After two months of sailing Sakazuki finally returned to Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
After a brief reunion with Vice Admiral Ward Morris who came to greet him—
He headed alone toward the tallest building in Marine Headquarters: the Admiral's office.
A voice from inside the office responded as Sakazuki knocked.
As Sakazuki walked in, Kong put down the documents in his hand, looked up at him and smiled:
"Have a seat, Sakazuki."
Sakazuki replied sternly and sat down.
Looking over Sakazuki, Kong nodded in approval and said:
"You've done excellent work these past two years—not only suppressing the arrogance of pirates,"
"But also greatly improving the public's trust in the Marines across the Four Seas."
"After discussions among the higher-ups, it has been decided to grant you the rank of Vice Admiral."
"The appointment ceremony will be held the day after tomorrow."
"Do you have any thoughts?"
Sakazuki stood up. There were no flowery words, only unwavering resolve. With a serious and solemn expression, he said:
"I will carry out the justice I bear until the day I die."
Feeling Sakazuki's determination, Kong's expression also turned solemn as he nodded and said:
"I believe in you, Sakazuki."
"Make sure you're well prepared. Vice Admirals are a vital part of Marine combat strength."
"They serve as a powerful deterrent to lawbreakers around the world."
"We'll announce this to the entire world the day after tomorrow."
Sakazuki nodded solemnly and replied:
"I will not disappoint you."
After leaving the Admiral's office, Sakazuki finally allowed a hint of a smile to tug at the corners of his lips.
Promoted to Vice Admiral several years ahead of schedule, now there were only two more steps to his ultimate goal.
Even after all these years of disciplined training and emotional restraint, he couldn't help feeling a surge of excitement.
Moreover, the seeds he had sown in Marine branches across the Four Seas had already been planted. When they took root and sprouted...
Not long after the conversation between Kong and Sakazuki, news of Sakazuki's promotion to Vice Admiral was no longer confined to the upper echelons.
In a short amount of time, it spread across Marineford, causing a massive stir.
And with good reason.
The first batch of cadets who had joined the Marine Elite Training Camp alongside him— Most had remained at Headquarters.
Now, they occupied various departments, but the highest rank among them was only that of Commander.
Yet Sakazuki, from the very same class, had already been promoted to Vice Admiral. How could that not be shocking?
At Marine Headquarters, Sakazuki's appointment ceremony was held with great ceremony.
Though Sakazuki usually carried a stern expression and came across as somewhat aloof, he was actually very well-liked.
Everyone knew that his cold demeanor was just a surface trait.
Ever since Sakazuki joined the Marines, he had spent the majority of his time on the front lines, patrolling the Four Seas and eliminating pirates.
He had indirectly saved countless Marine soldiers' hometowns and families.
If a survey were conducted, then among ordinary Marines, the officer they trusted most would undoubtedly be Sakazuki.
As countless journalists took photos and wrote articles, News Coo flew into the distance.
The name of Marine Headquarters' newly appointed Vice Admiral—Sakazuki—spread across the seas.
Countless civilians who had once been saved by Sakazuki poured into the streets, waving newspapers and cheering.
A photo of Sakazuki clad in red filled an entire page.
Standing atop a high platform, Sakazuki exuded dignity and reliability, with the massive word "Justice" on the wall behind him, awe-inspiring to all.
"Carrying the world's justice, to the death. —Sakazuki"
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