No one was surprised by those words. After Admiral Xia Le's performance in the Summit War, his prestige had undoubtedly reached its peak.
No one in the entire Navy could rival him.
And presiding over the memorial service was, in a sense, a declaration.
It signaled that the handover of the Fleet Admiral's position was already underway.
Then, before everyone's eyes, Xia Le stepped to the front and faced the immense Hero Monument.
His voice was low and resonant, carrying far through the rain.
"The road toward justice and light is always mired in mud."
"Many will sacrifice themselves along this road, unable to walk any farther with us."
"Those who gave their lives were, without question, heroes."
"They devoted their lives to the greatest of causes."
"Many cannot understand such sacrifice, but history will prove that without their sacrifices, without the struggles of those of you still standing here today..."
"Peace and happiness, equality and justice would forever slumber in darkness."
"Some things must be done by someone. Some roads must be walked by someone, through thorns and mud."
"Now, these tasks, this road..."
"It's our turn!"
His brief words struck with thunderous force, leaving all of Marineford silent. Amid that stillness, countless people felt their blood surge, their fists clenching instinctively.
Suddenly, Xia Le raised his head and roared.
"Fire the salute!"
"Send off our comrades!"
Chapter 326: Intelligence
"Fire the salute!"
The low, powerful voice, edged with steel, echoed across Marineford's plaza.
At that moment, countless people abruptly raised their heads to look at the immense stone monument standing before them, engraved with countless names.
Some had tears brimming in their eyes. Some trembled all over. Some burned with fighting spirit, while others' eyes flickered with emotion. Their expressions were as varied as they were numerous.
**Bang,