On a sunny morning, a massive stage had been set up in the plaza of Marineford, the Marine Headquarters.
The promotion of a Vice Admiral-level powerhouse in the Marines was an event of global significance, especially since the person being promoted was exceptionally young.
Whether it was the Marines, pirates, or other factions, everyone evaluated a person's talent based on the comparison between their age and strength.
In nearly a century, Raleigh was the only one under twenty to attain the position of Vice Admiral.
Therefore, to boost morale, the Marine leadership defined this event as one that would proclaim the majesty of the Marines.
All specifications were set half a level higher than the standard for promoting a Vice Admiral, ranking second only to the ceremony for promoting an Admiral.
Although Raleigh had always given the impression of being a slacker, this didn't mean people disliked him.
On the contrary, Raleigh's humor and interesting personality had attracted many like-minded individuals, including—but not limited to—Sakazuki, Momonga, Gion, and Tokikake.
There were also some hardline Marine members who, though not particularly compatible with Raleigh, were happy to show support since they had no conflicts of interest with him.
Of course, everyone felt somewhat sour inside, especially those who trained extremely hard—like Kuzan or Doberman.
Whenever they recalled Raleigh's cheeky grin, they couldn't help but mentally draw little caricatures of him.
However, they all knew about Raleigh's achievements in the East Blue and North Blue.
No matter what, what Raleigh accomplished there was genuine.
Before being promoted to Vice Admiral, these matters had to be publicly disclosed to the entire organization.
They had countless reasons for joining the Marines, but only one reason for staying: the justice in their hearts.
The 133rd Branch that Raleigh led in the East Blue, and the forces he commanded in the North Blue, had defeated and eliminated countless pirates, preventing at least several dozen towns from becoming scenes of tragedy.
These deeds, each and every one, were recorded by Marine scribes to be revealed to the world.
If a public survey were conducted, 95% of the people would want Raleigh to serve as their local Marine commander again.... this was the true will of the people!
...
At 8:30 in the morning, as everyone waited quietly, our protagonist Raleigh appeared backstage at Marineford Plaza.
"Nervous? This is your first time seeing such a scene, isn't it?"
Kong, dressed in a sharp suit and draped in the large Marine "Justice" cloak, with epaulets indicating his position as the highest authority—the Fleet Admiral—stood beside him.
Today, Raleigh wasn't wearing his usual casual clothes.
Yesterday, Gion had taken him to a famous tailor shop in Marineford to have an expensive, well-fitted suit custom-made.
The tailored suit accentuated Raleigh's dignified character, and when paired with the Marine Justice cloak, he looked exceptionally handsome and dashing.
After adjusting his tie, Raleigh looked up and said, "Nervous? No! This is my first time appearing on the world stage—I need to make a good impression."
Due to the special circumstances, the Marines had applied to the World Government for news coverage.
Now, sitting in the front rows, were reporters from major newspapers.
Looking at the vibrant Raleigh beside him, Kong felt the youthful passion in his own heart being rekindled.
He hadn't felt this way in a very, very long time.
Since becoming the Fleet Admiral, his planning had become hesitant and insecure.
Before doing anything, he had to consider the World Government and the impact on the Marines. This had left Kong without mental relaxation for an extended period.
Seeing the young and energetic Raleigh beside him today, Kong felt he could still work for a few more years.
"Youth is truly wonderful," Kong couldn't help but sigh.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, who doesn't know the benefits of youth? It's not like there aren't Devil Fruits in this world that can keep one perpetually young."
"I know of one Devil Fruit that can maintain a youthful state. If you want it, I'll help you obtain it."
Hearing Kong sighing about his age, Raleigh couldn't help but blurt this out.
As a transmigrator who grasped the entire storyline's trajectory, he naturally knew where the Vampire Fruit was located.
It was just that he had been staying in the East Blue and North Blue previously, with no time to search for it.
Moreover, even if he found it, it wouldn't be of much use to him personally.
For Raleigh currently, obtaining even a top-tier Zoan-type Devil Fruit would merely serve as a reserve resource.
But if this matter could secure the support of a Marine Fleet Admiral, then Raleigh felt this business deal would be well worth it.
"Haha, not considering that for now. This old man can still work for another decade or so."
Upon hearing Raleigh's words, Kong seemed somewhat defiant, smoothing his hair as he spoke.
"Today's protagonist is you. We'll discuss these matters another time."
"It's your turn to take the stage now. Make sure to put on a good show."
Hearing the ceremonial cannons firing outside, Kong straightened his collar and strode confidently outward.
The Marineford Plaza, capable of accommodating a full 100,000 people, was now packed with spectators.
A long red carpet extended directly to the stage at the center of the plaza.
Freshly picked flowers lined both sides of the red carpet, arranged by Marines into standing bouquets.
The first to appear before everyone was the current Fleet Admiral—Kong.
Today, Kong wasn't wearing his usual sleeveless shirt but had changed into a black suit.
His mountain-shaped hair and beard had been meticulously groomed, appearing exceptionally refined under the sunlight.
Kong looked toward the journalists continuously photographing him and raised his right hand in acknowledgment.
However, today's stage didn't belong to him, and Kong had no intention of stealing Raleigh's spotlight.
So, he merely exchanged brief greetings with the reporters and the Marine officers seated in the front rows before quickly moving on.
Next appeared the highly anticipated protagonist of the day.
The much-talked-about Christian Raleigh, promoted to Vice Admiral.
His jet-black short hair was styled into a slicked-back, three-seven part.
A black suit jacket covered a white shirt, complemented by an equally black tie.
At this moment, Raleigh resembled less a Marine officer and more a high-ranking World Government official.
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