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## Chapter 701: Can Only Choose to Acquiesce!
The personnel awarded the 'Second-Class Tri-Force Medal of Merit' were the most numerous among those receiving medals at this conference.
A total of one hundred and twenty-three Military Officer of various ranks from the Tri-Force received this medal.
They came up to the Rostrum from the left side in groups of three, suppressing their excitement. With flushed faces, they received in turn the shining medals personally pinned onto them by the three Fleet Admirals: Raimon, Sengoku, and Zephyr.
The entire process was actually quite brief.
The moment of glory each person enjoyed, if calculated carefully, was less than thirty seconds before Dean Gareth Malick announced the next group's list of personnel, and they had to walk down from the right side.
But these short twenty-odd seconds allowed them to appear before all the Sea Star People, becoming the peak moment of many people's lives.
Honestly.
Before this, many people were more or less confused about why the World Government suddenly wanted to hold this Commendation and Award Ceremony.
But now, no one had any further objections.
Who wouldn't want to walk onto the stage once, gaining both prestige and benefits, and still have the qualification to be proud in front of others even after retirement?
At this moment.
The gazes of the millions of Soldiers and Officers watching the Live Broadcast of the conference at Army Headquarters: Landeforce, Navy Headquarters: Marineford, and even at Air Force Headquarters: Elbaf, situated at High Altitude, were filled with longing for the future.
They were anticipating War!
This was Morale! It was Fighting Intent!
The only thing was that it was quite hard on Sengoku, Zephyr, and Raimon.
Because after awarding the 'Second-Class Tri-Force Medal of Merit', they still had to award the 'First-Class Tri-Force Medal of Merit' to dozens of Commodores and Rear Admirals.
After that, they also had to award the blue-gold 'Elite Medal' to the Troops that received the 'Tri-Force Fleet Admiral Collective Commendation Order'.
Every Member within these Troops would receive a medal, but considering the large number of personnel, only their Officers were allowed to go onto the Rostrum as representatives to receive the awards.
After doing all this, the three of them, Sengoku, Zephyr, and Raimon, could finally go down to rest.
And what followed was the highlight of this conference!
"Now, we proceed to the fourth item of the conference."
Dean Gareth Malick said, while casting his Gaze towards a massive figure sitting below the Rostrum.
"Please welcome the Commander-in-Chief to the Rostrum to award the 'Wave Cross War Medal' to the Army Headquarters Admiral Candidate, Vice Admiral Douglas Bullet, 'Demon Shark'!"
As soon as the words fell, Kong 'The Iron Fist', who was already prepared, immediately stood up and walked forward. Bullet, who was in the row behind him, also slowly rose with a proud Smile on his face.
This caused Kaido, Crocodile, and others nearby to curl their lips and snort coldly.
"The 'Wave Cross War Medal' is only awarded to High-Rank Officer who have excellently completed Command Missions and successfully achieved Strategic Objectives in large-scale Wars!"
"Vice Admiral Douglas Bullet performed outstandingly in the Conquest Operation of the 'Imperial Arms World', successfully occupying the entire Northern Snow Region for the World Government while killing an Imperial Army General!"
As Dean Gareth Malick finished speaking.
Bullet had already stood in front of Kong, but due to the Height Difference between them, he had to bend down to let the latter pin the Medal on his left chest.
This Medal had a main color of black and silver, with the four ends of the cross in a wave shape, a gold circular frame in the center, and five-circle crosses inlaid with black gemstones within the frame, giving it a cold and noble style.
Immediately after.
Just as Bullet straightened up, he saw an Army Soldier wearing White Gloves and a black Military Uniform, holding a white tray with a folded Black Coat on it, walking over.
Then, Dean Gareth Malick spoke again.
"By Order issued by the Supreme Executive Committee (Saint Jaygarcia Saturn Lord), Vice Admiral Douglas Bullet is officially appointed as an Army Headquarters Admiral, and is hereby awarded the Admiral Rank and an Admiral Gold Star Medal!"
Hearing this, the Smile on Bullet's face became even more radiant.
In contrast.
Below the Rostrum were the expressionless Sakazuki, the ashen-faced Crocodile, the extremely envious Aramaki, and the huge applause that erupted like waves throughout the venue.
"Now, we proceed to the fifth item of the conference."
Dean Gareth Malick waited for Bullet to return to his original Position, then glanced at the content of another manuscript.
"According to the 'Marine Calendar 1502 World Government Military System Reform Plan', the Military Ranks of Fleet Admiral, Admiral, and Senior Colonel will be added starting today."
"Personnel adjusted to the Senior Colonel Military Rank will be separately notified internally by the Fleet Admirals of each force."
"We will now announce the list of personnel promoted to the Admiral Military Rank. Please come onto the Rostrum when your name is called to receive the Letter of Appointment awarded by the Commander-in-Chief and collect the Coat of Justice with the corresponding Shoulder Insignia."
At this point, he paused for a moment, then in a deep voice, under the expectant Gaze of the many Vice Admirals below the Rostrum, he announced the information of the first Admiral.
"Marine Headquarters Admiral Candidate 'Fujitora' Issho, Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Momonga, Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Onigumo."
Instantly, countless people's gazes converged on Issho, who slowly stood up, unaffected by favor or disgrace.
Dean Gareth Malick continued to say the names of others.
"Army Headquarters Admiral Candidate 'Sand Crocodile' Crocodile, Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Aramaki, Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Charlotte Cracker, Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Jozu, Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Onigumo."
"Air Force Headquarters Vice Admiral King."
Nine people!
Actually, if Marco had remained in the Air Force Headquarters, he should have also been awarded the Admiral Military Rank. Unfortunately, his ambition wasn't here.
However, among this list, the most surprising was Charlotte Cracker.
Because he was only twenty-five years old this year.
Everyone didn't understand why Charlotte Cracker was chosen to be promoted, skipping over Charlotte Oven and Charlotte Daifuku?
Actually, the initial choice of the Command Department was indeed Charlotte Oven.
But who knew that after some discussion and investigation, they surprisingly discovered that Charlotte Cracker's Strength was even stronger than Charlotte Oven and the others.
And this kind of Strength was strong enough to sincerely convince Oven, Daifuku, and the others.
Even 'Big Mom' Charlotte Linlin personally admitted to them that Charlotte Cracker's Talent among her many children was second only to Charlotte Katakuri.
This led to the current situation.
Thus.
'Diamond' Jozu and 'Biscuit' Cracker became the representative figures of the Whitebeard Kingdom and Totto Land Kingdom within the World Government Military.
"Next, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn Lord will personally award the Marshal Rank and the Admiral of the Fleet Gold Star Medal to Commander-in-Chief Kong, Chief of Staff Tsuru, Minister of Military and Political Affairs and Marshal (Air Force Headquarters) Zephyr, Marshal (Navy Headquarters) Sengoku, and Marshal (Army Headquarters) Raimon!"
As soon as the words fell.
Everyone's Line of Sight simultaneously focused on Saint Jaygarcia Saturn Lord, who was sitting in the central Position on the Rostrum.
This Big Shot, who held the World Government's highest Military Power, calmly walked onto the Rostrum amidst solemn and dignified Music, and sequentially awarded the medals to the five Military High Command members who were already standing in a row.
As he passed in front of each person, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn Lord would say softly.
"The person you should thank is Lord Imu, and the person you should be loyal to is also Lord Imu. Remember, remember..."
This instantly made the expressions of Sengoku and the others complicated.
They had previously always thought they were loyal to the World Government itself, but now the object of their loyalty had suddenly changed to an individual with transcendent status.
This actually violates the 'Spirit of Non-Dictatorship' advocated by the World Government.
But these people all knew that the World Government's general trend and changes now were indeed all due to that Lord Imu.
Therefore, the five people ultimately could only... choose to acquiesce!
(End of this chapter)
The personnel awarded the 'Second-Class Tri-Force Medal of Merit' were the most numerous among those receiving medals at this conference.
A total of one hundred and twenty-three Military Officer of various ranks from the Tri-Force received this medal.
They came up to the Rostrum from the left side in groups of three, suppressing their excitement. With flushed faces, they received in turn the shining medals personally pinned onto them by the three Fleet Admirals: Raimon, Sengoku, and Zephyr.
The entire process was actually quite brief.
The moment of glory each person enjoyed, if calculated carefully, was less than thirty seconds before Dean Gareth Malick announced the next group's list of personnel, and they had to walk down from the right side.
But these short twenty-odd seconds allowed them to appear before all the Sea Star People, becoming the peak moment of many people's lives.
Honestly.
Before this, many people were more or less confused about why the World Government suddenly wanted to hold this Commendation and Award Ceremony.
But now, no one had any further objections.
Who wouldn't want to walk onto the stage once, gaining both prestige and benefits, and still have the qualification to be proud in front of others even after retirement?
At this moment.
The gazes of the millions of Soldiers and Officers watching the Live Broadcast of the conference at Army Headquarters: Landeforce, Navy Headquarters: Marineford, and even at Air Force Headquarters: Elbaf, situated at High Altitude, were filled with longing for the future.
They were anticipating War!
This was Morale! It was Fighting Intent!
The only thing was that it was quite hard on Sengoku, Zephyr, and Raimon.
Because after awarding the 'Second-Class Tri-Force Medal of Merit', they still had to award the 'First-Class Tri-Force Medal of Merit' to dozens of Commodores and Rear Admirals.
After that, they also had to award the blue-gold 'Elite Medal' to the Troops that received the 'Tri-Force Fleet Admiral Collective Commendation Order'.
Every Member within these Troops would receive a medal, but considering the large number of personnel, only their Officers were allowed to go onto the Rostrum as representatives to receive the awards.
After doing all this, the three of them, Sengoku, Zephyr, and Raimon, could finally go down to rest.
And what followed was the highlight of this conference!
"Now, we proceed to the fourth item of the conference."
Dean Gareth Malick said, while casting his Gaze towards a massive figure sitting below the Rostrum.
"Please welcome the Commander-in-Chief to the Rostrum to award the 'Wave Cross War Medal' to the Army Headquarters Admiral Candidate, Vice Admiral Douglas Bullet, 'Demon Shark'!"
As soon as the words fell, Kong 'The Iron Fist', who was already prepared, immediately stood up and walked forward. Bullet, who was in the row behind him, also slowly rose with a proud Smile on his face.
This caused Kaido, Crocodile, and others nearby to curl their lips and snort coldly.
"The 'Wave Cross War Medal' is only awarded to High-Rank Officer who have excellently completed Command Missions and successfully achieved Strategic Objectives in large-scale Wars!"
"Vice Admiral Douglas Bullet performed outstandingly in the Conquest Operation of the 'Imperial Arms World', successfully occupying the entire Northern Snow Region for the World Government while killing an Imperial Army General!"
As Dean Gareth Malick finished speaking.
Bullet had already stood in front of Kong, but due to the Height Difference between them, he had to bend down to let the latter pin the Medal on his left chest.
This Medal had a main color of black and silver, with the four ends of the cross in a wave shape, a gold circular frame in the center, and five-circle crosses inlaid with black gemstones within the frame, giving it a cold and noble style.
Immediately after.
Just as Bullet straightened up, he saw an Army Soldier wearing White Gloves and a black Military Uniform, holding a white tray with a folded Black Coat on it, walking over.
Then, Dean Gareth Malick spoke again.
"By Order issued by the Supreme Executive Committee (Saint Jaygarcia Saturn Lord), Vice Admiral Douglas Bullet is officially appointed as an Army Headquarters Admiral, and is hereby awarded the Admiral Rank and an Admiral Gold Star Medal!"
Hearing this, the Smile on Bullet's face became even more radiant.
In contrast.
Below the Rostrum were the expressionless Sakazuki, the ashen-faced Crocodile, the extremely envious Aramaki, and the huge applause that erupted like waves throughout the venue.
"Now, we proceed to the fifth item of the conference."
Dean Gareth Malick waited for Bullet to return to his original Position, then glanced at the content of another manuscript.
"According to the 'Marine Calendar 1502 World Government Military System Reform Plan', the Military Ranks of Fleet Admiral, Admiral, and Senior Colonel will be added starting today."
"Personnel adjusted to the Senior Colonel Military Rank will be separately notified internally by the Fleet Admirals of each force."
"We will now announce the list of personnel promoted to the Admiral Military Rank. Please come onto the Rostrum when your name is called to receive the Letter of Appointment awarded by the Commander-in-Chief and collect the Coat of Justice with the corresponding Shoulder Insignia."
At this point, he paused for a moment, then in a deep voice, under the expectant Gaze of the many Vice Admirals below the Rostrum, he announced the information of the first Admiral.
"Marine Headquarters Admiral Candidate 'Fujitora' Issho, Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Momonga, Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Onigumo."
Instantly, countless people's gazes converged on Issho, who slowly stood up, unaffected by favor or disgrace.
Dean Gareth Malick continued to say the names of others.
"Army Headquarters Admiral Candidate 'Sand Crocodile' Crocodile, Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Aramaki, Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Charlotte Cracker, Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Jozu, Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Onigumo."
"Air Force Headquarters Vice Admiral King."
Nine people!
Actually, if Marco had remained in the Air Force Headquarters, he should have also been awarded the Admiral Military Rank. Unfortunately, his ambition wasn't here.
However, among this list, the most surprising was Charlotte Cracker.
Because he was only twenty-five years old this year.
Everyone didn't understand why Charlotte Cracker was chosen to be promoted, skipping over Charlotte Oven and Charlotte Daifuku?
Actually, the initial choice of the Command Department was indeed Charlotte Oven.
But who knew that after some discussion and investigation, they surprisingly discovered that Charlotte Cracker's Strength was even stronger than Charlotte Oven and the others.
And this kind of Strength was strong enough to sincerely convince Oven, Daifuku, and the others.
Even 'Big Mom' Charlotte Linlin personally admitted to them that Charlotte Cracker's Talent among her many children was second only to Charlotte Katakuri.
This led to the current situation.
Thus.
'Diamond' Jozu and 'Biscuit' Cracker became the representative figures of the Whitebeard Kingdom and Totto Land Kingdom within the World Government Military.
"Next, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn Lord will personally award the Marshal Rank and the Admiral of the Fleet Gold Star Medal to Commander-in-Chief Kong, Chief of Staff Tsuru, Minister of Military and Political Affairs and Marshal (Air Force Headquarters) Zephyr, Marshal (Navy Headquarters) Sengoku, and Marshal (Army Headquarters) Raimon!"
As soon as the words fell.
Everyone's Line of Sight simultaneously focused on Saint Jaygarcia Saturn Lord, who was sitting in the central Position on the Rostrum.
This Big Shot, who held the World Government's highest Military Power, calmly walked onto the Rostrum amidst solemn and dignified Music, and sequentially awarded the medals to the five Military High Command members who were already standing in a row.
As he passed in front of each person, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn Lord would say softly.
"The person you should thank is Lord Imu, and the person you should be loyal to is also Lord Imu. Remember, remember..."
This instantly made the expressions of Sengoku and the others complicated.
They had previously always thought they were loyal to the World Government itself, but now the object of their loyalty had suddenly changed to an individual with transcendent status.
This actually violates the 'Spirit of Non-Dictatorship' advocated by the World Government.
But these people all knew that the World Government's general trend and changes now were indeed all due to that Lord Imu.
Therefore, the five people ultimately could only... choose to acquiesce!
(End of this chapter)
