Chapter 148 : Straw Hat Grand Fleet!

Marine Headquarters!

At this critical moment, an air of disbelief lingered among everyone...

Yet, as Fujitora's figure came into view, a collective gaze fixated upon him.

Even Akainu, who harbored the strongest desire for Luffy and his crew's demise, allowed a fleeting smile to grace his countenance.

"Are you intending to apprehend the Straw Hats?"

"Fujitora, while not a fully accredited admiral, remains true to his duties as a Marine."

"Noteworthy is the fact that he hasn't forsaken his Marine obligations!"

"Indeed, with the Straw Hats currently worn out from their battle, it's the ideal moment to seize them!"

Akainu couldn't conceal the elation within his heart. As an Admiral himself, the Straw Hats and their allies would unquestionably stand their ground if he chose to make a move – an opportune situation indeed.

[This led those under King Riku to believe that Fujitora sought to capture Luffy and his crew!]

[Having just vanquished Doflamingo on their behalf, witnessing them captured unjustly was inconceivable!]

[Suddenly, a human barrier materialized before the Straw Hats.]

[Their stance conveyed an unspoken threat: Any attempt by the Marine to arrest them would be met with immediate resistance!]

[Yet, Fujitora simply stood before the assembly, his words deliberate.]

"Doflamingo, as the Warlord of the Seas, was sheltered by the World Government!"

"For years, Dressrosa lived in his shadow, gripped by fear."

"The Marine could not intervene; it fell upon the Straw Hats to save you!"

"Such a responsibility, traditionally ours as the Marine, now rests upon the shoulders of pirates..."

"The shame runs deep!"

"Today, on behalf of the entire Marine, I extend my apologies to you!"

[Here stood Admiral Fujitora, the epitome of the Marine's might, kneeling on the ground!]

[Head bowed low, his posture reflected utmost humility!]

[Even the entire Marine behind him followed suit, a collective apology echoing across Dressrosa!]

This spectacle left the entire world dumbfounded!

No one had anticipated such audacity from Fujitora.

In their eyes, it wasn't an act of disgrace but rather the embodiment of a strong individual's mindset.

In this moment, the name Fujitora etched itself into the memories of countless individuals...

However, at Marine Headquarters, an explosion of incredulity ensued!

Akainu, in his fury, slammed his hand onto the adjacent table, shattering it into fragments!

"What in the world is he doing?"

"Bowing to civilians?"

"As an admiral, he's tarnishing the Marine's reputation!"

The more Akainu pondered, the angrier he became, his body even trembling with fury!

In his view, even if Fujitora doesn't capture the Straw Hats and their gang, fine, but to actually kneel?

Isn't that ridiculous?

If he were in front of him, he'd have to unleash a major attack on him!

However, the other two admirals didn't share Akainu's disdain. Kizaru, stroking their chins, said, "Fujitora... What an intriguing person!"

Aokiji pondered for a moment. "If one can be flexible and just, the Marine's future would be brighter."

Even the two leaders, Garp and Sengoku, were slightly surprised by Fujitora's actions.

"The more I watch this guy, the more I like him!"

Garp laughed heartily, his mood lightened.

On the other hand, Sengoku furrowed his brows initially, but after a while, he sighed, a smile appearing on his face.

Fujitora's behavior was, in Sengoku's eyes, a blow to the Marine's prestige.

After all, admirals represent the pinnacle of the Marine's combat power, and here was one not offering apologies, let alone bowing to countless civilians...

However, what truly pleased Sengoku was that, despite the loss of face, Fujitora's actions weren't a disgrace!

At least, Fujitora cared for civilians, acknowledged his mistakes, and held justice in his heart—qualities befitting a true admiral!

If the Marine had more individuals like him, it would bring good fortune not just to the Marine, but to the entire world!

[In the subsequent scenes, Fujitora not only kneels to apologize.]

[Even more, as the den den mushi and Marine higher-ups begin to scold, all in the name of justice!]

[Although it's unclear who is on the other end of the line.]

[But judging from Fujitora's performance, it's no ordinary person.]

[Presumably, the other party's leader is furious!]

[The Marine reinforcements arrived, and it was uncertain whether they came for Doflamingo or Luffy.]

[What's even more astonishing is the presence of Sengoku and Tsuru among them!]

[These two individuals are formidable veteran forces, creating a moment of surprise among the members stationed at the Marine headquarters.]

"Oh?"

"The old man might make an appearance?"

"But it seems like... the old man isn't a Marine marshal?"

"Otherwise, he wouldn't have recklessly set out to sea!"

"That guy scolding Fujitora isn't old man; that's a relief, a relief indeed..."

Upon hearing these comments, Aokiji and Kizaru behind couldn't help but feel a sense of embarrassment. 

They had thought Sengoku was concerned about who would take the Fleet Admiral's position. They were relieved that the matter, despite Sengoku's apparent seriousness, sometime he also reflected Mr. Garp's characteristic personality.

[After exchanging a few pleasantries]

[Fujitora also explained why he aided the Straw Hats.]

"Because I enjoy taking risks, and I only watch the dice!"

"Previously, it was always a roll of the dice that led to assisting the Straw Hats, but now,"

"It's the arrest of Straw Hat Luffy!"

[In response to this twist of fate,]

[Fujitora rose, rallying all the Marine forces to begin preparations for the arrest of Straw Hat Luffy!]

[However, after several days of recuperation, Luffy, under Chopper's healing, was nearly back to full strength.]

[Bartolomeo, Cavendish, and many other formidable individuals also lent their strength to help Luffy and his comrades escape.]

[During this period, Luffy even played a role in mending the strained relationship between Rebecca and Kyros, reuniting the father and daughter!]

[Last Minute]

[Fujitora finally displayed the strength befitting a general, gathering the sky fragments into a massive sphere!]

[If it were to descend... it could potentially obliterate half of Dressrosa!]

[But, at this critical juncture,]

[The entire population of Dressrosa surged forward!]

[Ostensibly, they appeared to be assisting the Marine in capturing Luffy, but in reality...]

[Everyone's faces were adorned with smiles!]

[Though Fujitora was visually impaired, he possessed a superhuman ability to sense emotions, detecting only excitement and joy in the hearts of those pursuing them, with no trace of animosity!]

"They're... Help the Straw Hats escape!"

"Due to the intervention of countless civilians, and to prevent casualties, Fujitora's meteorite hesitated to fall naturally!"

"He had to witness Luffy and his crew leave like this."

"Not only did he refrain from taking action, but even the entire Marine remained still, with rare appearances!"

Fujitora's usually stern face suddenly displayed a warm smile.

"To be supported and loved by all these people, I really want to see what the Straw Hat kid looks like."

"Probably a very warm face, right?"

"He's pretending!"

"He's acting!"

"Admiral Fujitora is blatantly putting on a show; he doesn't want to harm the Straw Hat at all!"

"He just wants to let them go!!"

Akainu was furious, and his excitement reached its peak.

Sengoku impatiently waved his hand.

"Sakazuki, you need to be quiet; it's too noisy!"

"It's affecting my enjoyment of the live broadcast."

Akainu's entire face turned green!

Why did it seem like nobody cared if the Straw Hats were caught?

At this moment, he really wanted to ask if they were even part of the Marine.

"Finally, Luffy and the others escaped from Dressrosa!"

"They eluded the 'Marine Siege' and regrouped at sea with Cavendish and others!"

"Initially, everyone planned to bid farewell, but..."

"In front of Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, Franky, and others!"

"The formidable individuals led by Cavendish, Bartolomeo, and others formed a line and made an astonishing gesture!"

Bartolomeo stood up and respectfully said:

"Luffy-senpai..."

"We, the seven of us, volunteer to follow Luffy-Senpai!"

"At any time, we are willing to be the spear and shield of Luffy-Senpai!"

"Willing to block everything, follow Luffy-Senpai; everything is because we are impressed by Luffy-Senpai, repaying this kindness!"

"A total of 5,600 people request the honor of having a drink with us as representatives!"

"From today onward, lead us under your command!"

"Become members of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet!!"

Thunderous applause!

At this moment...

The world shook once more!

A total of more than 5,600 people joined the Straw Hat Grand Fleet!?

It's horrible!!

**********

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