CHAPTER 377: CHAPTER 20: VICTORY OR DEFEAT

The moment he appeared, the plaza erupted into chaos.

Reporters surged forward like wolves on the scent of blood, shoving for the best angle. Cameras flashed like lightning.

"Hahaha! It’s Darren! Darren’s finally here!"

Kuzan, bored moments before, sprang upright, eyes blazing, waving his arms like a madman. Beside him, Tokikake caught the women’s shrieks and scoffed. "Tch. Stealing my thunder again."

A flash of emotion flickered across Gion’s cool, composed face—the faint, unguarded sparkle of someone who couldn’t hide her delight.

Sengoku let out a long breath. Thank the seas. If Darren hadn’t shown, Kong would’ve burst a blood vessel.

The roar of the crowd was deafening.

"That’s Commodore Darren!"

"He single-handedly razed the Beast Pirates’ headquarters!"

"That’s old news! He destroyed Golden Lion’s entire flying armada!"

"Is that Enma at his hip? The blade that pierced an island in one strike?"

"No—Enma’s black. That one’s silver. And gods, it’s beautiful."

"They call him a monster... but he’s more like a knight."

"He’s so handsome! Darren, marry me!"

"I love you, Darren!!"

Darren had it all—strength, fame, wealth, legend, looks, and the rare charm that made people want to follow him anywhere. Men wanted to be him. Women wanted to be with him.

Bathed in adoration, Darren walked the red carpet with the ease of a man born for it. No stage fright, no nerves—only the certainty of someone who belonged here.

He mounted the steps in a steady stride and saluted crisply. "Fleet Admiral Kong! Admiral Sengoku! Zephyr-sensei!"

All three leaders smiled, approval in their eyes. Compared to Sakazuki’s grim severity, Borsalino’s sly laziness, and Kuzan’s languid air, Darren was every inch the Marine poster boy. He radiated the kind of presence that made the world want to believe in the uniform.

Sengoku tried to scowl. "Why so late, brat?"

Zephyr chuckled. "He’s here, isn’t he? That’s what matters."

Kong’s grin was genuine. "Been waiting for this day, Darren."

"Yes, Fleet Admiral," Darren replied with a faint smile.

Kong turned to the crowd, voice booming over the sea of faces. "Commodore Rogers Darren has earned countless honors, shone in the Marineford War, and graduated from the Elite Officer Training Camp with the highest scores on record. After careful deliberation, I hereby promote him to Vice Admiral of Marine Headquarters!"

Cheers thundered. Kong unfurled the white justice coat and settled it on Darren’s shoulders. "Carry this honor well, Darren. Carry Justice."

Darren’s salute was sharp. "All glory belongs to Justice!"

The applause rolled again, Kuzan nearly crushing his palms together. "That’s my rival!" he muttered fervently.

Zephyr grinned. "Your turn to speak, kid."

Encouraging nods came from Kong and Sengoku.

Darren stepped to the microphone. The cheers ebbed into an expectant hush. Reporters poised pens and recording snails. Every gaze locked on him.

Here it comes.

Looking out over the sea of faces—rows of crisp uniforms, ranks of brass, cameras glinting like a wall of eyes—Darren felt a fire stir inside him. Zephyr had told him to inspire the Marines.

Oh, I will. Just not the way you think.

He smiled faintly.

"Today," he began, voice rich and steady, "is a day for celebration. This ceremony follows the great battle at Marineford, when our righteous forces crushed the grand ambition of the pirate Golden Lion Shiki. He dreamed of storming Marineford—of dragging the world’s strongest fortress into the depths! He hurled an entire island at us!"

Darren’s fist clenched high.

"But he failed! And he was destined to fail! We proved an unshakable truth: the Marine is the strongest force on these seas! Not Golden Lion, not Big Mom, not Kaido could breach our sacred fortress!"

Marines in the crowd swelled with pride.

"Justice will prevail!" someone shouted.

"We are the strongest!" echoed another.

The chants grew. Behind Darren, Kong, Sengoku, and Zephyr exchanged pleased glances. The kid knows how to work a crowd.

Darren let the cheers crest before raising his voice again. "Yes—Justice will prevail. I know this better than anyone."

He paused.

Then slammed his fist down on the podium.

Wood splintered under the blow.

"But all this—" his voice turned to a savage roar "—is nothing but self-deceiving bullshit!!"

The words hit like a cannon blast. Gasps rippled through the plaza.

"This was no glorious victory!"

Kong, Sengoku, and Zephyr’s smiles froze. Color drained from their faces.

"The Marineford War—" Darren’s eyes burned, his voice cutting like a blade "—was a complete and utter failure!!"

To be continued...