One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

Wright spent a month personally training Kuina and Zoro before heading to Marineford with Kuina.

He had asked Zoro about his plans, but the boy seemed more fascinated by Wright's stories of his time as a bounty hunter. Zoro decided that when he was of age, he would set sail as a bounty hunter himself, aiming first to inherit Wright's title as the "Strongest Bounty Hunter in the East Blue."

Thus, Kuina and Zoro, driven by their respective goals, embarked on entirely different paths.

At Marineford, Kuina was warmly welcomed by many— Admiral Sengoku, who radiated kindness; the carefree and approachable Vice Admiral Garp; the ever-graceful Vice Admiral Tsuru; and the laid-back Vice Admiral Kuzan, who loved to nap.

There was also Captain Rosinante, skilled in charming children, and the seemingly stern yet soft-hearted Commander Smoker. All of them took a liking to the talented and spirited Kuina.

Even those who had known Wright for years were learning for the first time about his roots in swordsmanship. They marveled at Kuina's talent as Wright's junior in the craft.

Kuina was especially thrilled to meet the strongest female swordsman of Marineford, Vice Admiral Gion, wielder of the famed blade Konpira.

It hadn't been easy for Wright to negotiate with Gion for Kuina's training rights—he had endured plenty of sharp glares from the stunning swordswoman.

Once Kuina was settled, Wright turned his focus to a monumental event for the Navy, and perhaps the world:

The transition of the Fleet Admiral.

Fleet Admiral Kong, nearing 90 years of age, was stepping down. Admiral Sengoku, now 68, stood at the peak of his wisdom and experience, making him the clear choice to succeed Kong.

For several years, Sengoku had already been gradually taking on the responsibilities of Fleet Admiral, as Kong began delegating authority.

Meanwhile, the Navy Headquarters had cultivated three strong candidates for the vacant Admiral positions: Vice Admirals Sakazuki (Akainu), Borsalino (Kizaru), and Kuzan (Aokiji). These three, with their monstrous strength and mastery of Logia Devil Fruits, were set to be the new Admirals.

Upon his retirement as Fleet Admiral, Kong was to be promoted to Commander-in-Chief of the World Government, overseeing all its military forces—a testament to his four decades of dedication.

This marked the Navy's first change in Fleet Admiral in 40 years, and the transition had to be flawless. The promotion ceremony was to be broadcast live worldwide.

To counter the escalating age of piracy, the Navy's unprecedented expansion from one Admiral to three was a decisive strike.

This move brought hope to countless people suffering under pirate tyranny. To them, three monstrous Admirals meant that the pirates' days were numbered.

But Sengoku knew better.

In the Admiral's office, Sengoku stood before his desk, gazing at the plaque mounted above it, inscribed with the words:

"Justice Reigning Supreme."

He sighed deeply. "Brother Kong, you carried this immense burden for so long. Now, the next generation of Admirals is ready to shoulder their duties. Yet I…"

"I still haven't lived up to these words."

"Roger sacrificed his life to ignite the Great Pirate Era. The idea of 'reigning supreme' is now a farce."

"This is merely the prelude to an era of tumultuous change. No single person can suppress the seas alone."

"If I am to become Fleet Admiral now, then I must ensure the Navy leads this era, not lags behind it."

"There's darkness and discord within the Navy itself. It's grown too vast, too entrenched."

"If we cannot reign supreme, then at the very least, the Navy must embody true justice—unshakable and absolute!"

Sengoku's resolve hardened as he dipped his brush into ink and began to write. When he finished, a new plaque bore his vision:

"Absolute Justice."

He admired his work with a rare sense of satisfaction. "Without Garp around to interrupt, my calligraphy turned out much better than usual. This will hang here for years."

The promotion ceremony went off without a hitch—there was no room for error.

With the ceremony concluded, former Fleet Admiral Kong departed Marineford for Mary Geoise with World Government officials, taking his post as Commander-in-Chief.

In the now-renovated Fleet Admiral's office, Sengoku prepared to hang his new plaque.

"Ahahaha! Sengoku! How does it feel, huh? Becoming Fleet Admiral? I doubt you'll ever leave Marineford now!"

Sengoku's temple throbbed as Vice Admiral Garp poked his head through the door. But he was relieved he'd finished the plaque before Garp's arrival—there was no way he'd allow Garp to ruin something this important.

"Garp! There's no tea or rice crackers here!" Sengoku growled through gritted teeth.

"What? No snacks? Sengoku, you're too stingy!" Garp grumbled, plopping himself on the office couch.

"Why are you even here?" Sengoku tried to suppress his growing irritation, reminding himself to stay composed, like Kong had always done.

But no amount of willpower could make Sengoku fully tolerate Garp's antics.

"Eh, those three rookies are too busy to bother with me. Wright's hiding away with his little protégé. That brat…"

Garp's attention wandered to the desk. "Hmm? Practicing your calligraphy? Not bad! Much better than your usual scrawls!"

Reading the plaque, his expression turned serious.

"Absolute Justice."

"Sengoku, you…"

"Yes, Garp. Becoming Fleet Admiral comes with its burdens." Sengoku sat, staring at the plaque.

"I envy you sometimes. But someone has to shoulder this. Sacrifices must be made…"

"A prelude to a grand new era…" Garp murmured, his gaze drifting toward the distant East Blue, as if piercing through Marineford's walls.

"We old-timers might still be around for the opening act."

"Kong bought us some time. Now, it's up to us."

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