"W-what!? Vice Admiral Michael is the captain of this special forces unit!?"
"I'd had similar suspicions before... but this is truly unexpected."
"Yet Fleet Admiral Sengoku directly granted the long-vacant position of Grand Inspector to Vice Admiral Michael?"
"Is that really the main point here? Shouldn't the focus be on Vice Admiral Michael's codename? That's a codename for an admiral candidates!"
If the promotions of the SWORD Classified Special Forces members earlier had only sparked quiet discussions among the Marines, then Michael's new position and codename sent the entire Marine audience into an uproar.
The position of Grand Inspector was, in essence, a nominal one—its actual power and scope entirely depended on how the current Fleet Admiral defined it.
Under normal circumstances, this role would typically be given to a retired Fleet Admiral, essentially serving as a cushy retirement post.
But now, it had been awarded to a young and vigorous Marine Vice Admiral!
Michael was a standout among the younger, more ambitious faction.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku would never give him a mere retirement sinecure…
Which made this all the more terrifying.
It meant that, in Fleet Admiral Sengoku's eyes, Michael's importance might even surpass that of the Three Admirals, placing him on equal footing with Chief of Staff Tsuru.
And the most crucial point…
The newly appointed Three Admirals showed no additional reaction to this news.
In other words, they had known about this from the very beginning—and…
They had absolutely no objections.
...
Meanwhile, Michael, standing below the stage, was just as stunned.
How did this involve him?
He had originally planned to coast for a while after the new Fleet Admiral and Three Admirals took office, then go stir up some trouble with the Revolutionary Army.
After all, the Marines were currently at the height of their power.
It would be wiser for the Revolutionary Army to lay low for now and build up their strength.
With so many territories recently secured, consolidating their bases was one of the keys to revolutionary success.
Only when the Marines began purging their hidden flaws and preparing for independence would it be the right time for the Revolutionary Army to push forward toward the "Paradise" and the "New World."
But now, Sengoku had outright given him this "Grand Inspector" position…
"All other promotions will be announced via a fleet-wide notice."
"The promotion ceremony is now concluded!"
At Sengoku's command, the honor guard raised their rifles and fired into the air.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
After three volleys, the honor guard lowered their weapons and withdrew from the stage in an orderly manner.
Then, Sengoku spoke again.
"Next, let us welcome the newly appointed Marine Grand Inspector, Vice Admiral 'Silver Falcon,' to deliver his speech!"
Michael stood up abruptly, his lips twitching.
This was… not part of the plan!
Giving him the title of Grand Inspector was one thing, but why did he have to give a speech too!?
Had Sengoku gotten carried away and decided to throw him up there for a few words of his own!?
But he hadn't prepared anything at all!?
Yet now, every Marine in the audience had turned their eyes toward Michael.
Whether out of anticipation or skepticism, everyone was waiting for him to step up and hear what wisdom he had to share.
"Hurry up and get up there! You're dawdling like you're not even a man!"
"Garp, you old bastard, why don't you go up and say something yourself!?" Michael rolled his eyes.
What was he even supposed to say once he got up there?
He couldn't just outright reveal everything to the Five Elders watching from above, could he?
Shaking his head, Michael steeled himself and strode onto the stage.
Whatever.
If Sengoku wanted him to speak, he'd say a few words.
After all…Don't fucking complain about it being meaningless.
As Michael passed by the Three Admirals, he clearly saw all three of them forcibly suppressing the corners of their mouths that were threatening to curl up.
Damn it!
Sooner or later, he'd teach these bastards what a fist the size of a sandbag felt like!
"You really know how to make trouble for me!"
Michael arrived in front of Sengoku, smiling as he saluted him.
His lips didn't move, but a faint voice squeezed out from his throat and into Sengoku's ears.
"Shouldn't you be helping me out during such a universally celebrated moment?" Sengoku replied with a salute of his own, speaking in the same manner.
"To be honest, I didn't originally plan to do this… but I left the prepared speech in my old uniform. No choice but to have you step in and save the day."
"Is improvising a speech really that hard for you!?"
"You know how it is—memory just gets worse with age…"
When Sengoku started dragging age into it, Michael knew there was no arguing with this old bastard.
Truly, birds of a feather flock together—just like Garp.
Two peas in a damn pod!
Michael could only sigh in resignation.
After Sengoku stepped aside, he took his place on the podium, facing the sea of people.
Listening to the still-roaring crowd of Marines, Michael reached out and tapped the microphone.
Then, he dragged his fingernail sharply across it.
Instantly, a screeching noise echoed throughout the venue.
Everyone reflexively covered their ears.
Even the Five Elders were no exception.
Michael flashed a slightly provocative smile into the air.
Gripping the microphone, he spoke.
"Most of you here know me, right?"
"Then there's no need for lengthy introductions. Since Fleet Admiral Sengoku has entrusted me with the position of Grand Inspector… well, with great power comes great responsibility."
"You've probably heard enough grand speeches from Fleet Admiral Sengoku over the years—no need for me to repeat them."
"So, I'll cut to the chase."
"You're all aware of the so-called 'Fish-Man Island and New World Gateway Joint Front,' right? Then you should also know that the Marine receives twenty percent of Fish-Man Island's annual trade profits."
"As the architect of this arrangement and the overseer of these profits, I hereby announce: starting today, all Marine salaries will increase by fifty percent! Additionally, a special year-end bonus will be awarded to those who distinguish themselves in service!"
The moment Michael opened his mouth, the entire venue fell silent—so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Michael was thoroughly pleased with the effect.
A cup of wine may redden the face, but only wealth truly moves the heart.
Who wouldn't be dazzled by a leader who starts off with raises and bonuses?
Seizing the moment of silence, Michael pressed his advantage.
"But starting today, I will also announce new disciplinary requirements for the Marines."
"Training materials will be printed and distributed to every Marine worldwide within seven days."
"Applaud if you understand!"
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