To "welcome" Tsugikuni Yoriichi's arrival, the Marines had made many, many preparations in advance.
The people of the Sabaody Archipelago had no idea what was happening. They only knew that the Marines had done a great deal of "practical work" lately, and public safety across the islands had improved considerably.
The pirates roaming the Sabaody Archipelago were rounded up in batches. Only a handful of stragglers hid among the common people, sneaking over to the harbor to watch when Tsugikuni Yoriichi's warship arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago.
Aside from the Marines lined up in strict formation along the shore, there were also quite a few idlers gathered to watch the show.
Everyone was curious about the reason behind the Marines' massive display.
And when everyone saw clearly that the Marines had mobilized so grandly just to welcome a single warship, they were all dumbfounded. They had thought some incredible figure had arrived on the island—some World Noble like a "god among gods" or a "high-ranking Celestial Dragon." Never had they expected that the Marines were merely welcoming a warship.
"What's the background of that warship? It's making the Marines stand on such high alert. This reception is grander than one for an admiral, isn't it?"
"Could it be escorting a World Noble from Marine Headquarters?"
The people on the shore discussed animatedly. Under their watchful eyes, Tsugikuni Yoriichi led a group of Marines slowly down from the warship. The moment his feet touched the ground of the Sabaody Archipelago, the Marines on shore all saluted him.
Though the Marines said nothing, their presence was overwhelmingly oppressive. Their gazes toward Tsugikuni Yoriichi were filled with solemnity and fervor.
Tsugikuni Yoriichi.
Though this legendary vice admiral of Marine Headquarters had rarely shown himself before the Headquarters Marines in recent years, no one