As a force that upholds "justice," the Navy's G-2 Branch naturally could not be stationed within any sovereign nation. Doing so would compromise its absolute neutrality.
What appeared before Leon Fang was an independent, circular island. The seagull flag—symbolizing peace—fluttered high in the wind. Warships surrounded the island in layers, gigantic cannons standing like steel guardians. In front of the base, people and vehicles flowed endlessly. What should have been a solemn and imposing naval base had instead become unusually lively due to the month-long global conscription.
One had to understand that there were only nine naval bases stationed along the Grand Line.
Unlike ordinary branches, whose rank was three levels lower than Navy Headquarters and whose highest authority was merely a Captain, the Grand Line bases were directly under Headquarters, sharing the same rank structure.
In terms of scale, the G-2 Branch dwarfed the smaller branches scattered across the seas. According to information Leon Fang had gathered, this single base housed one Vice Admiral, five Rear Admirals, and over twenty Commodores, overseeing a vast maritime territory that included dozens of surrounding nations.
Because of this, when the Louis fleet sent Leon Fang to G-2 with great ceremony, it surprisingly attracted little attention. Even the soldiers on duty barely spared him a glance, instinctively assuming he was just another noble youth—some rich second-generation kid sent here to gild his résumé.
People like that rarely lasted long.
Before long, they would be crying as they ran back home to their parents. The soldiers had seen it countless times already; there was no need to waste attention on them.
Besides, so-called noble bloodlines and royal backgrounds meant nothing here.
What national power could compare to the Navy—the absolute force that had suppressed the Grand Line for decades?
The only thing slightly noteworthy was that the boy stepping off the main ship seemed far too young. Perhaps the country he came from had suffered internal turmoil, and important figures had sent their children here seeking political asylum.
After watching Leon Fang disappear into the crowd, Louis let out a long sigh.
"There's a reason the Navy is so powerful," he murmured. "Their ideals of justice attract countless rising stars like Leon Fang. But… will the World Government really allow the Navy to keep growing unchecked? How long can peace on this sea truly last?"
He shook his head and laughed bitterly.
"Hah. Why is someone like me worrying about such things? I should hurry back and deal with Azka first. I still haven't settled accounts with them for breaking the rules and colluding with pirates."
Standing beside him, Tina didn't look discouraged at all. She gazed into the depths of the crowd with shining eyes and silently made a vow.
"Great power… and the resolve to uphold justice. Tina will definitely follow in Brother Leon Fang's footsteps and join the Navy."
…
Leon Fang walked through the streets, looking around with unconcealed curiosity.
In the twelve years since he arrived in this world, this was only the second time he had seen such crowds and bustling towns. It felt as though he had leapt straight from a tribal era into a feudal dynasty.
Before long, he found an inn and settled in.
"Excuse me," Leon Fang said politely, taking out two thousand-beri bills and handing them over, "could you explain the process for global conscription?"
The waiter who was cleaning the room had been slightly impatient at first, but when he saw the money, his expression instantly changed.
"Sir, look at what you're saying," he replied with a smile. "How could I refuse if you're asking so kindly?"
Even so, his movements betrayed him. He swiftly pocketed the tip, the impatience on his face replaced with eager enthusiasm.
"The global conscription lasts for one month," he explained. "A new recruitment round happens every three days, mainly to accommodate people from remote regions. Only ten days have passed so far, so there's plenty of time. The next round begins in two days—just wait peacefully."
He glanced at Leon Fang again, a hint of unease flashing in his eyes.
"Besides, the Navy mainly screens for physical defects. Someone as… capable as you, sir, will only be going through the motions."
Leon Fang nodded faintly.
That made sense. The Navy wasn't CP, nor was it a pirate crew. Its ability to dominate the Grand Line didn't rely solely on top-tier monsters like Admirals, but on countless elite soldiers spread across the seas. Naturally, they couldn't impose excessively strict entry standards.
Moreover, each round of recruitment already consumed enormous time and manpower. If they conducted detailed strength tests, speed trials, endurance exams, or large-scale combat assessments, even a year wouldn't be enough.
Thus, the selection process for this massive global recruitment was surprisingly simple.
As long as one wasn't physically disabled or fundamentally unfit, passing the initial screening was easy.
Ah!
Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside.
Leon Fang frowned and walked to the window. The already crowded street was now packed even tighter—proof that no matter which world it was, people never lacked enthusiasm for watching trouble.
"Someone dares cause a disturbance right outside a naval base?" Leon Fang asked calmly.
The waiter sneered.
"There's no shortage of idiots on this sea, especially lately. Quite a few self-important fools have been sneaking around. These scenes are becoming more and more common."
"Don't worry, sir. Just treat it as entertainment. The patrol will throw them out soon enough. You might even get to see those usually high-and-mighty nobles wet themselves in fear."
"Is that so?"
Leon Fang's gaze sharpened.
Through the dense crowd, his eyes pierced straight to the center of the disturbance.
A pale-faced noble stood there, swaying unsteadily. He tried to hold himself upright with arrogance, but a body hollowed out by wine and women made the posture look laughable.
Before him stood a tall, broad-shouldered man. He was kneeling, his back hunched, shielding a small figure in his arms. He remained completely silent as several lackeys rained punches and kicks upon him, as though the blows were nothing more than falling raindrops.
"How dare you, a lowly commoner, defy me?!" the noble shouted furiously. "Saint Thomas said it himself—lowly people like you only need to obey!"
His name was Rex.
Ever since accidentally witnessing the "authority" of the Celestial Dragons, Rex had grown obsessed. He envied them deeply, convinced that such treatment was the rightful privilege of the upper class. In his heart, he already considered himself a Celestial Dragon of the lower world.
Unfortunately—
He had the illness of a Celestial Dragon, but not the fate of one.
His noble status, barely effective in his own tiny territory, had repeatedly failed him ever since he left it. Now, with all his frustrations piling up, he had finally found an outlet—and unleashed every bit of his pent-up anger.
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