Sengoku looked at the Marines below, their momentum soaring, and smiled inwardly. The morale now largely stemmed from Good's actions a few days earlier. Sengoku, as a leader, truly knew how to grasp the hearts of men. The soldiers' spirits remained high, every one of them fully prepared for the coming war.
This was exactly what he wanted—to strike while the iron was hot, to change the world's balance today.
Suppressing his thoughts, Sengoku raised his hand. The Marine soldiers immediately quieted down.
"Everyone! Those of you present today are the elite of the Marines, the very best of our ranks!"
"Today, we fight for the peace of the world!"
The Marines roared back in unison.
"For the peace of the world!"
"For happiness!"
"For the happiness of all people!!"
Their voices thundered across the plaza. Sengoku was pleased. When the noise subsided, he continued:
"This time, our Marines have dispatched 100,000 elite soldiers. Vice Admiral Wang Chun holds the center army to stabilize the line! And not only the forces of Marine Headquarters—our external support comes from the Shichibukai!"
As his words fell, the Seven Warlords of the Sea began to appear one after another. Each had their own unique presence, renowned as powerful figures upon the seas.
But the one who drew the most attention was the world's most beautiful woman—Hancock.
The Empress of Amazon Lily, her curvaceous figure clad in a cheongsam-like dress, exuded irresistible charm.
The sight left the soldiers below stunned, their eyes wide, some even heart-shaped.
"The Empress is so beautiful!"
"This is the first time I've seen her. The title of world's most beautiful woman isn't an exaggeration!"
"I wonder what kind of man could make her heart beat…"
Standing on the high wall, Hancock raised her head proudly. With her signature 90-degree pose, she pointed at the Marines below and declared coldly:
"Your filthy stares are disgusting! The only man worthy of looking at me is Admiral Good!"
The soldiers froze. Just moments earlier, they had wondered what kind of man could move her heart. Her answer stunned them all.
They felt a pang of heartbreak, but also found it reasonable. Indeed, only a man like Admiral Good, shrouded in glory, could be worthy of someone like Hancock.
After her, the world's greatest swordsman, Mihawk, appeared. He ignored the gazes directed at him, his expression cold and unchanged.
Previously, he had considered testing Good, but Kaido's escape disrupted those plans. Watching Good wield dual blades in combination with his Devil Fruit powers to defeat Kaido, Mihawk understood. Pure swordsmanship was one matter, but in a fight to the death, he would lose to Good. Thus, he no longer sought such a clash.
After Mihawk came Jinbe. Then Kuma. To most, Jinbe was a man of few words, and his ability mysterious. Of course, only Good knew of Kuma's Revolutionary Army ties.
Soon after, Moria and Kuma took the stage as well. Compared to Hancock and Mihawk, their presence was less striking, their names far less resounding.
With the Warlords assembled, the Marines' high command stood complete.
On the platform, Sengoku cleared his throat and declared:
"Next, our strongest force—the Admirals—will take the stage!!"
The crowd erupted in deafening cheers.
"The Admirals are coming out!"
"The Reckless Admiral!"
Voices overlapped. A hundred thousand soldiers shouted in unison, their roar shaking the very heavens. Even an emperor would be moved.
Kuzan, Borsalino, and Sakazuki appeared, slowly taking their seats.
But in the midst of the crowd's chants, none of their names were heard. Only Good's.
The three admirals felt awkward. Though they didn't show it on their faces, inside they were unsettled.
"Yo! Good sure is popular," Borsalino muttered with his crooked smile.
Kuzan stayed silent, pretending not to care.
Sakazuki snorted coldly, clearly displeased.
Behind them, on a slightly higher platform, sat three seats reserved for Good, the Marine Admiral and Hero.
This alone made it clear: to Sengoku, to the admirals, and to the entire high command, Good already stood above them all.
Though his title was the same, his status had surpassed that of an admiral.
Below, some soldiers grew restless.
"Huh? Where's the Reckless Admiral?"
"Why hasn't he appeared?"
"What's going on?"
"The three admirals are here—where's Good?"
"Why hasn't he come?"
The murmurs spread. In an army of 100,000, even rare troublemakers were numerous. Their questions reached the ears of the admirals, who were left speechless.
Sakazuki's irritation grew.
We're admirals too! Can't you treat us equally? Why only cheer for that reckless man?
But they all kept their thoughts to themselves, remaining silent.
In the corner below, Garp laughed.
"Good thing I'm not an admiral. Otherwise, I'd be even more embarrassed than them."
At his side, Tsuru gave him a sharp glance.
"Good is a Marine Hero. You're a Marine Hero too. Compare his reputation to yours."
Garp was left speechless.
(End of Chapter)
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