After a voyage lasting two months.
Sakazuki finally returned to Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
After briefly catching up with Vice Admiral Morris, who had come to welcome him.
He headed alone toward the tallest building at Marine Headquarters, making his way to the Fleet Admiral's Office.
Knock, knock, knock!
"Come in."
As the knocking sounded, Fleet Admiral Kong's voice came from inside the office.
When Sakazuki walked in, Kong set down the documents in his hands, looked up at him, and said with a smile:
"Have a seat, Sakazuki."
"Yes, sir."
Sakazuki answered solemnly, then sat down.
After looking Sakazuki over, Kong said with satisfaction:
"You've done exceptionally well these past two years. Not only have you dealt a blow to the pirates' arrogance."
"You've also greatly strengthened the people's trust in the Marines across the Four Blues."
"After deliberation among the senior leadership, we've decided to grant you the rank of Vice Admiral."
"We'll hold the appointment ceremony the day after tomorrow."
"Do you have anything to say?"
Sakazuki rose. There were no flowery words, only unwavering resolve as he declared with a solemn, serious expression:
"I will uphold the justice I bear until my dying breath."
Sensing Sakazuki's resolve, Kong nodded solemnly as well and said:
"I believe in you, Sakazuki."
"Make sure you're prepared. Vice Admirals are a vital part of the Marines' fighting strength."
"They are an essential deterrent to criminals around the world."
"We'll announce this news to the entire world the day after tomorrow."
Sakazuki nodded solemnly and replied:
"I will not disappoint you."
After leaving the Fleet Admiral's Office, Sakazuki stopped holding himself back, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
He had been promoted to Vice Admiral several years ahead of schedule, leaving only two steps between him and his ultimate goal.
No matter how impassive years of training had made him, a trace of excitement still showed.
And the seeds had already been sown throughout the branches across the Four Blues. When the day came for them to take root and sprout...
Not long after Kong's conversation with Sakazuki, news of Sakazuki's promotion to Vice Admiral was no longer confined to the senior leadership.
It soon spread throughout Marineford, causing a tremendous stir.
The reason was simple.
Most of the first class of recruits who had entered the Marine Elite Training Camp alongside him had remained at headquarters.
They served in various departments, and even the highest-ranking among them had only reached the rank of commander.
Yet Sakazuki, who had entered the camp that same year, had already been promoted to Vice Admiral. How could anyone not be stunned?
Two days later.
At Marine Headquarters, Sakazuki's appointment ceremony was held with great pomp.
Although Sakazuki usually wore a stern expression and seemed rather cold, he was extremely well liked.
Everyone knew that his coldness was only on the surface.
In the years since Sakazuki had joined the Marines, he had spent more than half his time on the front lines, patrolling the Four Blues and wiping out pirates.
In doing so, he had indirectly saved the hometowns and loved ones of countless Marine soldiers.
If a survey were conducted among ordinary Marine soldiers, Sakazuki would undoubtedly be the officer they trusted most.
As countless reporters took photographs and recorded the proceedings, News Coos flew off into the distance.
The name of Marine Headquarters' newly promoted Vice Admiral-Sakazuki-spread across the seas.
Countless people Sakazuki had rescued took to the streets, holding up newspapers and cheering.
In the newspaper.
A photograph of Sakazuki dressed entirely in red.
Filled an entire page.
Standing atop the raised platform, Sakazuki looked imposing and dependable, while the enormous word "Justice" on the wall behind him struck awe into people's hearts.
"Bearing the justice of the world until my dying breath. -Sakazuki"
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