When the Five Elders arrived, they discussed the matter and decided to announce to the public: "Although the navy paid a heavy price in this war, it not only eliminated Whitebeard but also dealt a crushing blow to the Revolutionary Army's arrogance. In the end, with the help of Army Headquarters, the navy won a decisive victory!"
"What...?"
The Five Elders' decision was hard to swallow, especially for the newspaper reporters who had seen the broadcast. Everyone knew Marine Headquarters had suffered a crushing defeat. It had gained nothing and lost powerful admirals like Sengoku and War Wolf.
Marine Headquarters lay in ruins. Together, Whitebeard and Ye Chen had nearly reduced it to rubble, and almost the whole world had watched it happen. The navy was bound to lose face. It was as if someone had slapped it hard across the cheek, leaving it stinging.
The Five Elders' declaration of victory might fool ordinary civilians who knew nothing about the battle, but no one with any sense would believe the World Government's story.
Marine Headquarters now faced two urgent matters: rebuilding its base and choosing the next Fleet Admiral.
The Celestial Dragons had long since settled on Akainu to succeed Sengoku as Fleet Admiral. But Ye Chen had killed Akainu, and although the Five Elders did not favor Aokiji, they had no better candidate.
Fujitora lacked seniority, and Kizaru had little interest in the position. Besides, support for Aokiji ran high throughout the navy, so the Five Elders had no choice but to approve his appointment.
"Aokiji?"
Only a day after Ye Chen and his companions left Marine Headquarters, they learned from the newspaper that Aokiji had been chosen as the new Fleet Admiral.
Ye Chen lay half-reclined against Robin while she read a book, using her thigh as a