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Confused. Shocked. In disbelief.
Sengoku's eyes were filled with disbelief. For a brief moment, it felt like his mind had short-circuited, stunned by what he had just witnessed.
On the screen, inside a magnificent, opulent palace, the five elders each sat in different postures, clearly frozen by the sudden, unexpected words they had just heard.
No one reacted. No one even understood what had just happened.
"…What did you just say?" asked Financial God of War Saint Iznabaron V. Nasjuron, his tone dazed.
No one could believe that the heir of an institution they had raised and supported would speak to them so directly, with such defiance.
Even if one wished to be forceful, the norm would be to first bow and scrape, consolidate power slowly, and then act tough.
But this man in front of them—was he insane?
"Need me to repeat myself?" Arashi said, smiling faintly. "I understand that the five of you old geezers are up there in years. Hard of hearing, are you?"
Then, in a clearer, louder voice, he repeated his words without hesitation.
"I said—do I need your approval?"
His calm voice echoed across the air, and the meeting instantly froze in silence.
The Five Elders' expressions turned hideously grim, their faces dark and overcast. After a long pause—
"Sengoku." Topman Warcury spoke with a cold voice. "I don't think there's any point in continuing this meeting."
"Perhaps the Marines should consider someone more qualified and capable to serve as their next Fleet Admiral," added Environmental God of War Saint Marcus Mars, equally cold.
Sengoku's expression soured as he glared at Arashi. He wanted to speak but knew this wasn't the right time.
He took a deep breath, just about to say something to defuse the situation, But Arashi beat him to it, smiling as he asked,
"Is there anyone else in the Marines qualified to be Fleet Admiral before me?"
The Five Elders' faces changed again. The screen didn't shut off. Instead, silence took over once more.
"In other words, the reason I'm here today, speaking with the five of you, is because I am the best candidate to succeed the title of Fleet Admiral. You no longer have a choice."
Arashi's expression remained calm and composed as he continued.
"With the end of the Marineford War, Whitebeard captured, and the Marines securing an overwhelming victory, we are now the strongest generation in history."
"Even you must realize that the Marines have grown far too powerful to ignore." He paused, and his gaze turned cold.
"So stop looking down on us. From today onward, the Marines stand as your equals."
The strength in his words left Sengoku speechless. He never imagined Arashi would assert himself with such force in this meeting.
The Five Elders remained silent, their eyes locked on Arashi, wanting to hear what he would say next.
They couldn't deny it, The Marines' power now was beyond their expectations.
It was a force too powerful to be dismissed, strong enough to shift the balance of the entire world. On the front lines, they had crushed two Yonko crews. That was beyond imagination.
"You don't have a choice. Who else but me is qualified to be Fleet Admiral?" Arashi scoffed.
"So perhaps you should adjust your attitude and seriously consider the matter of cooperation between us."
That last sentence gave the Five Elders pause. They exchanged glances, and Agricultural God of War Saint Shepherd Ju Peter frowned.
"Let's hear your proposal for cooperation," he said.
They could no longer deny it—the Marines were no longer something the World Government could control.
Under Sengoku's leadership over the past decade, the Marines had grown too solid, too unified to infiltrate.
Even Sakazuki, whom they had once favored, had turned his back on them. Their last remaining card had been played.
There was nothing left. Still, the World Government didn't want to give up a force as massive as the Marines.
"It's simple," Arashi said calmly. "Same as before—you provide funding and logistical support. In return, the Marines will maintain stability across the world and the seas."
"And how can we be sure you won't turn the Marines against us?" asked Scientific Defense God of War Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, his tone frosty.
"That's your problem."
"Personally, I don't have the slightest fondness for you people. But as an institution, the Marines can't quite cut ties with you yet," Arashi said with a trace of regret.
Despite Sengoku's efforts over the years to push toward independence, the Marines were still not entirely free.
"You're not even hiding your contempt for us," Marcus Mars said with a sarcastic laugh. But his attitude had caused a subtle shift in their thinking.
After exchanging glances, he narrowed his eyes slightly. "The Marines' strength truly does deserve our recognition. Your idea of cooperation is… interesting."
Every negotiation is built on strength. If Sengoku had said the same thing, they would have dismissed him without a second thought.
But coming from Arashi, things were different. They had to take it seriously. Only power earns respect.
"I will take responsibility for ending this chaotic era of pirates and bringing peace to the seas and you… can sit comfortably in Mary Geoise and enjoy your quiet retirement," Arashi said calmly.
"Oh?" Marcus Mars's eyes narrowed. "So you do plan to go after the pirates."
"Pirates are, without a doubt, the biggest threat to this era and world peace," Arashi replied. Of course, there was still much he didn't say.
The filth the World Government was guilty of—he would settle that later.
"Interesting," Topman Warcury chuckled. "In that regard, it seems we do share a common goal."
"Very well. Let it be as you wish."
"We recognize your legitimacy as Fleet Admiral. But from now on, we expect you to fulfill your responsibilities."
"This may be one of the few times we've ever sat at separate tables and had a peaceful conversation," Marcus Mars sighed.
"Peaceful?" Arashi smiled faintly. "I don't think so. This was merely an equal negotiation, based on power."
The five elders exchanged glances, narrowed their eyes, and then nodded in unison.
"Hmph, you're not wrong."
If not for Arashi's overwhelming strength, they would never have acknowledged him or sat down at the table.
But now, they couldn't even extend their reach into the Marines anymore.
Arashi's appointment was inevitable. His reputation both in the world and among the Marines was unmatched.
Even just the word "invincible" was enough to send pirates trembling. The screen shut off, and the Five Elders disappeared.
Beside it, a young officer finally let out the breath he had been holding. Standing before the five highest authorities in the world, the pressure had been immense.
But when he looked at Arashi again, his eyes were filled with awe and reverence. Who else in this world could face those five so fearlessly?
This new Fleet Admiral had stunned everyone with his fierce stance.
"Whew…"
Sengoku exhaled long and slow. His face was excited but also complex. After a long silence, his voice finally sounded in the quiet office.
"The process was unexpected, but the outcome is… satisfactory."
"Congratulations, Arashi!"
There was a hint of laughter in his voice, as if he finally relaxed for the first time that day.
He had worried Arashi would act recklessly, but instead, the man had shocked everyone with his boldness and left with a historic agreement from the Five Elders.
Sengoku understood well—Arashi had forced their hand purely through strength. But this came with risks.
If anything went wrong in the future, the World Government would do everything in its power to reclaim control over the Marines.
When that day came, it would all depend on Arashi.
"Thank you," Arashi replied with a smile. "Now, you can finally take a break for a while."
"Hahaha! Let's hope you don't make us old guys do more annoying work after you take over!"
Sengoku burst into laughter. The two locked eyes, understanding each other clearly.
This was the strongest and most forceful handover in Marine history—later hailed as a change that reshaped the world.
And Arashi was remembered as the most powerful voice to ever lead the Marines.
—
Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.
The sky above Marineford was bright and clear. Seagulls soared through the air, curiously glancing down at the square below.
Rows upon rows of chairs filled the plaza, every one of them occupied by Marine officers in pristine white uniforms.
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Reporters held cameras and interviewed passing Marines.
Every face glowed with joy and anticipation. It was the day the new Fleet Admiral officially took office.
"Did you hear? About the legend of Fleet Admiral Arashi facing those five?"
"The Strongest Fleet Admiral in history!"
"With Admiral Arashi in charge, maybe we'll never have to bow and grovel before the Celestial Dragons again!"
"Didn't you hear? What he said in the Fleet Admiral's office that day. His voice was strong and firm. He looked those five men in the eyes and shouted—"
"'Do I need your approval?You have no right to point fingers at me. In terms of power, we are equals now!'"
"Hahahaha!"
"Just hearing that gives me chills! I've got a feeling—from today on, the Marines are heading for a massive change."
"We are stepping into a new era!"
The square of Marineford was packed with countless figures, shoulder to shoulder.
Exhausted seagulls circled the skies a few times before quietly landing in the corners, curiously eyeing the crowd.
To them, it was just another ordinary day—no different from yesterday, and no different from tomorrow.
No one knew how much time had passed when a sudden commotion stirred within the crowd.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Garp are here!" someone cried out.
The people instinctively parted, clearing a path.
Sengoku, who had already taken off his cap, walked forward with his signature white braided hair standing out.
Beside him, Garp waved to the crowd with a big grin on his face. "You look pleased, Garp," Sengoku said with a complicated expression.
"Hahahaha! My student made it. Of course I'm proud as a teacher!" Garp laughed.
"You're unbelievable," Sengoku muttered, half laughing, half exasperated.
The two made their way toward the middle rows and sat quietly, eyes drawn to the empty podium up front.
Sengoku's gaze lingered on the vacant platform. Over ten years ago, it was there he first took the stage. That one step had led to a decade-long role.
Reflecting on his career as Fleet Admiral, while he hadn't made any earth-shattering achievements, he also hadn't committed any grave mistakes.
Nearing retirement, he had even led the Marineford War—a battle that reshaped the entire world.
Today, someone else would be standing on that stage, and he, in turn, would step down.
There was some reluctance in his heart, but above all, he felt pride and anticipation.
Only by standing in that position could one truly understand the weight of helplessness—but also the intoxicating sense of power that came with being at the peak of the world.
With a single order, lives could be decided. With a single action, the fate of millions could shift. That was the strength of authority.
As time passed, more and more officers filled the square. The high-ranking Marines took their seats, their faces alight with excitement as they stared at the stage.
Sitting among them, Sengoku quietly observed each face in the crowd. So many young people—"We've gotten old, haven't we?" he murmured.
Garp turned his head, glanced at the rows behind them, and chuckled. "We're both in our seventies now! Of course we're old,"
Sengoku laughed, nodding in agreement. "You're right. We're in our seventies—it's time to let the younger ones carry the torch."
What age marks the peak of a person's life? Is it the passionate twenties and thirties? The robust forties and fifties?
Either way, it wasn't them—men in their seventies, with graying hair and weary bones. Since becoming Fleet Admiral, Sengoku hadn't fought again.
His aging body could no longer keep up. Taking action now would risk humiliation.
Thankfully, he was a Marine. He didn't have to live like pirates, with their dreams of becoming Pirate King even in old age, gambling their lives with every step.
As these thoughts passed through his mind, voices once again rose from the crowd. "Admiral Aokiji and Admiral Kizaru are here!"
"I heard new Admirals will also be appointed today—who do you think it'll be? Several Vice Admirals performed remarkably during the war at Marineford."
"The answer will be revealed soon!"
Amid the chatter, Aokiji and Kizaru stepped forward and took their seats near the front, their eyes fixed on the stage.
The sight of the empty podium drew a strange look from both of them. "He finally made it here," Aokiji said with a sigh.
"It wasn't easy… but it felt inevitable," Kizaru replied with a quiet chuckle. They had known him since the day he joined the Marines.
The three of them had been comrades for over two decades. "With that guy's personality, who knows what insane things he'll do after taking command?" Aokiji sighed again.
"His toughness has already spread throughout the entire Marine force," Kizaru said, clicking his tongue in admiration.
There were few in the world who dared to say what he did to the Five Elders.
Bold? Yes.
But for a Marine force long suppressed by the World Government, it was a rallying cry—a boost to morale.
Because of this, Arashi had gained overwhelming support from within the Marines and without a doubt, this also signaled that the Marines would now have a louder voice in the affairs of the World Government.
"A new era. A new beginning," Aokiji summed up quietly.
Just as he said, the rise of the new Fleet Admiral would usher in a new chapter—a new era for the Marines.
Time continued to flow. The rows behind filled gradually. Kizaru glanced at the two seats beside him, his eyes flashing with recognition.
He knew. Aside from them, two new Admirals would certainly be appointed in today's ceremony. "I think I already know who they are," Kizaru murmured.
Aokiji didn't seem to care much. Those two were certainly qualified. But beyond them, there were other Vice Admirals with impressive strength.
Judging by combat ability alone, some of them were already at the threshold of Admiral-level. The only question was: how would Arashi handle the matter?
Suddenly, the crowd behind them fell mysteriously silent.
Tap—
The sound of footsteps was light, yet it echoed across all of Marineford, resonating in every Marine's heart.
"Admiral Arashi!!" someone shouted. "No, from today onward, it's Fleet Admiral Arashi!" But that was quickly corrected the very next second.
From the distant stairway, a towering figure appeared—dressed in a white Marine uniform with a Justice cloak fluttering behind, a Marine cap atop his head, his chest decorated with medals of all colors.
He moved slowly, steadily, carrying a few thin sheets of paper in his hand—his prepared speech for the inauguration.
Tap—
An overwhelming aura quietly swept through the square. Every Marine stared wide-eyed at the man approaching.
His footsteps were soft, unhurried. He ascended with purpose. At last, Arashi stepped up to the microphone.
"Greetings, comrades. I'm Arashi."
A simple introduction—yet the crowd erupted instantly.
"URAAAA!!"
A tidal wave of roars broke out. Countless young Marine officers threw their hands into the air, shouting with joy.
"Arashi!"
"Arashi!"
"The strongest Marine in history! The undefeated legend!"
Like a roaring sea, their cheers swept across all of Marineford in the blink of an eye. Arashi didn't stop them.
Smiling gently, he stood at the mic, quietly watching the madness unfold.
This moment said it all—it proved just how revered he was among the Marines.
Today was his day of glory. He had every right to enjoy it.
After a long while, Arashi raised his hands and slowly pressed them down.
The wild cheers and thundering voices gradually quieted.
He glanced around the square, then smiled faintly. Suddenly, he tore the pages in his hand into pieces.
"I want you all to know," he began, "in the Marines, a 2,000-word speech is considered painfully long. Most of it is just fluff."
That line brought another round of laughter.
"But now, I've torn it up. Because…This is just an ordinary day."
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