After two more months of sailing at sea, Sakazuki finally returned to Marineford.
After a brief exchange with Morris, who had come to welcome him back, he made his way alone to the highest building in the headquarters: the Fleet Admiral's office.
He climbed the familiar steps, his boots echoing through the halls. At the heavy door, he raised a fist and knocked.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Come in." A firm voice responded from within.
Sakazuki stepped inside. Across the desk, Fleet Admiral Kong set down the documents in his hands and looked up with a smile.
"Take a seat, Sakazuki."
"Yes, sir." He sat down with his usual serious demeanor.
Kong studied him for a moment before nodding in satisfaction. "You've done an excellent job these past two years. Not only have you dealt a heavy blow to the pirates, but you've also strengthened the people's trust in the Marines across the Four Blues.
"After discussions among the higher-ups, we've decided to promote you to vice admiral. The inauguration ceremony will be held the day after tomorrow. Any thoughts?"
Sakazuki stood up. He didn't use any grand words, only spoke in a firm and unwavering tone. "I will uphold the justice I carry until my last breath."
Kong, sensing his determination, nodded seriously.
"I believe in you, Sakazuki. Prepare yourself well. A vice admiral is a crucial force in the Marines, a symbol of deterrence against criminals worldwide. The day after tomorrow, this promotion will be announced to the world."
"I will not disappoint you," Sakazuki replied.
Leaving the Fleet Admiral's office, he finally allowed himself a small moment of satisfaction. His usual restraint eased, and a slight smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
He had achieved the rank of vice admiral years ahead of schedule. Only two more steps remained to reach his ultimate goal. Even with his years of discipline and training, he couldn't suppress a flicker of excitement.
Across the Four Blues, the seeds he had sown were beginning to take root.
...
Not long after Sakazuki's conversation with Kong, news of his promotion was no longer confined to the higher-ups.
It spread through Marineford in no time, sending shockwaves throughout the base.
And for good reason.
Among the first batch of recruits who had entered the Marine elite training camp with him, most were still stationed at headquarters, holding positions across various departments.
The highest-ranked among them had only reached the rank of lieutenant commander. Yet Sakazuki, their peer, had already been promoted to vice admiral.
It was nothing short of astonishing.
...
Two days later, Marine Headquarters held an extravagant appointment ceremony.
Though known for his stern demeanor and cold expression, Sakazuki's reputation among his fellow marines was impeccable. He was feared, respected, and, most importantly, trusted.
Everyone knew his coldness was merely an outer shell. He had spent years on the front lines, patrolling the seas, hunting pirates, and eliminating threats. Indirectly, he had saved countless marines' families and hometowns.
If a survey were conducted among the rank and file, the most trusted officer in Marineford would undoubtedly be Sakazuki.
As numerous reporters took photos and documented the event, news birds soared into the sky, spreading the story far and wide.
The name of Marine Headquarters' newly promoted vice admiral, Sakazuki, echoed across the seas.
In many towns he had once saved, people flooded the streets, cheering as they held up newspapers.
On the front page, a single photograph dominated the layout.
Sakazuki, clad in his red uniform, stood tall. On the high platform, he looked imposing and unwavering. Behind him, the massive "Justice" inscription on the fortress wall sent a powerful message.
Below the image, a quote was printed in bold:
"Upholding the world's justice, until my last breath." — Vice Admiral Sakazuki.
...
Nighttime, Marineford Headquarters training ground.
Clang!
Clang!
Two figures clashed in the moonlight, sparks flying as the sound of metal rang through the empty arena.
Sakazuki's fists were coated in Armament Haki. In a blur of motion, he appeared in front of Morris and threw a punch.
Morris didn't dodge.
His longsword, enveloped in swirling black Haki, solidified in an instant as he slashed forward. Fist and blade collided, locked in a deadlock.
Grinning, Morris struck with his free hand, Haki coating his palm as he aimed for Sakazuki's abdomen. Without even looking, Sakazuki curled his left fingers slightly and reached down at an angle.
Clang!
He caught the incoming hand, gripping it tightly. A surge of immense strength twisted Morris's arm upward.
'This power...!'
Morris's pupils shrank in shock. He couldn't resist at all. His own hand, still under Sakazuki's grip, was flung upward—colliding directly with his own sword, knocking it off course.
With no more obstacles in its way, Sakazuki's right fist shot forward.
Boom!
Morris flew backwards, crashing into a stone wall in the distance.
Brushing off debris, he coughed and climbed to his feet. Behind him, the cracked wall crumbled to dust. He shook off the impact and smiled.
"Not bad, kid. That strength of yours is no joke."
Deciding to switch tactics, he adjusted his stance. "Alright, let's see how good your swordsmanship is."
Sakazuki had no objections. Raising his right hand and holding it flat, he pressed his left fist against it, then pulled outward.
Like drawing a blade from its sheath, a magma-forged sword over three meters long materialized. The blade itself was two meters long, with a one-meter handle. It was thick at the blade, thin at the grip; its design strange yet deadly.
Gripping it firmly, Sakazuki raised the sword vertically. Haki surged over the molten blade, solidifying it into a pitch-black weapon. In an instant, he vanished.
Reappearing right in front of Morris, he swung down with all the force of his forward momentum. Morris gripped his sword with both hands, black Haki surging as he blocked.
Boom!
The force of the clash sent shockwaves across the field. The sheer impact numbed Morris's arms, nearly knocking his sword from his grasp.
But Sakazuki wasn't done.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
A relentless flurry of strikes followed, the ringing of metal filling the air. In seconds, they had exchanged countless blows.
Sakazuki's eyes sharpened. He poured more strength into his next attack.
Boom!
Morris was sent flying once again, crashing into the pile of rubble from the collapsed stone wall.
Rustle! Rustle!
As the sound of shifting debris filled the air, he pushed aside the broken stones and stood up, his tone laced with helplessness.
"Enough, enough, I give up."
He shook his head with a wry smile.
"Kid, your strength is on par with the giants; this is just unfair. But damn, that was a good way to blow off steam."
Hearing the grumbling tone in his voice, Sakazuki allowed himself a faint smile.
The two walked over to the edge of the training field and sat on the stone steps. The salty sea breeze carried a hint of coolness as it swept past them.
For a long while, neither spoke.
Then, Morris sighed, his voice carrying a hint of emotion. "Sakazuki... the future depends on you guys."
Sakazuki glanced at him. "Why do you say that, Vice Admiral?"
He knew what was on Morris's mind. It had been weighing on him for years. But it wasn't something he could bring up himself, so he simply asked with a hint of curiosity.
Morris rolled his eyes at Sakazuki's feigned ignorance and chuckled.
"Alright, drop the act. You don't have to comfort me. I've weathered storms far worse than this. It's just a seat at the admiral's table. I know I'll never reach it in this lifetime. But I can train the next generation.
"I've already submitted my request. I'll be transferring to the rear as an instructor. One day, my students will reach that rank.
"'No killing'... Ha, what a joke."
The Marines were divided between the Hawks and the Doves. The Hawks scoffed at the Doves' "capture, not kill" ideology. The Doves, in turn, disapproved of the Hawks' philosophy of "eliminate rather than capture."
Now that the final admiral position had been filled, the Doves had secured control over the highest ranks of the Navy. It was no wonder Morris had given up; it was a hopeless cause.
"...An instructor, huh." Sakazuki listened, understanding Morris's feelings.
A glimmer of hope had remained, only for him to realize—after years of struggle—that it had never been meant for him in the first place. Anyone in his position would feel the same despair. But Morris had already come to terms with it.
Sakazuki remained silent for a moment. Then, as if making up his mind, he reached into his uniform and pulled out a small notebook. He handed it to Morris.
Morris took it, glancing at the cover.
Softly, he read the title aloud. "Faith and Justice."
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