Marineford, Oris Plaza.
Today, the sun shone brightly as sea breezes rustled thousands of Justice Flags fluttering in the wind.
Viewed from above, the entire plaza was submerged in a sea of pure white Justice.
Tens of thousands of Marine soldiers stood solemnly in crisp uniforms, forming meticulously arranged white formations organized by warship and rank.
At the forefront of the plaza stood a white platform symbolizing honor and power.
Upon this platform sat a lineup luxurious enough to strike fear into any Pirate's heart.
Seated at the center was the current Fleet Admiral, known as "Sengoku the Buddha."
To his left sat Admiral "Sakazuki" with proper posture and solemn expression.
To his right, Vice Admiral "Marine Hero" Garp sat cross-legged, miraculously not eating Rice Crackers for once.
Further along the wings, key headquarters figures including Chief Staff Officer Tsuru and Chief Instructor Zephyr were all present.
This extravagant gathering was for one man alone.
Among the crowd, suppressed murmurs buzzed incessantly. Every young Marine's face was etched with fervor and admiration.
On the platform, Garp picked his nose boredly and complained to Sengoku beside him: "Why such a grand production? It's just a promotion. Couldn't we just give him the epaulets in the office?"
Sengoku's eye twitched as he hissed under his breath: "You understand nothing! This is about setting an example! Kane's achievements demand the highest ceremonial standard to demonstrate the Navy's resolve, intimidate pirates! And to inspire these young soldiers!"
"Tch, troublesome." Garp scoffed and fell silent.
As solemn military music swelled, the entire plaza fell into complete silence.
Under countless watchful eyes, a tall, straight-backed figure slowly appeared at the end of the red carpet.
Kane.
He wore a brand-new white Rear Admiral uniform, draped with the Justice Coat symbolizing officer rank. The golden Admiral Star on his collar glittered sharply in the sunlight.
His golden hair, uncovered by any cap, was slightly tousled by the sea breeze, while his handsome face maintained a warm, humble smile.
His pace was neither fast nor slow, each step firm and measured.
『Hurry up, hurry up...』
While wearing a perfect professional smile, Kane was internally grumbling.
『My 300,000+ Violation Points are waiting for me! Lottery draws! The big wheel! Any of those would be more interesting than sunbathing here!』
『Fleet Admiral Kong and his whole live broadcast idea... Damn, playing the hero is exhausting, my face is getting stiff from smiling.』
『What should I say later? Maybe "I have a dream"? No, too cliché. Better just spout some random Justice nonsense, these passionate fools are easy to fool anyway.』
Maintaining his internal monologue, he walked steadily onto the platform without glancing sideways, stopping before Fleet Admiral Kong to deliver an impeccable salute.
"Kane!"
Fleet Admiral Kong rose and personally adjusted the Admiral Star on his collar, his voice amplified across all Marineford by the Den Den Mushi.
"Your achievements need no further elaboration from me! The capture of the Golden Lion was earned through your life and courage—it is the glory of the Navy and a victory for the world!"
"Today, on behalf of the World Government and the Marine Headquarters, I bestow this honor upon you!"
"From this moment onward, you are the Navy Headquarters Rear Admiral—Kane, the 'Son of the Storm'!"
Fleet Admiral Kong's voice boomed like a bell, filled with power.
Below the stage, an avalanche of applause and cheers erupted instantly.
"Rear Admiral Kane!!"
"Rear Admiral Kane!!"
Countless Marines raised their arms and shouted, their voices shaking the heavens.
Kane turned to face the crowd below—young, innocent faces brimming with vitality and admiration. In his eyes, they automatically transformed into walking "Experience Points Packages" and "Leeks."
Tch, so many people.
Kane's heart remained utterly unmoved.
He raised his hand and gently pressed it downward.
With that simple gesture, the roaring cheers that could have lifted the roof miraculously subsided within seconds.
Everyone held their breath, waiting for the newly appointed legendary hero to speak.
Kane cleared his throat, his gaze deepening with sincerity.
"Gentlemen."
Kane's voice, amplified by the Den Den Mushi, spread across all of Marineford and even reached Navy branches worldwide through the visual Den Den Mushi.
"Some ask me, what is Justice?"
He paused, reaching up to touch the gleaming new rear admiral badge on his chest.
"Is it this golden medal?"
"Is it this white uniform?"
"Or is it the feat of defeating a legendary pirate like the Golden Lion?"
The audience fell into complete silence, everyone listening with bated breath.
"No, it is 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 completely. Evil grows like wild grass. Our efforts seem meaningless. Many have grown afraid, cold, and have retreated."
"Some even say that the World Government itself is corrupt, that our Justice is impure—that Justice is merely a plaything in the hands of the strong!"
Sengoku's expression shifted slightly. He was about to speak when Tsuru pressed the back of his hand.
"Wait, let him finish," Tsuru whispered, a glint of sharp insight in her eyes.
Kane stepped forward, gripping the edges of the podium as if suppressing a burning fire in his chest.
"Perhaps they are right! But is that 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 etched into Navy history.
"—to use my own hands to forge a true era of Justice!"
"I hope our Navy's youth can shake off the cold and move ever upward! Pay no heed to those who abandon themselves to despair!"
"Let those who can act, act! Let those who can speak, speak!"
"Let every bit of heat emit its own light!"
"Even if we are but fireflies, we can still shine a little light in the darkness—without waiting for a torch!"
"And if there is no torch hereafter—"
"May we be that sole light!!"
"For Justice!!!"
With those final words, he struck his chest fiercely and saluted once more with solemn dignity.
Silence.
All of Marineford fell into a deathly stillness.
Whether it was the Fleet Admirals and Admirals on the stage or the tens of thousands of Marines below, everyone was left stunned by these words, their minds blank.
Shake off the chill...
Become that sole light...
This... what a noble awakening! What a fervent soul!
"Sniff... sob..."
Someone was the first to break down in tears.
Then, the suppressed emotions erupted.
Countless young Marines had reddened eyes, tears welling up. They felt the blood in their veins ignite at that moment, itching to charge into the New World and fight the Pirates to the death.
"Roar—!!"
"Rear Admiral Kane!!"
"Justice! Justice!!"
In the ranks below, Borsalino's sunglasses slid to the tip of his nose, his mouth twisted: "Is this the terror of the cultured? Why do I feel the urge to work overtime~"
"Pretty passionate stuff." Kuzan scratched his head, the exhaustion in his eyes replaced by a glimmer of light. "Shake off the chill... and rise upward, huh."
Sakazuki adjusted his cap, hiding the curve of his lips, but the tension in his crossed arms betrayed his inner turmoil.
On the high platform.
Even Tsuru, known for her composure, couldn't help but show a gratified smile: "His ideological awareness is high; he's a promising seedling. With proper nurturing, he might truly change the Navy's atmosphere."
Sengoku adjusted his glasses, his eyes already reddened behind the lenses. He gazed at Kane's upright figure as if seeing the hope of the Navy's future.
'What... what a brilliant heart of Justice!'
Zephyr was moved to tears, clenching his fists tightly as he looked at his most accomplished student, filled with unparalleled pride.
Only Garp remained out of the loop, digging his nose while asking Sengoku in confusion: "Hey, Sengoku, what did he say? Why are all these kids crying? Did Kane say something so harsh that he made them cry?"
"Get lost!!" Sengoku punched Garp on the head, leaving a large bump.
Meanwhile, at the center of the storm, Kane stood with his head lowered, shoulders trembling slightly as if moved by his own words.
In reality...
[Ding! Delivered a legendary speech, successfully fooled the entire army! Perfectly crafted the "Light of Justice" persona!]
[The speech content subtly resonated with this world's "order," triggering a transformation in the thoughts of many young Marines!]
[Influence coefficient determined: MAX!]
[Subversion Coefficient determined: Ideological Imprint level!]
[Congratulations, Host! Obtained Violation Value: 150,000 points!]
[Current Violation Value balance: 490,200 points!]
'Holy crap!'
Kane's mind roared wildly.
'Just flapping my lips earned me 150,000?! That's even faster than risking life and death!'
He looked at the sobbing Marines below, who revered him as a god—his "Leeks"—and then at the balance on his system panel.
An unprecedented wave of gratitude surged in Kane's heart.
These Marines are just too adorable!
.