Michael didn't know whether the Marines below—soldiers and officers alike—fully understood what he had just said, but one thing he was certain about…
At the very least, they understood the three words "pay raise."
So, after three seconds of stunned silence, a thunderous round of applause erupted from the crowd.
Some Marines were even moved to tears.
This… this was what a true leader looked like!
What were the three Admirals? What was the Chief of Staff? What was the Fleet Admiral?
Compared to the Chief Inspector, they were nothing but air!
Fighting battles and playing politics—that was their specialty.
But as leaders…
They still had a lot to learn!
"Alright, alright, quiet down."
Michael raised both hands as he spoke, making a downward pressing gesture.
In an instant, the thunderous applause stopped.
But this scene made the Five Elders on the high platform shift uncomfortably in their seats.
That simple gesture—and the Marines' instant reaction—spoke volumes about Michael's prestige at this moment.
They even saw several Vice Admirals, whose political leanings had always been unclear, clapping enthusiastically.
These were the very people the Regional Justice Faction had been trying to win over recently!
They thought their plans were almost complete, only a step away from success.
But then this rich bastard just used money to buy their loyalty right in front of them!
Was there anything more humiliating than this?
As it turned out…
Yes, there was.
"Next, on behalf of the Navy's upper command and the World Government, I have an important announcement to make."
"You all know that ever since the so-called 'Great Pirate Era' began, our Marine numbers have been steadily declining. More and more people have been leaving the Navy… Even with new comrades from Amazon Lily and Fishman Island joining our Marine family, we still can't match the sheer numbers of pirates and the Revolutionary Army out at sea."
"So, at this Fleet Admiral and Three Admirals Promotion Ceremony, on this day of celebration—"
"I hereby declare—"
"Starting today, the Navy will begin a World Military Draft!"
At those words, Sengoku and the three Admirals simultaneously lowered their heads, coughing lightly into their hands.
Then they raised their eyes toward the Five Elders high above…
Michael's ambitions were this big!?
"All capable individuals, regardless of origin—so long as they do not carry a World Government bounty—will be allowed, after proper assessment, to directly join the Navy with a rank appropriate to their abilities."
"This World Recruitment will focus on quality over quantity. We'd rather have fewer people than accept mediocrity."
The good news came first; the real punch followed right after.
The Marines, who had been elated and floating on air thanks to Michael's pay raise announcement, were suddenly slammed back down to earth.
World Recruitment sounded normal enough, but in reality, it would reduce existing Marines' chances for promotion.
After all, Marine officer ranks followed a set ratio. It was impossible for everyone to eventually become a high-ranking officer. That was simply unrealistic.
World Recruitment—quality over quantity—meant recruiting powerful, unaffiliated experts from across the seas… or even former members of other forces.
Once these people joined the Navy, they would immediately take up officer positions.
Some might even parachute straight in as Vice Admirals.
Still…
Coming right after a pay raise, the Marines weren't exactly in a position to complain.
After all… benefits had been delivered first.
And they believed that someone who started by giving them raises would surely bring more perks in the future.
Old Michael was alright in their books!
But the Five Elders… they were definitely not alright!
From the high platform, the five old bastards stared at the eloquent Michael, practically in tears.
This bastard!
Every single line was ours!
They had planned to use this exact tactic to further divide the Marines' internal factions!
If they became too united, the masters themselves could be in danger.
"This recruitment will also be covered by the World Economy News for the entire coming year."
"Additionally, I will personally fund a reward for anyone who recommends powerful individuals to join the Navy."
"As long as the recruit receives a rank above Marine Headquarters Commander after assessment, the recommender can claim a bonus from me. The amount will be determined by the rank awarded."
After finishing, Michael ignored the Marines, who were once again silenced by the lure of money, and stepped aside, signaling the Three Admirals to stop pretending to be statues.
The Admirals finally reacted. With complicated expressions toward Michael, they each took turns giving formulaic speeches.
Nothing more than reassurances and encouragement for their own factions.
Being straightforward men of action, the Marines handled meetings quickly. This serious and important promotion ceremony wrapped up in just over an hour.
But… that wasn't what mattered.
When Michael saw the dark, stormy faces of the Five Elders, he felt nothing but satisfaction.
He loved this feeling—when they wanted to get rid of him but couldn't.
As the two sides approached within five steps of each other, they all put on restrained, amicable smiles.
"Ahahaha, leaders, my tongue slipped a bit there! I blurted everything out and stole your lines!"
"Mm. As long as it gets implemented, Chief Inspector, there's no need to feel guilty."
"Exactly, exactly. That's what makes you such great leaders—so magnanimous. A little slip-up from a subordinate would never make you upset, much less send certain spies and assassins in white suits and creepy masks to silence him… Huh? Where's the legendary CP0? Not fond of this kind of occasion?"
Michael's snarky remarks made the Five Elders' already snow-white hair tremble violently.
Damn this bastard!
But right now… how could they possibly move against the Navy's Chief Inspector!?
Did they think Kong, Sengoku, and Garp were just for show?
And this position—so long as it wasn't treated like retirement—was anything but meaningless!
It was practically a fourth Admiral.
The three Admirals led the Navy forward on the surface.
The Chief Inspector, this internal "Admiral," was responsible for cutting out rot and keeping the massive Navy healthy.
They could already foresee rough days ahead for the Regional Justice Faction.
"With you, Sengoku, and the Three Admirals leading, the Navy will surely reach an even brighter future… But remember this: even as you conduct World Recruitment, you must maintain loyalty to the World Government."
"Of course, of course. The World Government's business is my business."
Michael laughed heartily.
But in his heart, he was thinking…
Loyalty, my ass.
One day, I'll burn your whole clan to the ground!
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