Chapter 340: Year 1503
Year 1503 of the Sea Circle Calendar.
New World, Marine Headquarters.
On a massive plaza within the Marines.
Today was an extremely significant day for the Marines—one that would be recorded in history.
Today, the Marine Fleet Admiral Kong, who had governed the seas for decades, would step down, with Sengoku of the Buddha taking over.
And Fleet Admiral Kong would be promoted to Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces!
This matter was of great importance, whether for the Marines or for pirates.
Each Fleet Admiral had a different management style and way of doing things. Every decision could bring huge changes to the seas.
So today, many reporters from various newspapers had gathered in the massive plaza at Marine Headquarters.
They would witness this historic moment.
On the plaza stood a massive elevated platform, with seats representing various ranks. Kong sat in the very center.
Buzz!
Kong slowly stood up, and an aura of justice and authority spread out.
His imposing, domineering gaze swept across those below.
"I am the Fleet Admiral of the Marines, Kong!"
His voice rang out like thunder across the sky.
"Today, I will step down as Fleet Admiral and take on the role of Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces, continuing to protect our seas!"
"And the position of Fleet Admiral will be taken over by former Admiral Sengoku!"
Kong spoke each word clearly, his voice echoing throughout the entire plaza.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the justice of the seas and the happiness of the people are now entrusted to you!"
Kong looked at Sengoku and handed over the Fleet Admiral's coat in his hand.
Sengoku walked forward with solemn authority and accepted the coat with both hands.
"I, Sengoku, will not fail expectations. I will wipe out the filth on the seas!"
Sengoku declared firmly.
"Mm." Kong nodded, then stepped aside.
Sengoku stood at the center, looking at the thousands of Marines below. A surge of ambition rose in his heart, filled with righteous resolve.
"I am Sengoku…"
Sengoku then launched into a long speech—nothing more than promoting the Marine spirit and vowing to suppress pirates, saying everything that could be said.
Very soon,
the news of Sengoku succeeding as Fleet Admiral spread across the seas.
As expected, it was still Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino. Their epithets had also been revealed—Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru—unchanged from before.
…
"Sure enough, three Logia-type users really became Marine Admirals. The seas won't be peaceful now."
"Exactly. They already killed so many pirates before becoming Admirals—now the seas will probably be even more chaotic."
"We haven't seen the main officers of the Dragon Flame Pirates for a whole year. Wonder what's going on with them."
"Yeah, these past few months it's only been the Devourers active at sea. Haven't seen the others at all."
Across the seas, countless voices rose—some worried, some troubled.
New World.
On Dragon Island, shrouded in mist.
Inside the palace at Ancestral Dragon Peak.
"Finally… success!"
A hoarse voice filled with excitement echoed through the great hall.
Jiang Qize's eyes gleamed with golden light, his face carrying a delighted smile.
Inside his body, one of his kidneys had already turned black and gold, completely covered in Armament Haki.
Over the past few months, he had been using Armament Haki to coat his internal organs, starting with one of his kidneys.
After several months, he had finally succeeded in coating it with Armament Haki.
"I wonder how strong the defense is!"
Jiang Qize immediately wanted to test it, so he threw a punch at his own waist.
Bang!
A surge of force passed through his waist and struck the blackened kidney.
But when the force collided with it, it only made it tremble slightly—there was no damage at all.