Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
The seagull flag snapped on its pole, and eager jubilation filled the air. The stands were packed with elite officers selected from branches across the Four Seas to observe the ceremony. The stars on their epaulets glittered in the sunlight as they gazed fervently at the platform ahead. The formations of soldiers resembled a chessboard of distinct colors, with the pure white uniforms representing justice in the center and the navy blue of Headquarters' elite on either side.
This was no ordinary promotion. It was a desperately needed declaration of legitimacy and show of force in an age of shadows.
On the platform, Fleet Admiral Sengoku's Amplifying Den Den Mushi carried his voice to every corner.
"...At this time, when the order of the seas faces grave challenges, to uphold absolute justice, the World Government's highest authority, the Five Elders, hereby commands: the Marine rank of Admiral shall be conferred, and the following three men shall shoulder the dignity and might of the Marines in this new era!"
Military music suddenly rang out, heavy as drumbeats.
The first man emerged from icy mist.
Kuzan-no, he should now be called Admiral Aokiji. He still wore a suit, but the golden epaulets on his shoulders and the snow-white "Justice" coat on his back weighed like mountains. With his characteristic languor, he took long strides and stopped on the left side of the platform. Hands in his pockets, he gave a slight nod as his greeting to the assembly. The soldiers below, however, erupted into tremendous cheers.
The second appeared along a trail of light.
Borsalino-Admiral Kizaru. His arrival made no sound of footsteps; only a few golden photons converged into a tall, slender human form. His brand-new yellow-striped suit was immaculate, his gaze behind his brown sunglasses inscrutable. His