Marineford, Navy Headquarters!
As the warships slowly sailed into the port of Navy Headquarters, Sakazuki could see the grand and magnificent naval headquarters' vast architectural complex from afar.
From the port, one could also see the towering wall in the center of the fortress, its height immeasurable. The words "Navy" were clearly carved into the wall, exuding solemnity and majesty.
Above this soaring wall were several layers of ancient buildings, which, combined, created a magnificent and spectacular sight.
There were also four tall lookout towers surrounding it, each flying a military flag, guarding Navy Headquarters.
Beyond that were continuous rows of town buildings. Although they lacked the grandeur of the main building in the rear, they brought a touch of human life to the solemn headquarters, forming this unique Navy Headquarters.
"Is this Marineford?!"
These soldiers from the Four Seas were greatly shocked after seeing the full view of Navy Headquarters. Compared to Navy Headquarters, their branch bases seemed like mere small courtyards.
Major General Welles smiled slightly at the soldiers' reactions. After all, he himself had been promoted from a Four Seas branch and had the same expression when he first saw Marineford.
As the warships docked, Major General Welles spoke:
"Everyone, pack your belongings and prepare to disembark."
Sakazuki disembarked with the others. As they walked, there were many Navy Headquarters soldiers, but they were all orderly. They followed the main group to a wide square.
This square was vast, capable of accommodating tens of thousands of people for drills simultaneously. It was divided into many areas, and in some areas, many Navy soldiers were training.
Sakazuki and his group were led to a spot where many people were already gathered. Most of them were wearing Navy uniforms, while some were in their civilian clothes.
The Navy regulations allowed officers of the rank of Lieutenant to wear coats with "Justice" written on the back, paired with standard uniforms.
For officers of the rank of Captain and above, they could wear the Justice coat with civilian attire. Sakazuki had been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel a year ago, but he was so used to wearing his uniform that he hadn't changed it.
These people were clearly outstanding soldiers recruited from all over the world. Welles walked towards several other Major Generals to chat.
"Welles, you're too slow. We've been waiting for you for a while."
Several officers clad in Navy Justice coats said to Welles with a smile.
Welles also smiled and greeted them, discussing the outstanding Navy soldiers this time.
Meanwhile, not long after Sakazuki and his group lined up.
A group of officers walked over. Leading them were two tall and sturdy middle-aged men, dressed in white suits and Justice coats. One had purple hair, and the other had black hair. They were laughing heartily.
"Vice Admiral Zephyr, Vice Admiral Garp."
Upon their appearance, Welles, the surrounding officers, and the Navy Headquarters soldiers respectfully called out.
"Zephyr, Garp."
Sakazuki's pupils contracted as he stared at the two men, his heart shaking. Even though he had prepared himself mentally, the direct confrontation now made him feel the immense gap.
Is this the power of the world's peak experts? (Note: It is currently 1484 of the Pirate Era. Garp and Roger joined forces to defeat Rocks in 1486, so this is their peak.)
Although shocked by their strength, Sakazuki did not agree with their methods. One, driven by idealistic justice, only moved himself.
His wife and children were cruelly murdered by pirates, causing his disposition to change drastically, and he harbored a deep hatred for pirates. The massacre of his students and the decisions of the higher-ups ultimately led him down a path of fanaticism and destruction.
The other represented a justice that was ambiguous. Although revered as a Navy hero, his attitude towards Roger at the time suggested he was complicit in evil deeds.
Wasn't Roger a bad pirate? He had a history of destroying nations without distinction and had caused collateral damage to the innocent. Yet, as a Marine, he repeatedly let him go.
In his later years, his ideology evolved into believing that as long as there was no bloodshed, it was peace, a passive attitude. When an avalanche occurs, no snowflake is innocent.
If you don't eradicate evil completely, you are an accomplice in the avalanche.
Walking to the front of the line, Zephyr spoke:
"For the next week, Garp and I will be guiding and assessing you. After a week, we will select the best among you for a year of specialized training."
"Your performance will be recorded daily by dedicated personnel. Only those with the most outstanding overall qualities will remain."
"You are all the future of the Navy, but how far you can go depends on yourselves."
"Do you understand?"
"Understood!!!!"
The excited Navy soldiers shouted in unison. Sometimes, motivational speeches were quite effective.
Zephyr nodded with satisfaction and said with a stern face:
"I haven't reviewed your records. Because no matter what you were before, whether you had extraordinary talent or outstanding achievements, here, you now have only one identity."
"New Navy recruits."
"Garp, myself, and the officers behind me are your instructors. All you need to do is start from scratch and obey absolutely."
"Even if the order is wrong, you must carry it out."
"Do you understand?"
"Understood!!!!"
The uniform reply. Obedience to orders was the most basic requirement for a soldier. These were not problems for anyone.
"Very good. The first lesson we will teach you today is Justice."
"Justice, it's only two words, but it's the faith that has always been in the hearts of all Navy soldiers."
"Many people become Marines with their own ideas, but no matter what their original intentions were, before doing anything, you must ask yourselves: Is this the justice you uphold?"
"Do you understand?"
"Understood!!!!"
Justice was the Navy's faith. Although everyone's understanding of justice differed, the vast majority of Navy soldiers and officers were soldiers who believed in justice.
"Next, the Major Generals behind me will conduct your tests."
"Foss."
"Present."
"Feimanson."
"Present."
"....."
"....."
"....."
"These ten individuals, step forward and begin the test."
Swish!
Boom!
For a moment, the square in front erupted in a flurry of swordplay and fistfights. Soon, a figure was sent flying out first.
"Next, Rino."
"Present."
"....."
Time slowly passed, and finally.
"Sakazuki."
"Present."
His name drew quite a bit of attention. After all, setting aside his Magu Magu no Mi, the 2.23-meter tall and sturdy Sakazuki himself exuded considerable pressure.
Standing in the center of the arena, Sakazuki looked at the Major General opposite him and said:
"Major General, be careful."
The Major General chuckled heartily and said:
"Haha, no problem, come at me with all you've got."
Sakazuki activated his Devil Fruit ability, his entire body turning a deep red, his skin subtly transforming into magma while maintaining a human form, steam billowing from him. He let out a light breath.
"Red Scabbard Mode."
Soru!
Swish!
"Yamaji!"
The Major General, underestimating his opponent, saw Sakazuki suddenly appear before him. By the time he raised his fist, it was already too late to dodge.
He had no choice but to use.
"Tekkai - Steel!"
A punch landed squarely in his abdomen, sinking in.
"Pfft!"
"Urgh."