Several thousand meters above the New World, the ship sailed steadily through the sky.
On the deck, Rolan and Trafalgar D. Water Law sat facing each other, leisurely drinking tea and eating rice balls.
At the bow stood a large-headed okama with purple wavy hair, wearing fishnet stockings. The fierce sea wind whipped his transparent cloak, making it flap loudly. His blue-purple lips stood out sharply 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 drink Rolan had introduced, milk tea, then bit into a rice ball.
"Delicious. Lina really lives up to her reputation. Even something as simple as rice balls tastes this good when she makes it."
Rolan leaned back slightly, still eating.
"With good food and nothing urgent pressing down, life tends to feel better."
At the bow, the okama turned around abruptly.
"Hey! Rolan, Law, aren't you two taking this too lightly?"
Law raised his cup casually.
"When things are going well, it is only natural to enjoy them. No point wasting a good moment."
He took another sip, clearly unbothered.
There was a time when his mind had been consumed by hatred. After avenging Corazon, that weight had gradually lifted. Life in Peach Garden had become far more relaxed than he once imagined.
Now he occasionally spoke like someone trying to sound poetic, partly out of habit, partly to irritate the person at the bow.
"Hey, Ivankov, we are already moving fast enough, aren't we?" Rolan said, holding out a cup. "Take this."
Emporio Ivankov stepped closer, his oversized face pushing toward Rolan.
Rolan raised his foot and stopped him without hesitation.
"Too close."
Ivankov clicked his tongue.
"You're both too relaxed. This is important."
Rolan didn't change his expression.
"We are not delaying anything. Bartholomew Kuma's situation is part of why we're going there."
Hearing that, Ivankov straightened up and wiped the footprint off his face.
"Boss Ivankov, our speed isn't slow," Law added, taking another bite. "We'll reach soon. You're just impatient."
Ivankov paused, then grinned.
"When Kuma wakes up, I'll personally show him the true power of Okama Kenpo, heh-ha!"
With that, he flipped backward and landed back at the bow. His mood seemed lighter than before.
But it didn't last long.
"Are you sure there's even an island ahead? The map shows nothing, the compass shows nothing."
Rolan glanced forward, uninterested in the complaint.
"Egghead isn't a place just anyone can find. Besides the World Government, only a few know its location. We are one of them."
Ivankov fell silent at that.
His concern came from one place.
Bartholomew Kuma.
During the Marineford War, Kuma had turned against his own allies. Later, the truth came out, he had willingly undergone modification by Vegapunk, losing his consciousness in the process.
Ever since then, Ivankov had been determined to bring him back.
He believed that if anyone could restore Kuma, it would be the one who altered him in the first place.
That belief was the reason he stood on this ship now.
Far away, in New Marineford.
The massive plaza was filled with rows upon rows of Marines standing in formation.
At the very front, on a raised platform, stood the current Fleet Admiral, Kuzan.
He adjusted his posture slightly before speaking.
"After one month of World Conscription, the results are in. Two hundred eighty-nine thousand four hundred sixty-four people registered."
The plaza remained silent, listening.
"From them, seventy-five thousand four hundred thirty-two were selected. They come from the Four Seas and the Grand Line. Among them are Ensigns, Lieutenants, Vice Admirals, and two new Admirals."
A moment later, the entire plaza erupted.
"Long live the Marines!"
"Long live the Fleet Admiral!"
Cheers echoed in every direction.
Despite the heavy losses suffered during the Marineford War, the Marines had rebuilt themselves into something even larger. With their headquarters now established in the New World, their reach extended across nearly every sea.
Kuzan waited for the noise to settle before continuing.
"We will now proceed with the promotion ceremony."
One by one, officers stepped forward to receive their ranks.
After completing the promotions for Vice Admirals, Kuzan paused.
"Next, the appointment of the Admirals."
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
Every Marine focused on the platform. Even those watching through Den Den Mushi broadcasts held their breath.
Footsteps echoed from behind the stage.
The entire plaza fell silent.
Two figures emerged.
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 with approval.
"You both stood out among countless candidates. Your strength places you at the top."
He gestured slightly.
"After review, you are hereby appointed as Marine Admirals."
A young Marine stepped forward, carrying a tray covered in red cloth.
On it rested two pairs of Admiral epaulets.
Every gaze in the plaza locked onto them.