Chapitre 295: 295. Old Acquaintances
Bonus 6
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Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
As the crimson sun ascends, a briny breeze sweeps across the colossal fortress, bathed in a soft, diffused sunlight.
Following several days of respite, Marineford has now fully recovered its former grandeur.
The demise of the Whitebeard Pirates has only heightened the imposing aura and gravitas of this fortress of steel.
Today, on the expansive grounds of the headquarters,
A somber assembly stands in remarkably disciplined formation. The justice-laden white cloaks ripple in the sea breeze, yet the upright figures stand resolute, their faces bearing a grave and solemn demeanor.
Today marks the Marine's joint promotion ceremony.
The medal presentation was set to commence promptly at eight o'clock. Currently, it is 7:30 in the morning, leaving just half an hour before the ceremony kicks off.
A couple of minutes pass.
Atlas, clad in a crisp and tidy pure white suit, adorns himself with a matching justice cloak. The white cuffs of his attire sway gently as he strolls.
Deliberately, he proceeds to the forefront of the assembled Marines, where rows of seats are impeccably arranged.
He locates the assigned spot and takes a seat.
On the left and right stand Akainu and an unoccupied seat. Glancing at the nameplate, it appears to belong to Kizaru.
Kizaru returned to Marineford a few days ago. After all, a significant occasion like the award ceremony shouldn't be easily overlooked.
Regarding the ongoing situation in the New World —
It must be acknowledged that pirates are, in the end, just pirates. Essentially, all the notorious pirates are seizing territory once owned by the Whitebeard Pirates. Among them, the Big Mom Pirates are proving to be the most aggressive.
Particularly, Fish-Man Island, a place she has long coveted, has not been spared. She has even dispatched her subordinate, Baron Tamago, to personally deliver an ultimatum to the inhabitants of Fish-Man Island.
...About raising the flag of the Big Mom Pirates and transforming into her exclusive dessert processing factory from now on.
Alternatively, she opts to dispatch her own forces to conquer the entirety of Fish-Man Island.
The outcome became evident. Jinbei, having already coordinated with Atlas, confronted and defeated Baron Tamagoand his associates, promptly ejecting them from Fish-Man Island.
This conduct unquestionably infuriated Big Mom.
However, presently, the entire Charlotte family is preoccupied with annexing and assimilating vast territories, leaving them with no time to attend to the relatively smaller Fish-Man Island.
However, considering Big Mom's inherent temperament, this issue is unlikely to be overlooked so effortlessly.
Shifting his focus, Atlas glanced at the team members positioned behind him.
White Chase-Smoker, Epee-Kyros, Enel...
"Snort!"
As if attuned to Atlas's scrutiny, Enel emitted a cold snort, his gaze meandering.
"Tsk, tsk."
Enel is a character who truly thrives when exposed to a bit of spotlight.
During the Summit War, harnessing the Rumble-Rumble Fruit's versatile capabilities and less-than-stellar physical prowess, he managed to eliminate a cadre from the Red Hair Pirates.
Subsequently, he grew his wings.
Upon healing from his injuries, he hastily approached Atlas to issue a challenge.
The ultimate outcome, naturally, was a thorough defeat at the hands of Atlas.
Despite the healing effects of the horse talisman, the agony proved inevitable.
"Hey! Atlas, it's been a while!"
Through an unoccupied seat, Gion's mature voice resonated.
"Ah? Didn't we recently cross paths at the headquarters meeting?" Atlas raised his eyebrows slightly and spoke with a smile.
"Brother Atlas, you're still as clueless as ever." Gion's face stiffened, then he rested his forehead on his hands and sighed.
This guy hasn't changed at all...
"By the way, when you encounter an old acquaintance, why not offer a greeting?"
Gion patted Hina's rotund form behind him and remarked with a wry expression.
"It's Hina. It's been a while since our last meeting."
Atlas also scratched his head in embarrassment.
Since graduating from the elite training camp, he has largely refrained from engaging with others aside from Smoker and Rosinante. Most of his time is dedicated to apprehending pirates or training.
Even if he takes a break from his hectic schedule to visit the headquarters, Hina and the others are not present.
After all, they are just officers at the school level now, and their freedom can't be compared to Atlas's.
"It's true that we haven't seen each other in a while. Hina didn't expect you to rise to the rank of Marine Admiral so swiftly."
Hina's expression appeared somewhat complex.
She initially believed that everyone started from the same line. She even thought Atlas was slightly superior to them and amusingly challenged him.
However, in a later confrontation initiated by Atlas alone, she finally acknowledged the disparity between the two.
However, she never anticipated it.
This guy skyrocketed to the rank of Admiral at an astonishing pace. He was forcefully included when all three Admiral positions were already filled!
A sense of powerlessness welled up in Hina's heart.
The disparity between individuals can indeed be substantial.
"This, it's just luck, merely luck."
"Conquering Whitebeard and occupying the throne of the strongest man in the world can't be attributed to mere luck, and..."
Hina looked earnest, paused, and then continued:
"Now, some people outside have started bestowing upon you the title of the strongest creature on land, sea, and air."
"...."
Atlas was slightly taken aback. Why did this sound peculiar?
Suddenly, his ears twitched slightly, and he instinctively glanced into the crowd.
There, he spotted Grus winking at him and whispering something. Judging by the shape of his mouth, it seemed to be the word "boss." (T/N: He was introduced in the training camp arc)
"This kid..."
Atlas shook his head and chuckled, giving a wave in Grus' direction.
In this scenario, even if this guy's father is the Rear Admiral of the headquarters and is on the verge of being promoted to Vice Admiral, there's no way he can freely move around.
"Hey! Boss, I finally spot you."
Grus trotted over, a smile on his face.
"It's tough being under my father's command. Boss, consider transferring me to your unit sometime. This guy Smoker has been climbing the ranks so swiftly."
"Join my command? You must be ready to face hardships, and the peril level in the New World is incomparable to that of the Grand Line."
Atlas scrutinized Grus.
He exuded vitality and a robust zest for life. It seemed that this guy's father didn't overly shelter him just because he was an only son.
Flowers cultivated in greenhouses can't withstand the wind and rain.
"There's no issue at all. If one day you fall on the battlefield, it'll be a death worth honoring!"
Grus pledged, emphatically beating his chest.
Yet, he failed to notice that behind him, a middle-aged man observed with gleaming eyes.
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