The vast Plaza of Justice fell into stunned silence once again.
Ain's words had landed like a thunderclap—completely unexpected.
Everyone stared at her in disbelief.
"Ain… what did you just say?"
A hoarse voice roared from afar.
Zephyr charged onto the scene.
As a former Admiral and the current Chief Instructor of Marine recruits, he had rushed over the moment Sengoku notified him of the Fleet Admiral succession.
He arrived just in time to witness the clash between Akainu and Aokiji.
Originally, he had planned to stay on the sidelines and watch.
But when he saw his most cherished student being targeted by Saint Warcury, he couldn't hold back.
"P-Professor Zephyr… I said… maybe we could crowdfund Admiral Luoyu's salary and choose him as Fleet Admiral!"
Ain clenched her fists and raised her voice:
"As Admiral Luoyu's adjutant, I've seen everything he's done. Every action he's taken has embodied justice."
"He's done what no one else dared to do. And three days ago, he achieved a legendary victory."
"So why can't we choose Admiral Luoyu? Even if I'm the only one—I still choose him as Fleet Admiral!"
"If you think I'm wrong, Professor Zephyr, I'll accept any punishment. But I won't take back what I said."
Her voice rang with defiance.
Everyone's faces twitched.
Wasn't she basically saying Luoyu had punched a Celestial Dragon?
"No, Ain—you're absolutely right!" Zephyr clapped a hand on her shoulder, eyes gleaming. He pulled out a Beli card and shoved it into her hand.
"If we're crowdfunding to make Luoyu the Fleet Admiral, here's my first million Beli!"
"If Sengoku hadn't borrowed all my money and never paid it back, I'd give more!"
"Sengoku, no wonder even a dog wouldn't take your job—you're broke! Pay me back already!"
Sengoku's face twitched violently.
He looked like he wanted to say something, but Zephyr's impeccable timing had hit every sore spot.
After all, in all his years as Fleet Admiral, he'd never seen anything like this—crowdfunding a promotion?
Before he could speak, the plaza erupted.
"I'll chip in a million Beli!"
"Me too—one million!"
"I've only got 500,000!"
"Admiral Luoyu, if you don't mind, I can give 100,000…"
The scene exploded into chaos.
Three days ago, nearly 100,000 Marines had gathered at Marineford. Now, most of them were assembled here.
Faced with this sudden succession crisis—and Ain's bold declaration—the crowd ignited.
One voice led to another, and soon thousands, then tens of thousands, joined in.
Their roars and chants merged into a tidal wave of support, shaking the heavens and echoing across the sea.
Looking out over the crowd, the sheer volume of pledges was staggering.
What began as small donations had now reached astronomical levels.
Everyone in the plaza—Sengoku, Akainu, Aokiji, even Saint Warcury—was staring at Luoyu.
Faced with this overwhelming tide of public will, even Warcury's expression faltered.
To many, Luoyu was still a newcomer compared to the old guard.
In terms of seniority and accolades, he lagged behind the three veteran Admirals.
He wasn't supposed to have this kind of influence.
And yet, the reality before them shattered that assumption.
Nearly 100,000 Marines were now rallying behind him.
If this wasn't a decisive vote of confidence, what was?
Akainu and Warcury's expressions grew visibly strained.
"Yo yo… I thought only Luoyu and I were the invisible ones among the Admirals," Kizaru chuckled awkwardly. "Turns out I'm the real clown. I underestimated Luoyu's charm."
"Heh, Admiral Kizaru, you're too modest," Vice Admiral Momonga said with a wry smile. "But let's be honest—we're all clowns. We tried everything, and none of it was as effective as this."
Standing nearby, Vice Admiral Dalmatian took a drag from his cigar and pulled out his wallet.
"Ain, I've got some spare cash. Count me in for 100,000 Beli."
"Haha, Dalmatian, looks like your wife's got you on a tight leash. I've admired Admiral Luoyu for a long time. I'll go 150,000!" said Vice Admiral Doberman.
"If we're all clowns, then count me in too!"
One after another, the officers joined in.
What began as a grassroots movement among the rank-and-file had now spread to the upper echelons.
In just minutes, over a hundred high-ranking officers had pledged their support.
By the time the last voice faded, only a handful of people remained silent.
Seeing the overwhelming support, Warcury's face darkened to the point of thunderclouds. His cane trembled in his grip.
Sengoku, noticing the shift, was still reeling from Luoyu's popularity—but quickly stepped in.
"Warcury, you've seen it yourself. This isn't my doing—it's the will of the people!"
"So… what now?"
"What now?" Warcury's voice was like ice. He clenched his cane tightly and growled:
"Sengoku, the next Fleet Admiral must be someone the entire Navy can accept."
"Yes, many support him—but there are those who oppose him too."
"If I'm not mistaken, that's Chaton standing beside Tsuru, isn't it?"
"Luoyu's promotion to Admiral already caused unrest among the candidates. If he's promoted again—straight to Fleet Admiral—many officers will rebel."