The best moment

The four immediately fell silent and looked ahead.

Sengoku, who had already changed his clothes, was slowly ascending the platform with a thick sheaf of papers in hand, his expression solemn and grave.

All of Marineford's plaza fell silent at that moment.

Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap!

Sengoku's heavy footsteps rang in everyone's ears as he walked.

Soon, he stood before the Den Den Mushi, facing all the Marines in Marineford.

A broad Justice Cloak draped his shoulders, and a dense array of gleaming gold medals hung over the left breast of his white Marine Uniform.

His long beard was braided, and a seagull perched atop his Marine cap.

After surveying the crowd, Sengoku slowly began to speak.

"This is a meeting for the Marines."

"Of course, it also concerns me personally!"

His low voice carried powerfully across the entire plaza, even sending ripples over the waters of the Inner Bay.

Every Marine listened intently, ears pricked.

"Starting today—no, starting this very moment."

"I, Sengoku, will assume the position of Fleet Admiral!"

Marineford remained silent for a few seconds after his words fell. Then countless cheers and rounds of applause erupted, filling the air with excitement.

"To me."

"This is not something to celebrate or rejoice over."

Sengoku's voice rang out again. As though someone had pressed pause, the cheers and applause abruptly vanished, and everything fell silent once more.

It was a clear demonstration of the outstanding discipline of the Marine Headquarters' elite.

"Because this means shouldering an even heavier responsibility, and making a genuine effort to uphold the justice we Marines speak of so often."

Sengoku paused, his expression stern.

"Of course, this is not my responsibility alone!"

"Justice requires all of you Marines to work together to bring its meaning to life."

"I hope that in your