. In less than five minutes, Commander-in-Chief Kong finished reading the Marines' joint petition and directly signed his name on the document's final page, approving the matter.
Afterward, news that Admiral Sengoku would become the new Marine Fleet Admiral spread like wildfire, sweeping across the world.
Countless newspapers frantically published the news.
The World Economic Journal, in particular, devoted several consecutive special issues to Admiral Sengoku, listing every achievement, major and minor, from his decades of service since joining the Marines as a young man.
Morgans was a clever man. He understood perfectly well that Sengoku was guaranteed to become Fleet Admiral. There was no possibility of that changing.
Therefore, the World Economic Journal shamelessly praised Admiral Sengoku to the heavens in order to curry favor with the new Marine Fleet Admiral, declaring him a talent the Marines only saw once every few centuries.
As a result, Admiral Sengoku felt embarrassed going out these days, afraid others would praise him further.
Unlike Commander-in-Chief Kong's promotion, which had been handled very quietly with only related newspaper coverage and no other fanfare, the Marines were different. The Marines had to maintain their influence while simultaneously establishing Fleet Admiral Sengoku's prestige as quickly as possible.
Marine Headquarters would hold a press conference during Admiral Sengoku's promotion ceremony, broadcast live worldwide.
Marineford had been extremely busy recently, with most personnel occupied with these preparations.
In Justice Square, large enough to accommodate tens of thousands of people, a platform had been erected, extensive related equipment deployed, and numerous figures from all walks of life invited to participate in this grand ceremony.
Among them were countless reporters. Even the president of the World Economic Journal, "Big News" Morgans, had come personally. Kings from allied nations with good relations with Sengoku attended. Even Queen Otohime of Fish-Man Island had personally traveled to Marineford to participate.
At the same time, as a sister organization to Marine Headquarters, the CP agencies, despite daily friction, still needed to demonstrate peaceful internal relations within the World Government during such occasions.
Therefore, representing the CP agencies, Queen Stussy quickly arrived at Marineford after handling Dragon-related matters, offering congratulations and participating in the Fleet Admiral's inauguration ceremony.
For a moment, Marineford blazed with celebrity presence. This square, which usually housed only Marines, now filled with dignitaries from various nations, World Government officials, CP organization members, reporters, wealthy merchants, and nobles.
Even Bartholomew Kuma had traveled to Marineford from Punk Hazard as a Seven Warlords representative, prepared to make an appearance.
In Finn's office, he wasn't dressed as casually as usual.
Today was the auspicious occasion of Admiral Sengoku's promotion to Fleet Admiral, so naturally he had to dress formally.
He wore a high-end black suit, perfectly tailored. His sharp black hair was immaculately styled, and his beard neatly trimmed.
"Hahahaha, was Admiral Sengoku nearly driven insane?" Finn laughed while retrieving his Admiral's Justice cloak from the coat rack, draping it over his handsome outfit.
Hina, also wearing a crimson suit today with her own Justice cloak across her shoulders, smiled sweetly at Finn. "Yes, Admiral Sengoku was nearly furious. He contacted the Five Elders and demanded they put a stop to that farce."
"Hahaha, if those bastards had actually come, there'd be no ceremony today at all." Finn continued laughing.
It turned out that this morning, a Celestial Dragon had suddenly heard Marine Headquarters would be very lively today, with someone becoming Marine Fleet Admiral.
So he'd wanted to join the festivities. But when Admiral Sengoku heard the news, he'd nearly vomited blood in rage. If Celestial Dragons showed up, how could there be any proper ceremony? Would everyone kowtow together on live broadcast? Even with the temperaments of people like Finn, Garp, and Sakazuki, they might beat up the Celestial Dragons on live television.
Therefore, Admiral Sengoku had shamelessly contacted the Five Elders directly, practically crying and shouting as he reported the situation.
Of course, the Five Elders also understood today was critically important for the Marines. Damaging Marine prestige wouldn't benefit the World Government either, so they'd immediately agreed. Reportedly, they'd ordered the mentally unstable Celestial Dragon placed under house arrest immediately.
Finn casually tossed his Justice cloak over his shoulders and prepared to leave.
"Let's go. We can't be late. Today is Admiral Sengoku's big day... No, I'm not used to the new title yet. Today is the big day for our new boss, Fleet Admiral Sengoku. We absolutely cannot be late." Finn's smile was genuine.
Hina glanced at her watch. "There's still over an hour left. We won't be late."
Of course, she was simply reminding him and had no intention of stopping him. She followed Finn toward the door and helped him open it.
But just as Finn was about to step through, Hina suddenly called out, "Wait a moment, Admiral."
"What's wrong?" Finn paused and turned.
Hina took two steps forward, rising on her toes to reach Finn's slightly crooked tie. As she adjusted it carefully, she spoke. "There are reporters everywhere today. After Fleet Admiral Sengoku takes the stage, you'll be the most senior of the three Admirals. Many people will definitely want to interview you. You need to pay attention to your image and show your best side. Otherwise, even Hina, your adjutant, will be embarrassed."
Hina stood on her toes, meticulously straightening Finn's tie, bringing her very close to him. As she spoke, a faint fragrance drifted into Finn's nose.
Finn smiled, glancing down slightly. He could see Hina's forehead positioned right beneath his chin.
Without thinking too deeply, Finn lowered his head slightly, raised his chin, and tapped Hina's forehead gently.
Hina froze for a moment, slightly confused.
By then, the tie was properly straightened. Finn laughed, patting Hina's shoulder. "Look handsome now, right? Hahahaha..."
After saying this, Finn walked around Hina and left the office.
Hina finally recovered, reaching up to touch her forehead. She cursed in embarrassed anger, "You bastard Admiral! You took advantage of Hina again! Hina going to complain to Sister Gion!"
"Hahahaha, then go ahead and complain. I'm leaving first." Finn's voice echoed from the corridor without turning back.
Just as he passed Admiral Sengoku's office, the door opened and an equally tall figure emerged. This figure wore a yellow-striped suit and a Justice cloak, looking very formal despite his somewhat wretched appearance.
Through the door that wasn't completely closed, Finn also saw someone inside moving various items.
The person before him was Borsalino.
Looking closely, one could see that Borsalino's shoulder insignia had been changed from Vice Admiral to Admiral.
That's right. He was also taking office as Marine Admiral today and would attend Fleet Admiral Sengoku's promotion ceremony in that capacity. Naturally, Sengoku's office would also become his.
This matter had been handled relatively quietly. Both Finn's and Sakazuki's promotions to Admiral had been conducted smoothly and without fanfare. Borsalino, who never truly enjoyed the spotlight, was no exception.
As soon as Borsalino emerged, he said to Finn with his characteristic quirky smile, "Pay attention to your personal conduct, Admiral Finn. Be careful about Hina complaining about you..."
Finn rolled his eyes at Borsalino. "Have you become more uptight now that you're an Admiral?"
"I'm not going to take your nonsense seriously..." Borsalino's tone was teasing.
Finn ignored the banter and asked directly, "Ready? Let's go together?"
"Yes, let's go together." Borsalino nodded.
Afterward, the two Admirals departed together.