For an entire week, the World Economy News Paper had been selling out non-stop. Morgans was so thrilled that he was practically soaring through the sky!
As the world's greatest media mogul, there were many secrets the Marine Headquarters wanted to suppress—secrets even Morgans hadn't uncovered. And yet, much of Vice Admiral Wright's newly publicized achievements fell into that category!
Even Morgans himself was astonished to learn just how pivotal a role Wright had played in numerous events:
During his time in the training camp, he pioneered the Combined Assault Formation, significantly boosting the combat effectiveness of lower-ranking Marines.
He developed Lightforged Crystals, drastically reducing Marine casualties while improving rescue efficiency for civilians.
He undertook a rapid deployment mission to protect intelligence officers, ensuring the Navy successfully eradicated the majority of the underworld forces in the North Blue.
He uncovered a pirate conspiracy and safeguarded the Heavenly Tribute of the North Blue nations.
He rescued Queen Otohime of Fish-Man Island, thwarting an insidious plot, and even voluntarily provided medical aid to promote peace between humans and Fish-Men.
He defended G-5 Branch, repelling waves of rookie pirates entering the New World and successfully fending off an assault by Whitebeard's Fifth Division Commander alongside two allied pirate captains.
His reputation alone inspired countless civilians to join the Marines, leading to a significant expansion of Marine forces.
He eliminated "Drought" Jack, one of the Calamities under the Emperor Kaido, and even forced Kaido himself to retreat during a retaliatory attack.
He discovered the former Warlord Sir Crocodile's conspiracy years in advance, aiding Alabasta in his capture before he could seize the throne.
On top of all this, he defeated the legendary Golden Lion, Shiki, thwarting his plan for revenge against the world.
The public was in shock. A Vice Admiral with such unparalleled merit, reputation, strength, and accomplishments—how could he remain merely an Admiral Candidate, receiving only token verbal commendations, simply because all three Admiral positions were filled?!
How utterly unjust!
Why were there only three Admirals?
As the Navy's strongest force and greatest deterrent against piracy, wouldn't adding a fourth Admiral only bring benefits?
Morgans wasted no time. The wily old bird swiftly launched a large-scale survey across the Four Seas, the Grand Line, the Marine Four Seas Branches, Marine Headquarters, and even the New World!
The survey posed a single question:
"Do you support Vice Admiral Wright's promotion to the position of the Fourth Admiral?"
Morgans, ever the schemer, deliberately phrased it as though the position already existed, creating the illusion that the Fourth Admiral was an official role!
When the results were tallied—based on data equivalent to 80% of the World Economy News Paper's daily sales—the results were staggering.
To further boost participation, Morgans had his newspaper delivery birds distribute survey forms along with a special full-color battle photograph of Vice Admiral Wright. Every participant, whether they voted "Yes" or "No," received one for free.
Wright swore he had nothing to do with it. The photo was merely a still taken from his battle against Shiki!
Morgans had truly outdone himself—in the most outrageously effective way possible.
The divine-like image of Wright, bathed in radiant energy, blinded the world.
Sales of the World Economy News Paper skyrocketed by another 30% overnight. Sharing a single copy? Impossible! Each newspaper only came with one photo!
When Cavendish saw the picture, he wailed and wept hysterically.
"If I had just been beside Vice Admiral Wright, even for a brief moment, even if just my profile was captured—my fame would have spread across the world!"
Zephyr, annoyed beyond measure, punched Cavendish to shut him up.
"The way that battle went, you'd have been reduced to ash!"
The survey took one day, and the results were compiled over another. Including the commendation results from the previous day, ten days after Wright slew the "Golden Lion" Shiki, the final report concluded—
Four Seas: Over 90.2% supported Wright's promotion.
Grand Line: Over 93.8% supported Wright's promotion.
New World: Over 81.3% supported Wright's promotion.
Marine Four Seas Branch & Headquarters: 100% support.
A new Admiral meant increased security, which the common people desperately desired. Even the majority of World Government-affiliated kings and nobles voted in favor.
The World Government finally realized that the situation was spiraling out of control.
...
Holy Land Mariejois.
At the highest seat of power within the World Government, the office of the Five Elders remained solemnly quiet. Some sat, others stood, all maintaining neutral expressions.
"Sengoku is truly determined to add another Admiral seat this time."
"'Justice Reigning Supreme'... Hmph. Even as Fleet Admiral, he still can't let go?"
"If anything, becoming Fleet Admiral has only strengthened his resolve to crush piracy."
"But let's not forget—the Marines are merely a face of the World Government. They can't be too weak, but too much strength is a problem as well."
"Speaking of problems, Crocodile's removal from the Warlord system has left a vacancy we haven't filled."
"The Warlord issue isn't urgent. Sengoku's military expansion has compensated for the loss."
"Which means we definitely can't allow an extra Admiral seat. Otherwise, the balance will be disrupted."
"That damn Morgans! This time, he's really overstepped his bounds!"
"Seems like his way of expressing dissatisfaction... likely not just over Alabasta."
"It doesn't matter. We have people inside his organization. We ignored him during the Alabasta affair, but next time he won't be so lucky."
"Hmph. He may retaliate harder."
"Then let's teach him a lesson... Leak his newspaper headquarters' location."
"Agreed."
"And what of the Marines?"
"Denying this outright would damage our reputation. If the entire Marine force loses faith in the World Government, that's a far bigger problem."
"Also... Red-Haired Shanks' true intentions remain unclear. His sudden rise to an Emperor caught us off guard."
"Maintaining Marine strength against the Emperors is actually beneficial."
"Indeed. And let's not forget, the Revolutionary Army has been increasingly active. A stronger Navy helps contain that threat as well."
"As for Wright... He seems to keep a certain distance from the World Government. His stance on the Celestial Dragons is also..."
"Hmph. No surprise—he was trained by Garp!"
"Even Garp must acknowledge his position. Sengoku, Zephyr, and Garp will surely keep Wright in check."
"Besides, Wright is too valuable to lose. His healing abilities alone could be crucial someday."
"Still, appointing a new Admiral means a 30% increase in Marine strength."
"Which isn't necessarily bad... It's happened before in history. It only makes the 'theater' grander and more entertaining."
"Heh... As long as 'that person' remains in control, the Marines will never escape our grasp."
"Very well. The Fourth Admiral seat is confirmed."
"Agreed."
Unanimous.
As the Five Elders departed, their office fell into silence once more.
-------
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