After receiving Commander Kong's retirement application, Claudius casually opened it, scanned through the contents, then picked up his pen and signed his name without hesitation.
With that, both Claudius and Kong couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental.
"I still remember when we went after Redfield together, Commander," Claudius chuckled.
Kong laughed as well. "Yeah, time really flies. Back then, I thought you had a promising future, but even I never expected you'd rise this far."
"I sincerely appreciate everything you've done for me, Commander," Claudius said seriously.
Kong had never explicitly sided with him. However, neither had he aligned himself with the Five Elders. His stance had always been one of loyalty to the World Government—to governance and order.
Still, Claudius could not forget all the help he had received along the way.
Years ago, when Claudius sought to gain influence over the Marines and control military funding, it was Commander Kong who made the crucial decision to support him.
Kong understood the implications behind that move—yet he still chose to cooperate, accepting gold from the City of Gold and backing the joint development of the Calm Belt by the Marines and CP-X.
That had opened an invaluable path for Claudius.
Later, as Supreme Commander, Kong had covered for them, ensuring that the Five Elders did not interfere. Without him, their plans might have been exposed much sooner.
It was impossible for Kong not to notice the major changes in Mariejois, he was too experienced to be deceived so easily.
Claudius knew without a doubt that Kong had been aware of everything.
Yet, instead of intervening, Kong had turned a blind eye, even aided them in secret.
Looking back, Claudius realized that Kong had likely refused to take a clear stance on purpose. Perhaps he didn't want any public credit, so as to avoid tarnishing Claudius' legitimacy.
After all, if he had openly supported Claudius, then stepping down now would look like a forced retirement, as though Claudius were casting him aside after using him.
Perhaps Kong had already foreseen this, choosing instead to retreat on his own terms and make way for the next generation.
"You really don't need to thank me," Kong said with a hearty laugh.
"In my life, I've always followed the justice in my heart. Every decision I made was because I believed in it—not because of obligation.
Your Highness, I saw justice in you. I saw the future in you.
That's why I was willing to put my trust in you."
He sighed, his voice carrying a sense of contentment.
"I'm already old. I've served as a Fleet Admiral. I've reached the pinnacle of military command. There's nothing more for me to pursue.
The only thing I've ever truly wanted… is justice."
And Claudius, in his eyes, was justice.
Claudius looked at the esteemed commander before him, his expression serious.
"Rest assured, Commander—I will bring justice to this world."
Kong smiled. "I have no doubt about that, Your Highness."
Claudius nodded, then opened a drawer, rummaged through it, and pulled out three official documents.
One by one, he signed his name.
Then, he placed two of the documents on the table and turned toward Rob Lucci, who stood silently behind him.
"By decree—Fleet Admiral Sengoku is hereby promoted to Supreme Commander of the World Government, effective immediately. Announce it to the world."
Lucci bowed slightly. "Yes, Your Highness."
Claudius continued.
"By decree—Admiral Sakazuki is hereby promoted to Fleet Admiral of the Marines, effective immediately. Announce it to the world."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"By decree—Admiral Kuzan is hereby transferred to the World Government's Security Department and appointed as Minister of Security. Announce it to the world."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Only then did Claudius fall silent.
He tapped two fingers against the table, deep in thought.
After a long pause, he spoke again.
"Once the handover is complete, order Fleet Admiral Sakazuki to submit a list of candidates for the two vacant Admiral positions."
"Yes, Your Highness!" Lucci replied firmly.
These simple orders would send shockwaves throughout the entire Marine hierarchy.
While the upper echelons had already been informed, the lower ranks would undoubtedly be stunned by these announcements.
Soon after, Lucci carried out the decrees, setting everything into motion.
Sengoku had been fully prepared for this moment.
Upon receiving the decree, he immediately contacted Morgans, the Minister of Propaganda for the World Government, and arranged a global broadcast via the World Economy News Paper.
Through live transmissions and special news editions, Sengoku announced his promotion to Supreme Commander of the World Government.
Then, with a smile on his face, he packed his belongings and set off for Mariejois to assume his new position.
Meanwhile, Sakazuki did the same.
He formally assumed the role of Fleet Admiral, made a worldwide announcement, and then delivered another bombshell news update.
Marine Headquarters, which had remained in Marineford for 800 years, would officially relocate to the New World!
Starting immediately, the Marines would begin moving their base of operations to the Marine G-1 Branch, aiming to complete the transition by 1520.
This announcement sent shockwaves across the world.
Everyone immediately realized.
The Sea Circle Calendar 1520 would be a year of historic change.
This move marked the beginning of an all-out confrontation between the Marines and the Pirate Emperors of the New World.
It was a clear declaration of war, the final stage of the campaign to end the Great Pirate Era.
By comparison, Kuzan's transfer to the World Government Security Department seemed far less dramatic.
But in reality, his new role was just as important.
As soon as he assumed office, Kuzan's first order was to standardize the security forces.
He immediately abolished all previous inconsistent titles—security officers, police, patrol forces—all were unified under a single designation:
Then, he began recruiting personnel, selecting candidates from retired Marines and former Royal Guards from various nations.
By forming a strong leadership team, he laid the foundation for a clear and structured system.
Each year, countless Marine soldiers retired, but up until now, they had no proper path forward.
Previously, the World Government had simply ignored them.
But under Claudius' rule, this would change.
Kuzan's National Garrison provided a new opportunity, a way for retired Marines to continue serving society while securing stable careers.
This force was still in its infancy, but in time, it would grow into a formidable institution, providing both security and employment.
At the same time, Claudius was preparing to launch a massive commercial initiative.
The World Government planned to establish a global trading fleet, opening maritime trade routes between all four seas and countless nations.
This would stimulate economic growth, expanding the World Government's influence through commerce.
These trade fleets would also require private security forces, another career path for retired Marines.
With their combat experience, they would be highly sought after as professional guards and escorts.
Of course, this was entirely optional, no one would be forced into service.
But for those seeking a stable post-military life, the World Government was finally providing real opportunities.
(To be continued.)
***
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