The next day, the Marine Academy was bustling with activity, adorned with red banners celebrating the graduation of the 16th Elite Class.
Inside a large classroom in Building 12, not only were Zephyr and numerous high-ranking instructors present, but even "Steel Bone" Kong, the Fleet Admiral himself, attended to personally bestow ranks upon the graduating cadets.
During their half-year of practical training, the elite class cadets annihilated over a dozen pirate crews. Each individual's kill count and capture count were recorded as merits, earning them significant commendations. Combined with their strength far exceeding that of ordinary Marines, they naturally wouldn't just become mere grunts upon officially joining the Marines after graduation.
However, in these six months of combat, the 50 elite class cadets weren't without casualties. Eleven perished, and five were disabled and had already retired. Only 34 cadets could attend the graduation ceremony today, four of whom were still bearing injuries.
"Daddy Masterson, promoted to Warrant Officer!"
"…"
"Yukimura, promoted to Ensign!"
"…"
"Hina, promoted to Ensign!"
"…"
"Gasparde, promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade!"
"…"
"Smoker, promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade!"
"…"
Kong stood on the main platform, bestowing ranks upon each elite class cadet.
It wasn't long before the last individual was called. Kong looked at Cross before him, a smile gracing his lips. He slowly said, "I said your contributions wouldn't be overlooked when you graduated!"
"Amphitrite Cross, promoted to Major!" (Lieutenant Commander)
Kong took a brand-new Justice coat from the attendant behind him and handed it to Cross.
"All for Justice!"
Cross saluted with a serious expression, then draped the Justice coat over his shoulders, presenting a truly dignified appearance.
This wasn't the future era yet; at this time, Marine ranks weren't easily acquired, especially for a group of newly joined Marines. Achieving officer and commissioned officer ranks was already quite impressive.
Among these 34 individuals, most were promoted to Warrant Officer, a few to Ensign, and only Gasparde and Smoker received the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. Only Cross was directly promoted exceptionally to the rank of Major.
Witnessing this, the elite class cadets present all looked on with envy.
Smoker and Gasparde had initially been pleased with their Lieutenant ranks, but upon seeing the newly minted Major Cross, they immediately felt disgruntled, even showing signs of jealousy.
However, no one present raised any objections, as this was a rank Cross had genuinely earned.
Back during the encirclement of the Impaler Pirates on Carocal Island, Cross utilized his abilities to protect Skoggy, the "Sculpture City." He not only safeguarded the city's populace but also reduced casualties among innocent civilians and Marines, a truly monumental feat.
Then there was the escort mission half a year ago: first, he exposed Amber Lead as toxic, and second, he single-handedly repelled "Silver Arm" Regedor of the Roberts Legion, sinking a steamship and inflicting hundreds of pirate casualties. This perfectly thwarted the Roberts Legion's designs on King Vinsmoke Judge, who was attending the World Summit.
And on the Sabaody Archipelago, as a Marine rookie, Cross even protected a Celestial Dragon, which was also a significant accomplishment.
Finally, in the practical training combat against pirates, Cross still had the greatest achievements among everyone, having dealt with more than one pirate with a bounty exceeding 50 million Berries.
Especially in the recent Gurri Island battle, Cross's performance, both in defeating several pirates with bounties over 100 million and in his fight against Redfield, greatly satisfied the Marine higher-ups.
With so many accomplishments to his name, being promoted to Major was more than deserved. This rank was likely chosen to consider the feelings of other cadets and issues of seniority, otherwise, he might have been granted an even higher rank than Major.
Once Cross's promotion was complete, the ceremony concluded. Everyone formed neat lines and orderly returned to their seats below the stage.
"Everyone present here are the future stars of the Marines. I hope you will uphold justice, never forget your original intentions, remember the mission of justice, and resolutely eliminate evil…"
At this point, Kong stood on the main platform, delivering a spirited speech to Cross and the others who had returned to their seats below. Just like leaders from his past life, he began with a lengthy, positive, but ultimately nonsensical, "brainwashing" speech.
Cross didn't know about the others, but he, for one, was getting drowsy listening to it.
Just like that, the entire morning passed, and the rank conferment ceremony finally ended with Kong's speech.
During the practical training period, this year's fifth-year cadets had already been assigned to various Marine branches and sub-branches. Next was the assignment of the 34 elite class cadets.
However, Cross's request to stay at the Marine Academy as an assistant instructor for one year had already been approved by Marine high command, so tomorrow, only Smoker, Gasparde, and the other 33 individuals would be assigned to other Marine outposts, not including Cross.
"Cross, stay behind!"
Just as the 34 elite class cadets stood up, preparing to line up and leave, Kong suddenly spoke, detaining Cross.
Although Cross was a bit surprised, he honestly stepped out of line and watched the others leave.
Before long, only Cross, Kong, and his adjutant Jonathan remained in the large classroom.
"Major Cross, there's something I need your assistance with!" Kong looked at Cross, a smile appearing on his face, and said slowly.
"Fleet Admiral, please give your orders!" Cross said gravely.
"It's like this: I previously asked you if your Enlivened beings could serve as defense for Marine Headquarters, and you said yes. So, I dispatched several battleships and a batch of transport ships to Skoggy, the 'Sculpture City,' intending to transport those Enlivened sculptures back!" Kong said helplessly, "But the officials in Skoggy, the 'Sculpture City,' are stubbornly refusing, and even the local populace is spontaneously blocking our Marine operations at the port!"
"Huh?!"
Cross looked utterly bewildered, asking in confusion, "Why? Why are they refusing?"
"You'll know the specific reasons when you get to Skoggy, the 'Sculpture City.' Vice Admiral Momonga will explain it to you!" Kong shook his head with a wry smile, not elaborating further.
Cross felt a little strange but agreed nonetheless, asking, "So… should I depart now?"
"The sooner the better. Marine Headquarters has already begun dispatching troops; some forces left this afternoon." Kong nodded.
"Understood. I'll go back to my dorm, pack up, and then set off!" Cross responded solemnly.
"Then I'll trouble you with the trip!" Kong smiled, patting Cross's shoulder.
"For Justice!"
Cross replied as such, making Kong even more satisfied.
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