One Piece : The Strongest Fleet Admiral

September 1, 1520, in the Sea Circle Calendar.

This day is of great significance.

Sakazuki!

The tall figure standing atop the Marine Headquarters building. The man who later became known as the strongest Fleet Admiral in Marine history officially took over the position of Marine Fleet Admiral today!

At this moment, Bay Plaza had been fully restored. The place was bustling with people, and the atmosphere was lively. Marine officers from across the globe had gathered here to witness Sakazuki's Fleet Admiral inauguration ceremony.

As per the procedure, the former Fleet Admiral took the stage first to deliver a speech. Sengoku summarized the major events that occurred at sea during his tenure and the role Marines played in them.

"For the past ten years, Marines have been committed to maintaining peace and stability at sea..."

A very boring speech—so dry that no one was interested in listening.

Thus, this scene unfolded: the person on stage was speaking emotionlessly, while the audience listened lifelessly.

"...I hope Marine's future will get better and better! Thank you, everyone!"

A burst of thunderous applause erupted from the audience. A few people even cheered.

Sengoku looked at the excited crowd below. Though unsure why they seemed so enthusiastic, he nodded in satisfaction.

After two hours, the speech finally ended.

From 1510 to 1520 in the Sea Circle Calendar, Sengoku served as Fleet Admiral for ten years. Apart from the Paramount War, not much happened.

How could such an incompetent Fleet Admiral talk for so long? Sakazuki thought impatiently.

Next came the second agenda item: the awarding of the Fleet Admiral rank to Sakazuki.

Sakazuki walked onto the stage expressionlessly. He saluted Sengoku, who had come forward to confer the rank. Sengoku then removed his own Fleet Admiral badge and solemnly handed it to Sakazuki, who pinned it onto his chest.

The transfer of power was complete. The badge, symbolizing the highest position in the Marines, was now Sakazuki's.

Finally, command of the Marines was firmly in his hands. Sakazuki looked down at the tens of thousands of Marine officers below.

His heart surged with pride and excitement!

Among the crowd were familiar and unfamiliar faces. At the front stood Crane, Momousagi, and Tokikake.

Kizaru, as carefree as always, stood nearby. However, Garp and Aokiji were absent.

In the second row were hawkish Vice Admirals such as Doberman, Onigumo, and Stainless.

Doberman, with tears in his eyes, thought, Finally, this day has arrived!

Scattered among the crowd were familiar figures like Smoker and Hina.

Even "Black Arm" Zephyr stood among them, accompanied by Ain and Hibari.

Zephyr seemed quite satisfied with Sakazuki's ascension to Fleet Admiral. This disciple of mine has been self-disciplined from the day he joined the Marines. Always training, always completing missions, tirelessly hunting pirates.

He never relaxed, as if an invisible force was always driving him forward. In decades of teaching, I've never seen another student like him.

Even Aokiji, though immensely powerful and once full of fiery ideals about justice, couldn't compare to Sakazuki.

Hibari looked at Sakazuki's imposing figure on stage. His face, as usual, was expressionless, but tears welled up in her eyes. She didn't let them fall—what a strong woman!

Just a few days earlier, Sakazuki had asked Hibari to help draft his words. Hibari, who often assisted with clerical work like debriefing and report writing, wasn't surprised by the request.

But when Sakazuki spoke his first words, Hibari nearly dropped her pen.

Did I hear him wrong? she wondered. She asked for clarification and received a firm answer.

Her heart surged like turbulent waves. Though she always knew Sakazuki's unwavering belief in justice, she hadn't expected it to be so resolute—to the point of defying the entire world.

As Sakazuki calmly explained, Hibari recorded his words with trembling hands. Even aboard the slave ship at six years old, my hands didn't shake this much!

By the time she finished, she was overwhelmed with emotion. Sakazuki's words burned with power. She feared for his life on the path of making enemies with millions.

That night, Hibari stayed awake, her understanding of "great men" and "heroes" deepening profoundly.

The investiture ceremony proceeded smoothly. No fools dared disrupt it.

The final agenda: the new Fleet Admiral Sakazuki's inaugural address.

Sakazuki stepped forward, ensuring his voice would carry across the plaza. He gave a subtle nod to someone behind the crowd.

At this moment, everyone saw Sakazuki's commanding presence more clearly.

"Greetings to all Marine comrades present here and to those bravely fighting on the frontlines or tirelessly working for the cause of justice!"

Cheers erupted from the audience, loud enough to shake the heavens!

Across the world, Marine branches and empty plazas displayed live broadcasts. The screens, initially dismantled after the Paramount War, had been reassembled.

Civilians gathered around, watching intently.

The broadcast began with Sakazuki's declaration, skipping Sengoku's speech entirely.

"Attention! Sakazuki's Fleet Admiral speech is starting!"

Leaders at Marine branches quickly organized their troops to watch.

Sakazuki had ensured this broadcast by contacting Crane and the intelligence department. Within 24 hours, screens were reinstalled worldwide.

He even requisitioned venues for concerts and plays to host the event, ensuring maximum viewership. Additionally, Sakazuki enlisted Morgans, the president of the World Economic News, to document the event.

Morgans, the birdman, was ecstatic!

The goal? To restore Marine prestige, counter the storm caused by Whitebeard's final words, stabilize the seas, and protect civilians.

Sakazuki paused after his opening, then continued:

"There are over 10 million Marines worldwide. Although we serve in different capacities, we are all pillars of justice, shining light across the seas. For your dedication, I sincerely thank you!"

The crowd erupted in applause, their spirits lifted by his words.

"In truth, every Marine holds a beautiful dream of justice in their hearts. This dream keeps us fighting. But over time, it may fade into the shadows of memory.

"Comrades, whether your dreams remain ablaze or not, I am here to remind you. On the path of justice, we face countless trials.

"But I hold steadfast to a dream—a dream deeply rooted in the hearts of all Marines!"

Everyone listened intently, eager to learn what this dream entailed.

"Justice will prevail!"