Chapter 677: Marine Calendar 1501, November 1st!
Marine Calendar 1501, November 1st.
This day had finally arrived.
The World Government, through the Otherworld Strategy Committee, had chosen this day for the 'Affiliation Talks'.
At this moment.
Everything was ready.
The 'Saika Fortress', which was originally the Prefectural Capital of the Northern Snow Region in the Imperial Capital, had completely vanished like smoke.
In its place stood a city without any City Walls or Guards, with well-developed Paths in all directions, orderly buildings, and an area of about fifty square kilometers.
It was the grand and magnificent World Government Branch in the Imperial Arms World!
Although there were many buildings and towers of varying heights, after careful renovation by the Construction Team, they all featured multiple layers of flying eaves with upturned corners and gray-blue Ruri Tiles.
This gave every building a sense of ancient charm that was neat yet not rigid, and beautiful yet not overly delicate.
Many Military Officers from the World would be very familiar with this architectural style, as the buildings on Marineford were also like this.
However, this city did not have a building as massive and grand as the 'Fortress of Justice'.
At this moment.
The Sunlight was bright, and there was no wind or snow.
Along both sides of every hundred-meter-wide Main Road in the city, an Army Officer stood every ten meters. Each was two meters tall, with a powerful Physique, hands behind their backs, and a fierce Aura.
Every single one of them was a Major from the Army Headquarters.
Their pitch-black Coats of Justice swayed gently behind them as wisps of clear wind blew past.
They stood silently, chests out, heads held high, their Gaze sharp. Even when looking at their Comrades-in-Arms across from them, they did not avert their eyes, seemingly supervising each other, and perhaps also comparing who was more imposing.
At the end of these Paths.
Three flags bearing the World Government Emblem hung high at the top of the flagpoles.
The Black Five-Circle Cross Emblem on a white background fluttered in the wind in this Otherworld Sky, snapping loudly.
And behind them.
Were five Cylindrical Office Buildings connected to each other by four Skywalks.
Each one was like a white Giant Warrior gazing into the distance, guarding this World for the World Government on the Sea Star Mainland.
Time.
In this silent and Solemn Atmosphere, time flowed slowly like a clear, invisible river.
[DUANG!]
Suddenly, an exceptionally deep and penetrating bell sound rang out.
It was instantly like a startled Great Sea stirring up surging Waves, bringing the city, which had been shrouded in suppression, to life.
[DUANG!]
Three seconds later, another bell sound rang, but this time it came from a different direction.
With the central Office Building as the Center, four towers with similar flying eaves and green tiles stood at the four corners. At the top of each tower was a Golden Bell shining with Golden Light.
Although their Volume was far less than the 'Golden Bell' on the Ark Deck of Noah's Ark, they were still considerably heavy compared to normal large bells.
At this moment, they were being struck repeatedly by two White-Robed Strongmen, each around two and a half meters tall, who were taking turns pushing the incredibly heavy Golden Bell Pestles in front of them.
The four Golden Bells rang out one after another.
Each sound was enough to resonate throughout the entire city and its surroundings, intimidating the Giant Beasts and Savage Monsters on the surrounding Snow Region.
[Rumble rumble rumble...]
Accompanied by these continuous, calming bell sounds, large convoys of considerable Scale appeared on the Main Roads on the East Side, West Side, and South Side of the city.
West Side.
Centered around three black extended Cars, with two normal black Cars in front and two behind.
Around them were twenty-four Long Axe Knights riding Type-2 Danger Beasts named 'Banetta', with both rider and Horse covered in Earth-Yellow Heavy Armor.
Their Riding Skill was so exquisite that the Footwork of the twenty-four Horses was perfectly synchronized.
The sound of hooves tapping on the solid gray-white concrete road was like stepping on the rhythm of a beating Heart.
They were Elite Knights from the Earth Knight Regiment, one of the four Alchemy Knight Regiments of the Alchemy Kingdom.
Although there were only sixteen of them, they could instantly form a mobile 'Alchemy Array' using the Alchemy Markings on their Armor.
This could not only provide reliable protection for His Majesty the King and the Military and Government Ministers in the Cars but also strive to hold out until the main force of the Earth Knight Regiment arrived.
East Side.
Similarly, there was Saniang's black extended Car and four normal Cars.
However, the Guards around them were not Heavy Armored Knights, but twelve Samurai riding Ordinary Warhorses, with Long Sabers at their waists and wearing loose white Kimonos.
Although their Temperaments had their own Characteristics, their Gaze was as sharp as a Falcon's.
Because every single person here was a Great Swordsman certified to have Swordsmanship Cultivation of Eighth Dan or Ninth Dan (equivalent to a World Sword Master).
It could be said that to attend this Affiliation Talks, the Emperor of the Kamishin Island Nation had brought Great Swordsmen from various Dojo factions within the country, creating the most luxurious Guard Squad in history for himself.
South Side.
This was The Empire's convoy.
The configuration of the convoy was the same as the other two countries, but there were no Knights around. Instead, four Purgatory Dragon Knights were arranged to follow in the air, riding majestic Fire Dragons.
At the same time, the Dragon Knights on the backs of the Fire Dragons had been replaced by four Vice Admirals from the Air Force Unit.
Among them were Bols, who possessed the Imperial Arms 'Purgatory's Beckoning', and Ran, who possessed the Imperial Arms 'Ten Thousand Mile Flight'. The other two unknown Vice Admirals were also Imperial Arms Users.
Four Imperial Arms Users skilled in Extraordinary Martial Arts or Swordsmanship, and also riding Fire Dragons, could objectively speaking Massacre thousands upon thousands of a Large Force.
[DUANG!]
[DUANG!]
[DUANG!]
The four Golden Bells in the four corners continued to ring. The Military and Political High Command of the three Great Nations in the Imperial Arms World listened to their sound from within their Cars, while silently observing the people and objects outside.
Especially the Emperor, whose mood was even more complex, as this place was previously his own Northern Prefectural Capital.
And Bud, Akame, Kurome, and the Newly Promoted Army General Guy, as well as Regent Saul, Diplomat Giovanni, and others in the other Cars.
They were secretly surprised by the Army Officers standing on both sides of the roads outside the windows.
They couldn't discern the Military Rank of these people, but they already knew that anyone wearing a Coat of Justice was at least a Major.
The key was that their numbers were too great!
Hundreds and thousands could hardly describe it, and the Aura of each person was comparable to the Officers in their Military or the Experts of the Imperial Fist Temple.
The World Government's Foundation left them expressionless, and they could only sigh in Sorrow in their Hearts.
A moment later.
When the sound of the four Golden Bells just reached the eighty-first strike, the convoys from the three sides almost simultaneously arrived at the Plaza between the three flags and the Government Branch building.
At the same time, the Golden Bells stopped ringing.
The Emperor, the 47th King of the Alchemy Kingdom, and the Emperor of the Kamishin Island Nation, each stepped out of their Cars with the service of their Attendants.
The three of them first exchanged glances, then led the civil and military teams behind them towards the three High-Ranking Officials of the World Government who were already standing in front of the open Main Gate to welcome them.
Senior Director of the Administrative Department under the World Government Headquarters Political Affairs Department, Phil Coulson.
Foreign Affairs Commissioner of the Otherworld Strategy Committee, Safray Lass.
And the newly appointed Minister of the World Government Branch in the Imperial Arms World, Adair.
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(End of this chapter)
Chapter 678: Which One Can Alabasta Defeat?
"Hello, hello."
"A pleasure to meet you, a pleasure to meet you."
As the two sides came into contact, various greetings and introductions were naturally indispensable. The atmosphere in front of the Main Gate instantly became lively amidst laughter and cheerful voices.
Everyone's face was filled with joyful smiles.
It seemed as if they were truly full of confidence and anticipation for today's Meeting.
Although Coulson, Safray, and Adair's Rank within the World Government was not considered very high.
Neither the Emperor of Shen He, nor the Emperor of The Empire, nor even the vigorous and strong King of the 47th generation, dared to show the slightest contempt or neglect.
Soon, the pleasantries were finished.
Under the Live Broadcast photography of the Media Division Officials holding Video Den Den Mushi nearby, Coulson and the other two, each leading their Country's Team, walked into the interior of the building and then proceeded from different directions to the Second Floor Auditorium where the Meeting was to be held.
After all, the seating Position of each Country's representative in the Auditorium was different, so they naturally needed to enter through different Main Gates.
Otherwise, if everyone rushed in through one door and then tried to find their seats, it would definitely look quite chaotic and messy.
That would damage the image of the World Government as the host.
In The Empire's Team.
Including the Emperor, everyone quietly followed Coulson towards the approaching Auditorium Main Gate.
The Personnel standing on both sides of the wide Corridor were no longer the Army Officers of the Military, but Cipher Pol-1 Members wearing Black Suits, White Shirts, and Leather Boots.
They were expressionless, wore Earphones, and their expressions were even colder than the Army Officers outside.
Those calm Gazes sweeping over people would always make them feel uncomfortable and nervous involuntarily.
This kind of Aura was very familiar to Akame, who was holding the Imperial Arms 'Murasame' in the Team.
Assassin!
This made her instinctively feel wary, and the hand holding the Blade gradually tightened.
But the next second.
She felt several sharp Gazes cast over.
General Bols glanced at Akame, who was quite small compared to his own Body Size, and said in a low voice, "It will be alright."
"Okay."
Akame nodded, relaxing the Muscle in her hand.
Immediately after, she noticed that the Gazes that made her feel danger were also rapidly disappearing.
She stopped thinking about anything else and silently followed behind the Team, walking into the Auditorium Main Gate pushed open by two Attendants.
"..."
But the scene that followed caused their expressions to change drastically, and their footsteps inexplicably slowed down automatically.
Everyone, including General Bols, stared dumbfounded at the dense crowd surrounding the four sides of the Auditorium, sitting packed together, visually presenting a dark mass, yet making no sound except for Breathing Sounds.
They were Admirals wearing Suits of different colors, but draped in Coats of Justice of three colors: Black, White, and Blue.
Their Body Sizes varied greatly.
From two meters to two and a half meters, then to three meters, four meters, and even people five or six meters tall, with several twenty-meter-tall Giant Tribe Vice Admirals sitting behind them.
Their estimated number definitely reached a thousand!
This scene not only stunned The Empire's side on the spot.
The Teams from the Shenhe Island Nation and the Alchemy Kingdom, who entered through the other two Main Gates, had the exact same expressions and reactions.
At this moment, whether it was the Emperor, the Emperor, or even the Stigma Alchemist, Sword Saint, or Great General.
In front of these Admirals of the Three Forces who were sizing them up with various Gazes and whose Aura was so vast it made people feel physiologically suffocated, they seemed to be no different.
Yes.
Among the people present, the lowest Military Rank was Commodore, and they were Elite who were excellent in Combat Power within the Commodore Social Stratum after a period of Inspection.
It could be said that.
If you randomly pulled out a Commodore from these people, whether it was Bud or Yami Sword Saint, it would be difficult to defeat them easily.
At the same time.
In the area south of the center of the Auditorium, there was a two-tiered Stone platform covered with a Red Carpet. On the platform were placed more than a dozen wide chairs, on which sat three figures with extraordinary Aura.
The one sitting in the center had a firm Face, wore a Black Military Cap, a crimson Suit paired with a Black Coat, and sat with his arms crossed over his Chest, legs crossed, looking down.
Army Headquarters Admiral 'Akainu', Logia Mag-Mag Fruit Ability User, Sakazuki!
To his right.
With a lazy Expression, hands clasped in front of him, wearing a yellow checkered Suit paired with a Blue Coat, also sitting with legs crossed, placing his clean Leather Boots in everyone's Line of Sight.
He didn't look at the Teams of the Three Nations, but instead constantly surveyed the Environment of the Auditorium with the Gaze behind his Sunglasses.
Admiral (Air Force Headquarters) 'Kizaru', Logia Glint-Glint Fruit Ability User, Borsalino!
And to Sakazki's left.
A man with black curly hair wearing a Blue Shirt paired with a clean sleeveless outer garment and Suit pants, with his hands naturally placed in front of his crotch, calmly looked at the representative Team from The Empire.
It's worth mentioning that he wasn't sitting with his legs crossed...
Marine Headquarters Admiral 'Aokiji', Logia Ice-Ice Fruit Ability User, Kuzan!
Thus.
The Admirals of the Three Forces of the World Government Military had all arrived in this Imperial Arms World to witness their formal Affiliation Meeting and ceremony with the World Government.
Originally, some people in the upper echelons had hoped for more Admirals to come.
For example, Garp, Kaido, or even Newgate, but these people had just returned to the Sea Star Mainland and were not interested in such overly formal activities, so they directly refused the invitation and went their separate ways.
In the end, they could only gather this combination of one Admiral from each of the Three Forces...
On the other side.
Despite being very nervous and shocked, the representatives of the Three Nations still sat in their respective Zone Positions under the gaze of powerful Gazes.
At the same time.
The three High Officials of the World Government's political sphere sitting on the Rostrum in the center of the Auditorium exchanged glances and prepared to formally enter the Conversation stage.
They were...
Sitting on the left, Minister Molotov of the Foreign Affairs Department, under the Proclamation Government Institute of the World Government.
Sitting in the center, Vice Chairman Burwo Gabriel, Commanding Officer of Administration for the Otherworld Strategy Committee.
Sitting on the right, Minister Hector Ratlidge of the Ministry of Justice, under the Judiciary of the World Government.
"Please, the representatives of the three parties, come forward together to submit your Joint Organization Agreement Contract, to prove that the three parties will use this Organization as the main body to jointly conduct Affiliation Talks with the World Government."
Vice Chairman Burwo Gabriel said softly into the Den Den Mushi on the Tabletop which had an amplification Function.
As mentioned before.
The Empire, the Alchemy Kingdom, and the Shenhe Island Nation must first form a Joint Organization.
Because only in this way would their Scale and Value be qualified to Obtain a Seat in the Reverie held every four years after affiliating with the World Government.
Otherwise, if any one of them joined alone, they would at most Obtain the Qualification of an Affiliated Countries, and could forget about a Seat.
But the World Government wanted to give the Imperial Arms World a Seat, thereby setting a precedent for the Affiliation of Otherworld National Civilizations, and preparing for the Affiliation of Otherworld Civilizations in the future.
As for what to do with the Affiliated Countries on the Sea Star Mainland that were constantly being squeezed out of their Seats, they would deal with that later...
Actually.
The Strength of The Empire, Shen He, and Alchemy, these three Countries, was much stronger than those Affiliated Countries with Seats on the Sea Star Mainland.
Even a Great Nation like Alabasta, can you say which one it can defeat in a one-on-one fight?
But the World Government couldn't directly give them three Seats.
Choosing one of them was too difficult, as each Country had considerable Value.
So, it was better to let them unite into an Organization, and then take turns representing the Imperial Arms World to attend the subsequent Reveries...
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(End of this chapter)
Chapter 679: Brain Not Enough!
This 'Affiliation Talks' held in the Imperial Arms World.
Undoubtedly received high attention from Royalty, Nobility, and Political Leaders from all walks of life.
In comparison, the citizens' interest wasn't very high; those who liked watching the excitement followed along, while those who didn't went about their own business.
Especially the Royalty and Nobles from the Affiliated Countries on the Sea Star Mainland that held World Conference Seats.
Their mood was quite anxious now, with every face showing deep worry and nervousness.
Because no one knew which country the World Government would decide to remove from its World Conference Seat.
And even if it wasn't their turn this time, what about the next time an Affiliated Country from an Otherworld gained a seat?
Clearly, as long as the World Government's conquest Footwork of the Otherworlds didn't stop, this kind of thing would definitely happen again and again.
So what to do?
This was a question facing all Affiliated Countries with seats on the Sea Star Mainland!
However, there were also some Kingdoms that didn't need to worry about losing their seats for the time being, such as Alabasta.
After all, they were a Great Nation, and their Ancestors were one of the twenty Kings who founded the World Government. As long as there were no Major Conflicts, the World Government would certainly still give them some face.
Then there were the Drum Kingdom, Dressrosa Kingdom, and Fish-Man Island.
One was a 'Medical Development Cooperation Nation' of the World Government, and another was a 'Plant Cultivation Technology Research Nation' of the World Government.
The last one, needless to say, was not only a Troop Source Kingdom for the Navy Fishman Unit but also had Queen Otohime, who was comparable to a Strategic Weapon on a Mental Level.
Furthermore, in the Future, there would be Princess Shirahoshi, the Poseidon, who was suspected to be favored by the Mother of Nature, the Great Sea.
Her Value was so immense that she could sit firmly on her World Conference Seat.
Besides these.
There were two other Kingdoms that didn't need to worry about losing their seats: the Totto Land Kingdom and the Whitebeard Kingdom, which had just Obtained seats.
The nature of these two Kingdoms was similar.
Their Value lay mainly in the Kings themselves, and secondly, in providing a large number of Mid-to-High Tier Combat Talent to the World Government.
Basically, as long as 'Big Mom' Charlotte Linlin and 'Whitebeard' Edward Newgate were still alive and continued to serve the World Government, their World Conference Seats could be said to be as stable as Mount Tai.
Of course.
If something unexpected happened to them in Future battles, that wouldn't necessarily be the case, so compared to the previous four Kingdoms, there was still a certain Risk.
For the current World Government.
The main factor in considering whether a country could have a seat was the magnitude of its Value to the World Government.
So, how the Affiliated Countries on the Sea Star Mainland could keep their seats, and how those without seats could strive for them, was self-evident.
Increase Self-Worth!
Cultivating Experts, Officials, Scientists, and other important Talent, or discovering Specialty Resources or Unique Technology, could all be considered good methods.
However, the Affiliated Countries on the Sea Star Mainland currently hadn't realized these Key Points.
The Affiliation Talks were still ongoing.
After the representatives of The Empire, Shen He, and Alchemy submitted the Joint Organization Agreement Contract, Vice Chairman Gabriel, Foreign Minister Molotov, and Justice Minister Rutledge conducted a verification.
Once confirmed, the Agreement Contract would be archived in the World Government's Archive and take effect immediately.
Next, the representatives of these three Great Nations, namely the Emperor, Shinwa Emperor, and the 47th Alkemi King, would be given Time to express their respective views in turn.
After they finished speaking, the World Government would issue its Requirements and Conditions, followed by various Meetings and negotiations, and finally enter the stage of signing the Membership Contract.
The entire process was actually very dry and boring.
Even Im found it uninteresting. Just then, Esdeath sent a Video Call request, so he simply turned off the Virtual Screen.
Anyway, the final Result would either appear in a written Document or the Five Elders would come to Report in person.
"How is it?"
Im asked softly, looking at the screen showing the heroic and incomparably beautiful Esdeath.
"Lord Imu, I regret to report that I did not sense the Natural Energy Hong Lian spoke of in the Polar Region of this Giant World."
On the Screen Feed, Esdeath stroked the Thousand Year Dragon with green Influence while reporting her Situation to Im.
"So, the next step is to go to the Polar Region of my World to try. We have now arrived above the Canberra Continent (Australia)."
"Good. I hope you have a harvest in the Imperial Arms World and simultaneously draw back the Prelude for Natural Energy Cultivation for the World Government."
Im casually blessed her.
"By the way, when you return, The Empire should have already affiliated with the World Government. At that Time, make a trip to the Imperial Capital and bring Akame and Kurome, as well as the Clansmen you selected, back with you."
He had previously promised to make these people her Royal Guard.
"Understood!"
Esdeath nodded lightly.
Only the Smile that curved at the Corner of her Mouth was so enchanting and ethereal, like a Snow Lotus blooming alone on the Snowy Mountain Peak.
After finishing their conversation, Im proactively ended the call.
After all, neither of them had the Personality that enjoyed talking about love. They were both very clear about the nature of their relationship.
Rather than saying they were lovers or a couple, it was more like the state of an Emperor and his Consort.
Each took what they needed.
For the following Time, Im instructed Stussy to read the File Reports sent by the Five Elders to him. Compared to reading them one by one himself, this method was more comfortable.
As for the possibility of being misled by Stussy, this didn't exist for Im, who could hear her Inner Voice at any Time.
"This is a Report from the Political Affairs Department. Under the leadership of Dr. Boyle on Fish-Man Island, a Large Gas Storage has been successfully constructed in Water Seven, providing the entire Island with a Double-Layer Giant Bubble strong enough to withstand the Impact of Aqua Laguna."
"The Report states that the Original Copy problem of the Yarukiman Mangrove's growth requiring three years was solved with the help of Vice Admiral Aramaki from the Army Headquarters and his Mori Mori no Mi Ability."
"This allowed them to proceed directly with the Air Reservoir Construction Project, completing it smoothly in less than two years."
Stussy, dressed in a professional Suit dress with Black Threads suspender stockings, softly narrated the Content of the Document.
"Green Bull, huh..."
Im thought to himself upon hearing this.
Regarding Aramaki's Mori Mori no Mi Ability, he had previously felt that instead of putting it to use in Military Combat, it would be better to send him to the Kabaneri World to be responsible for Agriculture and Forestry.
Occasionally, he could be called back to improve the Environment of certain islands with harsh conditions on the Sea Star Mainland, such as Desert Nations like Alabasta.
However, Aramaki clearly wanted to serve in the Military.
But he could be made the Military representative to guard the Kabaneri World, and while there, he could help improve the Speed of Agriculture and Forestry Development. If there was a battle, he could just be transferred over...
Thinking this, Im immediately instructed Stussy with his Decision.
The latter quickly took out a Small Notebook and wrote it down, then stated the Content of the second Report.
"This is a Report from the Proclamation Government Institute. Dean Vegapunk of the Academy of Science has applied to Obtain the Paramecia Brain-Brain Fruit from the Holy Land Treasury, citing that his Knowledge Accumulation Speed is too fast, and his current Brain is no longer enough..."
Chapter 680: Graduates of the Celestial Dragon Holy Academy?
"My brain isn't enough?"
Im heard this and was left speechless. Only Vegapunk would be qualified to say something so 'humblebrag'.
But this situation of his brain not being enough, logically, he should have encountered it in the 'Canon', right? So how did he solve it?
Hmm... Could it be that he was originally supposed to be a Brain-Brain Fruit User?
Was it only because of my appearance and interference that he became a Munch-Munch Fruit User?
Thinking of this, Im felt even more speechless.
Also.
Since Vegapunk is already a Munch-Munch Fruit User, why does he still want the Brain-Brain Fruit?
As the person who has researched Devil Fruits the deepest, he couldn't possibly not know that, aside from that guy Teach, it's impossible for a normal person to possess two Devil Fruit Abilities.
Could it be that Vegapunk has researched something based on Teach's Lineage Factor?
For example, giving himself Teach's Special Constitution?
It's not impossible...
Im fell into a long period of deep thought. Stussy, across the table, wasn't in a hurry. She just watched Im silently, waiting patiently. Gradually, her Gaze also became hazy.
In her eyes, Im in a state of Thought was full of masculine charm. Both his Body and Appearance were so perfect and flawless.
Perhaps this had a certain boost from his Identity.
But Im's own image indeed gave people a sense of Deja Vu, like a Cold Moon hanging high or a Deity descending upon the World.
"Did Vegapunk explain how he intends to possess a second Devil Fruit Ability?"
"Hmm?"
Im noticed Stussy didn't reply immediately and raised his golden Ripple Eyes in doubt, only to find her staring at him blankly.
Listening to her Inner Voice again, good heavens, she was fantasizing about all sorts of wonderful things with him.
She even had the idea that he would no longer pay attention to Esdeath, Historia, and the others, only loving her wholeheartedly, and finally giving birth to a pair of boy and girl twins.
"Cough cough, Stussy!"
Im sighed awkwardly in his Heart. This Women's mindset was a bit... off.
But she was a red line of Desire for him. If he couldn't resist making a move on her, then he definitely wouldn't restrain himself with other Women.
By then, eight out of ten Women around him wouldn't escape his Demonic Claw, perhaps even the Ubuyashiki Four Sisters...
So he really didn't want to do anything to Stussy.
Even if he occasionally appreciated her Appearance, figure, and temperament.
"Ah, Lord Imu?"
"I am truly sorry, please forgive my disrespect!"
Stussy instantly snapped back to reality. Realizing her Situation, she quickly knelt down and pleaded urgently for forgiveness. She was now very afraid that Im would no longer need her because of this.
For her, this was even harder to accept than being killed directly.
"Hmph, get up. Don't let there be a next time."
Im wasn't a madman. He wouldn't make things too difficult for a Women who deeply loved him, but his Attitude on the surface remained cold.
"Did Vegapunk explain how he intends to possess a second Devil Fruit Ability?"
He very abruptly pulled the topic back to business.
"Yes, yes."
Stussy didn't dare to be distracted again and quickly replied while looking at the Document in her hand.
"According to the explanation submitted by Dean Vegapunk to the Proclamation Government Institute, after multiple Experiments, he discovered that his Munch-Munch Fruit Ability can be obtained by consuming another Devil Fruit User to gain their Ability."
"Therefore, he plans to first give the Brain-Brain Fruit to a Creature without Self-awareness, and then consume it to obtain the second Ability."
After listening, the Content related to the 'Movie Version: Winter Blossoming, the Miracle Cherry Blossom' from the depths of Im's Memory quickly flooded into his Brain.
"It's actually true..."
He suddenly remembered that this might be the reason why Teach in the 'Canon' took people to Drum Kingdom.
Think about it.
If Teach had successfully used the Dark-Dark Fruit Ability to obtain Wapol's Munch-Munch Fruit Ability at that time, and then obtained Newgate's Tremor-Tremor Fruit Ability during the 'Summit War'.
Then he would have three Devil Fruit Abilities!
"Alright, have someone send the Brain-Brain Fruit to Vegapunk."
Since Vegapunk had provided a feasible Plan, Im naturally had no reason to refuse him.
"Yes!"
Stussy once again used her Pen to write down the Order, and then continued by picking up the next Document.
"The next Document is regarding the 'Island-Eating Lantern Fish' internal Renovation project, jointly participated in by the Medical Academy of the Political Affairs Department and the Biochemical Research Institute of the Proclamation Government Institute."
"The Report states that the Renovation Plan will be officially completed in twenty days, at which point the 'Island-Eating Lantern Fish' will be transferred to Marine Headquarters for use."
Im narrowed his eyes. He had indeed forgotten about this matter.
Previously, he had someone use the Pure Gold ring from Dr. Kureha's navel to attract this 'Island-Eating Lantern Fish' in the New World.
Then, under Kuzan's Ability, it was successfully Arrested, finally obtaining all the Pure Gold on the World.
And the 'Island-Eating Lantern Fish' itself, because it had three stomachs capable of accommodating Islands, was subjected to Base Modification internally under his subtle influence, led by Crocus from the Medical Academy.
This way, the Marines would have a super Biological Submarine.
And Crocus had no reason to refuse, because he knew that if he refused, Laboon would very likely be transformed into a War machine.
So, in recent years, he had been very serious about this project, not even returning to the Medical Academy in Drum Kingdom many times.
"Name the 'Island-Eating Lantern Fish' Alkemi, and then have Marine Headquarters search the East Blue for a thousand-year-old 'Island Turtle'."
Through the 'Island-Eating Lantern Fish', Im thought of the super large turtle from another 'Movie Version', whose Body Size was also comparable to an Island.
At the same time, he decided to use the 'Star Fate' Function to scan the East Blue Sea Area a few times later.
Speaking of which, he remembered that the Ninja World also had a similar thousand-year-old turtle. He could capture it later to pair with their own thousand-year-old turtle.
"Yes, Lord Imu!"
Stussy replied, picking up the last Document. Of course, various Reports would still be sent over later.
"Finally, there is a Report from Principal Saint Charlos of the Celestial Dragon Holy Palace, stating that the first batch of Celestial Dragon Cadets who have undergone three years of Learning and Training and successfully passed various Assessments will Graduate on December 1st this year."
"Saint Charlos hopes that the World Government will issue specific Arrangements for them."
"Celestial Dragon Cadets?"
Im was momentarily stunned in his Heart. He had almost forgotten about these 'lesser' Celestial Dragons.
Immediately, a strong Curiosity arose in his Heart, curious about how different these Celestial Dragons, who had undergone three years of Learning and Training, were from the Celestial Dragons of the past.
"Put this aside for now. Go and have them bring over the Data/Files of the Cadets who successfully passed the Assessment."
"Yes!"
Seeing that Im had no other instructions, Stussy quickly left the Study Room, her High Heels clicking. Im, meanwhile, directly opened the Star Map's Star Fate Function.
He wanted to see the current Situation of the Celestial Dragon Holy Academy.
At the same time, he began to Consider in his Heart how to arrange these Celestial Dragon Graduates. This had to be given careful Consideration, after all, no matter what, they were still Celestial Dragons.
Once they were sent out, they would definitely cause various effects, and none of them would be minor matters...
Especially regarding their Disposition.
In Im's view, this was even more important for Celestial Dragons than Ability!
"Hope they don't disappoint me..."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 681: Time is Not Enough, No Victory or Defeat!
Sea Star Mainland, Red Line, RL0003 Area.
Because this area belongs to a winter zone, it is constantly battered by cold winds and heavy snow, with temperatures basically always below freezing.
Yet, such a difficult place to live was chosen as the campus for the Celestial Dragon Holy Palace Academy.
At the same time.
As an academy specifically responsible for the education of Celestial Dragons, the environment and facilities here are clearly not exquisite enough.
In fact, they could be said to be overly rough.
They are even inferior to many Noble Academies privately run by Kingdoms outside.
There are no fountains with exquisite sculptures, no luxurious and delicate Detached Villas, and no Gardens full of roses or lush green Lawns.
The entire campus is centered around a twenty-story Black Castle with its top covered in thick white snow.
Around it, Black Towers with different functions are scattered like stars, connected to each other by long Black Stone Paths.
Besides that.
There are only flat and wide Open Grounds and cold Stone Chairs for people to rest on in the cold wind.
The overall impression the campus gives is one filled with solemnity and weightiness.
Visually.
The black buildings, white snowflakes, coupled with the warm light shining through the doors and windows, present a simple Screen Feed to the eye.
It is in such a place.
One can see Young Men and Girls wearing thin White School Uniforms with the Hoof of the Golden Soaring Dragon printed on their right chests.
They are on the Open Ground, following a Black-clothed figure, enduring the constantly blowing biting Wind and Snow, completing sets of Fist and Foot Movements. It seems they are practicing some kind of Fist Technique?
Looking at another Open Ground, the slightly older Young Men and Girls are holding Wooden Swords, and under the constant patrol of several Black-clothed Instructors, they are conducting one-on-one Sparring Exchanges.
These Children's Cheeks are red, and they are gritting their teeth. It is easy to see that they are in great Suffering, yet none of them cry out in pain or give up.
Everyone's Gaze is firm, and the shouts they let out are also full of Courage, stubbornly swinging their Wooden Swords towards their Opponents despite the blowing Cold Wind and Snow.
The Commotion generated by the Wooden Sword Collision almost fills every corner of the Open Ground.
Because it is now four o'clock in the afternoon.
It is the time when Cadets have their Physical Education Course outdoors. They will practice Sword Technique, Martial Arts, Archery, and other Content according to their preferences and Talent until seven o'clock.
From seven to eight o'clock is leisure Time. They can go to the Library, the Cafeteria, or the Indoor Tennis Court.
From eight to nine o'clock is bedtime preparation Time, mainly used for washing up and changing clothes, and then lights out promptly at nine o'clock to sleep until seven o'clock the next morning.
Ten hours of Sleep can give these Children sufficient Body growth Time.
Because the Food they eat every day is all Vegetables and Fruits, Meat, Eggs, and Milk with high Nutrition Value, they need sufficient Training/Exercise and Sleep to digest them and turn them into the Body's Foundation.
At the same time.
Some Cadets, who look less like Young Men and Girls and more like Young Men and Women, are walking in twos and threes on the Stone Paths around the Open Ground.
And their clothing and attire are more complete.
A well-fitting White Tailcoat paired with White Striped Trousers, or if it's a girl, a white knee-length skirt.
Underneath, they wear a white sleeveless Alias, a light yellow Shirt, and a pair of shiny Beige Leather Boots or High Heels, plus a Platinum Shawl that only reaches their Waist Level.
This makes the men and women walking among the snowflakes look like sacred pure Spirits.
However, the Atmosphere on their side, compared to the lively scene on the other Open Ground, appears very suppressed, serious, and silent.
Everyone's Expression is either heavy or filled with Nervousness.
One must know that they usually chat and laugh while watching the Junior Students on the Open Ground, teasing them back and forth, making the latter's little faces turn even redder with annoyance.
Such an unusual phenomenon made the lower-grade Young Men and Girls feel quite surprised and curious.
But no one dared to relax the Movements in their hands.
Because those Black-clothed Instructors would punish them, and they would punish them very severely.
For example, making them run dozens of Laps around this vast Open Ground, or making them do Push-ups by themselves on the side until the end of this Course.
"Eh, looking at their innocent Expressions, I suddenly feel envious..."
A white-dressed Girl with an exquisite appearance, fair skin, beautiful looks, brown hair, and light yellow eyes, holding a thick Book in her arms, sighed as she walked and looked at the younger students not far away.
"Because they still have quite a bit of Time, right, Haimo."
Beside the Girl, a black-haired boy wearing Gold-rimmed Glasses on the bridge of his nose softly echoed, his calm Gaze also following the Girl's Gaze towards the Children working hard in the Wind and Snow.
Bu Ya Mu Qi Hai Mo nodded with a pensive Expression: "Yes, I wonder how many of us can successfully graduate and then venture out into that vast Heaven and Earth. Otherwise..."
They are already seventeen or eighteen years old, the highest grade Cadets in the Celestial Dragon Holy Palace. A few days ago, they just went through three days of intense Graduation Assessment.
And now they are on their way to their respective Classrooms to face their Assessment Results.
Which is that grand Black Castle.
"Otherwise, it's very likely we'll have to return to the 'Land of the Gods', and then eat, drink, and be merry there for a lifetime. Thinking about it that way, it's not such a bad thing, hehehehe..."
Tuo Pu Man Pa Er said with forced optimism, but it didn't elicit any response from the other Cadets around him.
They couldn't laugh right now.
Ten minutes later.
Tuo Pu Man Pa Er, Bu Ya Mu Qi Hai Mo, and others stepped into the Castle Main Gate.
Then they continuously walked up more than ten long flights of stairs, reaching the eighteenth floor of the Castle, where their grade's Classrooms are located, in one breath without getting red-faced or out of breath.
"Longinus?!"
But as soon as they walked into the Classroom, they saw a handsome and tall figure already sitting in a Position inside.
"Why did you come so early?"
"Just now I was wondering why I didn't see you in the Team."
Bu Ya Mu Qi Hai Mo walked to the other person's side with a slightly red face, her tone also appearing gentler than before, which made Tuo Pu Man Pa Er's Expression darken behind her.
"After lunch, while I still had a few days to stay in the Academy, I went to ask Instructor Castan for guidance on Martial Arts. After finishing, I came directly here, and also recalled the Sparring process."
The boy sitting on the Chair had a high nose bridge, and sword-like Eyebrows slanted into the few strands of black hair falling at his temples.
His Eyes were as bright as Starlight, and his features were so three-dimensional they were like a Statue carved by a Master.
His Gaze was very cold, seemingly having no slightest interest in the Spirit-like beautiful girl in front of him. Instead, when talking about recalling the Sparring process, his voice became slightly more emphasized.
"Ask for guidance..."
However, Longinus's words made the Expressions of Tuo Pu Man Pa Er and the dozen or so other classmates change.
Because they clearly remembered that a year ago, this guy said he had asked Instructor Bruce, who taught them Sword Technique, for guidance on Sword Technique.
Then, the next day, the rumor that Instructor Bruce was defeated by him appeared.
Although it was never confirmed by anyone in the end.
But since that day, Longinus no longer attended Sword Technique Class with them, but instead practiced Advanced Body Technique with the Cadets who majored in Martial Arts.
His Martial Arts Instructor was precisely Instructor Castan!
"Then the Result is..."
Tuo Pu Man Pa Er hesitated, looking at the other person and asking softly. The latter said calmly: "Instructor Castan is very formidable. Even if it was just a pure Martial Arts exchange, I didn't win."
"Phew————"
As soon as these words were spoken, it was as if everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
But Tuo Pu Man Pa Er felt that something was wrong, and asked another question that seemed like nonsense: "So you were defeated?"
"Time was not enough, no Victory or Defeat was determined."
As soon as Longinus finished speaking, Tuo Pu Man Pa Er and the others instantly became stunned.
After lunch ended, that was around 1 PM, and now it's past 4 PM, so they fought for nearly three hours...