After the New Marines took up residence in Marineford, the Headquarters Marines stranded in the New World also began returning to Marineford in batches.
The coffins of Garp, Kong, and the others had finally been transported back to Marine Headquarters.
Dark clouds filled the sky, and a fine, lingering rain fell without end. The sea breeze carried a damp chill, rolling up wave after wave.
The waves crashed against the shore with heavy booms, blending with the rhythm of the rain to play a mournful song of the sea.
During this time, all sorts of rumors about Yoriichi had spread among the soldiers at Marine Headquarters.
Rumor had it that Tsugikuni Yoriichi had personally killed former Fleet Admiral Kong and Marine hero Garp, coercing Sengoku and the other officers before ascending to the position of Fleet Admiral.
Yet the rumors did not have much impact at Marine Headquarters. The information was simply too outrageous for anyone to believe it could be true.
But often, reality was even more absurd than rumors.
Tsugikuni Yoriichi had indeed become Fleet Admiral through such means. However, with every senior figure in the Marines choosing to remain silent, no one could gather enough strength to oppose Tsugikuni Yoriichi's rule.
The warships sailed into Marineford's Naval Port. Along the shore, the Headquarters Marines welcoming the fallen stood silently in the rain under Tsugikuni Yoriichi's lead.
Zephyr stood behind Tsugikuni Yoriichi, slightly hunched over. One hand held an umbrella, while the other held young Luffy's hand.
After much deliberation, Zephyr had ultimately told little Luffy that Garp had died in battle.
However, he did not tell Luffy who had killed Garp. He only said that Garp had suffered a defeat while fighting pirates.
Young Luffy trusted Zephyr almost unconditionally, and he did not question the truth of