160. Candidate Admiral

Three days later, Naval Headquarters, Marineford.

Currently, in the conference room at the Naval Headquarters, we have representatives from Marine Bases in the first half of the Grand Line. Despite the room being usually spacious, it feels a bit crowded now. The large conference table isn't fully occupied, and among those present are Marines, with the lowest rank being Rear Admiral.

Seated in the primary position is Admiral Sengoku, with Atlas in the second seat behind him. The figure at the forefront is Vice Admiral Garp. Atlas is considered one of the youngest individuals in the room, yet holds a position more forward than many others.

Atlas scanned the room for a bit, spotting several familiar faces, including Onigumo, Doberman, Dalmatian, and other future elite members of the headquarters. Even though Atlas, currently a Vice Admiral, was previously just a Rear Admiral, there wasn't much interaction between them. They acknowledged each other with a simple nod.

Certainly, at this moment, there was no foolish act of disrespecting Atlas or belittling him. Everyone in the room was well aware that the focal point of today's meeting was the young Marine Vice Admiral.

"Cough, ahem, it appears that we're all present. I trust everyone is aware of why you've been summoned to headquarters. No need for unnecessary words. Brannew, you..."

"I apologize for being late."

Before Sengoku could finish speaking, a nonchalant voice suddenly emerged beside Atlas, and a multitude of light particles gradually took shape to reveal the figure of Kizaru.

Quite a stylish entrance...

Atlas glanced at Kizaru, who reclined with a hint of envy. Kizaru, as usual, sported brown sunglasses. It seemed he caught Atlas' gaze. Kizaru lowered the frame of his glasses slightly and regarded Atlas with a hint of skepticism.

"Atlas, is there something on my face?"

"No, no..."

Atlas waved his hands repeatedly.

"Alright, I believe everyone has arrived. Brannew, please come forward and provide a report for this meeting."

Sengoku's forehead twitched, and he resisted the urge to strike someone as he instructed Brannew, positioned behind him, to proceed.

"Yes, Admiral Sengoku!"

As soon as he concluded, a Marine major emerged from behind Sengoku and walked to the center. A phone bug concurrently cast a scene onto the white wall. Simultaneously, another phone bug aimed at everyone present, illuminating the conference room. The unfolding events were revealed on the square of Naval Headquarters.

The headquarters square is filled with numerous Marine soldiers. The agenda for today's meeting is evident—to officially announce the demise of Shiki the Golden Lion. Even though the news has circulated in global newspapers, there hasn't been an official statement from the Marines. This meeting serves as an opportunity to strengthen unity within the Marines and to confer a medal on Atlas.

Atlas observed the meeting host closely.

He has dark-green curly hair, upwards pointing sideburns, large lips, and eyes that are always obscured by a pair of sunglasses. He sports a blue and white striped shirt with an open collar.

The dress code is quite casual. Marine generals and officers don't adhere to strict attire requirements, giving it a more laid-back vibe. It might not resemble a highly disciplined army, but that's precisely where its charm lies.

Brannew appeared solemn as he spoke slowly into the phone bug camera, "Dear colleagues, a decade ago, Marine executed the Pirate King Roger in Logue Town. Since then, the frenzy of the Great Pirate Age has erupted. The world is in chaos, leading to the loss of many innocent lives. Families are torn apart, wives separated, and the atrocities caused by pirates are simply indescribable."

"Yet, where there's darkness, there must be light. It's through the unwavering commitment of colleagues like you, who stand for justice, that the world's state won't descend into complete corruption."

"In the past, three notorious pirates struck fear into countless hearts - Whitebeard, Roger, and Shiki. Among them, Shiki attacked the Naval Headquarters a decade ago, got captured, and was sent to the underwater prison. However, two years later..."

"Shiki escaped from prison, becoming the first inmate to successfully break free in Impel Prison's history. The belief in Impel down's invincibility was shattered, and the dignity of Marine suffered a severe blow!"

"Nevertheless, justice prevails, as a young Marine from our headquarters stepped up!"

All eyes instinctively shifted to Atlas, where Kizaru had pointed, and even Kizaru himself gave a surprised glance.

'Do you think you can be a bit more dramatic? Vice Admiral Kizaru!'

Atlas covertly rolled his eyes in exasperation. Why make such an exaggerated expression when you're the only one who saw it anyway?

"Vice Admiral Canos Atlas! This rising star in the Marine, I'm sure many of you are acquainted with him. In his early days, he thwarted the Shichibukai Crocodile's invasion of Arabasta, later distinguishing himself in the New World battles!"

"Now, he personally brings justice to the legendary pirate Shiki! Let the echo of Marine's reputation reverberate across the seas once more, proclaiming to the world that justice will always prevail!"

Silence!

Whether it was the Marine generals in the conference room or the soldiers in the square, pride adorned their faces.

Who is Shiki?

Several seasoned Marines in attendance had lived through the events of a decade ago. Shiki had single-handedly assaulted the Naval Headquarters, unleashing a cataclysmic force that nearly submerged half of Marineford beneath the waves!

He is an exceedingly ruthless criminal!

Even though they had been aware of this information for quite some time, hearing it again in this atmosphere couldn't help but bring a sense of reassurance to everyone present, thanks to the might of the Marines.

"Now, I'd like to request Admiral Sengoku to bestow the title upon Vice Admiral Atlas!!!"

Atlas rose from his seat upon hearing the announcement. The Den Den Mushi's camera turned to capture Atlas's figure, presenting his towering form to all the Marines in attendance.

"I didn't anticipate Atlas ascending to the position of Marine's Vice Admiral so swiftly, and I..."

In the conference room's corner, Smoker smiled wryly and shook his head, yet deep inside, he held nothing but admiration and respect for Atlas.

It's just a matter of time before a man like him becomes a Marine Admiral!

The Marines in the square were equally thrilled, almost feeling like they were the ones basking in the spotlight. Atlas's journey served as a testament that with sufficient strength and merit, one could bridge the gap in qualifications. At the age of twenty-two, being appointed as a Vice Admiral was a clear demonstration of this principle!

Sengoku nodded with a hint of satisfaction, rose to his feet, and gravely declared, "By the authority of the World Government, Marine hereby elevates Kanos Atlas to the position of headquarters' Vice Admiral, codenamed 'Hakuryu (White Dragon)'!!"

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