One Piece: King of the World Chapter 409: By Decree—Fleet Admiral Sengoku Promoted to Sup

After receiving Commander Kong's retirent application, Claudius casually opened it, scanned through the contents, then picked up his pen and signed his na without hesitation.

With that, both Claudius and Kong couldn't help but feel a bit sentintal.

"I still rember when we went after Redfield together, Commander," Claudius chuckled.

Kong laughed as well. "Yeah, ti really flies. Back then, I thought you had a promising future, but even I never expected you'd rise this far."

"I sincerely appreciate everything you've done for , Commander," Claudius said seriously.

Kong had never explicitly sided with him. However, neither had he aligned himself with the Five Elders. His stance had always been one of loyalty to the World Governnt—to governance and order.

Still, Claudius could not forget all the help he had received along the way.

Years ago, when Claudius sought to gain influence over the Marines and control military funding, it was Commander Kong who made the crucial decision to support him.

Kong understood the implications behind that move—yet he still chose to cooperate, accepting gold from the City of Gold and backing the joint developnt of the Calm Belt by the Marines and CP-X.

That had opened an invaluable path for Claudius.

Later, as Supre Commander, Kong had covered for them, ensuring that the Five Elders did not interfere. Without him, their plans might have been exposed much sooner.

It was impossible for Kong not to notice the major changes in Mariejois, he was too experienced to be deceived so easily.

Claudius knew without a doubt that Kong had been aware of everything.

Yet, instead of intervening, Kong had turned a blind eye, even aided them in secret.

Looking back, Claudius realized that Kong had likely refused to take a clear stance on purpose. Perhaps he didn't want any public credit, so as to avoid tarnishing Claudius' legitimacy.

After all, if he had openly supported Claudius, then stepping down now would look like a forced retirent, as though Claudius were casting him aside after using him.

Perhaps Kong had already foreseen this, choosing instead to retreat on his own terms and make way for the next generation.

"You really don't need to thank ," Kong said with a hearty laugh.

"In my life, I've always followed the justice in my heart. Every decision I made was because I believed in it—not because of obligation.

Your Highness, I saw justice in you. I saw the future in you.

That's why I was willing to put my trust in you."

He sighed, his voice carrying a sense of contentnt.

"I'm already old. I've served as a Fleet Admiral. I've reached the pinnacle of military command. There's nothing more for to pursue.

The only thing I've ever truly wanted… is justice."

And Claudius, in his eyes, was justice.

Claudius looked at the esteed commander before him, his expression serious.

"Rest assured, Commander—I will bring justice to this world."

Kong smiled. "I have no doubt about that, Your Highness."

Claudius nodded, then opened a drawer, rummaged through it, and pulled out three official docunts.

One by one, he signed his na.

Then, he placed two of the docunts on the table and turned toward Rob Lucci, who stood silently behind him.

"By decree—Fleet Admiral Sengoku is hereby promoted to Supre Commander of the World Governnt, effective imdiately. Announce it to the world."

Lucci bowed slightly. "Yes, Your Highness."

Claudius continued.

"By decree—Admiral Sakazuki is hereby promoted to Fleet Admiral of the Marines, effective imdiately. Announce it to the world."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"By decree—Admiral Kuzan is hereby transferred to the World Governnt's Security Departnt and appointed as Minister of Security. Announce it to the world."

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Only then did Claudius fall silent.

He tapped two fingers against the table, deep in thought.

After a long pause, he spoke again.

"Once the handover is complete, order Fleet Admiral Sakazuki to submit a list of candidates for the two vacant Admiral positions."

"Yes, Your Highness!" Lucci replied firmly.

These simple orders would send shockwaves throughout the entire Marine hierarchy.

While the upper echelons had already been inford, the lower ranks would undoubtedly be stunned by these announcents.

Soon after, Lucci carried out the decrees, setting everything into motion.

Sengoku had been fully prepared for this mont.

Upon receiving the decree, he imdiately contacted Morgans, the Minister of Propaganda for the World Governnt, and arranged a global broadcast via the World Economy News Paper.

Through live transmissions and special news editions, Sengoku announced his promotion to Supre Commander of the World Governnt.

Then, with a smile on his face, he packed his belongings and set off for Mariejois to assu his new position.

anwhile, Sakazuki did the sa.

He formally assud the role of Fleet Admiral, made a worldwide announcent, and then delivered another bombshell news update.

Marine Headquarters, which had remained in Marineford for 800 years, would officially relocate to the New World!

Starting imdiately, the Marines would begin moving their base of operations to the Marine G-1 Branch, aiming to complete the transition by 1520.

This announcent sent shockwaves across the world.

Everyone imdiately realized.

The Sea Circle Calendar 1520 would be a year of historic change.

This move marked the beginning of an all-out confrontation between the Marines and the Pirate Emperors of the New World.

It was a clear declaration of war, the final stage of the campaign to end the Great Pirate Era.

By comparison, Kuzan's transfer to the World Governnt Security Departnt seed far less dramatic.

But in reality, his new role was just as important.

As soon as he assud office, Kuzan's first order was to standardize the security forces.

He imdiately abolished all previous inconsistent titles—security officers, police, patrol forces—all were unified under a single designation:

Then, he began recruiting personnel, selecting candidates from retired Marines and forr Royal Guards from various nations.

By forming a strong leadership team, he laid the foundation for a clear and structured system.

Each year, countless Marine soldiers retired, but up until now, they had no proper path forward.

Previously, the World Governnt had simply ignored them.

But under Claudius' rule, this would change.

Kuzan's National Garrison provided a new opportunity, a way for retired Marines to continue serving society while securing stable careers.

This force was still in its infancy, but in ti, it would grow into a formidable institution, providing both security and employnt.

At the sa ti, Claudius was preparing to launch a massive comrcial initiative.

The World Governnt planned to establish a global trading fleet, opening mariti trade routes between all four seas and countless nations.

This would stimulate economic growth, expanding the World Governnt's influence through comrce.

These trade fleets would also require private security forces, another career path for retired Marines.

With their combat experience, they would be highly sought after as professional guards and escorts.

Of course, this was entirely optional, no one would be forced into service.

But for those seeking a stable post-military life, the World Governnt was finally providing real opportunities.

(To be continued.)

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