Twenty minutes later, top floor of the Headquarters building.
The redwood door symbolizing the Marines' highest authority was pushed open.
Inside the massive office, smoke hung in the air.
Aside from Garp, who was noisily devouring senbei, Fleet Admiral Kong, Admiral Sengoku, and Chief Instructor Zephyr—four top dogs in total—sat upright. Six pairs of eyes shone like searchlights upon Tatsuki.
The invisible pressure was enough to suffocate an ordinary officer. But Tatsuki just calmly brushed some dust off his coat, walked to the center of the room, snapped to attention, and saluted.
"Elite Training Camp, First Class Cadet, Tatsuki, reporting!"
"How is your physical condition?" Kong, seated in the main position, spoke first, his voice deep and resonant.
"Report, Fleet Admiral! Aside from still feeling like I might cough up blood and the headache from Haki exhaustion, I feel excellent! Ready to go out and take down two more great pirates at any time!" Tatsuki answered loudly.
This half-serious, half-joking remark actually eased the tense atmosphere.
Zephyr looked at his most accomplished student, his eyes full of pride, but he feigned sternness with a snort. "Enough nonsense! Do you know what a mess you've stirred up this time? Intervening in a battlefield of that level without orders, are you tired of living?"
"Zephyr-sensei, a general in the field is not bound by orders from home."
Tatsuki lowered his hand, his gaze clear and sincere. "Given the situation at the time, if I hadn't acted, once Shiki and Roger escaped, the seas would know no peace for the next twenty years. For the sake of justice, what does my life matter?"
His words were righteous and awe-inspiring.
In reality, Tatsuki was thinking, 'If I hadn't gotten there early, who would I have gotten my 800,000 Violation Points from?'
Kong nodded with satisfaction. He stood up and walked around the large desk, holding a black velvet box.
At that moment, Sengoku's hand, adjusting his glasses, froze. Garp also put down his senbei.
The atmosphere grew solemn.
"Tatsuki, your achievements have been verified by Headquarters and the World Government."
Kong walked up to Tatsuki, his gaze intense. "Although your time in service is short and your experience is limited, in this chaotic era, the Marines needs heroes. Justice needs a standard-bearer."
"Upon Headquarters' recommendation, and with special approval from the Gorosei..."
Kong opened the box.
A shoulder insignia gleaming with golden luster lay inside. On it was unmistakably—a single Admiral Star!
"You are hereby appointed as a Rear Admiral of the Marine Headquarters."
A nineteen-year-old Rear Admiral!
This was a promotion speed that shattered historical records.
Tatsuki looked at the Admiral Star, his pupils contracting slightly.
Here it comes!
Not just a rise in status, but also... the unlocking of privileges.
Rear Admiral meant having his own independent warship, his own guard unit, and... his own independent operational funding account.
This meant that in the future, even if he dined and wined on public funds, or even 'skimmed a little off the top' from confiscated pirate treasure, he would have a legitimate operational space.
"What's wrong? Not satisfied?" Kong raised an eyebrow, seeing Tatsuki's dazed expression.
"No!"
Tatsuki suddenly looked up. In that moment, he was possessed by an Oscar-winning actor. His eyes slightly reddened, his lips trembled, as if overwhelmed by immense honor.
His hands shook as he accepted the Admiral Star, his voice choked yet firm. "I... am humbled. But I will never retreat."
"This is not an honor, it is a heavy responsibility. It is the bloody, tearful entrustment of civilians who have died tragically at the hands of pirates."
"I request!"
Tatsuki suddenly saluted again, roaring, "Please grant me the highest level of operational autonomy! I do not wish to sit in an office drinking tea! I want to lead a crew to sea! To the most dangerous waters! To clean up the trash that exists... also for the sake of justice (and points)!"
"Good!"
Kong was deeply moved by this impassioned declaration. He waved his hand grandly. "Granted! Headquarters will allocate you a new-model warship. Personnel selection is up to you. Funding..."
Kong paused, "...specially approved at double the standard rate."
Tatsuki brought his heels together, saluted again, and roared loudly, his eyes already shimmering with "moved" tears, "I will spare no effort for the sake of justice! I will not shirk my duty!"
Kong looked at his excited state and nodded with satisfaction. "Excellent! Tomorrow, Headquarters will hold a formal medal ceremony for you."
— — —
Marineford, Oris Plaza.
Today, the sun was shining brightly, and the sea breeze rustled through thousands of justice flags fluttering in the wind.
From a bird's-eye view, the entire plaza was submerged in a sea of pure white justice.
Tens of thousands of Marines, clad in crisp uniforms, stood solemnly in neat, uniform white formations organized by warship and military rank.
Directly in front of the plaza, a white platform symbolizing honor and power rose from the ground.
On the platform, the assembled lineup was luxurious enough to strike fear into the heart of any pirate.
Seated in the center position was the current Fleet Admiral, Kong, known as the "Steel Bone."
On the left, Admiral Sengoku, the "Resourceful General," sat upright with a solemn expression.
On the right, Vice Admiral Garp, the "Marine Hero," had his legs crossed, but miraculously, he was not eating senbei today.
Further out on the flanks, key figures from Headquarters such as Chief of Staff Tsuru and Chief Instructor Zephyr were all present.
Such an extravagant lineup was assembled for just one person.
Among the crowd, uncontrollable whispers buzzed. The faces of every young Marine were etched with fanaticism and worship.
On the platform, Garp picked his nose and said idly to Sengoku beside him, "I say, Sengoku, why such a grand production? It's just a promotion, isn't it? You could have just given him the shoulder insignia in the office."
Sengoku's eye twitched. He lowered his voice and angrily retorted, "What do you know? This is about setting an example. Tatsuki's achievements must be celebrated with the highest ceremonial standards to demonstrate the Marines' resolve, intimidate pirates and inspire these young soldiers."
"Tch, bothersome." Garp scoffed, saying no more.