Even after Fleet Admiral Sengoku announced the end of the assessment, silence lingered across the plaza. No one had yet recovered from the spectacle they had just witnessed.
The crater carved into the arena stood as undeniable proof—it hadn't been a dream. The man they had just seen wasn't simply strong; he was extraordinary.
Then, like a spark catching dry kindling, applause began—hesitant at first, but quickly swelling into a roaring wave. Cheers filled Marineford. Every Marine present stared at Fujitora with awe and admiration.
Soldiers naturally revered strength, and now that someone like him had joined their ranks, pride swelled in their chests. This was their Navy.
Fujitora offered a modest, warm smile. Though he remained calm, inwardly, a rare feeling of belonging flickered to life. It was new… but not unwelcome.
Momonga, Onigumo, and Doberman had already recovered. They hadn't suffered serious injuries—thanks entirely to Fujitora's restraint. Despite their bruised egos, the three Vice Admirals approached him, none of them bitter.
Instead, they each extended their congratulations.
Fujitora scratched his head, looking almost embarrassed.
"Vice Admirals, you're all far stronger than me," he said sincerely. "If not for the power of my Devil Fruit, I wouldn't have stood a chance."
The three exchanged glances, feeling slightly exasperated. Deep down, they knew—Fruit or not, they hadn't stood a chance either way.
Still, seeing Fujitora's genuine humility, any trace of resentment vanished. With polite nods, they turned and walked away.
By all accounts, the assessment was over.
But Fujitora remained rooted to the center of the crater, lifting his head to face the high platform—where Admiral Purple Kirin stood.
Confused murmurs rippled through the crowd. Sengoku leaned forward slightly and called out,
"Fujitora, the test is complete. Do you have something else to say?"
Chiga leaned lazily into one hand, one leg crossed over the other, watching with quiet interest. A faint smile tugged at his lips—he already had an idea of what was coming.
Fujitora spoke clearly and without hesitation,
"I was brought into the Navy by Admiral Purple Kirin. So, I believe it should be him who evaluates me personally. I request that Admiral Chiga honors me with a match!"
Gasps echoed across the plaza.
Gion turned toward Chiga, lightly tapping his hand.
"He's challenged you. Are you going to accept?"
Chiga's Rinnegan flashed slightly. His expression didn't change.
"Of course. Let him experience the strength of the one he follows."
He stood and gave a relaxed smile.
"I accept."
The entire plaza exploded in cheers. Marines leapt to their feet, voices raised in disbelief and excitement.
Not only had they witnessed the rise of a powerhouse, now they would witness the strength of the strongest Admiral himself—Admiral Purple Kirin.
There had never been an official declaration, but to nearly every Marine, Chiga was already acknowledged as the most powerful among the Admirals.
And now, they would see it with their own eyes.
"Admiral Kirin ! Admiral Kirin !"
Chants erupted across the square. Marines roared his name in unison.
Even among the high-ranking officers, anticipation burned in their eyes. Apart from Aokiji and former Admiral Zephyr, few had seen Chiga in action. This was their moment.
Chiga didn't disappoint.
With a faint hum of purple lightning dancing around his body, he vanished—reappearing in front of Fujitora an instant later.
All cheering stopped.
Not a single breath was wasted. Silence fell like a curtain over the plaza. Everyone stared, afraid to miss even a second of what was about to unfold.
Fujitora felt Chiga's presence arrive and couldn't help but smile wider.
He had long wanted to witness Chiga's true strength firsthand. Especially now, after sensing Chiga's dissatisfaction with the World Government… he needed to know if this man's power could truly change the world.
Chiga crossed his arms and smiled.
"What's wrong? Was fighting three Vice Admirals not enough for you?"
Fujitora bowed slightly, but his tone was firm.
"I apologize for the disrespect, Admiral. I only wish to witness the power that inspires men to believe in change."
"Change the world, huh?" Chiga laughed softly. "You've got high hopes."
"You are someone worth following. I only ask that you don't hold back."
Fujitora's cane sword was fully drawn this time. His tone was no longer humble—it was resolute.
Boom. Boom. Boom!
The plaza began to tremble.
The stone floor visibly sank beneath their feet. Marines near the edges stumbled as the air around them thickened.
Chiga floated up, his boots hovering just above the crater. Calm and composed, he gazed down at Fujitora.
"Using your Devil Fruit so soon? You must be eager."
As he spoke, the third tomoe in Chiga's right eye pulsed with power. Gravity warped subtly, and then with a shift, the ground began to rise again—restored by an invisible force.
Chiga landed softly, gravity bending to his will. His Rinnegan glowed with eerie calm.
Fujitora froze.
"This is…?"
Chiga smirked.
"The Gravity Fruit resides in this eye. Looks like we're twins, in a sense."
That revelation sent murmurs through the crowd.
Another user of the Gravity Fruit?
The aura around Fujitora shifted. Perhaps influenced by the resonance of their abilities, his fighting spirit burned even hotter.
He raised his cane sword high.
"Then let me witness it—the full power of your Gravity!"
Buzz!
Concentric purple rings expanded from his body and surged into the sky.
A hush fell over the plaza.
Then—BOOM!
A massive object broke through the clouds above. A meteor, easily twenty meters wide, plummeted toward the plaza, its path aimed directly at Chiga.
The sky darkened under its shadow.
A Marine muttered from the crowd, voice dry,
"H-Hey… you've gotta be kidding…"
Even the bravest soldiers stared upward, frozen in disbelief.
But Chiga never flinched.
He simply looked up and smiled.
"Heavenly Obstacle Quaking Star, huh?" he said quietly. "A bit small, don't you think?"
---
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