Vice Admiral Tsuru stood tall, her posture both firm and gentle.
She lifted her head slightly, glanced at Sengoku beside her, and gave him a reassuring look.
Then, she slowly turned her gaze to Gion.
Her eyes became warm yet stern, and she spoke in a steady, powerful voice.
"Gion, in this world where the strong prey on the weak, strength is crucial—it's like a sharp sword that can cut through thorns at critical moments. But you must understand, the affairs of this world aren't as simple as you think. Not all problems can be solved with the sword in your hand or through sheer power."
"Look at the vast ocean, hiding countless reefs and whirlpools. Some enemies won't confront you head-on but lurk in the shadows, using deceit and schemes to attack you. In such situations, relying solely on strength to charge forward recklessly is like sailing blindly through fog—you're likely to run aground and sink. Strategy, on the other hand, is like a bright lighthouse, guiding your way."
"Well-applied strategy is like skillfully arranging pieces on a chessboard, each move allowing you to seize the initiative. It enables you to achieve your goals without shedding a drop of blood, reaping far greater benefits than mere brute force."
"Moreover, some matters can't be resolved through strength alone. For instance, those hidden forces we just mentioned—they're like cunning foxes. If you use force to confront them head-on, they'll slip through your fingers like sand and may even retaliate fiercely, making the situation worse. This is what we call 'counterproductive.' Another example is the political issues between nations."
"And then there are individuals like Lancelot, who possess terrifying power. If you use hardline measures to target them, once they're pushed to the brink with no way out... could they become enemies standing against us?"
"Moreover, you must understand that when you sit in a high position and wield significant power, you become like a helmsman navigating the vast ocean, responsible for leading everyone forward. At such times, you must possess broad-mindedness to accommodate different voices. Everyone has their own thoughts and perspectives—you can't make decisions solely based on personal preferences. Take Admiral Akainu as an example!"
"If he followed your way of doing things, could he still have become an Admiral? Although Admiral Akainu's methods are firm, and sometimes he even crosses the line... his actions are all for upholding the Navy's justice and maintaining peace in this world. His presence is indispensable to the Marine Headquarters."
"So, if you wish to sit in that position, you must first learn to be tolerant and listen to different voices. Only then can you become a truly qualified leader."
Gion froze in place, her mind racing with thoughts.
Sakazuki hailed from the North Blue.
When he first joined the Navy, he was called a "monster."
Under the tutelage of former Admiral "Black Arm" Zephyr, and after obtaining the power of the Magma-Magma Fruit, he became even more formidable.
Upon becoming a Vice Admiral at Marine Headquarters, with independent authority, he began enforcing "Absolute Justice," dealing ruthlessly with anything that had the potential to become "evil."
Sometimes, in his efforts to combat pirates, he'd even attack civilians and colleagues alike.
Such a style was opposite to their Dove Faction.
Yet, after Sengoku assumed the position of Fleet Admiral, he still appointed Akainu as Admiral.
Why?
Because having Akainu as an Admiral posed the greatest deterrent to pirates.
For the entire Navy, it was necessary.
The benefits outweighed the drawbacks.
Thinking of this, Gion understood.
Lancelot was like Akainu back then—though his methods were different from theirs, and they found him disagreeable, his presence brought more benefits than drawbacks.
Thus, from a broader perspective, it was worthwhile.
....
Lancelot, with Basil Hawkins and Urouge in tow, followed closely behind Garp, swaggering through Marine Headquarters as if they owned the place.
The scene was like a unique and stunning spectacle, making them the center of attention at Marine Headquarters.
The Navy soldiers bustling about, originally occupied with their own tasks—some organizing documents, others polishing weapons, and some whispering about missions—all seemed frozen by an invisible force the moment this group appeared, turning their heads in unison to watch.
Garp, of course, was well-known among the Navy personnel as the famed Navy Hero.
His illustrious reputation echoed through every corner of Marine Headquarters.
Moreover, Garp often roamed around the headquarters.
His iconic figure, hearty laughter, and distinctive style were as familiar to the Marines as the daily rising sun.
So even when they encountered Garp on ordinary days, though they held respect in their hearts, they'd grown accustomed to his presence.
After saluting him, they'd simply return to their duties.
But today was different.
"Huh..."
A soft exclamation of surprise emerged from the crowd, like a stone tossed into a calm lake, drawing the attention of those nearby.
It turned out that some marines had spotted Basil Hawkins and Urouge.
Their distinctive appearances and auras made them stand out among the crowd.
Basil Hawkins' peculiar attire and his enigmatic, inscrutable expression seemed to conceal countless hidden secrets.
Urouge's massive, mountain-like physique radiated a wild, untamed energy.
Combined with the wings on his back and his mocking face, it was impossible not to notice them.
Thus, the marines recognized Basil Hawkins and Urouge's identities.
They were notorious pirates on the high seas!
This was the first time anyone at Marine Headquarters had witnessed pirates strolling casually through their halls.
Normally, even when the Marines' allies—the Warlords—came to Headquarters, they faced numerous restrictions.
The Warlords would arrive with specific missions, their movements strictly regulated.
They couldn't wander freely, let alone roam leisurely like these three.
The scene left the marines stunned.
For a moment, they even doubted their own eyes, thinking they must be seeing things.
They rubbed their eyes and looked again—indeed, pirates were casually walking through Marine Headquarters.
This illogical scenario left their minds struggling to process what they were seeing.
Some soldiers gaped, their mouths wide enough to fit a fist; others wore expressions of disbelief, their eyes filled with confusion and shock. still others whispered among themselves, quietly discussing what could possibly be happening.
"What's going on here? How can pirates be so casual in our Headquarters?" a young marine asked an older soldier beside him, his face full of confusion.
The veteran looked equally bewildered, scratching his head as he replied, "I don't know either. This is too strange—I've never seen anything like it."
Meanwhile, Lancelot, Basil Hawkins, and Urouge seemed unfazed by the marines' peculiar stares.
They continued following behind Garp with composed strides, touring Marine Headquarters as if it were their own territory.
If Basil Hawkins and Urouge hadn't been walking behind Vice Admiral Garp, the marines might've even launched an attack.
However, more people found their attention drawn as if by an invisible force, collectively focusing on Lancelot.
With just a quick glance, ripples of recognition spread through the crowd, as many identified who he was.
After all, over the past year, Lancelot had become the most popular and talked-about figure throughout the entire Marine organization.
Every month, the internal news within the Navy surges like the tide, and among it, the remarkable achievements of Lancelot always occupy a significant portion.
He once ventured alone into a perilous island infested with pirates and, relying on his extraordinary wisdom and terrifying strength, nearly wiped out the entire gang of wicked pirates on the island—and it was none other than an Emperor's Pirate Crew.
He also rescued two great kingdoms from the hands of the Warlords.
He governed the East Blue with such order and discipline that even after his departure, the region remained peaceful and prosperous.
It's said that even the nobles of the East Blue have become amiable, no longer resorting to violence or abuse toward the common people.
These heroic deeds, one after another, are destined to shine like brilliant stars, embedded in the long river of the Navy's history, earning the utmost admiration from all who hear of them.
Of course, amidst this wave of admiration, there are also some discordant notes.
A small minority resents Lancelot's practice of taking pirates under his command, believing it violates the Navy's longstanding principles and ideals.
In their view, pirates are heinous criminals who deserve the severest punishment, not easy acceptance.
However, even with such discontent in their hearts, they can't help but inwardly acknowledge the achievements and formidable strength Lancelot has demonstrated.
After all, in the military, strength and merit are undeniable currencies of value.
Lancelot's heroic performances and outstanding accomplishments on the battlefield stand like an insurmountable mountain, forcing them to admit his excellence.
It's worth noting that Lancelot's photos circulate widely within the Navy, and countless people have seen them.
Yet, those who have truly met him in person are few.
Thus, when Lancelot appeared before everyone in the flesh, the people on the scene froze as if under a paralysis spell, their minds blank, failing to react at first.
"Lancelot! It's Admiral Candidate Lancelot!"
While everyone was still in shock, someone in the crowd snapped to awareness.
His eyes widened, and his voice trembled with excitement as he exclaimed loudly.
This exclamation was like a stone thrown into calm water, stirring ripples.
The previously silent scene became noisy.
This shout acted as a signal, awakening all the Navy personnel present.
At this, even the other Navy members turned their gazes toward Lancelot, their eyes filled with admiration and reverence.
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