CHAPTER 379: CHAPTER 22: NEVER COMPROMISE

"Answer me!"

Darren’s roar split the air like a thunderclap, shattering the stillness of the plaza and carrying far beyond—into every Marine base across the seas through the eyes and ears of the Visual Den Den Mushi.

The sound alone could have broken lesser men.

But it was not his voice that froze them—it was the weight of his words.

His Conqueror’s Haki surged outward like a tempest, snapping flags and whipping justice cloaks into frenzied motion. That unseen wave pressed down on every chest, threatening to crush the breath from their lungs.

And still, the force of his will was heavier than the Haki itself.

Not a whisper stirred.

Could they truly call the Marineford War a victory?

The Holy Land of Justice—breached by a handful of pirates.

Tens of thousands dead.

The heart of Marine power laid to ruin.

The enemy... walking away.

No matter how they dressed it in banners and speeches... was this victory?

Or was it shame?

"This is a defeat!"

"This is a disgrace to us as Marines!"

Bloodshot veins traced across Darren’s eyes as he stared down the sea of faces. The truth, bitter and cutting, rang in every mind.

Even Kong, Sengoku, and Zephyr could not deny it.

They had no answer.

Borsalino’s lazy grin sharpened.

Sakazuki’s gaze narrowed, a slow, deliberate clenching of his gloved fist.

---

Darren drew a steady breath, his voice dropping low.

"I know... these words are hard to accept. But they are the truth. However you try to soften it, to hide it—truth remains truth."

"Our Holy Land of Justice was nearly erased from the map. Marineford—our fortress—almost sank into the sea."

He hesitated. When he spoke again, his tone was almost weary.

"A few days ago, the top brass spoke with me about this speech. They wanted it uplifting. Inspiring. Something to rally the troops and ease the hearts of those who’ve suffered."

"I agreed at first. We could celebrate, rebuild, pretend the wound wasn’t so deep."

His gaze hardened.

"But when I look at you—those who’ve buried family, friends, lovers, comrades—and I see the pain behind your forced smiles... I can’t say those words."

"All I see is ruin."

"I can’t deny it. I can’t forgive it. I can only feel rage."

His voice began to rise.

"Even pirates understand revenge. Yet the Marines... endure. We patch our walls. We count our dead. And we wait for the next blow."

"Yes, we face hardship. Yes, our coffers are strained, our wounded cry out for care, our dead for honor... But is this what Justice looks like?"

"Will we hide in our shells while pirates rule the seas?"

"Will we let them trample our flag and laugh as they leave?"

A growl laced his words now, igniting a restless heat in the crowd.

"No!!"

"We are Marines!"

"We uphold Justice!"

His fist struck the podium like a war drum.

"Against the filth that plagues these seas, I swear—" he drew a deep breath, his voice booming to the heavens— "we will never compromise!"

The square erupted.

"Never!!"

"Never compromise!!"

"Kill the pirates!!"

"War!!"

Grief became fury. Fury became fire. Marines surged to their feet, fists raised, eyes burning.

On the platform, Sengoku’s expression curdled with dread. He’s driving them to war.

Kong’s jaw was a granite line. Even Zephyr stood mute, the momentum far beyond his grasp.

Borsalino chuckled under his breath. "You’re something else, Darren."

Sakazuki’s gaze blazed like a furnace.

Tokikake swallowed hard.

Darren raised his arm.

"Will we let pirates stain the flag of Justice?"

"Will we let them poison these free seas?"

"Never! I refuse! We will crush them!"

His voice sharpened to a command.

"Fellow Marines—believe me! Victory will be ours!"

He drew his saber in a single, ringing motion, the blade glinting toward the far-off horizon—the New World.

"The age of cowering is over! The New World is our battlefield!"

Haki roared from him in a wave, snapping the Vice Admiral’s coat like a battle standard. Across Headquarters, Marine flags thrashed in unison, a sea of white and gold.

"Upon graduating today," Darren declared, "I will take command of G-5 in the New World!"

"Until our mission is complete—no compromise!"

His roar was raw enough to shake the stones. "Annihilate every last pirate!"

From the distance, a shrill sword cry split the sky.

BOOM!

Black light burst heavenward, a blade-shaped shadow clawing at the clouds.

Demon Blade, Enma.

It trembled in resonance with Darren’s will, spilling a killing aura that sent a shiver through even the hardiest souls.

"We will never compromise!"

The roar crashed over the plaza like a tidal wave.

"Set sail! Kill the pirates!"

Kuzan shouted himself hoarse.

Garp smashed his chair to splinters. "I’ll set sail right now and crush that bastard Roger!"

Kong, Sengoku, Zephyr could only stand frozen, the tide beyond their control.

"It’s over..." someone muttered.

Darren’s lips curved into a satisfied smile.

"Those who bear the mantle of Justice—follow me."

His laughter rang bold and wild.

"This time, I will lead you to true victory!"

With a decisive clang, he sheathed his sword, his white coat swirling with the iron scent of war.

"Justice will prevail," he said, "and I will await you at Justice’s foremost bastion..."

To be continued...