Sea Calendar 1521.
Marineford, Marine Headquarters building.
Thanks to Umbrella Corporation's uninterrupted supply of materials and the Marines' tireless reconstruction efforts, Marineford Island, which had been reduced to ruins during the Summit War, had finally regained its former prosperity three or four months ago. Every building in town had been rebuilt anew, and people had resumed their normal lives.
Sephiroth, wearing a cape bearing the rank of Marine Admiral, walked to the Fleet Admiral's office and pushed open the door.
Inside, he saw Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru already seated in a row before four chairs, while Sengoku sat behind the desk.
After casually closing the door, Sephiroth sat down beside Kizaru.
"Now that all four of you are here, let's get down to business!"
Sengoku interlocked his fingers and swept his gaze over the four men. They were Marine Admirals, the highest combat power of the Marines and a vital force in keeping the entire sea in check.
"I'm already seventy-eight this year. My body is nowhere near what it used to be, and it's time for me to step back from the front lines.
"That's why I called you here today. I intend to entrust the position of Fleet Admiral to one of the four of you..."
The moment those words fell, Akainu's eyes sharpened. Aokiji's lazy expression immediately turned serious, while Kizaru cast Sephiroth a strange sidelong glance.
"Ahem!"
Sengoku sensed the shift in the room's atmosphere. After clearing his throat, he continued:
"As Marine Admirals, each of you is qualified to compete for the position of Fleet Admiral, and none can question your abilities.
"As for who should succeed me as Fleet Admiral, I've been deeply conflicted and unable to make up my mind.
"After much consideration, I've decided to let the four of you engage in