Sakazuki had already boarded the deck the moment Michael appeared.
So he immediately abandoned the warship and gave chase.
Meanwhile, the others, led by Aokiji, were still securing the warship.
Thus, it took over a minute after Sakazuki's arrival for the rest to hurriedly catch up.
Michael and Sakazuki remained standing opposite each other, neither making a move.
In fact, Michael still wore a gentle smile on his face, as if nothing had happened.
Only after confirming all the actors had taken their places did Michael continue with a smile.
"Hey, Kuzan, the last time we met was at Enies Lobby, right?"
"Right. Our work doesn't overlap much, so we rarely cross paths," Kuzan replied expressionlessly, nodding.
"So, how about coming back to Marine Headquarters with me for a proper chat? I think there must be some misunderstanding or extenuating circumstances..."
"Misunderstanding? Extenuating circumstances?" Michael narrowed his eyes, tilting his head slightly. His smile remained gentle, but his words carried a hint of venom.
"Kuzan, Kuzan... You're quite a bit older than me, yet you're still so naive? There's no misunderstanding, no extenuating circumstances. I am a marine officer, but I am also the founder of the Revolutionary Army, serving as its Chief of Staff... Any other naive questions? Best ask them now, because once we move to the next phase, I won't bother answering."
The moment Michael's words left his mouth, the expressions of everyone present—led by Kuzan—changed.
Their faces turned ashen.
They had only wanted confirmation...
But this guy, Michael, had outright admitted it!
He couldn't even be bothered to pretend!
Those in the know—Garp, Issho, Stella, Crocodile, Hawkeye, and Enel—not only had to feign anger and disbelief but also had to constantly control their emotions to prevent... bursting into laughter.
Gion, who had vaguely guessed Michael's actions, still wore confusion and anger on her brow, but her eyes betrayed none of those emotions.
Instead, they held a trace of concern.
Among them all, the most dramatic reaction came from "Chaton" Tokikake.
"Michael! What the hell are you spouting, you bastard?!"
"Tokikake, the truth is exactly as I just said... I am both a marine officer and a member of the Revolutionary Army."
"Why would you do this...?" Tokikake pushed past the others, striding forward, even brushing aside Sakazuki's restraining hand.
He grabbed Michael by the collar, shaking him violently.
"Tell me! Didn't we promise to become the finest marine together?!"
"I kept my word." Michael effortlessly moved Tokikake hand aside with unshakable strength.
"No matter how you look at it, I'm the finest Marine of this era. In terms of both power and achievements, aside from the old Fleet Admiral and the Marine Hero, who among even the Three Admirals can compare to me?"
After Michael finished speaking, Tokikake opened his mouth but found nothing to refute.
Indeed, whether as a Marine Vice Admiral, a member of the SWORD Classified Special Forces, or the Grand Inspector of the Marines... Michael was simply too outstanding.
No, calling him "outstanding" would be an insult.
What he had accomplished was truly unprecedented!
He nearly eradicated the human trade and the de facto slavery system still lingering in name.
He negotiated and established the famous "Fish-Man Island and New World Gateway Joint Front" with the Whitebeard Pirates.
Then, he spearheaded the formation of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, further dividing the pirate factions.
Most notably, through the Marine Academy, he disseminated new ideologies and military discipline across the entire Marine force, guiding them step by step back onto the path of true justice.
And that wasn't all...
He discovered and recruited so many exceptionally talented young individuals!
Others seemed to recall this as well, casting subtle glances toward Stella and the others.
But seeing their expressions mirror their own, they felt reassured.
After all, Michael wouldn't have shared such matters with those he'd only recently recruited, would he?
"But even so—"
"No 'buts,' no need for explanations." Michael shook his head, then with lightning speed delivered a side kick that sent Tokikake, who barely manage to block, flying back into the crowd of Vice Admirals.
"Well, we've caught up, and I assume all questions have been answered... So, shouldn't we move on to the most thrilling part now?"
"Michael... I hope you won't regret this." Sakazuki rarely offered words of caution.
"If you mean that as a declaration of surrender, I wouldn't mind accepting it."
"...All units, by order of Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"
"Apprehend the Marine traitor, Michael!"
"Capture him alive at all costs!"
Michael sighed, his face full of resignation.
"Sigh... Old man Sengoku is really setting you all up for failure, isn't he?"
No sooner had he spoken than the Vice Admirals drew their weapons and charged at him in unison.
Leading the charge was Onigumo.
"Michael! I've been waiting for this day! I've long resented how a young upstart like you became Grand Inspector... But I never imagined you were with the Revolutionary Army!"
"Onigumo... If only everyone could be as straightforward as you." Michael shook his head, smiling.
"As a reward for your honesty... you get to take my first move."
With that, Michael didn't draw his sword but instead flexed his ten slender fingers.
"Flying Finger Pistol: Ten Commandments."
With just a slight raise of his hand, immense power transformed into the force of Flying Finger Pistols, striking faster than Onigumo could react and piercing straight through his defenses.
Ten finger-sized holes instantly appeared on his body.
And within the force was a trace of white Holy Flame.
"Onigumo! Your hair! Your hair!"
Suppressing his pain, Onigumo only felt the scorching sensation after Yamakaji's warning from behind.
Though he primarily fought by manipulating his hair with Life Return to wield multiple swords—hence the name "Onigumo"—he had no choice now.
Reversing his blade, he severed his own hair to stop the white Holy Flame's relentless spread.
But this momentary action was seized by Michael, who closed the distance at terrifying speed and kicked Onigumo out of the battlefield.
All of this happened in just five seconds.
Onigumo, one of the stronger Vice Admirals known for his ferocity and ruthless tactics, had fallen just like that.
This sudden shift in the battle instantly sobered up the Vice Admirals who hadn't fully grasped Michael's strength.
They suddenly realized—this Grand Inspector, famed for his political acumen…
Was perhaps a little too overpowered.