Two days later.
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
The massive oval-shaped military port was packed with people.
A sea of civilians stretched as far as the eye could see, all watching the ocean expectantly, clutching flowers and balloons, craning their necks to get a better view.
Among them were reporters from major news agencies and newspapers around the world, their cameras at the ready, eagerly waiting.
Marines in uniform stood in orderly lines, working hard to maintain control of the scene.
"When are the warships coming back?"
"Should be any minute now..."
"What a huge victory..."
"They wiped out the legendary Great Pirate Shiki the Golden Lion's invincible fleet..."
"This is so exciting!!"
"Big news! Big news!!"
The civilians and reporters were buzzing with excitement. After hearing the news that the warships were about to return, they had rushed to Marineford's military port to prepare a grand welcome ceremony.
At the back of the crowd...
"Old man Kong, don't you think this is a bit much..."
With a cigar in his mouth, Zephyr glanced at the throng of people and reporters pushing to the front, then looked helplessly at Kong, who stood nearby with his arms crossed.
Taking down Shiki's airborne fleet was no doubt a major victory... but this reception felt a little over the top.
Civilians showing up to celebrate was one thing, but having this many members of the press? Wasn't that a bit excessive?
There was no need to ask—this was clearly Kong's doing.
Otherwise, given the Marines' usual level of secrecy, neither the press nor the public would've known the exact time of the fleet's return.
Hearing Zephyr's complaint, Kong chuckled and said,
"Zephyr, it's been a long time since the Marines had a win like this. A little publicity isn't such a bad thing."
Zephyr fell silent for a moment, as if something had come to mind.
The last time the Marines scored such a decisive victory against pirates was nine years ago—during the Battle of God Valley.
That was the battle that made Garp a hero.
Though Zephyr, a former Admiral, hadn't participated directly in that war, he'd still sensed something off about it.
Even now, when he asked Garp—his old comrade—for details about the battle, Garp remained evasive and tight-lipped, like it was some taboo he didn't want to touch.
If that really had been a glorious battle to protect the innocent, with Garp's personality... could he have kept quiet about it?
But the truth was, that so-called victory—one the Marines should've proudly broadcast to the world—had been wiped from existence. Every trace of it, gone.
Even Zephyr, once an Admiral, didn't have clearance to access the God Valley files.
Naturally, that told him all he needed to know.
As if sensing Zephyr's uneasiness, Kong patted him on the shoulder and changed the subject.
"Well, are you proud? Daren is your student."
Zephyr was taken aback, but quickly recovered and laughed.
"That brat never disappoints..."
As he spoke, he noticed many elegantly dressed women and young girls in the crowd. Their eyes had turned into hearts, and the corners of his mouth twitched as he added,
"Well, at least in battle, he never disappoints."
Kong smiled and said,
"In any case, Daren is indeed the most brilliant Marine of this era."
Zephyr nodded and turned his gaze to the group of Officer Training Camp students behind him.
Except for the grumbling Tokikake, everyone looked full of anticipation. Kuzan was even more excited, pumping his fists with shining eyes.
A proud smile gradually spread across Zephyr's weathered face. But before he could say anything, a cry rang out from the crowd.
"That's... a warship!"
"They're back, they're back!"
"They're back!"
...
As soon as the words were spoken, the murmuring stopped. Everyone instinctively looked up toward the distant sea.
Under the vast, expansive sky, snow-white seagulls soared overhead.
On the blue sea—clearer than the sky itself—a majestic Navy warship appeared at the horizon, slicing through the surging waves with the commanding presence of a triumphant return, heading straight for the headquarters port.
Its white sails billowed in the ocean breeze, and the bold black kanji for "Justice" blazed across them in a striking, dragon-like script, emanating a powerful sense of authority.
At the bow of the ship stood a tall, burly figure, arms crossed, a snow-white cloak fluttering in the wind behind him.
"It's here!"
"It's Admiral Sengoku's flagship!!"
The crowd erupted into commotion.
They could no longer contain their excitement, raising flowers and balloons high into the air.
At the same time...
On the warship—
"Hey, why is the port so crowded?"
Standing at the bow, Sengoku was a little surprised at the sight of the gathered crowd.
"They must be here to welcome us..."
Borsalino walked over, one hand rubbing his stubbled chin, smiling.
Sengoku frowned and hesitated.
"I don't think so."
Borsalino smirked.
"Why not? This is an unprecedented victory. I bet the people are cheering and shouting your name right now..."
"Is that so?"
Sengoku's heart stirred. A flicker of pride and joy passed through his eyes, but he kept his expression calm and smiled slightly.
"This great victory is mainly thanks to that kid Daren."
"How could that be?"
Borsalino shook his head seriously.
"Without your leadership and guidance, Admiral Sengoku, even Commodore Daren wouldn't have pulled it off, right?
Besides, it was because of your presence that Shiki didn't dare to act rashly... Otherwise, even all of us together wouldn't have been a match for him..."
Sengoku was momentarily stunned.
He thought for a moment, and a smile slowly appeared on his face.
"Yes, Borsalino, you're absolutely right.
Indeed, if it weren't for me, that guy Shiki wouldn't have let Daren off so easily... Hmm... That's true..."
The more Sengoku thought about it, the more sense Borsalino's words made. His chest puffed out instinctively with pride.
He looked at Borsalino with approval and smiled in satisfaction.
"You really are my adjutant. Sharp as ever... Borsalino, you know, I've always had high hopes for you."
Borsalino gave a faint smile.
"Where's that kid Daren?"
Sengoku looked around but didn't see Daren on the deck.
Borsalino replied with a smile,
"Commodore Daren is still resting."
Sengoku thought for a moment.
"Go wake him up. Tell him to get ready."
He squinted toward the distant military port.
"Looks like there are quite a few reporters over there. If he doesn't show up, it won't look good."
"Understood."
Borsalino turned and walked toward the cabin.
Sengoku stood in place, then suddenly seemed to remember something. He called out to one of his aides.
"Bring me a mirror."
He might be interviewed by reporters later—he needed to look presentable.
After all, they'd been at sea for days. There hadn't been time to freshen up, and with limited conditions onboard, he could only tidy himself as best he could.
"Yes, Admiral Sengoku!"
The aide quickly returned with a military mirror.
Sengoku adjusted his tie and uniform in front of it, smoothed out his slightly disheveled afro, and made sure everything was in order.
Satisfied, he smiled at his reflection.
Yes, good. Looking sharp.
Let the interviews and cheers come full force!
Sengoku clenched his fist in anticipation, eyes gleaming with excitement.
He could already picture tomorrow's headlines—him in the center, surrounded by cheering crowds, swarmed by reporters eager for interviews.
As the warship neared the port, Sengoku stood even straighter.
...
Daren yawned and emerged from the cabin, still half-asleep, following Borsalino.
The warship hadn't even docked yet—
Thunderous cheers erupted from the shore.
"They're back!!"
"Welcome!!"
"Our hero!!"
"..."
Sengoku disembarked, maintaining a poised and composed demeanor.
Facing the surging crowd of civilians and reporters, he wore what he believed to be a refined and graceful smile, raising both hands as he spoke.
"No need to rush. I'll just say a few words..."
But before he could finish, the smile on his face froze.
The crowd, having waited far too long, immediately surged forward.
They completely ignored Sengoku, brushing right past him—
And rushed straight toward the sleepy-eyed Daren, practically swarming him.
"Commodore Daren!! I love you!!"
"Marry me, Daren-san!!"
"You're so handsome, Commodore Daren!!"
"Commodore Daren, I heard the mission was all thanks to you. It wouldn't have mattered if anyone else was there, right?"
"Commodore Daren, what are your plans for the future?"
"Commodore Daren, say a few words, please!!"
"..."
Sengoku stood frozen in place, his face as dark as the bottom of a pot.
Dust kicked up by the stampede settled over his face, hair, and uniform.
"What a shame... You even prepared a speech."
A smug voice rang out beside him.
Borsalino let out a helpless sigh.
Sengoku's eye twitched. His expression twisted back and forth between fury and disbelief, fists clenching and unclenching.
Veins bulged across his forehead, and he ground his molars until they nearly cracked.
...Damn Borsalino!!!