Hearing the words of the Marine lieutenant across the street, the Seven Warlords seated in the barbecue restaurant instinctively turned their gazes toward Xayuki.
What is loyalty?
Loyalty shouted face-to-face might not be genuine. But the actions of the Marines at the food stall, along with that lieutenant's behavior, were a perfect embodiment of true loyalty.
Not only did they demonstrate their loyalty to their Fleet Admiral through their actions, but they also regarded him as their role model, idol, and even a god. Under his influence, they actively practiced and promoted his principles.
Even a branch lieutenant was adhering to the motto, "This glory, I will not keep for myself." One could only imagine the state of the Marines now—whether in Marine Headquarters or the branch units—united under a single belief.
If a pirate crew could achieve such unity—sharing blessings and enduring hardships together—it would undoubtedly secure a place in the Grand Line, even if it wasn't the strongest.
And when the Marines are united in purpose, with both officers and soldiers carrying the same faith in their hearts, this force would become invincible, an unstoppable tide that would crush any opposition.
Under Captain Morgan's personal command, the anti-crime operation continued until the early morning.
As was his habit, Xayuki rose early. After washing up, he stepped out of his room, intending to head to the base cafeteria.
Before he could take more than a few steps, Binz approached quickly, carrying the still-soaked Buggy in his cage.
"Fleet Admiral!"
Saluting sharply, Binz reported, "Buggy seems to still be alive."
Xayuki glanced down at Buggy, who remained locked in the cage, and raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Such resilience? Excellent. I'm sure the Science Division will be very interested. Have him escorted to the warship and guarded carefully."
Binz shook his head firmly. "Since you've deemed him extremely dangerous, Fleet Admiral, I'll personally guard him until he's delivered to Headquarters!"
With that, Binz hoisted the cage and dashed toward the base's harbor.
Before Xayuki could continue toward the cafeteria, a familiar figure came into view—Jinbe, who had been tirelessly recovering the remains of fallen Marines swallowed by the sea.
Jinbe approached quickly, his face weary but filled with guilt. "Apologies, Fleet Admiral. I've failed in my mission and couldn't recover more of the Marines' remains."
Hearing this, Xayuki felt a pang of emptiness in his heart. However, he didn't let it show and responded softly, "I've seen your sincerity. Let's consider this matter closed. Once we return to Headquarters, disband the Sun Pirates and have all crew members return to Fish-Man Island to await further orders. As for you, stay at Headquarters and become the Navy's 'Knight of the Sea.'"
After a brief pause, Xayuki turned to face Jinbe directly, his gaze piercing. "Do you accept?"
Jinbe met Xayuki's eyes, and any lingering doubts in his heart vanished.
The next moment, he bowed his head slightly, placed his right hand over his chest, and solemnly declared, "I am willing to cut through thorns and brambles for the Fleet Admiral!"
"I trust you won't disappoint me."
"And I won't let your loyalty go unrewarded. As long as you fight for justice, the unfulfilled wish of Queen Otohime—I will see it realized!"
Jinbe's head shot up, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Fleet Admiral, you... you've met Queen Otohime?"
Xayuki didn't answer directly. Instead, he sighed softly and said something that nearly brought Jinbe to tears.
"Queen Otohime carried a great love in her heart, Jinbe. I hold three types of people in the highest regard: those who dedicate their lives to the people, those who bring warmth to the masses, and those who pave the way for freedom!"
As he spoke, Xayuki placed a reassuring hand on Jinbe's shoulder before turning and walking away, leaving behind a young yet towering figure. His voice grew louder and more resolute with each step:
"Those who pave the way for freedom—I will not let them be trapped in thorns!"
"Those who bring warmth to the masses—I will not let them freeze to death in the snow!"
"Those who dedicate their lives to the people—I will not let them perish in silence!"
Watching the young commander's retreating figure, Jinbe's vision blurred. He stood silently for a moment before straightening his back and saluting in the direction Xayuki had gone.
For many humans, Queen Otohime might be an unfamiliar name.
But for Jinbe, born on Fish-Man Island and once a soldier of the Ryugu Kingdom, her name was deeply significant. Queen Otohime wasn't just the queen of the Ryugu Kingdom; she was a revered figure, one of immense greatness. Her greatest wish was to change the future of the Fish-Men and Merfolk, allowing them to live under the true sunlight and coexist peacefully with humans.
Yet such a beloved and respected figure was tragically killed by a Fish-Man and her death falsely blamed on human pirates, all to sow discord between Fish-Men and humans.
As Xayuki's figure disappeared, Jinbe slowly lowered his salute and turned his gaze to the sky, murmuring softly, "Queen Otohime, how I wish you could have lived in this era."
After breakfast, the Navy's fleet, still in the midst of its Eastern Patrol, set sail from Loguetown, heading directly for the Calm Belt.
On the deck of the flagship, Xayuki, now clad once again in his Fleet Admiral coat, stood habitually at the ship's prow.
Ain, having taken over Gion's duties, stood quietly to his left, holding the Fleet Admiral's dedicated Den Den Mushi.
To his right stood Jinbe, Gecko Moria, Crocodile, and Donquixote Doflamingo, lined up in a row. Unlike when they had first accompanied Xayuki to the East Blue, their gazes were now exceptionally clear—even Doflamingo's.
Especially Doflamingo. Ever since he entered Xayuki's office and uttered the words, "The Holy Land holds my lost dignity," he had shed all his burdens. He now carried himself with unprecedented ease. Were it not for the presence of others, he might have even hummed a tune.
As for Dracule Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman, he sat leisurely on a chair, legs crossed, reading a newspaper. His expression was one of utter relaxation.
The most excited among them was, without a doubt, Captain Morgan. Having received the Fleet Admiral's praise for his anti-crime operation in Loguetown and now being selected to join Headquarters as part of the Fleet Admiral's personal guard, his enthusiasm was palpable.
Such an honor would leave any branch officer sleepless with excitement.
Brrr-brrr-brrr!
Suddenly, as the fleet entered the Calm Belt, the Den Den Mushi in Ain's hands rang unexpectedly.
From the receiver came the voice of Sakazuki (Akainu): "Fleet Admiral Xayuki, this is Sakazuki. I'm reporting the latest situation. I've located the Beasts Pirates' fleet and am leading the Akainu Army to intercept them."
The moment Sakazuki's words echoed, the expressions of the four standing to Xayuki's right shifted. Their previously relaxed demeanor turned serious.
Xayuki didn't hesitate. "How many forces has Kaido deployed?"
"According to intelligence, nearly the entire Beasts Pirates' fleet has mobilized. However, there's no sign of Kaido himself so far."
"Additionally, Kuzan has already entered Big Mom Pirates' territory. He's vowed to stop them at all costs, ensuring they can't leave Totto Land."
New World.
Amid raging storms, more than a dozen warships, led by Sakazuki, cut through the waves.
Standing on the deck of the lead ship, Sakazuki held the Den Den Mushi firmly, his Admiral's coat billowing wildly in the storm. His gaze was fixed ahead as he declared, "Fleet Admiral Xayuki, whether Kaido shows up or not, I formally request to engage!"
"Permission granted!"
Xayuki's decisive voice came through the receiver.
Without hesitation, Sakazuki turned to the officers of the Akainu Army standing behind him. "Relay the order: Full speed ahead to the Beasts Pirates' fleet!"
"Yes, sir!"
The officers responded in unison before scattering to their posts with practiced efficiency.
Sakazuki himself wasted no time, striding toward the command cabin.
But just as he stepped forward, Xayuki's voice came through the Den Den Mushi once more.
"Sakazuki."
Sakazuki instinctively stopped and straightened up. "Yes?"
"Go all out."
"With me at Headquarters, you are not—and will never be—alone."
Huh?
Sakazuki's pupils contracted, and his grip on the Den Den Mushi trembled slightly.
Then, for the first time in years, a faint smile broke across his stern face.
Today's third update is complete. More tomorrow!
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