What is a Strong Person?

Knowing he couldn't pry open Mo Xingchen's true heart, Morgans helplessly pulled a document from his bag, slid it across to Mo Xingchen, and said:

"Mr. Mo Xingchen, I know you have some ingrained prejudice against me. This is the agreement just signed with Fleet Admiral Kong. Any interview about you requires your consent and Marine Headquarters' approval before publication.

Please believe me—no one cares more about the World Economy News Paper than I do.

I know there's little point in idle chatter now, so I'll just ask the two questions I care most about at the moment...

What kind of justice do you uphold in your heart, and what is your attitude toward Pirates?"

Mo Xingchen glanced at the agreement, leaned back on the sofa, crossed his legs, wore a lazy expression, and said with a smile:

"I've always believed that when a strong man gets angry, he should draw his blade against those stronger than him. Even if that man is a Pirate, it doesn't stop me from respecting him personally! But as I see the seas today, they're just a bunch of trash who draw their blades against the weak.

So when I run into Pirates, it depends on my mood. If I'm in a good mood, I might toss them in jail. If I'm in a bad mood? Well, sorry, but those scumbags can only pray their necks are tougher than my blade. That's my Justice of Fate!"

"Thank you for your cooperation. The interview was brilliant, and I'll make sure the news is just as brilliant, Mr. Mo Xingchen!"

Hearing such an explosive answer, Morgans finally broke into a satisfied, happy smile. Though the process had been a bit rocky, he'd gotten a headline-worthy scoop. He stood up, extended a wing, and the two shook hands in farewell.

Gion watched the two men treat each other with such courtesy, then glanced toward Fleet Admiral Kong's office, her small eyes filled with utter cluelessness.

Once Morgans was far off, Gion whispered:

"How did you pull that off?"

"Tch—just got hands, that's all!"

"What did you two talk about?"

"Didn't peg you for such a gossip. Secret. Anyway, the paper'll be out in a few days, won't it?"

"Stingy!"

Mo Xingchen clasped his hands behind his head, whistling as he strolled with Gion toward the training grounds, ready to randomly pick a victim to test out his new moves.

A few days passed in a flash. Today, Marine Headquarters was buzzing with activity. Every soldier was dressed sharp and clean, and even Mo Xingchen had put on his least favorite formal wear—the black suit he'd bought when he first arrived at Marineford.

The big shots and senior leadership sat in the front row, taking it easy. The second row held the veteran Vice Admirals, followed by a crowd of Major Generals and Rear Admirals. Behind them, the veterans formed one square, and the New Recruits awaiting commendation formed another. Our protagonist, Mo Xingchen, mingled among the thirty or forty people of the Elite Training Camp, standing off to one side of the stage, and started dozing off.

As the big shots went on with their "let me just say a few words," two hours slipped by. Suddenly, a thunderous round of applause jolted Mo Xingchen awake. The formalities were over, and the commendation ceremony had begun.

One by one, squads of Marine New Recruits walked up to the stage. Under Fleet Admiral Kong's announcement, they became full-fledged Headquarters Marines, received their ranks and posts, and stepped down.

Then came the main event—the Elite Training Camp's commendation. Starting from the last place, over a dozen were promoted to Headquarters Colonel. When it came to Fire Mountain, Onigumo, Dragon, and the others, another ten or so were promoted straight to Headquarters Rear Admiral.

Finally, Kuzan, with his outstanding first-place results, was promoted to Headquarters Major General. After each officer's speech, the soldiers below erupted in thunderous applause.

"Next up is a New Recruit who's only been enlisted for a little over two months. Some of you may know him, others may have only heard his name. But as a Marine Lieutenant, in half a day on the Sabaody Archipelago, he killed or captured Pirates with a total Bounty Amount exceeding four billion! I believe his spine can now bear the weight of 'Justice.'"

Kong spoke with fiery passion. A Marine walked over carrying a tray. Kong picked up the folded coat from the tray and shook it open, revealing the word "Justice" to everyone's eyes.

"Whoosh~~"

All the sounds merged into one, electrifying the entire ceremony and pushing every soldier's emotions to their peak. Everyone knew the previous officers had military merits, but they were scattered totals accumulated over time, plus two years of training camp without field missions. This dazzling, solid achievement struck the heart of every Marine's sense of justice!

Someone shouted "Mo Xingchen" first, and then the whole plaza's cries went from scattered to unified, calling for their hero to take the stage.

Kuzan nudged Mo Xingchen with his elbow, still half-asleep.

"Big star, your turn."

Mo Xingchen snapped back to reality, shook his head with a wry smile. He'd just wanted to be a slacker, never expected this. Was this Fleet Admiral Kong stabbing him in the back?

He put on a gentle smile, walked slowly to the front, confident and sunny. Fleet Admiral Kong personally bent down to drape the Justice Coat over Mo Xingchen's shoulders, then straightened up.

"In the name of the Fleet Admiral, I confer upon Mo Xingchen the rank of Headquarters Colonel."

He patted Mo Xingchen's shoulder and said solemnly:

"Wear Justice well. Never fall."

"Yes, sir, Fleet Admiral!"

Mo Xingchen saluted with dignity. Kong led the applause, and below, cheers and thunderous applause roared. It lasted a full minute before Kong pressed his hands down.

"Now, let's welcome our Marine rising star to give a speech!"

Kong finished, clapping as he stepped back. Mo Xingchen walked to the podium where Kong had just stood, adjusted the microphone, first saluted the crowd, waited for them to return the salute, then began:

"Good morning, Officers and comrades. I'm sorry to take up your time at the very end to listen to some truths you might already know."

A simple opening. The crowd below chuckled—this was the chronic flaw of big ceremonies: leaders always droned on about obvious truths. The earlier officers' speeches had been fine, but the later ones got shorter and shorter. All the words had been said, and no one knew what else to add.

Seeing the audience so gracious, Mo Xingchen started to get into it.

"When I learned last night from my Officer, Vice Admiral Garp, that I'd have to give a speech today, honestly, I was shocked!

Why? Not because I'm being modest—I know you don't want to hear that—but because... days ago, Major General Kuzan and his training camp comrades were already asking if I'd prepared my speech, yet my Officer only remembered to tell me last night!"