However, when Momousagi walked up the steps with elegant, confident strides, her delicate high heels touching the ground one after another, something strange happened.
The violent rain that had been raging without restraint seemed to encounter some mysterious force, and it bizarrely curved around her body.
Every drop of rain changed direction several inches away from her, as if an invisible shield had separated her from the brutal weather.
At her waist, the famous blade Konpira gave off a faint hum from within its sheath, like the low murmur of an ancient dragon awakening after a thousand years of sleep.
Along with that soft ringing, an invisible yet razor-sharp sword aura quietly spread outward.
That sword energy was like a solid blade, precisely cutting the heavy curtain of rain in half and forming a dry vacuum zone around her.
Within that small area, not a single drop of rain could enter. Even the moisture in the air was driven away completely.
Sengoku, standing high above to preside over the ceremony, was an old man who had weathered countless storms and always remained steady and wise, yet even he rarely allowed a faint smile to appear.
His eyes were filled with relief and expectation as he slowly handed out the final cloak, his voice loud and solemn.
"Gion… you have finally reached this step."
His tone carried both recognition of the hardships she had endured and expectation for the limitless possibilities ahead.
The instant the cloak settled lightly on Momousagi's shoulders, it seemed to trigger some mysterious mechanism.
Konpira slid three inches out of its sheath by itself.
In that instant, a terrifyingly sharp sword aura shot into the sky like a roaring dragon.
Wherever that powerful sword energy passed, even the thick storm clouds could not block it.
A gap was torn open by force.
Through that opening, brilliant sunlight poured down like a golden waterfall, perfectly enveloping the three newly appointed Admirals.
The almost miraculous phenomenon shook every Marine present.
As one, they straightened their backs and raised solemn salutes, their eyes filled with respect and awe.
"Next time, I'll definitely make it official too, Gion~"
At that moment, a teasing voice suddenly broke the solemn atmosphere.
It was Chaton, Tokikake.
This man, who was usually careless and always had a toothpick in his mouth, had somehow slipped into the reporters' area.
He excitedly flashed a V-sign at the Visual Transponder Snail, his face covered in an easygoing grin.
The bubble gum he had blown popped with a sharp smack, and the sticky mess landed perfectly on the face of an Eternal Divine Kingdom spy in front of the lens, drawing laughter from the people nearby.
Momousagi heard the voice and, without even turning her head, flicked out a sharp sword slash.
The sword energy moved like lightning and sliced half of the chair Chaton was sitting on with perfect accuracy.
She said coldly, "Fix that sloppy look of yours first, Admiral Candidate."
Her words were light, but they carried unquestionable authority.
Immediately after, the heavy rain poured down again.
Raindrops the size of beans struck the ground hard, splashing water everywhere and sending ripples spreading across the puddles.
But by then, no one had any attention left to spare for the weather.
Their gazes had all been drawn to the tense and thrilling scenes before them.
Sengoku's eyes slowly swept across the six Admirals.
Magellan radiated a terrifying poison mist.
Kizaru was surrounded by dazzling light.
Aokiji left ice and snow wherever he stood.
Fujitora controlled a heavy field of gravity.
Ryokugyu gave off a dark, forest-like pressure.
And Momousagi stood with her blade, sword intent cutting freely through the air.
Finally, Sengoku's gaze fell on the strategic map.
On it, the blue markers representing the Eternal Divine Kingdom were spreading across the Grand Line at a terrifying speed.
The situation was becoming more severe by the moment.
The new fighting force born today was undoubtedly the first blade the World Government had thrown into this storm, carrying everyone's hopes and mission.
...
Marine Headquarters.
Supreme Strategy Conference Room.
Outside, the world was shrouded beneath a relentless storm. The rain poured down endlessly, as though the curtain of water had no end.
Heavy dark clouds hung in the sky like an enormous slab of lead, pressing so low they seemed almost within reach.
The pressure was overwhelming, as if those clouds could at any moment come crashing down with enough force to crush Marineford's towering spires.
The moment one entered the conference room, the tense and solemn atmosphere could be felt immediately.
Six Marine Admirals wearing cloaks of justice sat neatly around the wide round table.
Each of them had a serious expression and firm eyes, radiating an aura that inspired awe.
Opposite them, Fleet Admiral Sengoku sat in silence.
Behind him, a massive sea chart stood out sharply.
That sea chart had once represented the Marines' control and planning over the seas.
But now, the blue markers representing the Eternal Divine Kingdom were spreading wildly across it like evil vines, already corroding nearly one-third of the area.
The situation was hanging by a thread.
Just then, the hot-tempered Magellan suddenly swung his fist and slammed it heavily onto the table.
The force of his rage made the tabletop tremble.
At the same time, poison from his body splashed out, instantly burning black scars into the solid wooden surface.
His face flushed red as he roared hoarsely,
"Launch a Buster Call directly! Blast Onigashima into garbage! Let those bastards who dare challenge our authority learn their lesson!"
Beside him, Kizaru still looked as careless as ever.
He leaned lazily against the back of his chair, his long fingers deftly trimming his nails as he chuckled lightly.
"How scary~"
As he moved, dazzling photons danced happily around his fingertips, flashing with a charming light.
"After all, the other side isn't exactly ordinary. The Four Emperors were already monsters to begin with, and now they have Germa's advanced technology supporting them… If we act recklessly, we might suffer a very strong backlash, you know."
He narrowed his eyes slightly, a trace of caution showing within them.
Aokiji slowly lifted the coffee cup in front of him and took a small sip.
In the next instant, a biting frost spread from his fingertips, quickly forming a thin white layer across the outside of the cup.
He said calmly,
"Arara~ In my opinion, we should cut off their supply lines first."
As he spoke, his finger moved elegantly across the diagram of the North Blue sea routes, his gaze focused and deep.
"Especially the transportation channels Germa uses to move clone soldiers. That is one of their key lifelines."