Marine Headquarters, Marineford
Today's harbor was completely different from usual.
The sea breeze blew in from the direction of the Gates of Justice, sweeping across the broad bay and lifting row after row of snow-white capes.
The towering, solemn Headquarters building stood behind the harbor.
Sunlight spilled down, making the words "Marine" on the front of the building gleam brilliantly.
The harbor, usually orderly, cold, and steeped in military air, had been decorated with exceptional solemnity.
Enormous Marine flags hung high overhead.
"Whoosh—"
The flags snapped loudly in the wind.
On both sides of the harbor, Marine warships stood neatly arranged.
Their hulls were black and heavy, their sails furled.
Their cannons had all lowered their muzzles, prepared in the most solemn posture to welcome the return of a long-absent figure.
On the decks.
Rows of Marine soldiers stood straight in snow-white uniforms.
Their eyes could not conceal their excitement.
They had heard that name and seen remnants of that era.
Some younger recruits had only heard it again and again from Headquarters veterans—Azure Dragon Rock.
A Marine legend who had once made the entire sea tremble.
Today.
He was finally returning.
At the very front of the harbor, eight Marine Giant Vice Admirals stood side by side, their massive bodies like eight silent walls guarding both sides of the port.
Their enormous shadows fell over the scene, making the entire welcome ceremony even more awe-inspiring.
At the highest point of the harbor, atop the review platform.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku stood quietly as the sea wind stirred his cape.
His usually steady and stern face still bore the dignity of a Fleet Admiral, but the turbulence deep in his eyes was impossible to hide.
Ten years.
A full ten years.
The man whom countless people across the sea both revered