Sengoku's words struck like a heavy explosion in the hearts of every Marine present.
If not for their strict discipline, the entire plaza might have already fallen into chaos.
Countless thoughts surged through their minds.
"Why? Fleet Admiral Sengoku is not that old, why step down now?"
"So he is really resigning?"
"That means Admiral Kuzan is being promoted, no wonder he had no epaulets."
"I fully support Admiral Kuzan becoming Fleet Admiral!"
"I have no objections to Kuzan taking over!"
Yet, not everyone shared the same thoughts.
Among the Vice Admirals, darker opinions surfaced.
Onigumo narrowed his eyes coldly. "Hmph, this is all because of that damned Rolan. Otherwise, Kuzan would never have taken this position."
Doberman frowned deeply. "Kuzan's rise came at the cost of Sakazuki's fall."
Sengoku's steady voice continued to echo across the plaza.
"I am no longer fit to lead the Marines. My strength has declined, and the burden of this position requires someone stronger.
"I believe Kuzan will guide the Marines into a new era."
After finishing, he handed the Transponder Snail to Kuzan.
Kuzan took it, scratching his head slightly, clearly not used to such a formal moment.
After a brief pause, he began speaking.
"Ah... I am Kuzan. It is an honor to take on the role of Fleet Admiral.
"I know some of you may not agree with this decision, or may have doubts about me.
"But I will do everything I can to prove myself.
"I will do my best to lead the Marines toward becoming what they are meant to be.
"And moving forward, I hope you will all continue to guide me with your advice."
His tone was calm, lacking force, yet sincere enough to reach the hearts of many.
Below the platform, Tsuru narrowed her eyes slightly.
She turned to Monkey D. Garp. "There have been rumors that Kuzan once met Rolan in private. What do you think?"
Garp paused for a moment, then burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, I am not just defending my disciple. Everyone here knows Kuzan's character.
"In your eyes, in my eyes, in Sengoku's eyes, and even in the hearts of those soldiers, he is a true Marine.
"No matter who he faces, even Rolan, he would never abandon his beliefs."
Tsuru fell into thought.
If there was one person in this world who posed the greatest threat, it was undoubtedly Rolan.
In the eyes of many Marines and civilians, he was the most dangerous existence alive.
She trusted Kuzan's character.
But if the public ever learned that Kuzan had interacted with Rolan, the consequences would be severe.
The credibility of the Marines could collapse.
"If someone spreads that rumor, it will cause serious trouble for Kuzan."
Garp waved it off casually. "Relax. Even we have only heard rumors. There is no proof.
"No one would believe it."
He had crossed paths with Rolan more than once.
From what he had seen, Rolan did not act like a typical pirate.
He did not burn villages, plunder wealth, or oppress civilians.
In fact, along the islands he had passed through, people spoke highly of him.
What stood out most was what he did during the Marineford War.
He shook the very foundation of the world and openly declared war on the World Government.
And from his words, it was clear he was not acting out of selfish ambition.
Garp glanced at Tsuru and asked, "Tell me honestly, do you think Rolan is evil?"
Tsuru was caught off guard.
"Of course pirates are evil.
"He attacked the Celestial Dragons as soon as he set sail and injured Kizaru.
"He took control of nations and even moved entire islands.
"He also injured many Marine soldiers.
"And during Marineford, he..."
Her voice trailed off.
The more she spoke, the more uncertain she became.
None of those actions clearly defined evil.
As a strategist, she knew exactly what kind of atrocities the Celestial Dragons were capable of.
Even Marines had struggled to tolerate them at times.
Kizaru had been injured while protecting them.
As for the nations Rolan took, reports suggested their people were now living more freely.
The clashes with Marines had largely been defensive.
And the war he declared was aimed at ending the cycle of conflict in this world.
Seen from that perspective, Rolan did not resemble an enemy of justice.
If anything, he stood closer to it than most.
Garp noticed her shifting expression and let out a low chuckle.
"You see it too, don't you?"
He looked up at the sky, his tone growing heavier.
"Just like Donquixote Doflamingo said, justice and evil are defined by those who win.
"People without their own judgment will always be led by those in power.
"As for what this world will become, all we can do is watch."
Tsuru's eyes widened slightly.
She had not expected such clarity from someone who often acted so carefree.
In the end, she said nothing more.
At that moment, Sengoku's voice rang out again.
"We will now proceed with the Fleet Admiral handover ceremony!"
Footsteps echoed once more.
A tall, broad-shouldered elder stepped onto the platform.
Many younger Marines looked confused.
But among the older generation, recognition sparked instantly.
Kong.
The former Fleet Admiral, now serving as Commander-in-Chief.
A man who stood at the very peak of the Marines.
Kuzan and Sengoku both saluted him, and he returned the gesture.
Sengoku spoke, "Bring it forward."
A Marine soldier stepped onto the platform carrying a tray covered in red silk.
Resting on it were a pair of epaulets, symbols of the Fleet Admiral rank.
Kong picked one up and stepped in front of Kuzan.
Kuzan straightened slightly.
With steady hands, Kong pinned the epaulet onto Kuzan's left shoulder.
Then the right.
Once finished, Kuzan stood tall and saluted again.
For a brief moment, silence lingered.
Then the entire plaza erupted.
A deafening roar of cheers surged into the sky.
"OOOOHHHHHH!"
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