"Could it be an unknown Devil Fruit? Or perhaps some kind of special armor ability?"
Fleet Admiral Sengoku muttered thoughtfully.
Whenever people encountered an unknown power, they naturally tried to explain it through the logic of Devil Fruits.
"Hm… it could even be a Paramecia we have never documented before."
Vice Admiral Tsuru calmly shook her head.
"Sengoku, there's no need to overthink it."
"Remember one thing."
"Saint Roselith Seraphina is one of us."
Tsuru had no intention of dwelling on the source of Seraphina's mysterious armor.
Whether it came from a Devil Fruit, a unique ability, or something completely unknown was ultimately irrelevant.
Her character was beyond reproach.
Her loyalty to justice had already been proven.
More importantly…
She was a member of one of the highest-ranking Celestial Dragon families.
Anyone in the world might betray the Government one day.
But Saint Roselith Seraphina?
That possibility was almost nonexistent.
Sengoku nodded.
"You're right."
"No matter where that power comes from, she remains a Marine."
"And a member of the Roselith Family."
"So long as she stands with justice, the source of that strength isn't something we need to investigate."
Unless he himself chose to rebel against the World Government…
Their interests would always align.
Sengoku had no intention of doing such a thing.
His own justice would never allow it.
After organizing the documents on his desk, he finally spoke.
"Promote Saint Roselith Seraphina to Vice Admiral."
His tone left no room for discussion.
"In terms of merit, strength, leadership, and achievements…"
"No one is more qualified."
Even if she had only just turned twenty-one…
Even if she would become one of the youngest Vice Admirals in Marine history…
No one within Headquarters could deny that she had earned the promotion.
Tsuru smiled.
"I have no objections."
"However…"
"What codename will she use?"
Every famous Marine Vice Admiral eventually acquired a codename.
Not only did it distinguish them throughout the Navy…
It also protected their family's identity from unnecessary attention.
Sengoku considered the question for a few moments before replying,
"Let her choose it herself."
"It is only proper."
"As both a Marine and a member of the Roselith Family, she deserves that respect."
Having reached a decision, Sengoku signed the appointment papers before personally leaving his office.
Someone who had fought Whitebeard head-on deserved to receive her promotion directly from the Fleet Admiral himself.
Knock.
Knock.
"Come in."
Click.
The door slowly opened.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku?"
Saint Roselith Seraphina looked at him with mild surprise.
She had never expected Sengoku himself to visit her hospital room.
Although she often described him in her mind as an old fox…
She genuinely respected him.
Unlike many officials within the World Government, Sengoku still possessed his own sense of justice.
He always considered the interests of the Marines and innocent civilians before making difficult decisions.
Even when he used people as pieces on the chessboard…
He did so for the greater stability of the seas.
That alone earned her respect.
"How are you feeling?"
Sengoku pulled over a chair and sat beside the hospital bed.
He placed a bouquet of fresh flowers on the nearby table before speaking.
"I've been better."
"But I'll recover."
"Thank you for visiting, Fleet Admiral."
Seraphina smiled faintly.
She noticed the folder still resting in Sengoku's hand.
Clearly…
This wasn't merely a courtesy visit.
Seeing that she had noticed, Sengoku nodded.
"Besides visiting you…"
"I've also come on official business."
He handed the document to her.
"This is your official appointment."
"Our discussion has concluded."
"You are hereby promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral."
For a brief moment, Sengoku quietly observed the silver-haired young woman before him.
Even after several days of recovery, her elegant appearance remained breathtaking.
He suddenly sighed inwardly.
"I wonder which lucky brat will someday win this girl's heart…"
Seraphina accepted the document.
Because of her blindness, Sengoku had thoughtfully arranged for the important contents to be engraved in Braille.
She slowly traced each line with her fingertips.
After reading everything carefully…
She placed the appointment letter neatly across the blanket.
"What codename have you chosen?"
Sengoku asked.
Without much hesitation, Seraphina answered,
"Shirayasha."
Sengoku blinked.
"Shirayasha…"
"The White Yaksha?"
He repeated the name thoughtfully.
It carried an imposing yet elegant feeling.
Cold.
Mysterious.
Powerful.
It suited her perfectly.
A smile appeared on Sengoku's face.
"Very well."
"From this day onward…"
"Your official Marine codename shall be…"
Vice Admiral Shirayasha.
He nodded in satisfaction.
"It has quite a nice ring to it."
Marine Headquarters Press Office"Captain!"
"Can the Navy finally reveal the identity of the Marine who fought Whitebeard?"
A reporter immediately stood and asked.
The Marine captain responsible for public affairs maintained a perfectly expressionless face.
"No comment."
Without authorization from Fleet Admiral Sengoku…
He could reveal absolutely nothing.
Although nearly everyone within Marine Headquarters already knew Saint Roselith Seraphina's identity…
Official secrecy remained in effect.
Another reporter quickly followed.
"Can you at least tell us which Marine force carried out the operation against the Whitebeard Pirates?"
"I'm sorry."
"No comment."
The captain repeated his answer without changing expression.
At that moment…
The conference room doors opened.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku entered.
The atmosphere immediately exploded.
Ever since news of the battle against Whitebeard had spread across the seas…
Public opinion toward the Marines had changed dramatically.
The organization that had recently been criticized by countless newspapers had suddenly become the symbol of justice capable of confronting one of the Four Emperors.
Every newspaper…
Every intelligence agency…
Every nation wanted to know the identity of the mysterious Marine.
Seeing Sengoku arrive, reporters surged forward.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"
"Was it really Vice Admiral Garp who fought Whitebeard?"
"Who was the mysterious silver-haired Marine?"
"What is Vice Admiral Shirayasha's real identity?"
"Can the Navy confirm the reports?"
Sengoku raised one hand.
The room gradually became quiet.
"My friends from the press…"
"You've all heard about the recent battle between the Marines and the Whitebeard Pirates."
"That information is correct."
"The Marines successfully intercepted the Whitebeard Pirates during an operation in the New World."
"Our objective was accomplished."
"This was a victory for the Marines."
"A victory for justice."
He paused before continuing.
"The principal officers who carried out the operation were…"
"Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp."
"And…"
"Vice Admiral Shirayasha."
The entire conference hall erupted.
"Vice Admiral Garp?!"
"The Hero of the Marines participated?!"
"But…"
"Who is Vice Admiral Shirayasha?"
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"
"Is Vice Admiral Shirayasha a newly promoted Vice Admiral?"
"What is Vice Admiral Shirayasha's real name?"
"Can the Navy provide any information?"
Sengoku remained completely composed.
"I'm afraid…"
"Anything beyond today's announcement is classified military information."
"We have no further comment."
"This press conference is now concluded."
"Thank you all for coming."
Without waiting for additional questions, Sengoku turned and walked away.
He had already achieved his objective.
The world now knew the name…
Vice Admiral Shirayasha.
Soon enough…
The world itself would witness the face behind that name.
The silver-haired Marine who had crossed blades with Whitebeard.
The future pillar of Marine Headquarters.
As Sengoku disappeared behind the doors, countless reporters hurriedly scribbled down the same headline.
Vice Admiral Shirayasha…
Who exactly is this mysterious Marine capable of standing against Whitebeard?
WE ARE CURRENTLY ON CHAPTER 191 ON PATREON.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCED CHAPTERS BEFORE PUBLIC RELEASE OR PURCHASE THE BOOK FOR LIFETIME ACCESS!
Patreon.com/HACKDWORLD