Sengoku drew a deep breath, his voice suddenly rising with a force that shook everyone to their core.
"But that is not all!"
"On Sin Island, the corrupt Shichibukai Donquixote Doflamingo openly challenged the dignity of the Marines, attempting to shield criminals and threaten Ensign Lorne!"
"Faced with a powerful Shichibukai with complicated connections, Ensign Lorne neither backed down nor compromised!"
"Representing Marine justice, he swung his iron fist at Doflamingo!"
Sengoku pointed at Doflamingo, who was being held under guard nearby, and loudly proclaimed, "In this clash between justice and evil, Ensign Lorne defeated Doflamingo head-on with overwhelming strength and took him captive!"
Boom!
The entire plaza erupted in an instant!
Tens of thousands of Marines could no longer contain their excitement, unleashing a tidal wave of cheers.
"Justice will prevail!"
"Ensign Lorne!"
"The dignity of the Marines cannot be challenged!"
The Marines pumped their fists, their faces flushed and their eyes filled with fervor and admiration.
Watching the fervent soldiers below the platform, Sengoku revealed a barely perceptible smile.
He slowly descended from the platform and walked up to Lorne, step by step.
His expression calm, Lorne brought his legs together and gave Sengoku a regulation Marine salute.
"Fleet Admiral."
Sengoku looked at the almost impossibly young boy before him, his eyes filled with mixed feelings.
Finally, he took a deep breath and declared, "Ensign Lorne, your actions have upheld the dignity of the Marines and protected the safety of civilians. You are a hero in every sense!"
"The Marines will never let down a hero who has shed blood and earned merit!"
Sengoku turned and took an exquisite wooden box from the adjutant behind him.
The wooden box opened, revealing a brand-new pair of epaulets lying inside.
Against their gold background, the insignia denoting the rank of