Marine Headquarters, Marineford
Today, the central plaza was exceptionally lively. All the Marine Headquarters' flag officers were present, with a dense crowd surrounding the area. A visual Den Den Mushi was aimed at the high platform in the center.
This year's training camp graduation ceremony was arguably the grandest in history because of Chiga, a combatant who completely surpassed ordinary trainees. Moreover, the remaining trainees this year were fewer than in previous years due to the Whitebeard Jr. incident.
To thoroughly introduce Chiga to the world and to inspire and comfort the remaining trainees, the Marines decided to broadcast this year's graduation ceremony live across the world.
Sengoku, clad in his coat of justice, appeared at the top of the platform. He scanned the crowd below, cleared his throat into the microphone, and said, "Quiet."
The crowd immediately fell silent. Everyone present was a soldier; obedience to orders was second nature.
Once the scene was under control, Sengoku spoke a few brief words and then stepped down, handing the task of conferring ranks to Zephyr. After all, they were all his students—and this batch had truly experienced life and death under his training—so it was most fitting for him to officiate.
One after another, the trainees led by Ain stepped onto the stage to receive their promotions.
Bridge, Graves, and Binz received the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Ain, due to her outstanding performance in the battle against Weevil, was promoted to Commander upon Zephyr's recommendation.
Most of the other trainees were promoted to Lieutenant or Lieutenant Commander. But when the last trainee stepped down, murmurs of confusion spread through the crowd.
Where was Uchiha Chiga?
Everyone knew that today's true protagonist was Uchiha Chiga. Consider his achievements—injuring Silvers Rayleigh, the Dark King, and killing Weevil. With just those feats, conferring the rank of Rear Admiral wouldn't have been excessive.
Since Chiga had only been promoted to Commodore less than a day ago, many people still didn't realize he already held that rank. But even if they had, no one treated Chiga as just another trainee.
At that moment, the man of the hour, Chiga, was backstage being fussed over by Gion.
Chiga looked on helplessly as Gion repeatedly adjusted his clothes.
"Alright, enough already. You're going to wear out my uniform."
Gion shot him a glare and gave his chest a firm pat.
"Do you know how many people are watching you today? Your image represents the entire Marine organization. You can't afford to look sloppy!"
"Okay, okay, I get it. I should head out now. If I don't, Fleet Admiral Sengoku's going to stress himself into an early grave."
With that, Chiga vanished in a flash. Gion sighed—she still wanted to fix his collar.
Swish!
Chiga suddenly reappeared beside Zephyr, startling everyone.
Zephyr recovered quickly and spoke in a low voice.
"Where have you been? Don't you realize how important this ceremony is?"
"Sorry, Teacher Zephyr. I'll be more careful next time."
Seeing Chiga's sincere expression, Zephyr said nothing more. He took a specially made Marine coat of justice from a nearby soldier and draped it over Chiga's shoulders.
This coat was different from the standard issue. Most Vice Admirals had coats with red bands on the cuffs and standard epaulets. Only higher-ranking officers, like Admirals, wore custom variations.
Chiga's coat had deep purple cuffs, matching the hue of his Rinnegan eyes. The epaulets were rectangular with gold tassels bordered in purple.
When the coat was seen through the visual Den Den Mushi, the entire audience was astonished. Those familiar with Marine uniforms immediately recognized it as something far above the norm.
They had their guesses, but it still felt too unbelievable.
Then Zephyr confirmed it.
"Given trainee Uchiha Chiga's strength and accomplishments, Marine Headquarters has decided to confer upon him the rank of Vice Admiral!"
Gasps and exclamations swept the plaza. Even the Admirals—Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru—looked surprised. None of them had expected this.
Sengoku stepped forward again.
"Silence! Uchiha Chiga's promotion has been approved by the World Government. Everything is in full accordance with protocol."
With those words, the audience quieted and applauded. Regardless of personal feelings, a Marine with Chiga's strength was an undeniable asset.
Even the higher-ups had no objections. After all, Chiga had saved Zephyr's life—someone many of them respected deeply. Most of the Vice Admirals and Admirals had been Zephyr's students. None of them wanted to see harm come to their mentor.
So even if they didn't know Chiga well, they bore him no ill will.
Sengoku quietly breathed a sigh of relief. To be honest, Chiga's rise through the ranks had been meteoric. He had expected backlash, but things had gone surprisingly smoothly.
And so, with the full view of the world watching, Uchiha Chiga, clad in his specially made coat of justice, turned to face the crowd as a Vice Admiral of Marine Headquarters.
On the Moby Dick, Whitebeard narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the man on the screen. For the first time, he began to take the young Marine seriously.
Across the seas, the other Yonko reacted differently:
Big Mom: "What strange eyes! This Marine brat must be from some rare bloodline. Mamamama! I wouldn't mind having a child with him!"
Shanks: "So this is the one who clashed with Rayleigh? His growth is something else."
Kaido smashed the Den Den Mushi in front of him with his club and muttered, "Boring."
Meanwhile, in Cocoyasi Village—
Nojiko and Nami: "Chiga-nii is so cool!"
In the Holy Land Mariejois, Saint Nerona was watching Chiga on the screen, her legs fidgeting.
Charlos looked at her, confused. "Sister, what's wrong?"
Nerona smiled coyly. "Hmm? Oh, nothing, brother. That Marine, Uchiha Chiga, is kind of something, don't you think?"
"Huh? He's just a Marine," Charlos replied disdainfully.
Nerona frowned and abruptly walked off, leaving Charlos dumbfounded.
With the ceremony concluded, Chiga flew to inspect the battleship assigned to him.
It was larger than Tsuru's vessel, and like hers, it bore a distinct emblem. Tsuru's had her personal character; Chiga's bore the crest of the Uchiha clan—a red-and-white fan resembling a ping-pong paddle.
The ship's name? Six Paths of Samsara. Naming it Uchiha would've been a bit on the nose.
Chiga examined the ship for a moment and nodded in satisfaction. No more flying around the seas by himself.
Over a thousand soldiers were already lined up along the dock. Ain stood at the front of the formation. As Chiga approached, all the soldiers raised their voices in unison:
"Vice Admiral Chiga!"
_____________
Henceforth, I'd be dropping a chapter a day
I started posting this Fanfic 5 days ago. And we're on our 68th chapter.
We moving too fast.
But you can Join my p@treon for 20 advanced chapters, the chapters on the p@treon would increase over time.
patreon.com/Zphyr_