At this moment, Zephyr stood up.
"Fleet Admiral, I have decided to resign from my position as Admiral."
As soon as he spoke, everyone in the room looked at Zephyr in shock.
"Admiral Zephyr, don't be rash!"
"That's right! You are still young! This incident was not your fault!"
Even Kong said, "Zephyr, do not blame yourself. This matter was not your fault."
Especially since Zephyr had lost an arm because of it. Under no circumstances should Zephyr be the one to bear the blame.
Zephyr shook his head and said to everyone, "You all know that having lost an arm, I am no longer qualified to remain as an Admiral."
"Admirals are the Marines' greatest military power, not a place to shelter the disabled or useless."
"After fighting El, I realized one thing: our generation has no hope of defeating El anymore."
"If the Marines wish to continue to rise in the future, we must cultivate more talented people."
"I intend to dedicate the rest of my life to Marine training, to pave a new path for the future of the Marines."
Hearing Zephyr's words, his former students—Kizaru, Akainu, and others—were deeply moved.
Kong also nodded. "Zephyr… if that is truly your wish, then so be it."
"Step down from the position of Admiral for now, but you will retain all your privileges and benefits."
"Alright!"
Kong stood up and addressed everyone. "That is the end of this matter. You may all leave."
Black Horse naturally wanted to investigate further, but Kong's intention was clear: he would not hold anyone accountable. Sengoku and the others would keep their positions.
Black Horse walked out with a dark expression.
"Sengoku, stay behind. I have something to discuss with you."
Kong stopped Sengoku.
Once everyone else had left, Kong looked at Sengoku.
And spoke words that completely took Sengoku by surprise.
"Sengoku, I have decided to recommend you as the next Fleet Admiral of the Marines."
"WHAT???"
Sengoku looked up sharply, staring at Kong in shock.
He had originally thought that since he had botched the mission, he would be reprimanded, or even suspended from duty!
Sengoku stared at Kong in disbelief.
But Kong continued, "There is news that I am being promoted to Commander-in-Chief."
"When that happens, my position as Fleet Admiral will become vacant."
"I have thought it through, and you are the most suitable person for the job."
Sengoku asked in confusion, "But… regarding the recent mission…"
Kong replied calmly, "Regardless of the circumstances back then, your choice saved the lives of four of the Marines' top-tier powerhouses."
"If you hadn't, the Marines would now be left with no capable leaders and would decline even further."
Kong said seriously, "Remember, no matter how strong El is, there will always be new challengers who rise up in the future."
"And the Marines must never act recklessly or throw their lives away. Do you understand?"
Meeting Kong's stern gaze, Sengoku nodded. "I will do my best."
"Good."
Kong nodded in satisfaction and turned to leave.
…
Meanwhile, rumors began to spread across the seas.
Legend had it that the great pirate El had gained the power of eternal youth and immortality.
And in his hands, he held the secret to granting similar powers to others.
As long as one joined El's crew and served him with absolute loyalty, there was a chance to gain eternal youth, just like him.
Although it was nothing more than an unverified rumor, it still caused countless people to rush toward him in droves.
In the Kingdom of Dressrosa… El was reading the newspaper.
Many significant events had taken place recently.
For example, the Red-Haired Pirates had entered the New World, becoming one of the most powerful forces there.
Jinbe had recently accepted an invitation to join the Marines and had become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
The balance of power in the world was shifting.
Newspapers had grouped the most powerful pirate crews together and collectively named them the "Emperors of the Sea".
There were many pirates recognized as such.
First was Edward Newgate—Whitebeard—a great pirate from the same era as the Pirate King, Roger.
Then there was the rising star, Red-Haired Shanks.
"Big Mom", Charlotte Linlin.
"Kaido of the Beasts".
"The Flying Pirate", Shiki the Golden Lion.
And finally, the most low-key yet universally acknowledged strongest pirate… El!
To be fair, El was not low-key at all in the eyes of the World Government.
Attacking the Holy Land Mary Geoise, assaulting Marine Headquarters, seizing the Op-Op Fruit… none of those actions could be considered low-key.
However, the media viewed things differently.
Ever since the start of the "New Era", countless pirates had rushed out to sea. Every few days, brilliant new rookies would appear.
Meanwhile, Kaido, Charlotte Linlin, and Whitebeard were constantly rampaging across the New World, flaunting their immense power.
Compared to them, El, who rarely made public moves, appeared far more low-key.
Yet, whether it was the Marines or the established veteran pirates, no one would forget the figure who stood at the very summit.
In the newspapers, to better define the various powers of the world, forces were divided into several categories:
The Three Admirals, The Seven Warlords of the Sea, and The Four (now Six) Emperors of the Sea.
Among them, the pirates' power base was vastly superior to that of the Marines. There was simply no way to maintain a balance.
For instance, there were now a total of six Emperors ruling the sea!
With so many powerhouses, how could the Marines—who had only three top-tier combatants—possibly cope?
Of course, there were also those who refused to acknowledge the title of "Emperor of the Sea".
Ever since news broke that the World Government and the press had jointly created the title "Emperor of the Sea", countless pirates were filled with excitement and motivation.
Becoming the Pirate King was a distant dream, but becoming an Emperor of the Sea was a goal that could be pursued right now!
Consequently, many reckless and ignorant rookies set out to challenge Whitebeard and the others.
Unfortunately for them… There were only a few possible outcomes:
Becoming a subordinate of one of the Emperors, fleeing with their tails between their legs… or dying at sea.
Back in the Holy Land, Mary Geoise. Inside the Supreme Conference Room… Kong was still seated in the central position.
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