Can Only Choose to Accept It!
The number of personnel awarded the "Level-Two Sea-Land-Air Three-Army Merit Medal" was the highest among all the medals awarded at this conference.
A total of 123 officers of various ranks from the Army, Navy, and Air Three Armies have been awarded this honor.
They took turns, in groups of three, suppressing their excitement, and ascended the stage from the left side, their faces flushed, to receive the gleaming medals personally pinned on them by Fleet Admiral Raymond, Sengoku, Zephyr.
The whole process was actually quite short.
Each of them had less than thirty seconds to enjoy the glory before they had to walk off the stage from the right as Dean Gareth Marick announced the list of the next group of people.
But those brief twenty-odd seconds allowed them to appear before the entire Sea Star Person, becoming the pinnacle of many people's lives.
Honestly.
Many people were somewhat puzzled by the World Government's sudden decision to hold this awards ceremony.
But now no one has any objections.
Who wouldn't want to step onto that stage once, gaining both prestige and recognition, so that even after retirement they can still feel proud in front of others?
This moment.
Millions of soldiers and officers watching the live broadcast of the conference at Army Headquarters Randfirth, Marine Headquarters Marineford, and even Air Force Headquarters Elbess, thousands of meters above the ground, all had eyes filled with longing for the future.
They are anticipating war!
This is the spirit of the army! Morale! And the very essence of fighting spirit!
The whole process was quite tough for Sengoku, Zephyr, Raymond.
Because after awarding the 'Level-Two Sea-Land-Air Three-Army Merit Medal', dozens of Commodore and Rear Admiral will also be awarded the 'Level-One Sea-Land-Air Three-Army Merit Medal'.
Afterwards, the troops that received the "Collective Commendation Order from the Fleet Admiral of the Army, Navy Three Armies" will be awarded the blue-gold "Elite Medal".
Every member of the unit would receive one of these medals, but due to the large number of personnel, only their superiors would be allowed to present the medals on behalf of the unit.
Having done all that, the three from the Sengoku could finally go and rest.
But the main event of this conference is about to begin!
"Now we will proceed to the fourth item on the agenda."
As Dean Gareth Marick spoke, he glanced at a large figure sitting in the audience.
"Please welcome the Chief of the High Command Staff to the stage to award the Warsweep Wave Cross Medal to Admiral Demon Shark Bullet Douglas, a candidate Vice Admiral Army Headquarters!"
As soon as he finished speaking, 'Steel Bone' Kong, who was prepared, immediately stood up and walked up, and Bullet in the back row also slowly stood up with a proud smile on his face.
This drew sneers and cold snorts from Kaido, Crocodile, and others nearby.
"The 'Wave Cross War Medal' is awarded only to senior officers who have distinguished themselves in commanding large-scale wars and successfully achieved strategic objectives!"
"Vice Admiral Douglas Bullet performed exceptionally well in the conquest of the 'Teigu World,' killing an Imperial Army General and successfully securing the entire Northern Snow Region for the World Government!"
When Dean Gareth Marick finished speaking.
Bullet had already stood in front of Kong, but due to the height difference between them, he had to bend down to let the latter pin the medal on his left breast.
This is a medal with a black and silver main body, a cross with wave-shaped ends, and a gold circular frame in the center. The frame is inlaid with black gemstones to form five circular crosses, exuding a cool and noble style.
Immediately afterwards.
As Bullet straightened up, an Army soldier wearing white gloves and a black uniform approached, carrying a white tray with a black overcoat folded on it.
Then Dean Gareth Marick spoke again.
"By order issued by the Supreme Governing Committee (Zambalong V. Saint Nusjuro), Douglas Bullet Vice Admiral officially appointed Admiral of the Army Headquarters, and is hereby awarded the rank of Admiral and a General Gold Star Medal!"
Upon hearing this, Bullet's smile widened even further.
Correspondingly.
But below the stage were the expressionless Sakazuki, the ashen-faced Crocodile, the utterly envious Aramaki, and the deafening applause that erupted like a tidal wave.
"Now we will proceed to the fifth item on the agenda."
Dean Gareth Marick waited until Bullet returned to his seat, then glanced at the contents of another manuscript.
"According to the 'World Government Military System Reform Plan of 1502 Marine Calendar,' starting today, the ranks of Fleet Admiral, General, and Senior Colonel will be added."
"Those who are promoted to the rank of senior colonel will be notified separately by the respective army Fleet Admiral."
"We will now begin announcing the list of personnel promoted to the rank of General. Those whose names are called, please come forward to receive your appointment documents from the Chief of the High Command Staff and collect your Coat of Justice."
He paused for a moment, then, under the expectant gazes of the many Vice Admiral below the stage, solemnly announced the information of the first general.
"Marine Headquarters Admiral Fujitora Issho, Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Momonga, and Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Yamakaji."
Instantly, countless eyes converged on Yixiao, who calmly and slowly rose to his feet, unperturbed by praise or criticism.
Dean Gareth Marick then went on to name other people.
"Army Headquarters 'Admiral Sand Crocodile' Crocodile, Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Aramaki, Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Charlotte Cracker, Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Jozu, and Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Onigumo."
"Air Force Headquarters Vice Admiral Jin."
Nine!
If Marco had stayed with the Air Force Headquarters, he would likely have been awarded the rank of general as well. Unfortunately, his ambitions lay elsewhere.
However, the most surprising name on this list is Charlotte Cracker.
Because he is only twenty-five years old this year.
People don't understand why Charlotte Oven and Charlotte Daifuku were skipped in favor of bringing up Charlotte Cracker.
In fact, the initial choice of the High Command was indeed Charlotte Oven.
But after some discussion and investigation, they were surprised to find that Charlotte Cracker was actually stronger than Charlotte Oven.
Moreover, this strength is enough to make Oven, Daifuku, and others completely convinced of its power.
Even 'BIG MOOM' Charlotte Linlin herself admitted to them that Charlotte Cracker's talent was second only to Charlotte Katakuri among her many children.
That's why the current situation has arisen.
In this way...
"Diamond" Jozu and "Biscuit" Cracker became the representatives of the Whitebeard Kingdom and the Torlan Kingdom within the World Government's military.
"Next, Zambalong V. Saint Nusjuro will personally confer the rank of Marshal and the Order of the Venus upon the Air Force Headquarters High Command: Minister of the General Staff Sora, Fleet Admiral of the Military Affairs Department Zephyr, Raymond of the Marine Headquarters and Air Force Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Army Headquarters Fleet Admiral Sengoku, and Fleet Admiral Raymond!"
The words had barely left his mouth.
All eyes turned to Zambalong V. Saint Nusjuro, who sat in the center of the stage.
This powerful figure, who held supreme military authority in the World Government, calmly Earth Flow the stage amidst solemn and dignified music, and successively pinned medals on the five high-ranking military officers who were already standing in a row.
As Zambalong V. Saint Nusjuro passed by each person, he would speak softly.
"The person you should thank is Lord Imu, and the person you should be loyal to is also Lord Imu. Remember this, remember this."
This immediately complicated the expressions of Sengoku and the others.
They had always believed they were loyal to the World Government itself, but now their allegiance had suddenly shifted to a highly independent individual.
This actually contradicts the World Government's advocacy of a "no-dictatorship spirit".
But they all knew that the current state of the World Government and the changes it had undergone were indeed due to Lord Imu.
Therefore, the five of them ultimately had no choice but to accept the outcome!