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Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
A gentle breeze drifted through the room, stirring the white curtains.
Kojin looked down at the crowds moving back and forth below, feeling a complex mixture of emotions in his heart.
Ten years was neither long nor short, but it was enough time for many people to forget him. It was also enough time for young officers who were once obscure to rise to important positions within the Marines.
The lower-ranking Marines' unfamiliarity towards him contrasted sharply with the high-ranking officers' respect.
"In three days, Sengoku will assume the position of Fleet Admiral and I will become the new Admiral!" Kojin murmured softly, his gaze flickering.
A Marine Admiral could be said to hold the second-highest position in the Marines after the Fleet Admiral himself. The rank carried immense authority and was respected worldwide.
It would also represent the highest status he had ever attained in this world.
Although the position of West Blue Commander had granted him authority over a region, its influence paled in comparison to that of an Admiral.
Every Admiral's authority extended throughout the entire Marine organization, overseeing all Marine systems across the world.
The next day:
At his temporary residence, Maynard and several Vice Admirals from the previous day arrived to visit him. Their expressions were filled with excitement.
"It's wonderful that you've returned to Headquarters!"
"The speech you gave back then became a guiding light for my path as a Marine."
"Vice Admiral Kojin, you may not remember me, but when you were in Loguetown, I once saw you from afar. You even smiled and greeted me!"
Though they tried to remain composed, the admiration and fervor in their eyes were unmistakable.
"Hello, everyone. After eleven years in West Blue, Headquarters has certainly changed a lot." Kojin nodded with a smile.
"It really has. Marineford has changed tremendously, particularly with regard to its personnel. Many of the older Vice Admirals have retired, which has given us younger officers the opportunity to advance," Maynard spoke with emotion.
His eyes burned with excitement as he looked at Kojin.
The return of this legendary Vice Admiral to headquarters had completely exceeded everyone's expectations. Now that he was back, his prestige combined with his terrifying strength would be unbeatable.
Once Sengoku became Fleet Admiral, Kojin would almost certainly become an Admiral as well.
If they could demonstrate their loyalty now, their future prospects would naturally improve.
After all, of the three Admirals currently discussed most frequently within the Marines, almost none of them fit Maynard's ideals.
Vice Admiral Aokiji was lazy and believed in Lazy Justice.
Vice Admiral Kizaru spoke for himself.
And Akainu's Absolute Justice disgusted and repelled Maynard.
Once justice becomes absolute, it inevitably strays onto the wrong path.
However, if Kojin also became an Admiral, a significant faction within the Marines would undoubtedly rally around him.
The appointment of a new Fleet Admiral and Admirals would naturally bring a reshuffling of power.
It was extremely important to choose the right person to follow.
"Everyone, introduce yourselves." Kojin said with a smile.
"I'm Maynard... the Pursuer Maynard!"
"Code name: Vice Admiral Momonga. I joined the class after you, Vice Admiral Kojin, and I'm also one of Zephyr-sensei's students!"
"Comil. I'm your junior as well!"
"Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Shark-Slayer Bastille!"
"Strawberry!"
One after another, they introduced themselves.
To Kojin's surprise, they were all Vice Admirals who would become famous in the future.
"There are still many officers within the Marines who believe in your Equal Justice and come from civilian backgrounds."
"Vice Admiral Kojin, you cannot begin to imagine the prestige you currently enjoy among Marine officers!"
"That's right. If you wanted to compete for the position of Fleet Admiral, we truly believe you'd have a chance!"
Maynard and the others said enthusiastically.
Vice Admiral Momonga rubbed his chin with a smile, clearly showing his support as well.
Looking at the group of Vice Admirals before him, Kojin smiled lightly.
"I appreciate everyone's support, but Headquarters has already made its decision: Admiral Sengoku has been confirmed as the successor to the Fleet Admiral position. Compared to me, at least for now, I believe he can do the job better."
Disappointment briefly crossed Maynard's and the others' faces, but excitement quickly returned.
"With your strength and prestige within the Marines, becoming the next Admiral shouldn't be a problem, right?" Bastille asked.
Kojin smiled and nodded towards the five men.
Instantly, all five became excited.
"I wonder which area of Headquarters affairs you'll be responsible for in three days."
"I heard Kizaru has already been assigned to the Scientific Defense Force!"
"The other two still haven't been decided yet."
Kojin continued chatting with them, smiling.
They all appeared to be around the same age, differing by only a few years at most. However, in terms of experience and reputation within the Marines, Kojin was clearly the most senior of them all.
During the conversation, Kojin also learned a great deal about the changes and gossip within Headquarters in recent years.
For example, following the Ohara Incident, the three monster Vice Admirals threw themselves into intense training, with Sakazuki demonstrating particularly impressive progress.
As for how strong he is now, no outsider can say for certain.
However, rumors circulated that he had already surpassed the older generation of Admirals and was on track to become the strongest Admiral in history.
Whether it was his Devil Fruit abilities or his Haki, Sakazuki had pushed both to entirely new extremes.
Hearing this, Kojin fell into thought, though he did not pay much attention to it. No matter how strong the other man had become, he would never surpass him.
That was Kojin's confidence in his own strength, and the pride of a true powerhouse.
"Speaking of which, the Marines are about to enter the strongest era in history!"
"Four Admirals… this is truly unprecedented!"
The five men sighed emotionally.
A short while later, the five Vice Admirals took their leave.
Kojin stood up and looked down once again over the vast, expansive Marineford before him.
Rows of enormous black cannons stood in solemn formation alongside the magnificent Gates of Justice, while the Inner Bay harbor was filled with docked battleships. Countless officers and elite Marine commanders were stationed throughout the base.
This fortress could be said to be the world's most heavily defended military stronghold.
It was easy to defend and difficult to assault, the nightmare of every pirate.
"Roger was executed in Loguetown, and the world entered a new age of piracy! Sengoku's promotion to Fleet Admiral also signifies the Marines entering a new era!" Kojin muttered softly, his eyes flickering.
From before the Great Age of Piracy until today, he had witnessed history unfold time and again, eventually climbing to this very position.
"As for my era… The time has not yet come!"
He strongly agreed with Roger's words that everyone has their own moment to step onto the stage and their own era to belong to.
Before the right moment arrived, all one needed to do was prepare and build up strength.
Everyone is the protagonist of their own story.
The fourth day.
Marineford, early morning.
Warm sunlight poured down, illuminating the enormous military fortress.
The waters of the Inner Bay shimmered brilliantly as deep horn calls echoed through the air. Battleships slowly docked in the harbor before coming to a stop.
A sea breeze swept across the square, where row upon row of upright figures stared solemnly ahead.
Nearly every Marine stationed in Marineford had gathered there at this moment.
For the Marine system, today was an extremely important day. The new Fleet Admiral and Admirals were due to officially assume office.
This would also signify a complete reshuffle within the Marines.
The podium ahead remained empty.
While the main figures had yet to appear, officers of all ranks had already assembled.
Maynard, Vice Admiral Momonga, Strawberry, Bastille, and Comil stood together, watching the front intently.
Suddenly, their eyes shifted.
"They're here!"
"The stars of today!"
Strawberry muttered excitedly.
Eleven years ago, they had already developed a deep admiration for that man. For many officers who were born commoners, his words had become a beacon in their lives, a holy light guiding them forward.
Many people became lost and confused along the complicated path of being a Marine, unsure of why they continued.
Although the phrase 'for Justice' sounded passionate and inspiring, doubts would still emerge when the daylight faded and night fell.
What exactly was Justice?
Only Vice Admiral Kojin had given them the answer on that day before the world.
"Whoosh! Whoosh!'
A sudden wind swept across Marineford Square as a figure slowly walked forward.
He wore a Marine cap and had a face like forged steel... cold and stern, with a rigid, icy expression.
"Vice Admiral Akainu!"
Countless eyes burned with fervor as they stared at the figure.
Sakazuki strode forward and took one of the four seats at the front. Lowering his head slightly, he stared straight ahead without saying a word.
Immediately afterwards, the second figure appeared.
He wore a white Justice coat, a yellow-and-white striped suit, a purple tie, a dark green shirt, and white leather shoes. Sunglasses rested on the bridge of his nose.
"Vice Admiral Kizaru!"
Amid cries of surprise, Borsalino slowly sat down and crossed his legs.
He glanced at the seats around him. When he noticed there were four chairs, his eyes flickered slightly, as though he had realized something.
Then came the third figure.
He looked lazy and relaxed, but he took his seat in the blink of an eye, his steps astonishingly fast.
It was Vice Admiral Kuzan, code-named Aokiji.
He turned his head slightly and looked at Garp behind him. When he failed to spot Kojin, he froze momentarily.
"So that's how it is."
"If that seat is given to you, then it's only natural."
A faint smile appeared on Aokiji's face.
But he soon fell silent again, recalling the great battle from years ago.
Half a moment later... A tall, powerfully built figure appeared in the distance.
He had short, black, crew-cut hair and wore a white Marine cloak over a perfectly neat Marine uniform and white shirt. His bulging muscles stretched the loose-fitting clothes tight, as though they might burst at any moment.
"The legendary Vice Admiral Kojin!"
"My god, that's Vice Admiral Kojin?"
"Vice Admiral Kojin actually came too!"
"This is incredible! I never thought I'd get to see Vice Admiral Kojin in person!"
"He's still as handsome and muscular as he was ten years ago, so charming!"
"..."
The moment the Marines saw the figure approaching, the previously silent square erupted with noise and excitement.
Though the commotion quickly died down, it still caused quite a stir.
Watching the figure walk forward, Garp broke into a grin and burst into loud laughter.
Seeing his prized student reach this point today filled him with satisfaction.
Then, remembering the two troublesome brats in East Blue, his teeth began itching with frustration again.
Under the gaze of everyone present, Kojin smiled calmly and slowly took his seat beside Sakazuki.
(End of Chapter)