The matters of salary increases and worldwide recruitment were officially announced after Michael's declaration.
The specific details and implementation methods would naturally be handled by others.
As for Michael, he was savoring the expressions the Five Elders had when they left—especially Jaygarcia Saturn, whose face was a masterpiece of modern abstract art.
Michael knew they would inevitably throw obstacles in his and the Marine's way in the future...
But this confrontation also proved they were a bunch of shameless politicians.
Though arrogant and lacking the wisdom accumulated over their long lives, they at least understood some bureaucratic maneuvering.
Dealing with politicians and dealing with the strong were two entirely different paths.
But for now, these matters would have to take a backseat...
Michael now had to draft a new set of Marine regulations that roughly fit the circumstances of the One piece World...
Of course, no one said Marine regulations could only be used by the Marine, right?
Imagine it—when the Marine and the Revolutionary Army, two forces walking different paths, finally converged and discovered their military discipline, conduct, and even slogans were identical...
Merging probably wouldn't take much effort.
...
"The Marine Headquarters held a promotion ceremony for the new Fleet Admiral and Three Admirals!? So suddenly?"
Doflamingo looked at the World Economic News in his hands with surprised expression.
What shocked him was how early and abrupt this announcement was.
As a former Celestial Dragon, he still had many internal channels to World Government information.
Yet even he hadn't received the news firsthand—meaning...
This decision came from higher up.
Namely, the Five Elders.
"Tsk tsk tsk, what exactly are these old bastards planning?"
But when he saw the promotions for the SWORD Classified Special Forces in the report, he sighed subconsciously.
Losing to Michael and this group of elites... though frustrating, it wasn't unjust.
Then, as he flipped the page, his eyes landed on the propaganda piece about worldwide recruitment.
Even Doflamingo sucked in a sharp breath.
This was... an open scheme by the Five Elders!
Were they really trying to push the Marine to the brink of division to keep it firmly under their control?
But would Michael let these old farts have their way?
He absolutely didn't believe it.
And now, Michael was the Marine's Grand Inspector—his authority had risen to a whole new level.
This was actually the development that affected Doflamingo the most...
If Michael was busy as Grand Inspector, wouldn't that mean... he'd have less time to focus on him?
Then his grand plan of rebellion could proceed smoothly, right?
"Fufufu, seems sending Rosinante to infiltrate Michael's ranks was a wise move after all."
Actually, Doflamingo had initially suspected Rosinante—the timing of his appearance was just too coincidental.
But over time, those doubts gradually faded.
Now, seeing the list of the SWORD Classified Special Forces in the newspaper… he became completely certain that Rosinante was still his man.
Even if he really was a Marine, or even a member of the SWORD Classified Special Forces, so what?
At this moment of utmost honor, he was nowhere to be seen… If not now, when else would he rebel?!
...
"Not announcing Rosinante's promotion ceremony was a decision made after careful consideration between me and the old man Sengoku."
Michael sat in the conference room, looking at the solemn members of the SWORD Classified Special Forces.
"Keeping his identity hidden, maintaining multiple layers of cover—this maximizes the benefits for both his operations and his safety."
"Of course, he's been promoted as well. Though it can't be publicly announced, I can declare it before you all."
"Rosinante, member of the SWORD Classified Special Forces, codename 'Adamantite,' is hereby exceptionally promoted to Rear Admiral of the Marine Headquarters, responsible for the economic oversight of Fish-Man Island's trade profits, the City of Gold and the Jewel Iceberg."
"Naturally, this matter is for your knowledge only. Externally, especially to Doflamingo, he remains a Marine Lieutenant stationed at the Alabasta branch."
After speaking, Michael turned his gaze to Hancock, Sandersonia, and Marigold.
"You three... have you passed the physical combat assessment yet?"
"Who do you think we are? Of course we passed!" Hancock declared proudly. "Not only did we pass, but I've fully mastered Life Return!"
Michael looked up, slightly surprised.
The "physical combat assessment" he mentioned was an internal examination established by the SWORD Classified Special Forces.
Primarily, it was to lay the foundation for those who hadn't yet consumed Devil Fruits.
Passing the assessment... signified mastery and fluid application of the Marine's Six Powers.
Though the Six Powers aren't overwhelmingly powerful techniques, they are the most suitable foundational martial arts in the entire Pirate King World.
They emphasize being fundamental yet comprehensive.
Michael could even discern that Hancock had already begun to develop traces of Armament Haki.
Such are the benefits of the Six Powers.
"In that case, I shall now bestow upon you the Devil Fruits that were long overdue."
As Michael finished speaking, Robin hurried to a nearby storage chest and retrieved three Devil Fruits.
Following the labels Michael had prepared, she placed each one before the three sisters.
"Devil Fruits... for us?"
Hancock, Sandersonia, and Marigold exchanged glances before opening the boxes before them.
Inside lay three Devil Fruits, resting quietly.
Before Marigold was the Paramecia-type "Power-Power Fruit," obtained from Gan Fall.
Sandersonia held another Paramecia-type fruit from Gan Fall, the "Speed-Speed Fruit."
One for strength, one for speed—perfectly matching the innate talents of the two younger girls.
And placed before Hancock was, naturally, the "Love-Love Fruit."
This fruit was a match made in heaven for Hancock, both in terms of power and compatibility.
In the original timeline, she was forced to eat this fruit out of desperation as a slave.
Now, Hancock consuming this fruit was a reward for her diligent training.
It was the foundation for her future role as one of the Marine's pillars.
"Love-Love Fruit? Huh, sounds like something the Charlotte Family would eat."
Being the excessively curious child she was, Hancock had pestered Michael to tell them about Whole Cake Island.
"Well, it just sounds similar in name... but in reality, they're worlds apart."
Michael shrugged and was about to continue when...
"Gulp!"
Without hesitation, the three sisters bit into the Devil Fruits before them.
Almost instantly, their faces turned visibly green...
"Were you in that much of a hurry?"
"I was going to say this stuff tastes awful, and if you'd like me to prepare some cola or drinks to wash it down... but seems unnecessary now."
"Of course we need it, you bastard!"