[OP Marine Officer Luffy] Chapter 516 - 520

Chapter 516: The Charlotte Brothers' Plan

"WHAT ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT, MY IDIOT SONS?!"

Whitebeard's thunderous roar shattered the gloomy atmosphere that had settled over the Moby Dick. The division commanders, who moments ago had been sinking into despair, suddenly felt their spirits lift.

The imposing figure of Edward Newgate stood before them, his legendary bisento Murakumogiri—one of the Supreme Grade Blades—thrust into the deck with such force that the massive ship trembled. The weapon's blade gleamed in the sunlight, a reminder of its master's unmatched power.

"Don't forget who you are!" Whitebeard continued, his voice carrying across the entire ship. "You are MY children! And I am the strongest man in the world—EDWARD NEWGATE!"

His declaration rang with such authority that none could doubt it. The pressure that had been weighing on the crew—Luffy's name feeling like a mountain crushing their spirits—began to lift.

Of course... they still had their father!

As long as Whitebeard stood with them, neither Kaido nor any monster the Marines might produce could truly threaten the Whitebeard Pirates. The realization swept through the crew like wildfire, igniting renewed confidence and pride.

They erupted in cheers, leaping to their feet and shouting Whitebeard's name with abandon. It was as if their earlier fear had never existed—their faith in their captain instantly restored.

Amidst the celebration, however, Marco observed the scene with a hidden concern. As both the First Division Commander and the crew's doctor, he knew Whitebeard's true condition better than anyone. The old man's health was deteriorating, despite his outward show of strength.

We still have Pops' protection now, Marco thought grimly, but what happens when he's no longer with us? What will become of the Whitebeard Pirates then?

It was a question he wasn't ready to answer—one he hoped he wouldn't have to face for many years to come.

But while the Whitebeard Pirates found renewed confidence, elsewhere in the New World, the situation was far more dire for those who had directly confronted Luffy.

The Whole Cake Island alliance between the Big Mom and Beast Pirates—once envisioned as an unstoppable force that would dominate the seas—now lay in tatters. Not only had Kaido himself been killed, but both crews had suffered catastrophic losses in terms of ships, territory, and manpower.

Since her return from the disastrous battle, Big Mom had sequestered herself in her chamber within the Whole Cake Chateau. Her mood had turned so volatile that even her children dared not approach. Day and night, her anguished roars echoed through the castle corridors, often punctuated by Kaido's name—sometimes in fury, sometimes in what almost sounded like grief.

With their mother incapacitated by rage and sorrow, the burden of leadership fell squarely on the shoulders of her eldest son Perospero and her strongest son Katakuri. The two brothers now faced the monumental task of rebuilding the Big Mom Pirates' strength and maintaining their territories against opportunistic rivals.

"Our forces need replenishing," Perospero observed, licking nervously at his candy staff as he paced the strategy room. "We must recruit new fighting power—especially high-level combatants who can fill the void left by our fallen siblings."

Katakuri, seated with his arms crossed, nodded silently. Unlike his flamboyant older brother, he preferred to speak only when necessary.

"We've recalled all family members to Whole Cake Island," he finally said, his voice muffled behind his scarf. "Together, we'll weather this storm."

But both brothers knew that defensive measures alone wouldn't suffice. The Charlotte Family had suffered a devastating blow to their reputation. Pirates across the New World would be testing their borders, probing for weakness, looking to carve away territories they had controlled for decades.

They needed to make a statement—to demonstrate that even without Kaido's alliance, the Big Mom Pirates remained a force to be feared.

And as fate would have it, opportunity had literally washed up on their shores.

The remnants of the Beast Pirates, leaderless after Kaido's death, had retreated to a temporary base in Whole Cake Island's Seducing Woods region. These powerful fighters—now without direction or purpose—represented both potential allies and potential threats.

The Charlotte brothers exchanged meaningful glances. Without needing to discuss it further, they reached the same conclusion. Within hours, they had mobilized their forces, surrounding the Beast Pirates' makeshift encampment with overwhelming numbers.

Within the Beast Pirates' camp, confusion and anxiety had replaced their usual bravado. Kaido's death in battle was something none of them had believed possible. Most had joined the crew because they admired his seemingly invincible strength—his ability to survive any punishment, to withstand any attack.

They had followed him out of belief in absolute power, confident that he would lead them to ever greater conquests. Even after their defeat at Wano, they had remained loyal, waiting for the Beast Pirates to rise again under his leadership.

But now? Their invincible captain was dead. The seemingly immortal Kaido had fallen.

Without his protection, their prospects were grim. Over the years, they had accumulated countless enemies across the seas. Pirates seeking revenge, Marines intent on justice, civilians whose lives they had destroyed—all would be hunting them now that Kaido's fearsome shadow no longer shielded them.

These dark reflections were interrupted by shouts from the perimeter. Before they could even contemplate leaving Whole Cake Island, they found themselves surrounded by a small army of Charlotte Family members and their subordinates.

Page One—a headstrong Ancient Zoan user and member of the Flying Six—was the first to confront the intruders. He positioned himself at the camp entrance, blocking the way as Perospero and Katakuri approached.

"You Charlotte bastards!" he snarled, his eyes darting between the two brothers leading the force. "What the hell do you think you're doing? You think we're easy prey just because our captain is gone?!"

His body began to transform even as he spoke, growing rapidly in size until a massive Spinosaurus stood where the man had been. Nearly fifteen feet tall, he roared defiantly at the Charlotte forces.

Chapter 517: The Beasts and Big Mom Pirates Merge!

Following Page One's transformation, the other Beast Pirates tightened their grips on their weapons, eyeing the Charlotte Family forces with open hostility. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a blade.

Ulti—Page One's biological sister and fellow Flying Six member—saw the situation deteriorating rapidly. She hurried back to the center of the camp to alert their remaining leaders.

Perospero observed the transformed dinosaur-human hybrid before him with undisguised interest, a calculating gleam in his eyes.

An Ancient Zoan user I haven't seen on the battlefield before, he thought. Kaido was always good at keeping his strongest pieces hidden.

Not that it mattered now. These exceptional fighters with their rare abilities would soon be assets of the Big Mom Pirates—or so he planned.

Excitement bubbling within him, Perospero licked at his massive candy staff with his unnaturally long tongue. His face split into a smile that was more unnerving than reassuring.

"No need for hostility, Miss Dinosaur," he called out in a falsely sweet tone. "We were allies before, and we haven't come to break our agreement simply because Kaido is... no longer with us."

"Then why surround our camp with an army?!" Page One snarled back, refusing to lower his guard. The massive Spinosaurus bared its teeth menacingly.

Rather than answer, Perospero merely waited patiently outside the camp, knowing that Page One lacked the authority to negotiate. The real decision-makers would arrive shortly.

Sure enough, within minutes, the ground began to tremble with heavy footsteps. After a brief commotion from the camp's interior, three imposing figures emerged—the All-Stars of the Beast Pirates, led by King the Wildfire, followed by Queen the Plague. Behind them came Ulti, hurrying to rejoin her brother.

"Page One! Fall back!" Ulti called out, seeing that battle hadn't yet erupted. "King and Queen are here to handle this!"

Hearing his sister's voice, Page One—still snarling at the Charlotte Family—glanced back over his massive shoulder. Upon seeing the All-Stars, he snorted with dissatisfaction but immediately reverted to his human form and retreated to Ulti's side.

With the true leaders of the Beast Pirates present, Perospero's expression shifted to something resembling genuine respect—or at least a convincing facsimile of it.

"King, Queen," he began with a courteous nod, "perfect timing. I've come with a matter of great importance to discuss—"

"Spare us your pleasantries," King interrupted, his voice hoarse and cold.

The Lunarian's piercing gaze swept across the gathered Charlotte siblings and their forces. Even through his mask, the intensity of his stare made many of them shift uncomfortably or avert their eyes.

Kaido's death had struck King harder than anyone. He had viewed the Emperor not merely as a captain but as a brother—the one who had freed him from imprisonment and given him purpose. Since their defeat at Wano, King had isolated himself within his quarters, reliving every moment of his history with Kaido.

It was only Ulti's urgent report of the Charlotte Family's arrival that had drawn him from his solitude.

Perospero and Katakuri exchanged glances, both understanding King's emotional state. For their plans to succeed, they would need to navigate this delicate situation with care.

Immediately, Perospero's grin vanished, replaced by a somber expression. He bowed his head slightly.

"My sincere condolences for your loss," he offered. Behind him, the other Charlotte siblings followed suit, lowering their heads in a show of respect—whether genuine or feigned.

As the currently stronger faction and the hosts who had provided refuge to the Beast Pirates remnants, the Charlotte Family was making a calculated show of deference. The gesture wasn't lost on King.

Though still immersed in grief, King recognized his responsibility to the crew Kaido had left behind. Straightening to his full, impressive height, he addressed the candy-man directly.

"State your purpose."

Perospero had no intention of playing games. He glanced back at Katakuri, who gave a slight nod. The eldest Charlotte son stepped aside, allowing Smoothie—the third Sweet Commander of the Big Mom Pirates—to move forward.

Standing nearly twelve feet tall, Smoothie cut an imposing figure even among this gathering of powerhouses. Her expressionless face revealed nothing as she approached.

"King," Perospero began, his tone now businesslike, "we've come to remind you of your commitment. Smoothie's hand in marriage was promised to you as part of our alliance."

He gestured broadly to encompass the surrounding forest.

"But more importantly, we recognize the precarious position you now find yourselves in. Without Kaido's protection, the Beast Pirates will become targets for every ambitious crew in the New World."

His voice dropped lower, more earnest.

"Out of respect for the friendship between our mother and Kaido, and the arranged union between you and Smoothie, we extend a sincere invitation: join the Big Mom Pirates. Bring your crew under our protection. Together, we can maintain the power that once made our alliance feared throughout the seas."

King's inscrutable gaze shifted to Smoothie. Her face remained impassive as she met his stare without flinching. There had never been love between them—their engagement was purely political, a union of convenience to cement the alliance between their crews.

Now, ironically, this loveless arrangement had become the Beast Pirates' potential salvation.

The assembled Beast Pirates remained deathly silent, all eyes fixed on King as they awaited his decision. Though many—Ulti and Page One included—bristled at the thought of subordinating themselves to Big Mom, none dared voice their objections in this critical moment.

King stood motionless for several long minutes, wrestling with the weight of a decision that would determine the fate of Kaido's legacy. Even for someone of his unwavering resolve, this choice proved paralyzing.

Beside him, Queen—ever pragmatic despite his flamboyant personality—recognized King's internal struggle. The rotund scientist took a deep drag from his cigarette, blue smoke curling around his face as he exhaled.

"We should accept," he said quietly, his voice carrying only to King's ears. Then, louder for all to hear: "If we join forces with the Big Mom Pirates, we preserve our strength. And one day..." His spectacles glinted menacingly. "We might actually have a chance to avenge the Captain."

Chapter 518: Kizaru's Wonderful Sick Leave

King turned to Queen with a complex expression, his eyes narrowing behind his mask as he regarded the corpulent scientist who so often opposed him.

"You're not concerned about vengeance," he said coldly, cutting through Queen's pretense. "You're simply afraid of being hunted down if we strike out on our own. You want Big Mom as your new protector. Don't pretend this is about loyalty to Lord Kaido."

Queen erupted into a coughing fit, nearly dropping the cigarette clutched between his fingers. His face flushed deep purple with anger.

"You bastard! Don't slander me!" he bellowed, jabbing a finger toward King. "I may be selfish and somewhat... cautious about self-preservation, but Captain Kaido always treated me well! If there's ever a chance for revenge, I would certainly take it!"

King merely turned away from Queen's outburst, falling into silence once more. It was as though he had spoken only to provoke his fellow All-Star, taking some small, bitter pleasure in his irritation.

Queen continued to fume, his massive frame quivering with rage. He seemed moments away from physically attacking King, consequences be damned.

This time, however, the silence was brief. Before Queen could escalate further, King raised his head and fixed Perospero with a decisive stare.

"When will the wedding be held... brother-in-law?"

At these words, Perospero's face split into a broad grin. Behind him, the other Charlotte siblings exchanged looks of triumph and relief. The Beast Pirates collectively exhaled, though many couldn't help feeling a pang of loss. Their crew's proud independence was ending—they would now be subordinates in a larger organization.

Queen, for once, refrained from arguing with King. Even he recognized the gravity of the moment.

The decision was made. The Beast Pirates would join the Big Mom Pirates.

The merger of two Emperor crews was bound to create shockwaves throughout the world. While pirates and Marines alike buzzed with speculation about this new development, an unexpected visitor arrived at the summit of the Red Line.

In Mariejois, the Holy Land, five aged figures gathered in their private meeting chamber. The Gorosei—the Five Elders who represented the highest authority of the World Government beneath Im—regarded their unusual guest with varying degrees of suspicion and curiosity.

The hooded figure sat quietly before them, face partially obscured.

"There's no need for disguises here," said the Elder known as Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, stroking his long beard. "No place in the world is more secure than this chamber."

The hooded man hesitated briefly but made no move to reveal himself further.

"My apologies," he replied, "but my identity remains... sensitive. This meeting must be conducted with the utmost discretion."

As he spoke, he tilted his head slightly upward, allowing crimson hair to become visible beneath the hood. Three distinct scars crossed his left eye—a face known throughout the world.

"Let's dispense with the pleasantries," interrupted the bald Elder with the imposing mustache, Saint Marcus Mars. "What business brings a notorious Emperor like yourself to seek audience with us?"

The other four Elders fixed their attention on Shanks, awaiting his response.

Unperturbed by Mars's evident disdain, Shanks maintained his characteristic composure. His expression turned grave as he spoke:

"I've come to discuss a certain Marine officer with you..."

[*This fanfic is created before Shank was clear of his rat allegation, please understood}

While power shifted dramatically in the New World and secret meetings determined the course of history, the aftermath of Kaido's defeat continued to ripple across the seas.

Opportunists and aspiring pirates viewed the power vacuum as their chance to claim territory in the New World. More cautious captains, however, were terrified by the Marine's display of strength. Many fled back to Paradise overnight, some retreating all the way to the Four Blues.

But no one benefited more from the war than Vice Admiral Monkey D. Luffy. Having personally slain Kaido, his reputation soared to unprecedented heights. The Marine Headquarters promoted his achievement extensively, and those who watched the recorded battle awarded him a fearsome new epithet: "The Dragon Slayer."

One week after the historic battle, in the waters surrounding Wano Country, the inpatient ward of Onigashima First Hospital—under the jurisdiction of G-66 Branch—housed an unusual patient.

A pitiful-looking middle-aged man in a blue and white striped hospital gown was shamelessly flirting with the young nurse attending to him.

"Ah, Nurse Kaede," Kizaru drawled, his usual languid tone carrying a hint of mischief. "Such a waste that a beautiful woman like yourself remains unmarried. Perhaps you'd consider dating a man like me? Though there's quite an age gap between us, when love blooms, age becomes merely a number."

The nurse maintained her professional demeanor despite her flushed cheeks. "Please stop joking, Admiral. How is your wound healing today? Any redness, swelling, or discomfort?"

Seeing the nurse's embarrassment only encouraged Kizaru. With shameless audacity, he began unfastening his hospital gown.

"I'm not sure I'm recovering properly," he said with an exaggerated sigh. "Perhaps Nurse Kaede would examine me again? A gentle touch might speed the healing process."

Kaede had been flustered by the Admiral's teasing, but once the gown parted to reveal the massive wound stretching from his right chest across to his left abdomen, her professional instincts took over. All traces of embarrassment vanished as she focused on her patient's medical needs.

Firmly pushing Kizaru back onto the bed, she began a thorough examination, ignoring his suggestive comments.

The injury—inflicted by Big Mom's Napoleon during their confrontation—had nearly cost the Admiral his life. Though now on the mend, the wound remained impressive enough that even the notoriously lazy Kizaru had been granted an extended convalescent leave.

A fact he was thoroughly enjoying, despite the pain.

"You know," he mused aloud as Kaede checked his stitches, "some might call getting nearly cut in half bad luck. Personally?" His trademark lazy smile spread across his face. "I consider it the best vacation I've had in years."

Chapter 519: Returning to Headquarters, the Shogun is Coming

Kizaru gazed contentedly at Nurse Kaede as she worked diligently on his wound, a lazy smile spreading across his face. How wonderful life had become since his injury—days spent lounging in bed without a care in the world, every meal and necessity provided without effort. Daily visits from lovely nurses who tended to his body and indulged his idle chatter.

If only this could last forever, he thought dreamily.

Unfortunately, as with all perfect moments in Kizaru's life, something inevitably arrived to spoil his bliss.

Three sharp knocks sounded on the ward door. Before Kizaru could even respond, the door swung open, and a familiar figure strode in with casual confidence.

The Admiral's heart sank. Oh no... not him.

But before Kizaru could voice his dismay, Luffy greeted him with a bright smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Hey~ Uncle Borsalino! You're looking well-recovered. Seems like you'll be ready for discharge in a couple of days."

"Arara? Don't talk nonsense, you little devil," Kizaru immediately protested, gesturing dramatically at the long wound across his torso. "Look at this terrible injury! I took a direct hit from Big Mom herself. My ribs are practically shattered. I can barely speak without pain. How can you possibly suggest I'm recovering well?"

Luffy's expression darkened at the Admiral's theatrical performance. This yellow monkey really has no shame, he thought.

Too exasperated to entertain Kizaru's victim act, Luffy turned his attention to Nurse Kaede, who had just finished applying fresh medicine to the wound.

"Kaede, what's your professional assessment of his condition? How's his recovery progressing?"

After packing away her medical supplies, Kaede straightened up and offered Luffy a respectful bow.

"Vice Admiral, sir, the Admiral is recovering exceptionally well," she reported with clinical precision. "An injury of this severity would typically confine an ordinary person to bed rest for one to two months. In Admiral Kizaru's case, given his remarkable healing capability, I expect he'll be fully recovered within three days at most."

Luffy nodded, satisfaction evident in his expression. He glanced at the wound on Kizaru's chest—already significantly less severe than when he'd last seen it—and couldn't resist a jab at his senior officer.

"Tsk, more than ten days to recover from such a minor scratch? If it were me, I'd just take a nap and eat a good meal, and I'd be back on my feet," Luffy remarked dismissively. "Uncle Borsalino, you're really losing your edge."

With that, he casually waved for Nurse Kaede to leave them alone.

Kizaru's expression soured as he watched his "lovely nurse" depart. This brat had not only mocked him from the moment he arrived but had now dismissed the one bright spot in his hospital stay.

"Oh my~" Kizaru drawled, his voice taking on that familiar sarcastic edge. "How impressive. Defeating one Emperor really changes a man. Even a mere Vice Admiral now looks down on an Admiral. Will you be dismissing Fleet Admiral Sengoku next week?"

Luffy caught the emphasis Kizaru placed on " Vice Admiral" and snorted, dropping into a nearby chair.

"You keep harping on about my rank," he retorted. "Bold of you, considering your situation. If I hadn't waited around for you to recover, I'd be back at Headquarters already, accepting the Fleet Admiral's appointment and heading to Mary Geoise to meet with the Five Elders about my new position."

Kizaru tilted his head in genuine surprise. "Ehh? They've decided so quickly?"

Luffy nodded matter-of-factly, rolling his eyes at the Admiral.

"Of course they have. I killed one of the Four Emperors. With that achievement and my demonstrated strength, if I don't receive a promotion to Admiral now, what would that say about the Marines?" He cast a pointed look at Kizaru's bandaged torso. "Unlike some weaklings who got sliced open by an old woman's sword. Isn't that embarrassing...?"

"Hey, hey, watch your mouth," Kizaru protested, genuine irritation creeping into his usually languid tone. "Do you want me to shoot you with a laser right here, you insolent brat?"

Despite his annoyance, a hint of nostalgia colored Kizaru's thoughts. This kid had changed so much. He remembered when Luffy was just a child, following him around Marine bases, eyes wide with admiration, calling him "Uncle" with genuine affection. Now look at him—brash, confident, and with an increasingly sharp tongue.

"Enough banter," Luffy declared, rising from his chair. "Get dressed. We're returning to Headquarters today."

He moved toward Kizaru's bed as if to yank away the covers, prompting an indignant response from the Admiral.

"Get out of here, you little monster!"

After a brief, childish standoff—one that would have shocked anyone familiar with their respective ranks—Kizaru finally relented. Grumbling all the while, he changed into a freshly pressed Marine suit and reluctantly accompanied Luffy out of the hospital, his expression a perfect study in wounded dignity.

As they made their way toward the Marine port, their progress was repeatedly halted by civilians who recognized them. What began as shocked stares quickly evolved into a swarm of excited onlookers seeking autographs and handshakes from the heroes who had defeated an Emperor.

While signing autographs for several young men, Kizaru couldn't help but cast envious glances at Luffy, who was surrounded by a crowd of admiring young women.

"You've become quite the celebrity," Kizaru remarked sourly. "I'm not bad looking myself. Why aren't any cute girls asking for my autograph?"

The nearby young women turned to regard the narcissistic middle-aged man who was touching his face with exaggerated self-appreciation. Their expressions conveyed nothing but thinly veiled contempt.

Those judgmental gazes pierced Kizaru's fragile ego like swords. In that moment, he felt the damage to his pride was far more severe than anything Big Mom's blade had inflicted upon his body.

Chapter 520: The Highest Honor for Marines

While the young women of Wano might have looked down upon the aging Admiral Kizaru, his reputation among Marine soldiers was a different matter entirely. Still, even there, his star had dimmed somewhat in recent days.

After all, how could a middle-aged man with a perpetually bored expression—who'd been seriously wounded by Big Mom's attack—compare to the young, charismatic Vice Admiral who had personally slain one of the Four Emperors?

With his mood thoroughly soured, Kizaru boarded Luffy's flagship, the Stormbreaker, for their journey back to Marine Headquarters. The contrast between the hero's welcome Luffy had received and his own lackluster reception weighed heavily on the Admiral's pride.

Following the battle at Wano, Admiral Akainu had personally delivered the injured Kizaru to Onigashima's hospital, staying only a single night before rushing back to Headquarters to report on the unprecedented events. Now, weeks later, they were finally following the same path.

For this momentous return, Luffy had assembled nearly all the elite officers of G-66 Branch. Only Boa Hancock, Nico Robin, Violet and Koala had remained behind due to their sensitive status and responsibilities. The rest of his female companion accompanied him, eager to witness his anticipated promotion ceremony.

Beyond his core female officers, Luffy's loyal crew members—Cook, Binz, Gavin, Zoro, Sanji, Usopp, and other that have join him since day on as a pirate hunting guerrilla squad—departed with him as well.

This mass exodus left G-66 Branch at its most vulnerable—a fact not lost on Luffy. Yet the impact of his victory over Kaido still resonated throughout the New World. Currently, even the mighty Whitebeard showed little interest in provoking the Marines without substantial cause.

After three days of soaring through the skies aboard the Stormbreaker, they finally crossed the Red Line and arrived at Marine Headquarters on Marineford Island. The massive fortress—rebuilt and expanded after the Battle of Marineford years earlier—stood as an imposing symbol of the World Government's military might.

From their aerial approach, they could see Marine flags fluttering proudly in the breeze across the island. The enormous central plaza had been transformed for the occasion—tens of thousands of Marine soldiers stood in perfect formation, their white and blue uniforms creating a sea of disciplined power.

All waited silently for the arrival of today's protagonist.

Luffy, never one to disappoint, descended from the sky with appropriate dramatic flair, the Thunder's engines humming as it lowered toward the specially prepared landing area.

The moment the cabin door opened and Luffy appeared in the doorway, a thunderous cheer erupted across the plaza, thousands of voices joining as one:

"LONG LIVE THE MARINES! LONG LIVE VICE ADMIRAL LUFFY!"

"LONG LIVE THE MARINES! LONG LIVE VICE ADMIRAL LUFFY!"

"LONG LIVE THE MARINES! LONG LIVE VICE ADMIRAL LUFFY!"

The deafening, perfectly synchronized chant momentarily stunned Luffy. He froze in place, one foot on the gangway, overwhelmed by the scale of the reception.

Behind him, Yamato pushed forward through the cluster of female officers, eager for her first glimpse of the Marines' fabled stronghold. Her eyes widened as she took in the massive fortress, the gathered thousands, and the sheer grandeur of the display.

"Wow," she breathed, genuine awe in her voice.

Her exclamation snapped Luffy from his momentary daze. With a broad smile and excitement bubbling in his chest, he took a deep breath and strode confidently down the gangway, stepping onto Marineford soil for the first time in many months.

Waiting at the landing area stood the highest echelon of the Marine hierarchy: Fleet Admiral Sengoku at the forefront, flanked by Admirals Aokiji and Akainu, Vice Admirals Garp and Tsuru, and the legendary Chief Instructor Zephyr. Their presence—all gathered for his arrival—spoke volumes about the significance of his achievement.

As Luffy approached, Sengoku's face broke into an uncharacteristic smile of pride and satisfaction. Without waiting for Luffy's formal greeting, the Fleet Admiral raised his voice in a commanding shout:

"SALUTE! SALUTE OUR HERO!"

The order echoed across the plaza as messengers stationed throughout repeated:

"SALUTE! SALUTE OUR HERO!"

In perfect unison, ten thousand Marines raised their right hands in the formal Marine salute—an honor typically reserved for Fleet Admirals or fallen war heroes.

"WELCOME HOME, HERO!"

Luffy hadn't anticipated such an extraordinary reception. His eyes swept across the welcoming committee—Fleet Admiral Sengoku who had first saluted him, his grandfather Garp, his mentor Zephyr, as well as Tsuru, Aokiji, Akainu, and other high-ranking officials.

Though bubbling with excitement internally, Luffy maintained the dignified bearing expected of a senior officer. With a serious expression, he came to attention and returned their salute with perfect form.

"Fleet Admiral, elders, senior officers—I have returned."

Sengoku lowered his hand and stepped forward, his smile now warmly welcoming.

"Welcome home, Luffy," he said. "And to everyone from G-66 Branch—thank you for your service."

Zephyr's gaze traveled over his former students in Luffy's entourage—Ain, Binz, Cook,Gavin and others who had trained under his harsh but effective methods. The grizzled instructor's normally stern face softened with unmistakable pride.

"Well done," he said simply, the weight of his approval evident in those two words. "You've proven yourselves worthy."

The impact of this acknowledgment was immediate. Many of the younger Marines—who had graduated from the Academy just a few years prior—felt their eyes welling with tears. The memories of Zephyr's brutal training regimen remained fresh, as did the constant doubts about whether they would ever measure up to his expectations.

Now, having followed Luffy into legendary battle and returned victorious, they stood receiving the highest honor their organization could bestow. For these passionate young officers, it represented the culmination of every sacrifice and hardship.