On Shambles, on the ravaged land, Marine soldiers were carrying out post-battle cleanup after the fight between Renji and Rayleigh.
Actually, to call it cleanup was a stretch. Normally, after a major battle, ordinary Marine soldiers couldn't possibly manage such extensive ruins.
However, upon hearing that an Admiral had taken action, many Marine soldiers had flocked there out of admiration to witness the aftermath.
When the numerous Marine soldiers stationed across the Sabaody Archipelago awoke from the Conqueror's Haki-induced unconsciousness caused by Rayleigh just moments ago, they exclaimed.
"Is that true? That dizzying power we just felt, was that the legendary Conqueror's Haki?"
"The king's aptitude, one in a million. I never imagined such terrifying power."
"Conqueror's Haki again?" A Marine lieutenant, Masao, was even more surprised.
He was the same Marine lieutenant who, two years prior, had been intimidated and retreated by a slight release of Conqueror's Haki from Renji.
Two years had passed, and he was still a Marine lieutenant, while the small Marine Petty Officer he had once looked down upon had now soared to become an Admiral, an existence he could only ever look up to.
Thinking of this, Masao couldn't help but sigh with emotion, grateful that he hadn't chosen to push through back then. How wise his decision to run away had been.
"That's right, I even heard from my friend in Sabaody Area 1 that even their area was affected."
"More than that. That Conqueror's Haki almost covered the entire island, now the whole Shambles is in chaos."
"Who possesses such ability? It's too terrifying."
"According to reliable sources, the person who just unleashed that Conqueror's Haki is the Pirate King Gol D. Roger's first mate, the legendary pirate, Silvers Rayleigh, the Dark King."
"Oh my god! Is that person still alive? Why did he make a move?"
Listening to the conscious Marine soldiers explain the situation, those who had been unconscious couldn't help but ask curiously, "Eh? Wait, you seem to be about the same as me, why didn't you faint?"
Upon hearing this, the Marine soldier's face was filled with pride, and his posture became tall and chest-out.
"That's naturally because we were protected by Admiral Seiryu."
"Admiral Seiryu!"
At this, all the Marine soldiers' eyes lit up. The Marine soldier recounting the events became even more smug.
To have had the honor of witnessing Admiral Seiryu's action and to have been protected by him was an extremely fortunate and glorious deed.
"Admiral Seiryu battled Silvers Rayleigh, the Dark King. Even amidst the battle and facing Rayleigh's Conqueror's Haki, Admiral Seiryu was still able to protect us."
"That's just too strong."
Many Marine soldiers exclaimed in admiration. Although they didn't know exactly how strong, for an Admiral to be able to protect others while fighting a legendary pirate, it sounded incredibly powerful.
Word spread quickly, leading to all the Marine soldiers stationed in Shambles at this time rushing to this spot to observe the traces left by the Admiral's battle.
Of course, in addition to a large number of Marine soldiers, there was also a large group of news reporters surrounding Miguel.
Faced with the onslaught of questions from the reporters, Sentomaru had long since slipped away with the Pacifista, leaving Miguel with a headache. He clearly hadn't yet learned to handle such situations as smoothly as Renji.
At this, Miguel couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Not only was his combat power unrivaled, but he also handled this aspect so well. Truly worthy of being the boss. There was still so much he needed to learn.
"It is said that this time, Admiral Seiryu clashed with the legendary pirate, Rayleigh, known as the Dark King. Is this true? And what was the final outcome of the battle?"
"Could you describe the process of their clash in detail? Where are both combatants now?"
"It is said that Luffy, who caused a ruckus in Marineford two years ago, has now reassembled the Straw Hat Pirates and is setting sail again from Sabaody Island. Did Admiral Seiryu make a move for this reason?"
"As an Admiral, Admiral Seiryu represents the highest combat power of Marineford. If he were to suffer a defeat in battle against a pirate's provocation, it would undoubtedly be a severe blow to the Marine's prestige. When he made his move, did he consider the possibility of losing?"
At this, Miguel, who had been silent, replied without hesitation, "No, he will definitely win."
Looking at the confident Miguel, the reporter pressed on, "Why? Why are you so confident? What if the opponent is one of the Four Emperors?"
Miguel grinned, his white teeth gleaming brightly.
"He will win, because he is the strongest."
...
In the New World, a magnificent new building stood on the sea.
Two years ago, due to a massive tsunami caused by unknown reasons, and the actions of Kaido and Shanks, the old Marineford was left in ruins.
Later, under the organization of the new Fleet Admiral Akainu, the new Marineford headquarters was chosen in the New World and officially renamed, New Marineford.
In the Fleet Admiral's office.
Akainu listened to the report from the Den Den Mushi, a slight smile appearing on his scarred face.
"Renji… he really did a splendid job."
Since Bullet became the new member of the Four Emperors, Akainu hadn't heard news of a great pirate's demise in a long time.
Originally, before Akainu took office as Fleet Admiral, he was ambitious and ready to make a big impact, intending to deliver the heaviest blow to the pirates of this era and strive to eradicate all pirates who disrupted the balance of order in one fell swoop.
However, the resistance he faced far exceeded his imagination.
Not to mention the Gorosei of the World Government repeatedly vetoing his strategic decisions as a Fleet Admiral, his subordinate officers were also incapable of handling such great responsibilities.
In desperation, Akainu thought of the World Military Draft. However, Fujitora, whom he had managed to recruit with great difficulty, was a scoundrel who constantly sought trouble. Moreover, due to funds being diverted to Vegapunk's research, Marine's military budget was now severely insufficient.
Having to deal with a pile of complicated trivial matters every day, Akainu, as the Fleet Admiral, had a massive headache. It wasn't as comfortable as being an Admiral before.
Sengoku... was this what you faced before?
Akainu looked out the window, his eyes sharp. Fortunately, he still had Renji, a like-minded individual to create great things with. Otherwise, he would probably be even more weathered now.
Thump... Thump...
A knocking sound came from outside the window.
Akainu looked at the blue-eyed fellow with a helpless smile.
"Come in. Oh, right, I'll open the window for you this time, so you don't have to…"
Crack!
Before Akainu could finish his sentence, the large floor-to-ceiling window, representing the Fleet Admiral's authority, shattered into pieces, further exacerbating the already strained Marine's military budget.
Bastard!
Akainu gritted his teeth, glaring at the grinning fellow in front of him.
"Can't you ever take a normal route? The cost of this window will be deducted from your salary this month."
***
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