Orion speech was highly persuasive, and combined with the influence of his Observation Haki, the atmosphere in the square quickly ignited.
Waves of 'loyalty' chants surged one after another. The most excited were the soldiers and officers who had followed Orion over the years. They were, as if injected with adrenaline, shouting themselves hoarse.
So even exaggeratedly chanted, 'March on the Holy Land, break away from the World Governnt,' elevating the atmosphere in the square to an unprecedented level.
The reactions of the tens of thousands of soldiers in the square left the two Admirals and the group of Vice Admirals led by Gion standing below the platform utterly unprepared.
While Orion speech was indeed passionate, this was a skill every commander needed.
For instance, John Giant had always been the one to deliver speeches during major events at headquarters, boosting the morale of the soldiers and officers. Before Orion, Vice Admiral John Giant speeches were widely regarded as the most stirring.
Yet, the scene before them now was even more exaggerated than during John Giant speeches. Almost every soldier and officer, even the Vice Admirals standing in line with Gion, seed bewitched, continuously raising their arms and shouting loyalty slogans.
Not only were the two Admirals and Gion incredulous, but even Sengoku and Zephyr in the conference room were stunned by the escalating waves of shouts from the square.
However, they soon noticed sothing unusual.
"Rare Observation Haki?" Sengoku, who had noticed the anomaly, withdrew his gaze and shook his head with a bitter smile.
"He's using his speech to convey his thoughts and consciousness, resonating with everyone present. No wonder he managed to secure the unwavering loyalty of so many at headquarters in just six years."
Zephyr didn't respond but suddenly turned to look at the door.
Seeing this, Sengoku quickly glanced back. Outside the conference hall, Kuzan stood there at so point, holding the docunt signed by Sengoku, his expression complex.
"Teacher Zephyr, do you support everything Orion is doing now?" Kuzan walked into the conference hall and got straight to the point.
"I believe you all heard Orion speech just now. He said the era of the Celestial Dragons enjoying privileges should end. If this statent reaches the Holy Land, the Marine will be dood forever."
Zephyr expression changed slightly, and he said in a deep voice.
"Kuzan, do you want to stop all this?"
"No!" Kuzan expression remained unchanged as he said calmly. "I just want to know your true thoughts."
Hearing this, Zephyr shook his head and smiled.
"Kuzan, my thoughts don't matter. You are one of my most accomplished disciples and the one who understands best. In my heart, the Navy of the past is already dead!"
"Of course, I also understand you the best. Ever since returning from Ohara, you've been deeply troubled by Sakazuki actions. You even privately released Nico Robin, the sole survivor of Ohara, and changed your steadfast 'Burning Justice' to 'Lazy Justice.' Isn't that also a sign of your deep disappointnt with the Navy?"
Kuzan exhaled a cold breath and said unhurriedly "Teacher Zephyr, I—"
"Wait."
Before Kuzan could finish, Sengoku, who had been standing to the side, suddenly stepped forward, looking at Kuzan in disbelief.
"It was you who released Nico Robin back then? Kuzan, how could you do such a thing? If the World Governt finds out, your future is ruined. You should know very well that the World Governt despises historians who research that hundred-years history. As a high-ranking officer of the Marine, you actually released Nico Robin! What were you thinking?"
As soon as Sengoku finished speaking, Zephyr imdiately stepped forward.
"Kuzan, don't listen to his nonsense. Right now, Orion is in charge of the Navy! So what if you released Nico Robin? It's no big deal. As long as you continue to stay in the Navy headquarters and assist Orion, with the support of you three Admirals and the unprecedented unity of the Navy under Orion, even if the World Governt finds out, it won't matter!"
Kuzan nodded. "I understand Teacher Zephyr choice now! No matter what Orion does next, even if it ans going to war with the World Governnt, Teacher Zephyr will fully support Orion, right?"
Zephyr gaze was firm as he said.
"Naturally!"
...
After the Coup, the Navy headquarters gradually cald down following Orion speech. Accompanied by two Admirals and several Vice Admirals, Orion returned to the top floor of the headquarters building.
However, he didn't head to the conference hall but instead went straight to the Fleet Admiral office.
Before the attendant who was following him, could step forward to open the office door, the tightly shut door suddenly opened. Then, Kuzan, who was nearly three ters tall, walked out of the office.
"Admiral Kuzan?" Surprised to see Kuzan erging from the Fleet Admiral's office, Gion imdiately stepped forward, her expression serious.
"Why are you in the Fleet Admiral's office?"
Kuzan glanced at Gion, then shifted his gaze to Orion, speaking lazily. "Vice Admiral Orion... no, I should call you Marshal Orion now. If I leave now, I'd like to know who you'll appoint to fill the vacancy of the three Admirals at Marine Headquarters."
"Leave now?" Orion shook his head and smiled.
"Admiral Kuzan, you can't leave just yet. After all, you're the user of the Logia-type Ice-Ice Fruit, and your strength is unparalleled. If I let you go, you'd be a potential threat to ! So, you only have two choices: one, stay and remain loyal to , continuing to serve as an Admiral. Two, be eliminated by us."
Kuzan brow furrowed slightly as his eyes swept over Sakazuki, Borsalino, Gion, and the others.
"Are you worried I'll go to Mariejois and inform the Five Elders about everything you've done?"
"You won't get the chance to go to Mariejois!" Orion waved his hand dismissively, walking past Kuzan and standing in front of the desk.
He spoke calmly. "I've already sent word to Mariejois about how you let Nico Robin escape back in Ohara. The mont you step out of this building, the Five Elders will know about it."
After a brief pause, Orion tone suddenly softened.
"Kuzan, tis have changed. After eting with Sengoku and Teacher Zephyr, you didn't leave but chose to wait here for . Deep down, you've already made your decision. Coming here to ask this trivial question is just you needing to give you a way out! After all, the situation at Marineford is already settled, and you don't have many options left."
"I won't give you that way out."
"I'm formally extending an invitation to you. If you don't want to remain lost, if you want the justice you once believed in to reignite, then stay and help !"
"In my holand, there was an ancient saying: 'Are kings, lords, and generals born to their roles?'"
"Eight hundred years ago, twenty kings united to create the World Governnt. If we work together, we can create a better era they create, eight hundred years ago!"
After saying all this in one breath, Orion turned and sat down at the Marshal desk. He then looked up at Kuzan, his voice suddenly rising.
"So, Admiral Kuzan, will you stand by my side?"
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