Additionally, the World Government possesses a formidable military force, so Caesar had naturally known about it for a long time.
What caught his attention was the identity of the general being dispatched. He was pondering whether this general was truly a capable individual.
This was a crucial factor. If the general was a Devil Fruit user, then the fact that he had climbed the ranks to his current position did not necessarily mean his power was absolute. After all, a Devil Fruit ability alone was not the sole criterion for becoming a general.
The most fundamental requirement for achieving that rank was sheer strength.
Right now, Caesar was in dire need of a top-tier Devil Fruit.
Since acquiring the Hurricane Fruit, he had not encountered another high-quality Devil Fruit in the past two years.
With his four children soon turning four years old, he was naturally anxious to secure powerful Devil Fruits for them.
Perhaps this time, there would be a surprise.
"I see."
Caesar nodded and hung up the Den Den Mushi.
The World Government had only dispatched one general to deal with him this time, which clearly indicated that they were reluctant to get too deeply involved in this conflict. However, as members of the World Government, they were obligated to intervene.
How could Caesar fail to grasp such an obvious reality?
If that was the case, the outcome of this battle would be entirely dictated by his own will.
Due to the World Government's army rarely making direct appearances, there was limited information available about them.
Caesar had no knowledge of whether this general possessed a Devil Fruit, what combat techniques he specialized in, or which branch of the military he represented.
After contemplating for a moment, Caesar called Douglas Bullet.
After all, he was the key figure in charge of this war.
Soon, the call connected.
"Captain, what are your orders?"
"Bullet, regarding this war against the Kingdom of Prodence, the World Government will be sending a military general."
"When the time comes, don't focus solely on your own fight."
Caesar understood Bullet all too well.
He had raised him personally, and during training, Bullet's obsession with battle was evident. Whenever there was nothing to do while sailing at sea, Bullet would pester Caesar for sparring matches.
Otherwise, in his youth, he would willingly subject himself to the gravity field Caesar had created and train relentlessly.
Even now, Bullet still maintained his rigorous training regime, and every time he fought, he exuded an intense battle lust.
It was the same when he fought Monkey D. Garp in the past.
Thus, Caesar made sure to remind Bullet of his role before the battle began.
"Remember, you are a commander, a field marshal. Your job is to lead the army."
"You don't need to charge into the battlefield like an ordinary soldier."
Upon hearing that the government was sending a military general, Bullet's excitement surged, and his fighting spirit ignited.
He hadn't fought in a while, and his body craved battle.
Fighting against weaklings brought him no thrill, but now, with a formidable opponent approaching, he couldn't contain his anticipation.
Currently, Bullet was an overwhelming force. In the Middle Kingdom, only Caesar surpassed him. Even against Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Bullet was not at a disadvantage—perhaps even slightly stronger.
His strength far exceeded his original self in canon, and he continued to grow.
Unlike in the original timeline, where he wasted years in the military, this Bullet had been trained by Caesar since the age of nine. Over a decade of rigorous training had molded him into a true monster.
At twenty-one years old, Bullet was already no weaker than Caesar at the same age.
And at twenty-one, Caesar was one of the world's top powerhouses, standing alongside legends like Whitebeard, Golden Lion, Gol D. Roger, and Garp.
Of course, those figures had continued to grow even stronger since then.
"Yes, Captain!"
"I will command the army properly!"
Caesar's main reason for restricting Bullet from engaging in direct combat was to hone his strategic and leadership abilities.
His raw strength was undeniable, but true generals needed more than just power—they required tactical prowess.
After receiving the order, Bullet offered no objections, merely nodding in agreement through the Den Den Mushi.
Though his desire for battle burned within him, he had always trusted Caesar's judgment and followed his commands to the letter.
---
The next day, above the Kingdom of Prodence, a vast, low-hanging white cloud drifted in the sky.
This was, of course, Lily's handiwork.
Some citizens noticed it but dismissed it without concern.
After all, this was the New World, where unpredictable celestial phenomena were commonplace.
But then, a massive projection screen materialized within the cloud.
The image displayed the Minister of Military Affairs of the Middle Kingdom.
In an instant, the entire Kingdom of Prodence turned their attention skyward.
A booming voice enveloped the kingdom:
"People of the Kingdom of Prodence!"
"I am the Minister of Military Affairs of the Middle Kingdom, and I have an important announcement!"
"We, the Middle Kingdom, will soon launch an attack upon your nation!"
"However, those who wish to avoid war and choose to surrender will be welcomed under our protection!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the citizens of the kingdom fell into panic.
Unlike King Elizabello I, who could reject Caesar's name with defiance, the common folk knew all too well:
The Heavenly King, Caesar, was the world's strongest man.
And no one wanted to stand against someone of that caliber.
"You need not worry. Once the Kingdom of Prodence is incorporated into the Middle Kingdom, your lives will improve!"
"You will be treated as full citizens, enjoying all the rights and benefits of our nation!"
"You have surely witnessed our country's development. As our citizens, your quality of life will undoubtedly improve!"
"Furthermore, the seas are ever-changing. Our monarch, Caesar, is someone you should know well."
"Under his protection, you will no longer fear instability. You will live in peace."
Upon hearing this, the people of the Kingdom of Prodence erupted into discussion.
It was clear from their chatter that many civilians did not reject the idea of surrendering. Some were even pleased by it.
"I can't believe it... The Heavenly King, Caesar, is coming to this island!"
"It's no surprise! Haven't you read the news? Many Marine forces have already retreated from the New World! Everything is about to change!"
It was obvious which choice was the smarter one.
"Even if the Heavenly King doesn't come, another pirate crew surely will!"
"And honestly, the Middle Kingdom seems like a great place!"
While the common folk debated, the nobles, wealthy merchants, and landlords were deeply resistant.
The Middle Kingdom had abolished nobility, and its tax policies on commerce were far stricter than those of Prodence.
This posed a direct threat to their interests, making them vehemently opposed to the idea.
---
One hour later, the war erupted.
Nine days later, the World Government's general arrived.
And then, Douglas Bullet faced him in battle.
As soon as the fight began, the Kingdom of Prodence was shaken to its core.
Caesar, watching from afar, smirked.
"As expected... a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit."
"Let's see how Bullet handles this."
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