Hearing the words of the opposing officer, the members of the Shichibukai at the barbecue shop instinctively turned their gazes toward Orion.
What is loyalty? Loyalty shouted face-to-face isn't necessarily true loyalty.
The performance of the group of marine soldiers and the commander at the opposite food stall was the perfect embodiment of loyalty!
Not only did they demonstrate their loyalty to their Fleet Admiral through their actions, but they also regarded him as a role model, an idol, and even a god.
Under his influence, they carried forward the Fleet Admiral habits and principles.
Even a branch commander was now adhering to the principle of "This glory, I will not keep it for myself."
It was enough to imagine the current state of the Marine, whether at headquarters or in the various branches.
If any pirate crew on the seas could share both fortune and hardship, even if that crew was relatively weak, they could still secure a place in the Grand Line.
When the Marine is united in spirit and both officers and soldiers share the same faith in their hearts, this Marine will be invincible, unstoppable, and capable of overcoming any obstacle.
Under the personal leadership of Captain Morgan, the anti-crime operation continued until the early hours of the next morning.
Orion, who was accustomed to waking up early, had just finished washing up and stepped out of his bedroom, ready to head to the base cafeteria, when Binz hurried over, carrying Buggy, who had been soaking all night.
"Fleet Admiral!" Binz saluted as he approached Orion and then said "Buggy seems to still be alive."
Orion looked down at Buggy, still confined in the cage, and remarked with surprise.
"Such tenacious vitality! That's excellent. I believe the science division will be very interested. Have the soldiers take him to the warship for custody."
Binz shook his head. "Since the Fleet Admiral has deemed this person extremely dangerous, I will take custody of him until we bring him to headquarters!"
With that, Binz picked up the cage and ran toward the base port.
Before Orion could continue toward the cafeteria, a familiar figure immediately caught his eye—it was Jinbei, who had been out retrieving the remains of Navy soldiers swallowed by the sea.
Jinbei, who quickly approached Orion, looked exhausted and spoke with guilt
"I apologize, Fleet Admiral. I have failed in my duty and couldn't find more remains of our Navy comrades."
Hearing this, Orion felt a sudden emptiness in his heart, though he didn't show it.
He spoke softly "I have seen your sincerity. Let this matter end here. When we return to headquarters, you will disband the Sun Pirates, and all crew members will return to Fish-Man Island to await further orders. As for you, you will remain at headquarters and become the Marines Sea Hero."
After a brief pause, Orion turned to face Jinbei directly, his gaze piercing into Jinbei soul.
"Are you willing?"
Jinbei looked up, meeting Orion gaze without a trace of hesitation in his eyes. The next moment, he nodded slightly, placed his right hand over his chest, and spoke with devout sincerity.
"I am willing to clear the path for the Fleet Admiral, no matter the thorns!"
"I believe you will not disappoint me!" Orion continued
"I will not let your loyalty go unrewarded. As long as you fight for justice, I will fulfill the unfulfilled wishes of your Princess Otohime!"
Upon hearing this, Jinbei abruptly looked up, staring at Orion in disbelief, and asked in shock.
"Fleet Admiral, have you... have you met Princess Otohime?"
Orion did not answer directly.
After a slight sigh, he spoke words that nearly brought Jinbei to tears.
"Princess Otohime carried great love in her heart, Jinbei. There are three types of people I deeply respect: those who strive for the livelihood of the people, those who gather firewood for the masses, and those who pave the way for freedom!"
As he spoke, Orion raised his hand and patted Jinbei on the shoulder, then turned and walked away, leaving behind a young and towering figure.
His resolute voice gradually grew louder...
"Those who pave the way for freedom, I will never let them be trapped in thorns!"
"Those who gather firewood for the masses, I will not allow them to freeze in the snowstorm!"
"Those who strive for the livelihood of the people, I will never let them perish in silence!"
Watching the young marshal gradually fade into the distance, his voice growing more and more deafening, Jinbei standing in place, felt his vision blur.
Then, in silence, he straightened his back and saluted in the direction of the young marshal.
For many humans, Princess Otohime was a very unfamiliar figure. But for Jinbei, who was born on Fish-Man Island and had once served in the Ryugu Kingdom's army, she was no stranger.
Princess Otohime was not only the queen of the Ryugu Kingdom but also a great and respected figure!
Her greatest wish was to change the future of the fish-men and merfolk, hoping they could live under the true sunlight and coexist with humans.
Yet, such a beloved and respected figure was tragically killed!
After watching Orion figure disappear, Jinbei slowly lowered his saluting hand, then tilted his head slightly to look at the sky, whispering....
"Princess Otohime, how wonderful it would be if you could live in this era."
****
After breakfast, the warship, still on its eastern patrol, sailed out of Loguetown in a grand manner, heading straight for the Calm Belt.
On the deck of the lead ship, Orion, who had donned his Fleet Admiral coat once more, stood habitually at the bow.
Ain, having taken over Gion duties, stood quietly on Orion left, holding the Fleet Admiral exclusive Den Den Mushi.
Jinbei, Moria, Crocodile, and Doflamingo stood in a line on Orion right.
Unlike when they had followed Orion to the East Blue, even Moria eyes were now exceptionally clear.
Especially Doflamingo, who, after entering Orion office and saying 'Holy Land holds the dignity I lost,' had shed all his burdens, becoming unprecedentedly relaxed.
If not for the people around him, he would likely have hummed a tune.
As for Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman, he was leisurely sitting in a chair, legs crossed, reading a newspaper, his expression one of utter relaxation and contentment.
Finally, Morgan, who had conducted a comprehensive anti-crime operation in Loguetown, was the most excited.
Not only had his crackdown on the underworld earned the Fleet Admiral praise, but he was also about to enter Marine Headquarters and become one of the Fleet Admiral personal guards.
Such an honor would not only excite Morgan but also keep any branch officer awake with excitement.
"Buru Buru~"
Suddenly, just as the warship entered the Calm Belt, the Den Den Mushi in Ain hand rang without warning.
Immediately, Sakazuki voice came through the Den Den Mushi
"Fleet Admiral, this is Sakazuki reporting the latest situation. I have located the fleet of the Beasts Pirates and am about to lead the Akainu Army to their waters."
As soon as the voice from the Den Den Mushi fell, the four people standing to Orion right turned their heads, their relaxed expressions instantly turning grave.
Without hesitation, Orion asked directly "How many men has Kaido mobilized?"
"According to intelligence, the Beasts Pirates have almost all come out. However, as of now, Kaido whereabouts remain unknown. Additionally, Kuzan has entered the waters controlled by the Big Mom Pirates. He has sent word that he will stop the Big Mom Pirates at all costs, preventing them from leaving the waters of Totto Land!"
****
The New World—
On the turbulent sea, more than ten warships, led by Sakazuki, cut through the stormy waves. On the deck of the lead warship, Sakazuki held the Den Den Mushi, ignoring the admiral' cloak flapping wildly in the storm, his gaze fixed firmly ahead as he spoke.
"Fleet Admiral, whether Kaido appears or not, I requests permission to engage!"
"Granted!" Orion decisive voice came through the Den Den Mushi.
Hearing this, Sakazuki didn't hesitate. He turned decisively to the officers of the Akainu Army standing in formation behind him and commanded.
"Order all ships to proceed at full speed toward the waters of the Beasts Pirates fleet!"
"Yes!"
The officers responded in unison before quickly dispersing, returning to their posts with practiced efficiency.
Sakazuki didn't linger either, striding quickly toward the command cabin.
However, just as he stepped forward, Orion voice came through the Den Den Mushi again.
"Sakazuki."
Sakazuki instinctively stopped and looked up "Here."
"Proceed without hesitation. With me at headquarters, you are no longer alone."
Huh?
Sakazuki pupils contracted, and the hand holding the Den Den Mushi trembled slightly.
Then, for the first time in years, a rare smile broke through his stern face.
------------------------------
Read 60 chapters ahead and support me on patreon.
patreon (.)com/Newbietranslator