Chapter 146: Sparkle.

The ceremony for Chiga's promotion to admiral was, naturally, far grander than his promotion to vice admiral. Not only was it broadcast globally, but the guest list included many high-profile figures.

First among them was Zephyr, who had been "training in seclusion" during this time. There was no way he'd miss his most outstanding student's promotion. Zephyr's chest swelled with pride—Chiga was his greatest accomplishment.

Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji were also present. From this day forward, another man of their rank would stand among them.

Though Chiga had just become an admiral in title, his reputation already rivaled—and in many eyes surpassed—that of the three veteran admirals.

But the most surprising guest was Nerona—a Celestial Dragon. Her presence at the promotion caught everyone off guard.

Upon her arrival at Marine Headquarters, Nerona brushed past Sengoku's reception with a single-minded focus: she wanted to see Chiga.

Sengoku had no idea what connection this female Celestial Dragon had with Chiga, but based on his understanding of their kind, her sudden appearance didn't bode well. He couldn't risk her stirring up trouble, especially today.

He intercepted her and brought her to his office, where a heated argument ensued.

Strangely, Nerona was unusually cooperative—at least by Celestial Dragon standards. Even as Sengoku argued with her, she did her best to remain calm.

Eventually, Sengoku gave up trying to dissuade her and reluctantly led her to Chiga.

Backstage, Chiga was chatting with Gion and Kalifa. When he spotted Nerona trailing behind Sengoku, his face twisted into a haunted expression.

Kalifa immediately adjusted her glasses, leaned toward Gion and Ain, and whispered a few words.

Hearing what Kalifa said about Nerona and Chiga's relationship, both Gion and Ain looked utterly shocked.

Everyone knew women loved gossip—especially gossip involving Chiga and a female Celestial Dragon.

Gion, already used to rumors surrounding Chiga, simply pulled Kalifa and Ain aside, crossed her arms, and silently observed the scene unfold.

Chiga stared at Nerona with a helpless look. "Why are you here?"

Nerona glanced at the three women nearby and pouted. She paid close attention to Chiga's every move—daily—and knew exactly who these women were to him. The fact they could stay by Chiga's side while she was stuck in Mariejois reading about him in the papers filled her with resentment.

Puffing up slightly, she said, "Hmph! You're being promoted to admiral today. Given our relationship, of course I had to come celebrate with you!"

Chiga raised a brow. Her bratty attitude made his fingers twitch. He resisted the urge to discipline her then and there.

Nerona noticed the look in his eyes and panicked. She knew that look—he was about to put her in her place. She wasn't necessarily afraid of it, but with Gion and the others watching, she didn't want to be embarrassed in front of them.

Her expression softened. "Okay, okay… maybe I shouldn't have shown up uninvited. But I promise—I just want to celebrate with you. I won't… I won't cause any trouble."

Gion and the others looked on in disbelief. A Celestial Dragon apologizing? This was unheard of.

Celestial Dragons were symbols of arrogance and entitlement. Seeing one behave this humbly was like seeing a sea king walk on land.

Nerona looked genuinely wronged, and oddly enough, the three women found themselves feeling a twinge of sympathy.

Chiga let out a breath and relented. "Just don't say anything during the ceremony. Afterward, I'll take you out for a bit. Got it?"

The moment he said he'd spend time with her afterward, Nerona's entire demeanor changed. Her irritation melted away and she nodded eagerly.

If Chiga was willing to spare time for her, then she'd listen to whatever he said—even stay silent.

Chiga nodded to Gion and the others, then took Nerona and headed out toward the ceremony.

Outside, Sengoku had just finished his opening speech. It was now Chiga's moment.

On the parade ground below stood all the soldiers of Marine Headquarters, including Yamato and Ace.

As soon as Chiga stepped onto the platform, thunderous cheers erupted.

"Purple Kirin Admiral!"

The soldiers' passion kicked the ceremony into high gear from the very beginning. Everyone, both inside the Navy and across the world, had eagerly awaited this day.

No one cared about Chiga's age anymore. His accomplishments made such concerns irrelevant.

Nerona sat in the front row, eyes shining. It was her first time witnessing an event like this. She didn't fully understand why the crowd was so ecstatic—but knowing it was all for Chiga made her heart race.

She gazed at Chiga's back. His presence gave her a stronger sense of safety than even Mariejois. This was the man she adored—Uchiha Chiga.

Chiga smiled as he looked out over the assembled soldiers. No man could resist the thrill of being honored like this. The entire world had gathered to recognize him.

He raised his hand and calmly pressed it downward. As if a switch had been flipped, the entire crowd fell silent.

Chiga stood tall, emotion rising in his chest. These soldiers—this family—respected and admired him without reservation. He would never forget it.

Above them, the sky darkened as thunderclouds gathered. The air crackled with energy.

But the soldiers didn't flinch. They knew this was just one of Admiral Purple Kirin's powers—lightning.

They stared up at him with awe in their eyes, waiting for his words.

Chiga steadied his emotions and declared in a voice that boomed like thunder:

"The Navy will never fall. Justice… will endure forever!"

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The moment his words ended, massive bolts of purple lightning struck the seas around Marineford, stirring up crashing waves.

Around the world, viewers watched, their blood boiling with excitement. Even Kizaru, usually the most indifferent of them all, trembled slightly.

"I'm getting fired up…" he muttered.

But seconds later, he wrinkled his nose. Something smelled burnt.

He glanced sideways and stiffened.

The side of Akainu's body closest to him had turned into molten magma, melting half the chair and part of the floor.

Eyes widening, Kizaru immediately grabbed his chair and scooted over next to Aokiji.

He slumped into his seat, wiped the sweat from his brow, and muttered, "Yeah, forget it… this old man really can't ignite."

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