"Fleet Admiral Sengoku resigns, new Fleet Admiral Kuzan!"
"I didn't expect Sengoku to actually step down from his position as Fleet Admiral," Kuro said with a sigh.
As soon as he spoke, everyone who had been discussing bounty posters turned their attention to him.
"Nani? Why would he give up such a powerful position?" Enel frowned, clearly unable to understand.
In his eyes, the Fleet Admiral commanded the entire Marine force and stood at the very top. It was a position countless people desired but could never reach, yet Sengoku had abandoned it willingly.
Crocodile let out a cold snort. "Hmph, some positions are not as simple as they seem."
Enel raised a brow. "If you were Fleet Admiral, would you resign?"
"Cough, of course not," Crocodile replied, his tone slightly stiff.
"Then stop acting like you understand it so well."
A faint chuckle came from the side as Issho spoke calmly, "In my opinion, Sengoku's resignation is likely tied to the Marineford War."
Kuro nodded. "That makes sense. Sengoku has always had a strong reputation within the Marines and cares deeply about his subordinates. More importantly, he values civilian lives and truly works for the people.
"But the Marines are ultimately just a tool of the World Government. Any major decision requires their approval. Worse, they are sometimes forced to carry out orders that go against morality itself.
"For someone like Sengoku, enduring that for so long must have taken its toll. Now that Kuzan, who represents a more just form of justice, is here, stepping down might be his way of escaping that burden."
Trafalgar D. Water Law crossed his arms thoughtfully. "If even Sengoku, the so-called Tactician, couldn't endure it any longer, then the World Government must be far worse than we imagined. And this system has lasted for over 800 years."
"Yeahahaha! I wonder what it feels like to sit on the Empty Throne," Enel laughed wildly, his imagination already running free.
...
New World, Marine G1 Branch.
Almost all Marines who had participated in the Marineford War had gathered here. The massive plaza in front of the base was packed with soldiers, easily numbering over fifty thousand.
Despite the crowd, silence dominated the area. Even the faint rustle of the wind brushing against their uniforms could be heard.
Every Marine stood upright, their expressions filled with anticipation.
They were not gathered for battle.
They were here to witness history.
Tap, tap, tap.
The sound of footsteps echoed across the silent plaza.
All eyes turned toward the raised platform.
Two figures soon appeared.
On the left stood Sengoku, broad-shouldered, wearing round glasses and a braided beard beneath his chin, his Marine cap bearing the iconic seagull emblem.
On the right stood Kuzan, tall and relaxed, dressed in a white vest over a dark blue shirt. His Marine cloak draped over his shoulders, with a green eye mask resting on his forehead.
The moment they appeared, excitement rippled through the crowd.
Then confusion followed.
Many Marines noticed something strange.
Kuzan's shoulder bore no rank insignia.
Not even the lowest-ranked officer would appear without one.
Whispers filled their minds, though no one dared to speak aloud.
Is Admiral Kuzan being demoted?
No, that cannot be right.
Is he about to become Fleet Admiral?
That must be it.
Still, the plaza remained disciplined and silent.
They all knew the answer would come from Sengoku himself.
Sengoku looked over the formation and gave a slight nod.
He reached out, and a nearby soldier quickly handed him a Transponder Snail.
After clearing his throat, his voice rang across the plaza, amplified and carried to every Marine branch.
"Marines, I am Sengoku. Today, we gather for an important announcement."
Below the platform stood two familiar figures, Monkey D. Garp and Tsuru.
Garp tossed a senbei into his mouth, chewing loudly.
Crunch, crunch.
"I'm happy for him," Garp said.
Tsuru glanced at him. "Of course you are. Your disciple is about to become Fleet Admiral."
Garp shook his head with a grin. "I'm happy Kuzan made it, but I'm happier for Sengoku."
Tsuru studied him for a moment, then turned her gaze back to the platform.
"You have both been waiting for this day for a long time, haven't you?"
"Hahaha, as expected of you," Garp replied, though his laughter carried a hint of weariness.
Tsuru's expression softened slightly.
She understood better than most how heavy the burden of leadership within the Marines truly was. The Marines served justice, but they also served the World Government.
"You are both simply stepping away from it," she said quietly.
Garp's smile faltered for a brief moment before returning, now tinged with helplessness.
"We are getting old. We have done what we can. It is time to let the younger generation take over."
Tsuru said nothing more.
She knew they were right.
And yet, she also knew what awaited Kuzan.
Above them, Sengoku's voice continued to echo.
"Effective immediately, I will step down as Fleet Admiral of the Marines."
A brief pause followed.
Then, with absolute clarity, he declared,
"Kuzan will succeed me as the new Fleet Admiral."
Silence fell over the plaza for a split second.