Transforming the Sabaody Archipelago!
"Heh heh heh, so the base commander really does like big scenes."
"He's trying to assert his presence to everyone on the island, and also to intimidate forces like ours."
"He was a headache enough when he was just an adjutant, I wonder what kind of trouble he'll cause now that he's in command."
In the darkness, the leaders of the various dark forces stationed in the Sabaody Archipelago gathered together, watching the live broadcast of District 31 while chatting with people on other screens.
"Hmph, what can the commander do? The rules have already been established, so what's there to be afraid of!" Kinoshita, representing the Flying Pirates, sneered defiantly.
"If this place weren't so close to Marineford and Mary Geoise, I would have already hired a Grand Governor to deal with him!"
The term "Governor" refers to the three high-ranking officers under Shiki the Golden Lion, who are respectfully addressed as "Grand Governor" by those below them.
If Bundy Byrnndi World had accepted the invitation back then, he would be the fourth Governor by now, and wouldn't be in prison.
The other dozen or so people couldn't be bothered with this incompetent, furious guy. He really only knew how to spout nonsense. If it weren't for the Flying Pirates behind Kinoshita, someone would have already started mocking him.
"Alright, it looks like we'll still have to pay the 100 million this year, sigh--"
Meanwhile, at the port of District 31, to the rousing strains of the 'Giant Fortress' music, Vidal, accompanied by his Kung Fu Dugong, stepped off the wooden plank under the watchful eyes of countless people, followed by Major Rogers and officers such as Rabani.
Before him stood about twenty officers who were close to him, including Major General Gary, Brigadier General Eller, Brigadier General Bivis, Major Gummel, Major Vincent, Captain Brandon, Captain Simpson, Lieutenant Vinnie, and Second Lieutenant Longo, lined up in formation according to their respective ranks.
There was no exchange between them; they simply parted to the sides as Vidal moved forward, and then followed behind him according to rank after he passed through the ranks of officers.
This seemingly ordinary welcoming gesture, set against the backdrop of the 'Giant Fortress' background music, instilled a profound sense of tension in the countless onlookers and those watching the live stream throughout the island.
This is the charm and power of music!
This power is unknown to the people of this world. After all, even if Admiral were to arrive in reality, it would be impossible for a magnificent piece of music to appear out of thin air.
This is why those Celestial Dragons are so obsessed with the 'Bible Future'!
Standing at the very front of the group, Vidal, with his robust physique reaching three meters in height, wore a sharp dark green suit, black trousers, leather boots, and a large Justice Coat. Coupled with the aura he deliberately exuded, he possessed a powerful and imposing presence that, though not that of Admiral, rivaled that of one.
He didn't create any Imperial Way for himself, but instead chose to be down-to-earth, stepping on the 'dirty' ground that everyone had walked on together, and slowly making his way through the dense crowd in the Soap Bubble Park.
Next came the so-called lawless zone, an area considered a disgrace by many naval personnel, but at this moment, under Vidal's strong orders, the marines had also blocked off a long road here.
The influx of so many naval personnel made the atmosphere here much quieter compared to the park in front. Who among those lingering in this area would actually want to be surrounded by a group of sailors?
Even with very few spectators, Vidal led his group of expressionless officers and soldiers step by step. He even inexplicably unleashed his Observation Haki, and suddenly all sorts of tragic images of slaves flooded his mind.
As mentioned before, Observation Haki originally only allowed one to sense auras and predict actions, images, and sounds, which were considered special abilities.
After his Observation Haki merges with the plant perception of the Woods-Woods Fruit, he can receive visual information from plants within the range of his Haki, without any sound.
These numerous tragic scenes did not elicit any expression from Vidal, but they made his steps heavier and more powerful, and his heart became more resilient as he traversed Large District 20.
As they left the lawless zone and entered the suddenly bustling Large District 70, the area where the Inn Street was located, the people from Large District 20 behind them all breathed a sigh of relief.
They didn't know what was wrong, but even though they were just secretly observing Vidal and the others, they always felt a heavy weight in their hearts, a kind of heaviness that made it hard to breathe.
Fortunately, nothing happened, which made some people secretly mock: what good is a trusted Marine Base commander if he can only obediently pass through this area!
The Inn Street used to be teeming with pirates, but now they've all vanished, each hiding themselves away in their own way.
Meanwhile, the song 'Giant Fortress' played on repeat, and for a time the entire Sabaody Archipelago was enveloped in this exclusive Vidal music for Vidal.
Meanwhile, thanks to the efforts of some, news of Vidal's promotion to Marine Base commander today spread rapidly among the crowd.
With this, coupled with the broadcast on dozens of large screens, from today onwards, no one on the island should forget Vidal's identity, appearance, and name.
Although most people were already familiar with Vidal before, after all, his battle with Gecko Moria was broadcast live to the entire island and even the world.
And that's exactly the effect Vidal wanted!
Vidal walked this road for a long time, because his pace was neither hurried nor slow, but each step was very powerful, giving people an extremely strong feeling, but in the end he still arrived at the gate of the base in Area 69.
"Vice Admiral Antoine."
Vidal stopped in front of the former base commander, while Comil and the others behind him stood at attention silently.
"Congratulations, from today onwards, this place is yours, Rear Admiral Vidal!"
Antoine Vice Admiral in a deep voice, while stepping aside to make way, and immediately there was no longer any obstacle between the open iron gate of the base and Vidal.
"Thanks."
Antoine was so kind, Vidal naturally reciprocated with respect. He then took the lead without hesitation and started walking again. Lieutenant Vice Admiral Antoine waited for him to pass by and silently followed behind.
At this moment, even though he was Vice Admiral and Vidal was Rear Admiral, he had to give up the main position to the latter!
Because, from this moment forward, Vidal is the base commander here!
Meanwhile, the broadcast of the 'Giant Fortress' that had echoed throughout the island gradually stopped, and the blocked roads were reopened as the evacuating marines returned to their posts. This caused a complete uproar of discussion throughout the island.
After returning to the base, Vidal did not make any further moves. He personally saw off Antoine 'Vice Admiral warship, exchanged a few words with Gion, Rogers, and others, and then took the manatee back to the base commander's office, which was now his.
"Call--"
He plopped down in the armchair, his entire weight on it, and cradled the docile manatee in his arms. Vidal closed his eyes, savoring the sense of accomplishment he felt in this moment.
Being stationed at the base in the Sabaody Archipelago would certainly be considered a milestone in his career, but he opened his eyes again in just ten minutes.
"From now on, I'll focus on my cultivation here and simultaneously undertake a major overhaul of this Sabaody Archipelago."
That's right, it's a renovation!
The Woods-Woods Fruit's ability includes modifying plants, and since it has decided to make this place its home ground, it naturally wants to completely control it.
However, this process will likely take several years, as it is no small undertaking.
Once completed, it's hard to say about other functions now, but one thing is clear: he will be able to take the Sabaody Archipelago with him and go wherever he wants!
Just like Shiki the Golden Lion used a giant floating Sky Island as his main ship, except that his fruit can't fly. There's nothing he can do about it; that's just how the fruit's properties are.
[Poluporu, Polluporu]
Just then, one of the Den Den Mushi on the desk started calling, Vidal picked up the receiver.
"What's up."
"Reporting to the base commander, Brigadier General Dragon of the G-3 branch has requested permission to have coating applied at the base!"
"Dragon?"
Vidal raised an eyebrow, wondering to himself, "Has he already returned from Vice Admiral Garp's place?"
Thank you to reader 1147831910212935680 for the 4-point reward!
Ugh, the free-to-play period is finally almost over! Every time I see the latest chapter with 0 subscribers, I feel so depressed. Although the increase in favorites is very encouraging, zero income is still quite frustrating.