02 / A — The character’s story
The commander after the war
How does a leader continue serving after surrendering command?
The story here runs through Sengoku’s retirement from fleet command.
Fleet admiral
Responsibility at the top.
Sengoku rises to the Navy’s highest operational rank as fleet admiral. His ability to take the form of a great Buddha gives him enormous personal force, but command also places the actions of an entire institution within his responsibility.
Marineford
A war becomes a dividing line.
The war at Marineford marks the closing period of Sengoku’s command. Afterward he steps down, leaving the Navy to decide how it will be led in a world reshaped by the conflict.
Inspector general
Service after authority.
Sakazuki succeeds him as fleet admiral, while Sengoku remains in the Navy as inspector general. The change separates continued service from supreme command, allowing his career to carry on without keeping the same place at its centre.
