A few days after the meeting in the Fleet Admiral's office, the transition of power at Navy Headquarters went smoothly. Gin was officially demoted to the rank of Instructor, while Kong officially took office as the new Fleet Admiral.
As one of his first acts, Kong summoned Quentin Seven, Sakazuki, and Borsalino back to his office.
"In recognition of your service in eliminating dozens of pirates in the West Blue and the Grand Line, the Navy will bestow an award," Kong said in his deep, resonant voice. He looked at Sakazuki and Borsalino. "Given your extraordinary Logia and Haki powers, I intend to promote both of you to Commodore, or even Rear Admiral if you can pass one more test."
However, to Kong's surprise, Sakazuki remained unmoved.
"With all due respect, Fleet Admiral Kong, I decline the promotion," Sakazuki replied firmly. "I joined the Navy to eradicate crime under the banner of justice. And I have decided to continue serving under Rear Admiral Seven as my superior."
Borsalino, standing beside him, smirked, slipping both hands into the pockets of his striped pants. "I refuse as well, Fleet Admiral. Working under our brother here is far more… enjoyable. I'll remain his subordinate."
Kong was stunned. He looked at Seven, who still held the rank of Rear Admiral, then at the two Logia monsters who were willing to forgo their ranks for Quentin Seven. Kong finally let out a long sigh and agreed to their request.
Over the next few weeks, the three of them were stationed at Marineford to undergo adaptation and special training.
For Seven, Sakazuki, and Borsalino, this was no mere break. They spent their time training and sparring against the monsters at Headquarters.
Garp only managed to spar with them for a few days. The man was apparently still very upset about the illusory wedding he had experienced within Tsukuyomi. As soon as there was a report of Roger the Pirate's appearance at the New World border, Garp immediately took his warship and fled Marineford to chase after his rival.
In his place, Alternate Admiral "Black Hand" Zephyr took over Sakazuki and Borsalino's physical training, while Sengoku occasionally joined in to supervise.
In one of the special training arenas, now in shambles, Zephyr stood calmly. Before him, Sakazuki was catching his breath, his body covered in bruises, while Borsalino sat leaning against the wall, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth.
"Excellent!" Zephyr praised, his voice brimming with pride. The pitch-black Armament Haki slowly faded from his arms. "Your physical abilities have improved drastically in just a few weeks. Sakazuki, the destructive power of your magma combined with this Haki will be a nightmare for any pirate!"
Sakazuki bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Master Zephyr."
However, Zephyr's sharp gaze then shifted to Borsalino. His expression turned grave.
"But you, Borsalino…" Zephyr crossed his muscular arms. "Your talent is truly extraordinary, and the Pika Pika no Mi is one of the strongest Devil Fruits in the world. But take my words to heart. You rely too much on your Devil Fruit! Never underestimate physical training. If you rely solely on your Devil Fruit abilities, one day in the New World, you'll meet your end!"
"Understood, Master Zephyr… that's terrifying," Borsalino muttered with an awkward smile, though he took the warning to heart.
On the other hand, Quentin Seven's social life in Marineford was going very smoothly.
His communication skills, his elegant demeanor, and his faint smile allowed Seven to quickly become close with everyone at Headquarters. He was even often seen having tea with Admiral Falcon, who was returning from his assignment in the New World, and exchanging views on the map of pirate power across the seas.
However, there was one thing that had become an open secret among the soldiers of Marineford over the past few weeks.
Many female Marines, from officers to headquarters staff, were now exhibiting very strange behavior. These women were often caught red-handed following Seven from a distance as he walked through the corridors or trained in the plaza.
Like fanatical fans, they can't take their eyes off him. It's not because of Seven's power, but because they're genuinely captivated by him. Every time Seven turns and smiles at them, the group of female Navy officers immediately looks away, their cheeks flushing red.
Their peaceful days in Marineford have finally come to an end.
In the fourth week, Fleet Admiral Kong summoned Rear Admiral Quentin Seven to his office for a private meeting.
"It's time for you to get moving, Seven," said Kong, handing her an assignment document bearing the official Navy seal. "You must eliminate the pirates and uphold justice."
Seven took the document and read the title. Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"The Sabaody Archipelago?"
"Exactly," Kong replied, folding his hands on the table. "The frontline between Paradise and the New World. A gathering place for pirates from all the seas before they cross over. And most importantly... the islands are right next to the Holy Land of Mary Geoise."
Kong looked deeply into Seven's eyes. "I'm assigning you as the Naval Base Commander there. You have full authority over those waters. Clean up the trash gathering there, Rear Admiral."
The corners of Seven's lips slowly curled upward, forming a smirk.
"With pleasure, Fleet Admiral."
A few days later, the ocean presented a strange yet beautiful sight.
Giant soap bubbles floated up from the sea's surface toward the blue sky.
At the bow of a massive Navy warship, Rear Admiral Quentin Seven stood with his cloak of justice fluttering in the wind. To his right, Sakazuki stood with a set jaw. To his left, Borsalino smiled as he watched the bubbles drifting by.
From behind the thin mist ahead of them, the silhouettes of dozens of giant mangrove trees, their roots deeply embedded in the ocean floor, began to come into clear view.
The Red Eye warship had arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago.