The moment Diarmuid stepped out of the Fortress of Justice in Marineford, he felt a wave of heat wash over him.
Good heavens, the already spacious Plaza of Justice was truly a scene of clanging gongs and beating drums, blaring firecrackers, colorful banners waving, and a sea of people!
Fortunately, a large number of Marine Headquarters soldiers were maintaining order, so while it was incredibly crowded, it wasn't chaotic.
"In all my years at Marineford, I've never seen a spectacle this grand..." Diarmuid remarked with a hint of emotion.
Borsalino paused for a moment, then nodded and said, "Me neither."
Although Borsalino had been a Marine at Marineford a few years longer than Diarmuid, he had never witnessed the scene during the inauguration of the previous Fleet Admiral, Kong, who apparently hadn't held such a ceremony.
In fact, for most Marines, this was their first time seeing a Fleet Admiral inauguration ceremony.
Meanwhile, many other high-ranking officers also walked out of the Fortress of Justice, cheerfully greeting Diarmuid and Borsalino as they headed towards the plaza.
Several areas had already been delineated there, and open-air viewing stands had been erected, large enough to seat tens of thousands of people.
Diarmuid and Borsalino didn't dawdle, chatting as they walked towards the stands.
As soon as they left the cordoned-off area, a swarm of reporters instantly rushed over, blinding Diarmuid with a flurry of flash photography.
He instantly regretted not wearing sunglasses like Borsalino.
"Borsalino-san, we hear that today is not only Fleet Admiral Sengoku's promotion ceremony, but that you are also formally taking office as a Marine Admiral today, is that correct?"
"Kizaru-san, as the most senior member of the former Marine new generation, you are the last to assume the rank of Admiral. Do you harbor any resentment about this?"
"Admiral! Admiral, could you please discuss who is stronger among you, Admiral Diarmuid, and Admiral Sakazuki? I believe many citizens are eagerly awaiting that answer."
As the newly promoted Admiral of the day, Borsalino naturally attracted a lot of attention. Of course, many people were also surrounding Diarmuid with questions.
The reporters' questions were all quite sharp, not lacking in attempts at provocation—truly enjoying the drama without caring about the consequences.
Diarmuid had no intention of engaging with these people. He activated the repulsive force of his Gravity Field, directly pushing the crowd aside and walking through.
Borsalino, however, smiled and answered a few questions. After all, he was becoming an Admiral today and had to say something.
"Firstly, I am indeed taking office as a Marine Admiral today. That's not a matter for debate; it's just a normal personnel change within the Marines. Regarding the 'resentment' you just mentioned, truthfully, there is none at all. We Marines are an army of Justice. We didn't join the Marines to fight for power and profit, but to better uphold justice on the seas and secure the peace of the people. That's why the relationship between the three of us Admirals is excellent. Otherwise, I wouldn't have walked out here with Admiral Diarmuid just now, would I?" Borsalino stood there, casually spinning a yarn for the reporters.
Diarmuid, who had walked ahead, found it rather amusing. He hadn't realized that the usually lazy and unreliable Borsalino had such skillful diplomacy when he was being serious.
Soon, Diarmuid arrived at the seating area arranged for the Marines. Garp, Zephyr, Tsuru, Kuzan, Gion, and others were already seated there.
Furthermore, to promote good relations, the seating was not strictly divided by faction. One could see Queen Otohime, Queen Stussy, several affiliated kingdom monarchs, high-ranking Mariejois officials, great nobles, all sitting or mingling, seemingly enjoying a warm atmosphere and engaging in polite, insincere conversation.
Diarmuid quickly walked over and sat down next to Gion, letting out a deep breath, "There are too many people. I was nearly cooked."
Gion smiled and replied, "I know. Especially having to wear formal attire. Why else do you think I'm sitting next to Kuzan?"
Diarmuid was stunned, then looked at Kuzan, who was currently emitting white steam. One might think he was practicing some form of cultivation.
"I swear. Do you have to be that dramatic?" Diarmuid ribbed.
"I'm more sensitive to heat than all of you, alright?" Kuzan rolled his eyes at Diarmuid.
Just then, Queen Otohime walked over with a smile, extending her hand, "Admiral Diarmuid, it has been a long time."
A smile lit up Diarmuid's eyes. He reached out and grasped Queen Otohime's hand, shaking it gently before releasing it. "It certainly has been a long time, Queen Otohime. It's wonderful to see you in Marineford. It proves that our mutual efforts have not been in vain, hasn't it?"
"Hehehe, you are right. We are very grateful to you, especially concerning Jinbe's matter," Queen Otohime said with a cheerful smile.
"It's nothing. It's just what I should do," Diarmuid said, waving his hand with a smile.
Just then, another group of reporters chased over, crowding around Diarmuid with microphones and cameras.
Diarmuid was confused. There are so many important people here, why are you chasing me?
"Admiral Diarmuid, is your relationship with Queen Otohime of Fish-Man Island very intimate?" a reporter excitedly asked.
Diarmuid was first taken aback, then smiled and said, "Your choice of words is inappropriate. Queen Otohime and I have known each other for a long time. We are friends who share a common belief. It would be more accurate to say our relationship is close. Furthermore, I am also very good friends with King Neptune of Fish-Man Island."
"A common belief? What does that mean?" another reporter asked.
"Ah, regarding that, we both agree that the misunderstandings and prejudices between Fish-Man Island and surface society should be eliminated, and we should jointly promote the harmonious development of this world. I have always believed that there are many intelligent races in the world, and everyone should abandon mutual prejudice. All intelligent races are equal; no one is born inherently nobler or baser than another. Therefore, in my spare time, I have always been promoting these efforts. Queen Otohime is a person of great wisdom and great resolve. Among the friends I know, she is one of the most admirable people," Diarmuid said very seriously.
A look of emotion flashed in Queen Otohime's eyes. Clearly, this was Admiral Diarmuid publicly showing his support for her.
Sure enough, as soon as Diarmuid finished speaking, the reporters who cared about this issue immediately turned to interview Queen Otohime.
Engaging in mutual flattery, Queen Otohime was very generous in praising Diarmuid and the Marine officers led by him for the help they provided to Fish-Man Island.
At the same time, she also began promoting her philosophy, hoping that humans and the people of Fish-Man Island could live in peace, speaking at length about the matter.
Another group of reporters was clearly aiming for Diarmuid and completely ignored the change of topic. Instead, they asked, "Admiral, we heard that you are in a romantic relationship with Vice Admiral Momousagi at Marineford. Is this true?"
Gion's face flushed red, and she shot an annoyed glare at the reporter. And indeed, that look was incredibly captivating and was immediately captured by the cameras.
Diarmuid first mused that these reporters must be from gossip tabloids.
However, he was indeed in a good mood today, and he never cared what kind of gossip these people spread.
So, instead of chasing them away, he smiled and put an arm around Gion, saying, "That's right. I spent a great deal of effort to win over the Marine Flower of our Marine Headquarters! You wouldn't believe how many suitors Vice Admiral Momousagi has—they could line up from Marineford all the way to Mariejois! Luckily, I'm quite handsome and talented, which is how I managed to win her over..."
Gion was initially stunned, then a happy smile spread across her face.
Diarmuid's statement completely thrilled the gossip reporters.
"Admiral, Admiral, we heard that you are not only involved with Vice Admiral Momousagi but also have entanglements with your secretary, Rear Admiral Hina. Is that true? We once heard you traveled to a hot spring island with Rear Admiral Hina..." another reporter gossiped.
Diarmuid was slightly surprised. You even know that?
Wait a minute? No, I went to the hot springs with that rough guy Dragon! Thinking about it now feels a little bizarre...
Therefore, Diarmuid's expression became serious, "Of course not. However, as a man, I deeply appreciate Rear Admiral Hina's beauty. But between us, it is strictly a professional relationship. Rear Admiral Hina is extremely outstanding. She was the top graduate of the Marine Academy back then, recommended to me by my Sensei, Zephyr-san. I have indeed kept Rear Admiral Hina by my side to train her, and she is an indispensable assistant in my work. To be honest, I'm very careless, and if she weren't helping me check for mistakes, I don't know how many reprimands I would have received, hahahaha..."
As soon as Diarmuid finished speaking, that reporter, who was clearly a sharp operator, immediately turned the microphone toward Gion and asked excitedly, "Vice Admiral Momousagi, Admiral Diarmuid said he deeply appreciates Rear Admiral Hina's beauty. What is your opinion on this? And regarding my previous suspicion, do you have any doubts?"
Oh, for heaven's sake... Diarmuid cursed inwardly. If it weren't for the crowd here, I would have thrown you into the sea to feed the fish long ago!
Gion, hearing this, smiled and said, "The appreciation of beauty is common to all. When Diarmuid was courting me, he was also direct in saying that he deeply appreciated my beauty. At the time, I even thought he was being a rogue. As for Rear Admiral Hina's beauty, I certainly acknowledge it. And as for my opinion..."
Stopping there, Gion turned and smiled at Diarmuid, saying magnanimously, "As long as his heart belongs to me, that's enough."
The moment Gion's words fell, even the reporters were stunned. Undoubtedly, Gion was publicly stating that she didn't care if Diarmuid was a ladies' man!
Diarmuid was also surprised for a moment, then smiled and shook his head, saying no more.
However, Tokikake, not far away, nearly spat up blood and dramatically pounded his chest, immediately attracting the reporters' attention.
"Vice Admiral Chaton, we heard you secretly loved Vice Admiral Momousagi for many years and were rejected multiple times in public proposals but never gave up. What is your view on Vice Admiral Momousagi's recent statement?" the reporter asked in a somewhat bizarre fashion.
Tokikake nearly stood up to punch him. His expression was extremely grim, but he forced a smile and said, "What's the big deal? Just as Gion... Momousagi said, the appreciation of beauty is common to all. I also greatly appreciated her beauty back then; my motivation was the same as Diarmuid's. As for failing to win her over in the end, I can only say fate was not strong enough. So, of course, I wish them well."
"Is it because fate was not strong enough? Or is it because of the difference in appearance?" the reporter sharply questioned again.
"That's right, Vice Admiral Chaton, I heard that among Headquarters personnel, your relationship with Admiral Diarmuid is the most strained. Is that true?" another reporter asked.
Just as Tokikake's face grew darker, Diarmuid stood up, walked to Tokikake's side, and draped an arm around his shoulder. He smiled at the reporters and said, "What do you mean by 'strained relationship'? Tokikake and I have been old friends for many years! Didn't you know that we both graduated from the sixth Marine Officer Training Camp? As for the pursuit of Gion, Tokikake and I competed fairly, and it hasn't affected our private friendship at all! And regarding the issue of appearance, to be honest, at our level, when people acknowledge and interact with each other, they value character and substance more. Vice Admiral Tokikake is undoubtedly a true gentleman. I truly admire him for that. Moreover, even though this guy didn't win over Gion and lost to someone with a little more substance like me, he is still pursued by many beautiful women at Headquarters! Don't underestimate him, alright? Right, Tokikake?"
Tokikake was quick to react. He smiled at Diarmuid and said, "That's right, that's how it is. Diarmuid and I have a great relationship! There's no such thing as being 'strained'!"
After a slight pause, he added in the teasing tone of two good friends, "Also, what do you mean by 'a little more substance'? I was clearly the one with more talent!"
"Hahahaha, still arguing!" Diarmuid laughed loudly, his arm still around Tokikake's shoulder.
Soon, seeing that they couldn't dig up any more scoops, the reporters quickly dispersed.
Tokikake then sighed softly, "Don't think I'm going to thank you..."
"Tch, do you think I came looking for your thanks?" Diarmuid rolled his eyes at Tokikake.
Subsequently, both of them burst into laughter.