Karl didn't say much.
He simply raised his right hand.
A brilliant sphere of holy light formed in his palm and flowed into Kong.
Kong closed his eyes.
He silently felt the power spreading through his body.
After a moment, he let out a long breath and opened his eyes.
His gaze toward Karl became sharp and impressed.
"What an extraordinary power."
"With someone like you in the Marines…"
"We may truly become unstoppable."
Karl scratched his head and smiled modestly.
"You praise me too much, Commander."
Kong nodded approvingly.
"Calm and humble."
"Good."
Time for the Ceremony
They continued talking for quite a while.
Eventually Sengoku checked the time.
"It's almost time."
He stood up and gestured.
"Let's go."
"Your award ceremony is about to begin."
Worldwide Broadcast
Across the world, Marine broadcast screens suddenly zoomed in.
"Look!"
"The camera moved!"
"Is it starting?!"
A girl screamed at the screen:
"Ahhh! My husband Karl, come out already!"
The First Formation
The Marineford plaza appeared on screen.
Rows of Marine soldiers marched in perfect formation.
Their synchronized footsteps echoed across the square.
With a loud command, the formation split apart and surrounded the central stage.
People watching the broadcast murmured in awe.
"So neat!"
"It's beautiful to watch."
Then a voice rang out:
"Marine officers—enter!"
The Giant Vice Admirals
Heavy footsteps shook the ground.
The Giant Vice Admirals marched into the frame.
Their massive bodies lined up behind the platform.
Each stood like a towering fortress.
People across the world gasped.
"Those are the giant vice admirals!"
"How tall are they?!"
Famous Vice Admirals
But that was only the beginning.
To demonstrate Marine strength, Sengoku had recalled nearly every available officer.
Soon more Vice Admirals entered:
Momonga
Onigumo
Doberman
Gion
They marched in together and sat in perfect unison.
The audience quickly noticed three empty seats closest to the stage.
Everyone knew what those were.
The Admiral seats.
The Admirals Arrive
Suddenly—
A freezing sound echoed.
CRACK—CRACK—CRACK
A road of ice formed from the ocean directly toward the platform.
Sliding across it with effortless style came:
Kuzan.
He skated smoothly to his seat.
"Admiral Aokiji!"
The crowd erupted.
Next—
A streak of golden light flashed across the sky.
The dazzling brightness forced people to shield their eyes.
When the light faded—
Borsalino was already seated.
Leg crossed.
Chin resting in his hand.
Watching lazily.
"Admiral Kizaru!"
Finally—
Sakazuki walked onto the platform.
No flashy entrance.
Just pure presence.
The plaza fell silent until he sat down.
Now—
All three Admirals were present.
Sengoku's Speech
Expecting Karl next, fans held their breath.
Instead—
Footsteps appeared.
The camera showed Sengoku walking onto the stage alone.
The girls watching groaned in disappointment.
Sengoku raised his fist.
"The Marines will prevail!"
The soldiers shouted back:
"The Marines will prevail!"
"Justice will prevail!"
Their voices thundered across Marineford.
Through the broadcast, the entire world heard it.
Even viewers felt their blood boil.
Sengoku continued:
"Today is a day the Marines will remember forever."
"Because today…"
"A new hero is born."
"Tell me his name!"
The entire plaza roared.
"KARL!!!"
Sengoku nodded.
"One month ago…"
"A criminal calling himself a god—"
Enel
"Destroyed Mariejois and committed unforgivable crimes."
He described Enel as a terrifying villain.
The worse Enel sounded—
The greater Karl's achievement appeared.
Karl couldn't help thinking quietly:
"Well… technically that whole incident was my plan."
The Official Announcement
Sengoku concluded loudly:
"Vice Admiral Karl fought the criminal with a 4.88 billion bounty for three days and nights at Long Ring Long Land!"
"And there…"
"The criminal Enel was defeated!"
The crowd exploded with cheers.
"Therefore!"
"Today we hold this ceremony."
"To award Vice Admiral Karl."
"From this day forward—"
"He will become the new Marine Hero!"
"The light of justice across the seas!"
"Please welcome—"
"Marine Hero Karl!"
Karl Appears
Thunderous applause erupted.
Karl stepped onto the stage.
Black suit.
Justice cloak.
He stood beside Sengoku and waved calmly.
The fans screamed.
"KARL!!!"
"So handsome!!!"
"Marine Hero Karl!"
Sengoku handed him the Den Den Mushi microphone.
"Do you have something to say?"
Karl inhaled deeply.
His expression turned serious.
"Fellow Marines."
"People of the world."
"Standing here today fills me with pride."
"Because from this moment forward…"
"I officially join the ranks of Marine Heroes."
"This is not only an honor."
"It is also a responsibility."
"From the day I first put on the white uniform…"
"With dreams."
"With faith in justice."
"With everyone's expectations…"
"I understood something clearly."
"Justice will prevail is not merely a slogan."
He paused briefly.
Then continued.
"Even now…"
"I am grateful for choosing this path."
"Because it is a glorious path."
"A path worth dedicating our lives to."
"Looking toward the future…"
"I am proud of the road ahead."
"A road where we continue fighting for justice."
"And therefore—"
"Becoming a Marine Hero…"
"Is not the end."
"It is only the beginning!"
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