Little Millet Fruit

Marine Headquarters.

Before the warship had fully docked, the harbor was already packed with people.

Neat formations of Marines stood in ranks, row after row as straight as spears.

The sea wind howled past, making the military flags snap loudly.

The air was thick with an emotion that had been suppressed for far too long and was about to erupt.

The moment that warship slowly entered the harbor, it was as if some signal had been ignited.

"Roar--!!!"

The crowd instantly erupted!

"Vice Admiral Rock!!!"

"Azure Dragon--!!!"

"Welcome back!!!"

Wave after wave of cheers swiftly swept through the entire harbor, deafeningly loud!

There was even a faint hint of fanaticism in them.

Some clenched their fists until their knuckles turned white.

Some stared with blazing eyes, as if flames burned within them.

There were even young Marines whose faces had flushed red with excitement, their chests heaving unsteadily.

What they shouted was not merely a name, but a belief—a direction that had been reignited.

Rock stood at the bow, rolling waves beneath his feet.

His gaze fell upon the seething crowd.

He paused slightly, one brow lifting faintly.

It was not like he had never seen such a scene before.

But this level of enthusiasm... was indeed a little excessive.

Still—

It lasted only an instant before his expression returned to normal.

The corner of his mouth curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile.

"Well..."

"That's a pretty good sign."

—Morale.

—Faith.

Once those two things truly took shape, they were far more terrifying than mere combat strength.

Not long after.

The warship docked.

The harbor gradually returned to order.

The clamor was subdued, and the formations straightened once more.

After giving a few brief instructions, Rock handed Doflamingo and Moria over.

Seastone Cuffs, separate holding cells.

"These two—"