High above the New World, thousands of meters in the sky, the ship sailed steadily through the air.
On the deck, Rolan and Law sat across from each other, casually drinking tea and eating rice balls.
At the bow stood a large-headed okama with purple wavy hair, dressed in fishnet stockings. The strong wind caused his transparent cloak to flutter loudly, and his blue-purple lips stood out against his slightly tense expression.
The three of them were heading straight for Egghead Island, the location of Vegapunk.
Law took a sip of the milk tea Rolan had introduced, then bit into his rice ball.
"Not bad. Lina really lives up to her reputation. Even something simple like this tastes better than most meals."
Rolan leaned back slightly. "Good food, good weather, nothing pressing, that's enough."
The figure at the bow suddenly turned around, clearly irritated.
"Hey! Rolan, Law, don't you think you're taking this too lightly?"
Law raised his cup slightly. "We're moving at full speed already. No need to act like the ship is sinking."
Ivankov stepped closer, his large face coming right up to them.
Rolan lifted his foot and pressed it against Ivankov's face, stopping him from getting any closer.
"Relax. Kuma is part of the objective. We're not wasting time."
Rolan passed him a cup of milk tea.
"Drink something instead of shouting."
Ivankov grabbed it, still frowning. "You're way too relaxed about this."
Law took another bite before speaking. "Our speed isn't slow. We'll reach Egghead soon enough. You're just impatient."
Ivankov paused for a moment, then wiped the footprint off his face.
"When Kuma wakes up, I'm making him relearn Okama Kenpo, heh-ha."
He flipped backward and landed neatly at the bow again. His mood improved slightly, though it didn't last long.
"Are you sure there's even an island ahead? There's nothing on the Log Pose or map!"
Rolan glanced forward, unfazed.
"In this world, aside from the World Government, only our side knows where Egghead is. If it were easy to find, Vegapunk wouldn't still be working for them."
Ivankov went quiet after hearing that, though his posture remained tense.
Rolan understood his urgency.
Among the Revolutionary Army, Ivankov and Bartholomew Kuma were close. During the Marineford War, Kuma had turned into a weapon and fought against his former allies.
Later, it was revealed that Kuma had willingly undergone modification by Vegapunk, losing his consciousness in the process.
Since then, Ivankov had been determined to bring him back.
He had pushed both Dragon and Rolan about it more than once.
That was the reason he was here now.
Rolan had no issue bringing him along, as long as he didn't get in the way.
…
At the same time, in New Marineford, the plaza was filled with rows of Marines standing in formation.
At the front platform stood Kuzan, now serving as Fleet Admiral.
He looked over the crowd before speaking.
"After a month of World Conscription, the results are in. Two hundred eighty-nine thousand four hundred sixty-four applicants registered."
A brief pause followed.
"From them, seventy-five thousand four hundred thirty-two were selected."
Murmurs spread across the plaza.
"They come from the Four Seas and the Grand Line. Among them are thousands of Ensigns, hundreds of Lieutenants, and dozens of Vice Admirals."
He adjusted his posture slightly.
"Today's ceremony is to award ranks to officers of General level and above."
The plaza erupted into cheers.
"Long live the Marines!"
"Long live the Fleet Admiral!"
The voices echoed across the base.
Although the Marines had suffered heavy losses during the Marineford War, this large-scale conscription had restored, even surpassed, their previous strength.
With the headquarters now relocated to the New World, their influence had expanded further than before.
Under countless gazes, Kuzan continued the ceremony, personally awarding epaulets to the newly promoted officers.
Once that was complete, he spoke again.
"Next, the Admiral appointments."
The entire plaza went silent.
Even Marines watching through Den Den Mushi broadcasts around the world focused their attention.
Admiral.
The highest combat power of the Marines.
A position every Marine dreamed of reaching.
Footsteps echoed from behind the platform.
Two figures slowly stepped forward.
The man on the left had deep green curly hair, a tall build, thick lips, and wore sunglasses.
The man on the right was also tall, with dark skin and brown hair.
Kuzan looked at them and gave a small nod.
"Both of you stood out among countless candidates. After review, you have been selected as Marine Admirals."
A young Marine stepped forward, carrying a tray covered in red cloth.
On it were two Admiral epaulets.
Every Marine present fixed their gaze on them, their expressions filled with anticipation.