Sakazuki observed the scene unfolding around them and acknowledged the potential devastation their battle could cause to Naval Headquarters. With a firm yet pragmatic tone, he said, "This isn't the place to let loose. Our abilities would wreak havoc here. Let's take this to a distant island where we can fight without restraint."
Fujitora nodded in agreement. "That would be wise."
But before they could proceed, Finn raised a hand, halting them. "There's no need for that." His commanding voice carried authority. He turned to Sakazuki, his expression composed yet firm. "This isn't a duel to the death, Sakazuki. The purpose is to assess Yixiao's strength—nothing more. With your powers, it would take at least ten days and nights to determine a winner."
Finn paused, his gaze unwavering. "So instead, I ask you now: does Yixiao have what it takes to be an Admiral?"
Sakazuki's jaw tightened as he mulled over the question. His pride smarted from the recent exchange, but his respect for orders and truth overrode his ego. "Marshal," he began, "Yixiao's strength is comparable to mine. He possesses the capabilities of an Admiral."
Finn nodded approvingly before turning his attention to the other Admirals. "Kuzan? Polusalino? Would either of you like to test him further?"
Aokiji immediately shook his head. "No need. His performance against Sakazuki speaks volumes. He's definitely Admiral material."
"Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Kuzan," Fujitora said with a polite bow.
Kizaru grinned lazily, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Oh, no, no. Fighting a monster like him? I'd need ten extra lives just to make it out alive!"
Fujitora chuckled softly. "Mr. Polusalino has quite the sense of humor."
Finn then addressed Sengoku. "What's your opinion, Grand Marshal Sengoku?"
Sengoku nodded solemnly. "Finn, I agree. Yixiao is worthy of the title."
With the consensus reached, Finn stood tall and declared, "Then it's decided. As Marine Marshal, I officially appoint Yixiao as our fourth Admiral. From this day forth, he will be known by the codename 'Fujitora.'"
Applause broke out among the Marines, though Hina frowned slightly and raised a hand. "Marshal, doesn't that mean we'll have four Admirals now? Isn't that unusual?"
Finn smirked mischievously and leaned closer to her. "Why, Lieutenant Commander, if you manage to attain Admiral-level strength, I wouldn't hesitate to make you the fifth Admiral."
Hina flushed, her cheeks puffing out in mock indignation. "Hina is very angry..."
Finn laughed heartily and playfully ruffled her hair, eliciting a chorus of chuckles from the onlookers.
Turning back to the group, Finn's tone grew serious. "Fujitora is one of us now. I trust him completely, and you should too. His strength and ideals align with our vision. Together, we will create a better world."
Kizaru approached Fujitora curiously, squinting at his blindfolded eyes. "Mr. Yixiao, you're blind, yes? Did that happen in battle?"
Fujitora's smile turned somber. "No. I blinded myself."
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
"You... blinded yourself?" Kizaru asked, his usual composure faltering.
Fujitora explained with quiet resolve. "There is so much filth and evil in the world—things I could no longer bear to see. I chose to close my eyes to it all."
Sengoku stepped forward, his voice filled with admiration. "A man of such conviction and justice is a true asset to the Marines."
Finn, however, was less impressed. "Conviction? No, this is escapism."
The crowd fell silent as Finn walked up to Fujitora, his tone both firm and inspiring. "If you blind yourself to the world's filth, how will you strengthen your resolve to fight it? Justice demands that we confront evil head-on, not shy away from it. If you refuse to see the ugliness, how will you witness the beauty we fight to create?"
Fujitora stood still, deeply moved. His past convictions now felt like shallow shadows compared to the light of Finn's words. "Marshal Finn, your wisdom has opened my eyes—if only figuratively. Meeting you is the greatest honor of my life. Had I met you sooner, I would not have blinded myself."
Finn smiled warmly. "It's not too late, Yixiao. If you've learned your lesson, then let me restore what you lost."
Before Fujitora could protest, Finn placed a hand over his eyes, emerald energy swirling from his palm. The Marines watched in stunned silence as the energy seeped into Fujitora's closed lids.
"Marshal," Fujitora murmured hesitantly, "this is pointless. My sight has been gone for years—"
"Be still," Finn commanded.
The emerald glow intensified, and when Finn finally pulled his hand away, Fujitora hesitated before opening his eyes. For the first time in years, light flooded his vision.
Gasps of astonishment echoed around them as Fujitora blinked, his eyes wide with disbelief. Tears streamed down his face as he dropped to his knees. "Marshal Finn... you've given me back more than my sight. You've given me a renewed purpose."
Finn extended a hand to Fujitora, helping him to his feet. "Welcome back, Fujitora. Now let's work together to make the world truly worth seeing."
The gathered Marines erupted into cheers, their morale soaring to unprecedented heights.