Marineford, Oris Plaza.
Today, the sun was shining brightly, and the sea breeze rustled through thousands of justice flags fluttering in the wind. From a bird's-eye view, the entire plaza was submerged in a sea of pure white justice. Tens of thousands of Marine soldiers, clad in crisp uniforms, stood solemnly in neat, uniform white formations organized by warship and military rank.
Directly in front of the plaza, a white platform symbolizing honor and power rose from the ground. On the platform, the assembled lineup was luxurious enough to strike fear into the heart of any pirate.
Seated in the center position was the current Fleet Admiral, Kong, known as the Steel Bone. On the left, Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the Resourceful General, sat upright with a solemn expression. On the right, Vice Admiral Garp, the Marine Hero, had his legs crossed, but miraculously, he was not eating senbei today. Further out on the flanks, key figures from Headquarters such as Chief of Staff Tsuru and Chief Instructor Zephyr were all present.
Such an extravagant lineup was assembled for just one person. Among the crowd, uncontrollable whispers buzzed. The faces of every young Marine soldier were etched with fanaticism and worship.
On the platform, Garp picked his nose and said idly to Sengoku beside him, I say, Sengoku, why such a grand production? It is just a promotion, isn't it? You could have just given him the shoulder insignia in the office.
Sengoku's eye twitched. He lowered his voice and angrily retorted, What do you know! This is about setting an example! Kane's achievements must be celebrated with the highest ceremonial standards to demonstrate the Marine's resolve and to intimidate pirates! Most importantly, it is to inspire these young soldiers!
Tch, bothersome, Garp scoffed, saying no more.
As the solemn military music began to play, the entire square instantly fell silent. Under the gaze of tens of thousands, a tall, straight figure slowly appeared at the end of the red carpet.
Kane.
He had changed into a brand-new white Rear Admiral uniform, draped with the coat of justice symbolic of flag officer status. On his collar, the golden star insignia reflected a dazzling light under the sun. He was not wearing his military cap. His blond hair was slightly tousled by the sea breeze, and his handsome face wore a gentle, humble smile. His pace was neither fast nor slow, each step steady and firm.
Hurry up, hurry up...
While wearing a perfect, professional smile on his face, Kane was inwardly cursing up a storm. My over 300,000 discipline points are still waiting for my attention! The lottery! The big wheel! Which one isn't more interesting than sunbathing here? Fleet Admiral Kong is really something, insisting on this whole live broadcast for the entire force... Damn, playing the hero is exhausting, my face is about to cramp from smiling. What should I say when I get up there? How about "I have a dream"? No, too cliché. I will just copy a couple of lines of righteous nonsense, these passionate fools are the easiest to fool anyway.
Muttering to himself internally, he walked straight ahead without looking sideways, ascended the platform, stood before Fleet Admiral Kong, and saluted flawlessly.
Kane!
Fleet Admiral Kong stood up, personally adjusted the star insignia on Kane's collar, and his voice, amplified by den den mushi, echoed throughout Marineford. Your merits need no further elaboration from me! The capture of the Golden Lion was bought with your life and courage. It is the Marine's glory, and the world's victory! Today, on behalf of the World Government and Marine Headquarters, I bestow this honor upon you! From this moment, you are Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral—Child of the Storm, Kane!
Fleet Admiral Kong's voice was as loud as a bell, full of power. Below, an earth-shattering wave of applause and cheers instantly erupted.
Rear Admiral Kane!! Rear Admiral Kane!!
Countless Marine soldiers raised their arms and shouted, their voices shaking the heavens. Kane turned around, facing the sea of young, naive, energetic, and adoring faces below. In his eyes, they automatically transformed into walking experience packs and leeks.
Tch, so many people.
Kane's heart was utterly unmoved. He raised his hand and gently pressed it downward. With this simple gesture, the cheers that could have lifted the roof miraculously subsided within a few seconds. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the newly-minted legendary hero to speak.
Kane cleared his throat, his eyes becoming deep and sincere.
Gentlemen.
Kane's voice, amplified by the den den mushi speaker, spread throughout Marineford, and even through the visual den den mushi to Marine branches all over the world. Some ask me, what is justice?
He paused, reaching out to touch the brand-new Rear Admiral insignia on his chest. Is it this golden medal? Is it this white uniform? Or is it the achievement of defeating a legendary pirate like the Golden Lion?
Below the stage, it was completely silent. Everyone was listening with bated breath.
No, none of these.
Kane shook his head, his voice suddenly rising with a soul-piercing intensity. This sea is too dark. Pirates are like locusts, impossible to eradicate. Crime grows like weeds. Our efforts seem meaningless. Many are afraid, have grown cold, and have retreated. Some even say there is corruption within the World Government itself, that our justice is not pure, that justice is merely a plaything in the hands of the strong!
Sengoku's expression changed slightly. He was about to say something, but Vice Admiral Tsuru beside him pressed the back of his hand. Don't rush, let him finish, Tsuru said, a glint of insight in her eyes.
Kane took a step forward, his hands gripping the edges of the podium tightly, as if suppressing a burning fire in his chest. Perhaps they are all right! But is this a reason for us to give up? No!! I refuse to drift aimlessly in this indifferent world! I hope—
He took a deep breath and roared out the declaration that would be enough to be recorded in Marine history.
To use my own two hands to create a true era of justice! I hope our Marine youth can all shake off the cold air and just walk upward! There is no need to listen to the words of those who abandon themselves to despair! Let those who can act, act! Let those who can speak out, speak out! If you have a spark of heat, emit a ray of light! Even like a firefly, you can emit a little light in the darkness, without waiting for a torch! If after all, there is no torch—may we be that sole light!! For justice!!!
After uttering these last four words, he suddenly struck his own chest and saluted solemnly once more.
Silence. The entire Marineford fell into a deathly stillness. Whether it was the Admirals and Fleet Admiral on the stage or the tens of thousands of Marines below, everyone's minds were left blank by these words.
Shake off the cold air... become that sole light... This... what a noble awakening! What a fervent soul!
Sniff... sniffle...
Someone, somewhere, was the first to start crying. Immediately, the suppressed emotions exploded. Countless young Marines' eyes reddened, tears welling up. They felt the blood in their bodies ignite completely at this moment, wishing they could charge into the New World right now to fight pirates with their lives.
Roar!! Rear Admiral Kane!! Justice! Justice!!
In the ranks below, Borsalino's sunglasses slid to the tip of his nose. He tilted his head and muttered, Is this the terror of the cultured? I have this strange urge to go work overtime~
Pretty passionate stuff, Kuzan scratched his head. The sleepiness that had nearly consumed him was replaced by a glimmer of light in his eyes. Shake off the cold air... walk upward, huh.
Sakazuki adjusted his cap brim. No one saw the curve of his lips, but the muscles in his arms, crossed over his chest, were taut, clearly indicating his inner turmoil.
On the high platform, even Vice Admiral Tsuru, known for her calmness, could not help but show a gratified smile. His ideological awareness is high. He is a promising seedling. With proper nurturing, he might truly change the Marine's ethos in the future.
Sengoku pushed up his glasses. Behind the lenses, his eyes were already red. He looked at Kane's straight back, as if seeing the hope of the Marine's future. What a... what a brilliant heart of justice!
Zephyr was even more moved to tears. He clenched his fists tightly, looking at his most accomplished student, his heart filled with unparalleled pride.
Only Garp was out of the loop. Still picking his nose, he asked Sengoku beside him in confusion, Hey, Sengoku, what did he say? Why are all these kids crying? Did Kane say something so harsh it made them cry?
Get lost!! Sengoku punched Garp on the head, raising a big lump.
And now, Kane, at the center of the storm, stood with his head bowed, shoulders trembling slightly, as if moved by his own words.
In reality...
[Ding! Delivered a speech for the ages, successfully fooled the entire force! Perfectly crafted the Light of Justice persona!]
[The speech content resonated subtly with this world's Order, triggering a massive ideological transformation among young Marines!]
[Influence coefficient determined: MAX!]
[Subversion coefficient determined: Ideological Imprint-level!]
[Congratulations, Host! Obtained discipline points: 150,000!]
[Current discipline points balance: 490,200!]
Holy shit! Kane's inner self was roaring wildly. Just moving my lips earned me a hundred and fifty thousand?! That is even faster than fighting for my life!
He looked at the group of leeks below who were crying their eyes out, worshipping him like a god, and then at the balance on his system panel. Kane's heart was instantly flooded with an unprecedented sense of gratitude.
These Marines were just too adorable!
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