"Next on the agenda is the review of Commodore Rogers Darren’s application for promotion to Headquarters Vice Admiral."
Tsuru’s tone was measured, her voice carrying clearly through the conference room as she flipped open the final file.
"Like the two Rear Admirals before him, Commodore Darren hails from the turbulent North Blue. He began at the very bottom—a mere Marine recruit—and rose through the ranks by his own hand to become the Supreme Commander of the North Blue Marines."
"Under his leadership, the strength of the North Blue’s Marine forces has more than doubled in two years. Once infested with underworld syndicates and pirate strongholds, the region now ranks among the most peaceful and stable in the Four Blues—and even in the Grand Line."
"Each Member State in the region publicly backs his governance. Their security and prosperity have seen marked, sustained improvements. His reforms have expanded the World Government’s authority across the North Blue in unprecedented ways."
Her voice remained calm, but there was no denying the weight behind her words. Darren’s results were undeniable, his impact measurable.
"Beyond administrative capability," she continued, "Commodore Darren’s battlefield record is... exceptional."
Tsuru hesitated for the briefest moment. Despite her personal distaste for his power-hungry, womanizing ways, even she couldn’t deny the results.
"He has completed 613 missions, personally eliminating over twenty thousand pirates—including more than two thousand with bounties above ten million berries."
"He defeated Byrnndi World, the so-called ’World Destroyer.’ He has clashed with Whitebeard, Kaido, Charlotte Linlin, and even Gol D. Roger—and survived."
"Most recently, he crushed the pirate fleet of the Flying Admiral, Golden Lion, and thwarted his invasion of Marineford. Were it not for Commodore Darren, Marine Headquarters would be rubble."
A ripple ran through the audience. Veterans and fresh-faced officers alike exchanged glances of disbelief and admiration.
Even among the Admirals, pride bloomed.
Garp grinned so hard his cheeks hurt. Zephyr’s shoulders squared with barely contained pride. Kuzan’s eyes glittered, fists clenched in quiet celebration.
"...In light of his unprecedented accomplishments and unmatched service to justice," Tsuru said at last, "Marine Headquarters formally recommends Commodore Darren for immediate promotion to Headquarters Vice Admiral."
She closed the file and looked up.
"If anyone has any questions or objections, speak now."
A long pause followed—tense, silent.
Darren sat relaxed at the interrogation table, radiating confidence. The Marine brass exchanged hesitant looks, each waiting for someone else to move first.
The voice rang out smug and cold, cutting through the silence like a knife.
One of the World Government officials from the Inspectorate stood slowly, the corners of his mouth twisted in a knowing smirk.
"Commodore Darren," he began, "according to multiple intelligence reports, during your tenure in the North Blue, you... engaged in inappropriate relationships with various princesses, noblewomen, and even married officials."
"You’ve earned the nickname ’Marine’s Disgrace’ among some circles. Your behavior has, in our view, tarnished the dignity of the Marines."
He paused for effect, letting his words sting. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
Sengoku, Zephyr, and Tsuru all stiffened, sharing a collective sense of dread. They knew this attack was inevitable.
Sengoku opened his mouth to intervene. "Personal conduct isn’t relevant to—"
"Admiral Sengoku," the Inspectorate official cut in, smiling frostily. "Per hearing protocol, all candidates must respond to inquiries personally."
The official turned back to Darren with mock courtesy. "We’re listening, Commodore."
Darren didn’t flinch. Instead, he smiled.
"I see no reason to explain myself."
He sat up straighter, his voice rising with conviction. "As Supreme Commander of the North Blue Marines, I’ve always prioritized the needs of our citizens."
"This... is compassion. The very heart of a Marine’s duty."
Sengoku stared, mouth slightly open.
Zephyr blinked in stunned silence.
Garp choked on his snack, senbei crumbs flying.
Even Borsalino raised his brows slightly behind his sunglasses.
The Inspectorate officials bristled with fury, their faces reddening.
You call this "compassion"? With how many royal bedrooms?!
And where, exactly, was the compassion for the men?
"This is shameless," one official hissed.
But Darren looked utterly unfazed.
"I’ve fostered deep, cooperative ties with Member States," he continued smoothly. "The Marine’s image has never been stronger among the upper classes. Tell me—isn’t that the goal?"
A hush fell over the room.
Even the most skeptical officers couldn’t deny the results.
At the back, Kuzan muttered to himself, "He... kind of has a point."
Another official, eyes narrowed, rose to his feet.
"Then explain this, Commodore Darren—why does the North Blue Marine earn three times the budget of its counterparts in the other Blues?"
"The funding allocated from Headquarters is the same. Where is your additional capital coming from?"
Sengoku flinched. That question cut deeper.
Zephyr and Tsuru remained still, holding their breath.
Darren sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose like a man reluctantly dragged into trivial matters.
"The North Blue is volatile," he began calmly. "The demands are greater. The threats more severe. Our casualties are routinely the highest among the Four Blues."
"I did what I had to do. I made sure my men were properly compensated. Fed. Equipped. Respected."
"And if that required... creative financing..."
"Well, would you risk your life for peanuts?"
Sengoku’s head hit the table with a thud.
Zephyr pinched the bridge of his nose.
Garp burst out laughing, nearly tipping his chair.
But none of them could argue.
Because the truth was, despite his methods, Darren had turned the North Blue into a shining example of Marine success.
And whether they liked it or not, the Inspectorate knew it too.