Chapter 697: The Potential of Devil Fruits!
Outside the frozen Training Hall, Garp and Bogart exchanged glances. The white light just now had, of course, swept over them as well.
After the two subconsciously protected their bodies with Armament Haki, Garp wasn't affected in the slightest.
However, Bogart found his body had become very sluggish. Fortunately, his mind was still functioning normally, so he was aware of the changes in the surrounding Environment.
"Could this be...?"
Bogart touched the brim of his hat and asked hesitantly.
Kuzan had told them before.
He vaguely remembered that the last time he used 'Ice Age' during his battle with Divine Dragon and Heimalin, he seemed to have made the myriad hairs sent by Shen He pause for a moment.
It was just too brief, and the situation at the time was too tense, so none of the three parties present noticed it.
But when Kuzan recalled the entire process again, he keenly noticed this peculiarity.
Therefore, he wanted to try and feel that indescribable, yet extremely hard to detect Feeling again through a battle with Issho.
The reason he didn't seek out Garp was because he was worried that Garp's Haki was too strong, and even if he successfully used it, it would be overlooked because it had no effect.
"There's no mistake. This is the so-called 'Frozen Time/Space'. That Great Fox named Hong Lian used this Technique on This Old Man before." Garp nodded with a serious Expression.
"I didn't expect this Kid, Kuzan, to actually succeed. Even more unexpected is that Devil Fruits can have such Potential."
After speaking, Garp was the first to step into the hall, as he noticed the Combat inside had stopped. Seeing this, Bogart didn't ask any more questions and followed silently.
"Kuzan Kid, congratulations!"
As soon as Garp saw Kuzan talking to Issho, he let out a hearty laugh, drawing their Attention to himself.
One has to say, when it comes to highlighting one's presence...
People in this World do things pretty similarly; they all laugh loudly from a distance for a while.
"Alalala~"
Kuzan rubbed the back of his naturally curly head and smiled, "Making such a big Commotion, Fleet Admiral Sengoku is definitely going to scold me later."
"Puhahaha, if Sengoku knew you've mastered 'Freeze Time and Space', he'd be too happy to even think about scolding you!"
"Eh, but I'm still far from mastering it."
Kuzan sighed helplessly, glanced at Issho beside him, and said, "Just now, it only proved that my Ice-Ice Fruit Ability can indeed imitate this Technique."
"What do you mean?"
Garp showed a puzzled Expression, and Bogart behind him also slightly raised his Gaze.
"It means I can't Control this Technique autonomously like Esdeath yet. I can only grope for a strange Feeling during intense Combat, and then occasionally trigger 'Frozen Time/Space' through that Feeling..."
Hearing Kuzan's words, Garp smiled dismissively, "Sounds like just a matter of insufficient proficiency. Won't practicing more times fix it?"
"Indeed, it could be due to proficiency, but it's also possible that this instability stems from a fundamental difference in Strength." Kuzan said worriedly.
After all, the Bloodline Power of Danger Beasts and the Devil Fruit Power are still different.
"I am very willing to verify this with Admiral Aokiji. If, after successfully using it several times, you still cannot Control this Strength, then it can basically be proven that it is unrelated to proficiency."
Issho, whose face had no scars and whose Eyes were not blind, held the Long Saber in his hand and said softly.
"Thank you very much, that's a great help!"
Kuzan chuckled happily. He always felt that he got along well with the other party. At least, compared to Sakazuki and Borsalino, he felt more comfortable interacting with Issho.
Therefore, he was very much looking forward to Issho being promoted to Marine Headquarters Admiral soon.
"Kuzan!"
Just then, a shout came from The Gate. The few people looked over and saw it was Sengoku, whom they had just been talking about. Behind him were several figures who were clearly not from the Military.
One of them wore a White Coat and looked refined.
The other two wore black Suits, and their cold demeanor immediately showed they were Members of Cipher Pol.
"Sengoku, you saw it too, right? This Kid, Kuzan, did something incredible!"
As soon as Garp saw Sengoku, he put on a very proud look, as if he was the one who had done the incredible Matter he spoke of.
"Cough cough, I saw it, but let's talk about this later."
Sengoku glanced at Garp, then introduced the White-clothed Person behind him to everyone: "This is Senior Researcher Wilmot from the Biochemical Research Institute."
"Iron Fist Admiral Garp, Admiral Aokiji, Vice Admiral Fujitora, and this Mr. Vice Admiral, it is an honor to meet you all."
Senior Researcher Wilmot truly couldn't recognize Bogart, so he could only address him this way. Fortunately, Bogart didn't care about these things.
"I have been ordered to deliver this tube of blood from the Super Dangerous Beast 'Nine-Tailed White Fox' Hong Lian from the Imperial Arms World to Admiral Aokiji."
"After you drink it, your Body will gain the Physique to absorb Ice Attribute Natural Energy."
"However, due to excessive impurities in the Blood, it contains intense Brutality and Animal Nature, but according to Experiment predictions, the impact on you will not be too great."
In fact, Senior Researcher Wilmot felt some regret in his Heart, regretting that the World Government was too eager for Admiral Aokiji to drink the 'Crimson Lotus Blood'.
Because according to the judgment of Director Fritz and others within the Research Institute, including Caesar, Queen, and Muzan Kibutsuji.
Theoretically, they should be able to remove the impurities and Animal Nature from the 'Crimson Lotus Blood' and develop a more Pure 'Serum', which is the 'Ice Attribute Natural Energy Absorption Physique Enhancement Serum'.
Or even go a step further, no longer limited to a single Attribute Serum.
However, this would require more Research Time and the Blood of other Super Dangerous Beasts, especially the blood of that 'Arlong', Bulat!
"Absorb Natural Energy?"
Kuzan raised an eyebrow. Issho, Garp, and the others around him were also full of Doubt. Seeing this, Senior Researcher Wilmot had no choice but to briefly introduce the relationship between Natural Energy and Super Dangerous Beasts.
It was essentially the same Content that Hong Lian had told Im and others back then, plus some of Esdeath's Cultivation Insights from recent days.
"So that's how it is!"
Kuzan and the others suddenly understood.
"Not only can it enlighten the Wisdom of Living Beings, but it can also elevate Life's Social Stratum and enhance the Power of Natural Elements. This Natural Energy sounds like a good thing!"
"What are you waiting for, Kuzan Kid? Drink it and see!" Garp's Eyes lit up.
He was also a Normal Human.
Naturally, he was interested in something that could both increase Strength and extend Lifespan.
"Alalala, I just hope it's not as bad-tasting as Devil Fruits..."
Kuzan certainly wouldn't refuse either. After all, he had seen Esdeath, and after she drank this Blood, she didn't seem to have any major problems.
Soon.
Senior Researcher Wilmot took a white Refrigerated Box from a Man in Black behind him, then entered a string of complex Passwords to open it, and took out a transparent Blood Bag filled with bright red Blood from inside.
"So much?"
Kuzan looked speechlessly at the huge and full Blood Bag. In the end, he could only take it, tilt his head back, and pour it into his mouth.
Immediately.
A strong Smell of Blood permeated the air. However, the few people present had all seen countless instances of Life and Death and Flesh and Blood, so they didn't feel the slightest discomfort towards this, merely watching Kuzan drink the Blood heartily.
"Hoo—"
After drinking, Kuzan looked at the mostly empty Blood Bag in his hand and gave a Bitter Smile, "It tastes really bad, but compared to Devil Fruits, it's still acceptable..."
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 698: Logia Users and Natural Energy!
"Hmm?!"
Just as Kuzan was comparing the taste of the Devil Fruit and Crimson Lotus Blood, he suddenly felt a distinct surge of bestial emotion well up inside him, rushing straight towards his consciousness.
It was then easily intercepted by a 'wall' in his mind.
Haki.
It is inherently the transformation of willpower into a mental weapon, so the foundation of Haki cultivation is having sufficiently firm will.
If the will of an ordinary person is as soft as water, then the will of someone who has mastered basic Haki can be considered like stone.
And Kuzan.
As a Marine Headquarters Admiral, although his Haki cultivation is not as strong as Garp or Zephyr, it is still much stronger than his subordinates.
The firmness of his will can be described as steel.
This is also why only those who reach Admiral Level Combat Power can withstand the impact of the so-called 'Emperor' level Conqueror's Haki.
Those at the Vice Admiral level Combat Power can at most maintain consciousness; their Combat Ability will be directly lost, making it difficult even to stand up.
Essentially, any attack targeting consciousness or spirit must first break through the will defense of a Haki cultivator.
The completely irrational bestial emotion within the Crimson Lotus Blood was like a mass of foul gas attempting to impact a Steel Gate.
Aside from making Kuzan feel a slight stench, it not only failed to produce any substantial effect but was instead worn away by the will contained within the gate.
The reason why Esdeath still retained the 'little fox' within her Body was purely because her will at the time was insufficient to eliminate the bestial nature in the blood, allowing it to be perfectly preserved.
Over time, it gradually grew, eventually forming a relatively complete 'Beast Soul'.
Similar to the 'Beast Soul' in Zoan-type Devil Fruits.
[Swish----]
At this moment, when Kuzan noticed his slightly heated Body rapidly cooling down, he immediately raised his Right Hand and gently waved it towards the Open Ground.
Instantly.
A large Ice Ball, three to four meters high and two to three meters wide, condensed out of thin air from a height of over ten meters, and then slammed heavily onto the frost-covered Ground with a 'bang'.
This scene left Garp and Bogart somewhat in doubt, while Sengoku and Issho were deep in thought.
"It seems a bit different from how you used your Ability before?"
"Yes."
Hearing Fleet Admiral Sengoku's speculation, Kuzan looked at his Palm with delight and smiled, "Arararara, I seem to have gained a very interesting new Ability."
"Quick, tell us!"
Garp urged him like a curious child.
At the same time.
Senior Researcher Wilmot also took out a Pen and a notebook from his Pocket, preparing to record Kuzan's upcoming words.
"It's like this, when I used my Ice-Ice Fruit Ability before, no matter what I wanted to do, it required the process of releasing Cold Air outwards from myself."
Kuzan gazed at the Palm in front of him, which was emitting wisps of Cold Air, and explained in a steady tone.
"Although I've trained this process to be extremely brief, there was still a process involved. But now, I can control the Air within my Perception Range..."
"It should be the so-called Ice Attribute Natural Energy, directly generating Cold Air or Ice, like this..."
To make it more illustrative, Kuzan created two Human Form Ice Sculptures about twenty meters away.
Then, he first sprayed a ball of Cold Air from his Palm, freezing the Ice Sculpture on the left inside an Ice Ball.
"This was my previous method."
Immediately after, he snapped his fingers, and Ice quickly condensed around the Ice Sculpture on the right. In the blink of an eye, it was also frozen inside an Ice Ball.
"Although the result is the same, in terms of suddenness and Energy Consumption, the latter is more excellent than the former."
Speaking of this, Kuzan actually felt that if his proficiency with this Strength were higher.
Perhaps he could speed up the condensation of Ice, achieving the effect of instantly freezing the Target.
Although the current Speed is not slow, for people with Observation Color and Speed reaching the Shave level, there is completely enough Time to flash away from the original Position.
"So that's how it is!"
Sengoku and the others nodded.
At this moment, Senior Researcher Wilmot stopped his Pen and softly said, "So you can now perceive Ice Attribute Natural Energy, is that right? Then could you try absorbing the Natural Energy in the Air?"
"The Ice Attribute Natural Energy you mentioned should be these white Light Spots, right?"
Kuzan glanced around. Although Garp, Sengoku, and the others couldn't see anything, in his Sense of Sight, the Air was filled with dense Light Spots.
Then he Element Transformed his entire Right Arm.
"Now, in my eyes, this hand is emitting the brightest White Light. So, can we assume that the Element Transformation of us Logia Users is essentially becoming a mass of Natural Energy?"
To be honest, the current Experience was also novel for Kuzan himself.
He hadn't known before that he could glow like Borsalino.
"As for absorbing..."
Kuzan tried the method Senior Researcher Wilmot mentioned, which was to introduce emotions into the Mental Fluctuation of Observation Haki to summon the Light Spots.
It wasn't difficult. After about a few minutes, he succeeded.
[Whoosh——————]
The next moment.
Garp, Sengoku, Bogart, and the others suddenly felt the Air Current around them change, forming gusts of Cold Wind that converged towards Kuzan, causing everyone's Coat of Justice to sway up and down in the Wind.
"Hmm, it feels a bit comfortable..."
In Kuzan's eyes, these Cold Winds were entirely white light bands formed by the aggregation of Light Spots, continuously pouring into his Element Transformed Right Arm.
At the same time, it produced a cool feeling that brought him deep pleasure.
This made him subconsciously Element Transform his entire Body, instantly turning into an Elemental Life completely composed of Ice.
[Boom!]
In an instant, a visible Blizzard generated in the Training Hall centered around Kuzan, causing Garp and the others to retreat outside the hall so as not to interfere with him.
"Indeed, Logia Users have outstanding Talent in Natural Energy, perhaps even more excellent than the Super Dangerous Beasts like Hong Lian themselves!"
Senior Researcher Wilmot, who was carried over by two Men in Black, one on each side, looked at the scene inside the hall with excitement and muttered to himself.
Sengoku put his hands in his white Pockets and looked down at him, "Researcher Wilmot, can others also drink Crimson Lotus Blood?"
"Yes, but it has high Requirements for Ice Attribute Natural Energy Talent. If the Talent is insufficient, even if the Willpower is enough to withstand the Impact of the bestial emotion, it will be difficult to produce much Effect."
After answering, Senior Researcher Wilmot added.
"But we will continue to Research and improve it. In the Future, perhaps a Serum that is safer and not limited to a single Attribute, allowing people to have the Physique to cultivate Natural Energy, might appear."
"However, in my personal opinion, this kind of Natural Energy is actually most suitable for those who already possess a certain Elemental Power."
Hearing this, Garp and Bogart gradually dispelled their thoughts about Natural Energy.
Meanwhile.
The Blizzard in the Training Hall began to subside, and a smiling Kuzan walked out wearing his Coat of Justice.
"Arararara, there's still too little Ice Attribute Natural Energy here. It seems I need to take another trip to the Ice Continent. Fleet Admiral Sengoku, you'll have to approve my leave request~"
"Hehehe, the leave request is easy to talk about, but This Old Man also has some Matters to discuss with you. Come back to the Office with me first."
Sengoku was also in a good mood, as he had already noticed that Kuzan's Aura had clearly become stronger.
"Issho, you come along too."
"Okay."
Chapter 699: Scope, Capacity, Smuggling!
The sofa in the Fleet Admiral's Office was filled with a group of burly men.
Even someone like Bogart, who looked slender, had a height of over two meters. Actually, as an ordinary Vice Admiral, he shouldn't have been sitting here.
But for some reason, Sengoku tacitly allowed him to participate in this Meeting.
"This is a document just sent over by the Command Department. It's about the advanced direction and specific methods for Haki Cultivation."
Sengoku handed the two documents in his hand to Garp and Kuzan. This was because he hadn't initially expected Bogart and Issho to be present.
The reason he asked them to look at it together now was because they were all there,
and their identity and strength met the condition, so he might as well not split them into two groups.
"What?!"
Garp's reaction was the biggest. His eyes widened considerably, and the words spoken by Saint Jaygarcia Saturn earlier suddenly echoed in his mind.
"Could this be that...?"
Kuzan also looked thoughtfully at the document in his hand, while Issho and Bogart beside him showed expressions of doubt.
"That's right, it should be Lord Imu who agreed to your request at that time."
"Puhahaha, looks like this person is good, quite generous!"
After hearing Sengoku's words, Garp threw his head back and laughed heartily. He developed a certain amount of favor towards the Im he had never met before.
After he came back at that time, he hadn't held out much hope for this matter.
After all, even if the other party possessed a Cultivation Secret Method that could reach a higher level, how could they possibly disclose it to people like them?
Not to mention, the other party was a Celestial Dragon...
But now it seemed, he was wrong.
That founder of the World Government, who had lived for nearly a thousand years, had a scope and capacity far beyond his imagination!
The fact that the other party dared to tell them this showed that they weren't worried about being surpassed at all. This was absolute confidence in themselves in all aspects. Their spirit was so vast, it truly left one speechless!
Having said that, Garp immediately opened the document and began reading the content, feeling quite impatient.
For a time, the Office fell silent, with only the sound of pages turning repeatedly. Sengoku, who had already read it, stroked the Little Sheep beside him with one hand while drinking the Green Tea in his teacup.
The content within the text was neither too little nor too much.
Im had written his Insights on Haki Cultivation on it using relatively concise writing.
"So that's how it is... balance, mix, compress..."
As Garp handed the document he had finished reading to Bogart beside him, he pondered and digested the content he had seen in his heart.
To summarize simply.
The general meaning was to cultivate different types of Haki to the same level, and then mix them together in a balanced proportion within one's consciousness.
Then, use firm will to compress them, making them merge into one to become the so-called 'Colorless Haki'.
It was mentioned above that this 'Colorless' didn't mean there was no color in its external manifestation, but rather that there was no longer a distinction between 'color systems', turning into the purest Haki.
And the conversion efficiency between this 'Colorless Haki' and will would be even higher.
Fluctuations in one's heart could be converted into the strength of Haki (Mental Energy) almost one-to-one. Extreme or heightened emotions would become the best fuel for Haki.
However, the difficulty of cultivating each type of Haki to the same level was considerable.
As mentioned before.
Everyone had their own talent bias in Armament Haki and Observation Haki. Just like Garp himself was biased towards Armament Haki.
Then his Observation Haki level would naturally be slightly lower than his Armament Haki level.
Therefore, if he wanted to transmute 'Colorless Haki', he would next have to find a method to strengthen his Observation Haki until it was at the same level as his Armament Haki.
At the same time, there was another issue involved here.
One must possess Conqueror's Haki!
And then raise it to the same level as Armament Haki and Observation Haki.
When he saw this explanation, Garp's expression immediately changed at that moment.
A bad feeling arose in his heart.
Finally, there was compression, which placed extremely strict requirements on a person's willpower.
Basically, anyone who could mix 'Colorless Haki' would be completely immune to most mental attacks, because their willpower could already be described as indestructible.
This was also the reason why Armament Haki and Observation Haki couldn't be mixed from the start.
"I really didn't expect that someone in this world could cultivate Haki to this Realm..."
After Issho finished reading, he felt nothing but awe. Bogart, sitting opposite him, nodded in agreement after listening, although he didn't say a word.
Kuzan, on the other hand, fell into hesitation.
Because he had just come into contact with the Path of Natural Energy Cultivation, and the cultivation of this 'Colorless Haki' clearly also required a lot of time and energy.
So he had to make a choice.
Which one first, which one later, which one primary, which one secondary?
At the same time.
Meanwhile, the higher-ups with combat power from the Army Headquarters, Marine Headquarters, Air Force Headquarters, and CIPHER POL Headquarters were also reading this 'Haki Insights' bestowed by Im.
Those who were confirmed to possess Conqueror's Haki had joyful expressions on their faces.
Because they saw a clear promotion direction.
It was foreseeable.
The current Admiral Level Combat Power will no longer be the future Highest Combat Power. The Power Ceiling of the Sea Star World will be directly raised to the height where Former Imu stood.
Titan World, Noah's Ark.
Stussy stood in the Study Room, looking at the notebook recording various information in her hand, and said softly.
"Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the Family Head of Wano Island, requests that the Ubuyashiki sisters be allowed to go home and stay for a few days to celebrate the New Year with their family."
Im raised an eyebrow upon hearing this report.
Indeed, the Ubuyashiki Four Sisters were still young girls who hadn't reached adulthood. It wasn't appropriate not to let them go back and see their parents for the New Year. He immediately agreed.
"Then let them stay there until February 10th."
"Also make an arrangement for them to take back some Danger Beast ingredients for their family to taste, and reward the Ubuyashiki Family with gold worth four hundred million Berry and a Thousand-Year Dragon Egg."
But at this moment, Stussy calmly said, "Lord Imu, according to Cipher Pol's investigation, the Ubuyashiki Family and the Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps have been in close contact with Muzan Kibutsuji recently."
"Muzan Kibutsuji is not only using his ability to provide physique enhancement for them, but also seems to be planning to restart the Relationship Network of the Demon Slayer World and conduct Commercial Activity between the two worlds."
"Among them, Morgan William, the Logia-type Steam-Steam Fruit User who won seventh place in the previous 'Top 100 Combat Power Competition', is also involved."
"They transport various ingredients or certain strange plants and animals from the world to the Demon Slayer World for high-priced sale, and then use these Berry and gold to purchase needed supplies in the world, or even build factories."
"Do you think it is necessary to issue a warning and stop them?"
Im was quite surprised to hear this. What was this, a bottom-up, spontaneously formed inter-world smuggling Commercial Activity?
But was it really necessary to strictly prohibit this matter?
Of course, he understood the principle that guiding is better than blocking.
However, it didn't seem to be the time to fully open the Star Gate passage to the civilian population yet.
Moreover, the Demon Slayer World was currently the only world connecting the world to the Titan World. Military Control was still necessary...
(End of this chapter)
## Chapter 700: Army, Navy, and Air Force Merit Medal!
For Im and the World Government, matters concerning the common people, no matter what, could hardly compare to military and political affairs.
This was because Military and Government formed the main framework that ensured the stability of a nation, and even a civilization.
Therefore, regarding the inter-world smuggling activities carried out by Muzan Kibutsuji, Morgan William, and others, because Im was temporarily undecided, he decided to put it aside for now.
He would first observe its subsequent development and impact, so he merely instructed Stussy to have Cipher Pol monitor it in secret.
However, there was one matter that could not be delayed.
Namely.
Commendation and Awarding of Medals to the military personnel who had established military merits in the external wars.
This was a major event and had to be treated with caution.
Because it concerned the stability of morale and the level of morale in the upcoming wars, Im attached particular importance to it, and the World Government, from top to bottom, was also seriously preparing for it.
On the Propaganda Department's side.
They had already launched extensive propaganda throughout the Various Places in the World via the World Economic Journal and the World Government Official Public Channel.
The purpose was to hopefully have more Sea Star People witness this Commendation and Award Ceremony.
As for the Other Worlds.
This would have the suspicion of rubbing salt in their wounds, so in order to be considerate of the feelings of these defeated sides, they would not be broadcast simultaneously this time.
Finally.
Time: Marine Calendar 1502, January 11th, Afternoon, 2:55 PM.
Location: Supreme Military Command Headquarters Assembly Hall.
Event Name: World Government Supreme Command Institute All-Forces Commendation and Award Ceremony.
Attendees:
On the rostrum, covered with a bright red carpet, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn was located in the center, with the other four Five Elders seated on either side.
Not far away.
Dean Gareth Malick of the Supreme Military Command stood personally at the host's stand not far away, quietly waiting for the conference to officially begin in five minutes.
Below the stage.
In the first row of seats.
Minister Kong of the Command Department, Minister Tsuru of the Staff Department, Minister of Military and Political Affairs and Air Force Headquarters Marshal Zephyr, Marshal (Army Headquarters) Raimon, and Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
In the second row of seats.
Marine Headquarters Admiral 'Iron Fist' Monkey D. Garp, Marine Headquarters Admiral 'Aokiji' Kuzan.
Army Headquarters Admiral 'Akainu' Sakazuki, Admiral (Air Force Headquarters) 'Kizaru' Borsalino, Admiral (Air Force Headquarters) 'Azure Dragon' Kaido.
Command Department Honorary Admiral 'Whitebeard' Edward Newgate, Command Department Honorary Admiral 'BIG MOM' Charlotte Linlin.
In the third row of seats.
Army Headquarters Admiral Candidate 'Demon Shark' Douglas Bullet, Army Headquarters Admiral Candidate 'Sand Crocodile' Sir Crocodile, Marine Headquarters Admiral Candidate 'Fujitora' Issho.
Starting from the fourth row onwards were the Elite Vice Admirals led by Aramaki, who had unfortunately not received the 'Admiral Candidate' epithet after failing to challenge Kaido during the Summit War.
Such as Onigumo, Doberman, Shiryu, Charlotte Oven, Charlotte Cracker, and Jozu from the Army Headquarters.
Momonga, Onigumo, Tiger, and Charlotte Smoothie from the Marine Headquarters.
King, Feroz, Aborn, and so on, from the Air Force Headquarters.
Basically, from here onwards, they were all Vice Admirals of the Three Forces.
As for Rear Admirals, hardly anyone could be seen; they had completely become small black dots in the vast dark background.
It could be said.
This terrifyingly powerful combat power lineup truly gathered the essence of two eras in the Sea Star World, and this was the confidence of the World Government to dare to launch a conquest against the Myriad Worlds.
At the same time.
Around them, Propaganda Department Officials, each holding a Video Den Den Mushi, were diligently broadcasting this entire scene to the tens of thousands of citizens in various countries and islands of the World.
Looking at the screen feed, at the figures of powerhouses, some Familiarize or unfamiliar, but all strong and powerful, with extraordinary aura, wearing military uniforms and various colored Coats of Justice.
A strong sense of pride surged in the hearts of World men of all ages.
They felt their blood rapidly heating up, goosebumps rising all over their bodies, their fists unconsciously clenching, their gazes filled with longing fixed on the screen.
Similarly.
Dragon, Kuma, Charlotte Katakuri, Gaspardi, Buck from the Military and Political Department, Magellan, Magellan, Tarklama, Moria from Impel Down, Mihawk, Gion, and others from Wano Island were also watching with burning gazes.
At this moment.
All eyes throughout the World seemed to converge on this Supreme Military Command Headquarters Assembly Hall.
Soon, the time reached exactly 3:00 PM.
"Everyone."
"Starting now, we officially convene the World Government Supreme Military Command Commendation and Award Ceremony, to commend the personnel who achieved outstanding merits in the previous Conquest Operations against Other Worlds."
"First, the first item on the agenda, playing the Song of Sea Star, 'The Guidance of the Great Sea'. All rise!"
Although not from a military background, the voice of Dean Gareth Malick, speaking into the Den Den Mushi equipped with a microphone accessory, sounded very sonorous and powerful.
[Swish!!!!]
The next second, the thousand-plus officers of the Three Forces in the entire hall instantly stood up. Just this commotion and scene alone was enough to make one's blood boil.
Among them, Edward Newgate and Charlotte Linlin, although somewhat uncomfortable, also cooperated and silently stood up under the influence of the atmosphere.
Soon.
The musical accompaniment for 'The Guidance of the Great Sea' was played by the professional Symphony Orchestra nearby.
This music not only quickly spread to every corner of the hall but also flowed like invisible water into every household in the World.
"The Great Sea is watching, the beginning of this world..."
"The Great Sea also knows, the end of this world..."
"So what it invites you towards, are the paths that should be taken..."
"So what it guides you towards, is the correct world..."
Almost everyone in the hall began to sing in unison, and even men, women, old and young from various places in the world sang along.
The popularity of this song in the World was simply too high.
As a result, when the World Government was preparing to choose a song as the 'World National Anthem', they didn't spend much time or effort, because this song received ninety percent of the votes.
This also made Tesoro, whose song was not chosen, feel a bit gloomy recently.
After singing.
Dean Gareth Malick first asked everyone to sit down, and then continued, "Next is the second item on the agenda, announcing the commendation decisions of the Supreme Military Command."
"The Marshal (Army Headquarters), the Fleet Admiral, and the Air Force Headquarters Marshal will award the Second Class Army, Navy, and Air Force Merit Medals to the deserving personnel!"
As he introduced it, a large virtual screen appeared in mid-air beside him.
It detailed the various benefits that the owners of this medal could enjoy.
Such as a 30% increase in base salary and retirement bonus, a merit bonus of 3 million Berry, one month of paid leave annually during non-wartime, priority enrollment qualification for their children in any public school or higher academy under the World Government, and so on and so forth...
However.
The designs and colors of the Army, Navy, and Air Force medals were all different.
The Army Merit Medal was a red pentagram shape, with a black central circular frame inside, engraved with two crossed silver swords surrounded by laurel branches and oak leaf wreaths.
The Navy Merit Medal was a white pentagram shape, with a blue central circular frame inside, engraved with a silver seagull surrounded by waves.
The Air Force Merit Medal was a blue pentagram shape, with a white central circular frame inside, engraved with silver wings surrounded by clouds.
At the same time.
Raimon, Sengoku, and Zephyr stood up and, truly watched by all, accompanied by the stirring music, slowly walked onto the stage...
(End of this chapter)
## Chapter 701: Can Only Choose to Acquiesce!
The personnel awarded the 'Second-Class Tri-Force Medal of Merit' were the most numerous among those receiving medals at this conference.
A total of one hundred and twenty-three Military Officer of various ranks from the Tri-Force received this medal.
They came up to the Rostrum from the left side in groups of three, suppressing their excitement. With flushed faces, they received in turn the shining medals personally pinned onto them by the three Fleet Admirals: Raimon, Sengoku, and Zephyr.
The entire process was actually quite brief.
The moment of glory each person enjoyed, if calculated carefully, was less than thirty seconds before Dean Gareth Malick announced the next group's list of personnel, and they had to walk down from the right side.
But these short twenty-odd seconds allowed them to appear before all the Sea Star People, becoming the peak moment of many people's lives.
Honestly.
Before this, many people were more or less confused about why the World Government suddenly wanted to hold this Commendation and Award Ceremony.
But now, no one had any further objections.
Who wouldn't want to walk onto the stage once, gaining both prestige and benefits, and still have the qualification to be proud in front of others even after retirement?
At this moment.
The gazes of the millions of Soldiers and Officers watching the Live Broadcast of the conference at Army Headquarters: Landeforce, Navy Headquarters: Marineford, and even at Air Force Headquarters: Elbaf, situated at High Altitude, were filled with longing for the future.
They were anticipating War!
This was Morale! It was Fighting Intent!
The only thing was that it was quite hard on Sengoku, Zephyr, and Raimon.
Because after awarding the 'Second-Class Tri-Force Medal of Merit', they still had to award the 'First-Class Tri-Force Medal of Merit' to dozens of Commodores and Rear Admirals.
After that, they also had to award the blue-gold 'Elite Medal' to the Troops that received the 'Tri-Force Fleet Admiral Collective Commendation Order'.
Every Member within these Troops would receive a medal, but considering the large number of personnel, only their Officers were allowed to go onto the Rostrum as representatives to receive the awards.
After doing all this, the three of them, Sengoku, Zephyr, and Raimon, could finally go down to rest.
And what followed was the highlight of this conference!
"Now, we proceed to the fourth item of the conference."
Dean Gareth Malick said, while casting his Gaze towards a massive figure sitting below the Rostrum.
"Please welcome the Commander-in-Chief to the Rostrum to award the 'Wave Cross War Medal' to the Army Headquarters Admiral Candidate, Vice Admiral Douglas Bullet, 'Demon Shark'!"
As soon as the words fell, Kong 'The Iron Fist', who was already prepared, immediately stood up and walked forward. Bullet, who was in the row behind him, also slowly rose with a proud Smile on his face.
This caused Kaido, Crocodile, and others nearby to curl their lips and snort coldly.
"The 'Wave Cross War Medal' is only awarded to High-Rank Officer who have excellently completed Command Missions and successfully achieved Strategic Objectives in large-scale Wars!"
"Vice Admiral Douglas Bullet performed outstandingly in the Conquest Operation of the 'Imperial Arms World', successfully occupying the entire Northern Snow Region for the World Government while killing an Imperial Army General!"
As Dean Gareth Malick finished speaking.
Bullet had already stood in front of Kong, but due to the Height Difference between them, he had to bend down to let the latter pin the Medal on his left chest.
This Medal had a main color of black and silver, with the four ends of the cross in a wave shape, a gold circular frame in the center, and five-circle crosses inlaid with black gemstones within the frame, giving it a cold and noble style.
Immediately after.
Just as Bullet straightened up, he saw an Army Soldier wearing White Gloves and a black Military Uniform, holding a white tray with a folded Black Coat on it, walking over.
Then, Dean Gareth Malick spoke again.
"By Order issued by the Supreme Executive Committee (Saint Jaygarcia Saturn Lord), Vice Admiral Douglas Bullet is officially appointed as an Army Headquarters Admiral, and is hereby awarded the Admiral Rank and an Admiral Gold Star Medal!"
Hearing this, the Smile on Bullet's face became even more radiant.
In contrast.
Below the Rostrum were the expressionless Sakazuki, the ashen-faced Crocodile, the extremely envious Aramaki, and the huge applause that erupted like waves throughout the venue.
"Now, we proceed to the fifth item of the conference."
Dean Gareth Malick waited for Bullet to return to his original Position, then glanced at the content of another manuscript.
"According to the 'Marine Calendar 1502 World Government Military System Reform Plan', the Military Ranks of Fleet Admiral, Admiral, and Senior Colonel will be added starting today."
"Personnel adjusted to the Senior Colonel Military Rank will be separately notified internally by the Fleet Admirals of each force."
"We will now announce the list of personnel promoted to the Admiral Military Rank. Please come onto the Rostrum when your name is called to receive the Letter of Appointment awarded by the Commander-in-Chief and collect the Coat of Justice with the corresponding Shoulder Insignia."
At this point, he paused for a moment, then in a deep voice, under the expectant Gaze of the many Vice Admirals below the Rostrum, he announced the information of the first Admiral.
"Marine Headquarters Admiral Candidate 'Fujitora' Issho, Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Momonga, Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Onigumo."
Instantly, countless people's gazes converged on Issho, who slowly stood up, unaffected by favor or disgrace.
Dean Gareth Malick continued to say the names of others.
"Army Headquarters Admiral Candidate 'Sand Crocodile' Crocodile, Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Aramaki, Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Charlotte Cracker, Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Jozu, Army Headquarters Vice Admiral Onigumo."
"Air Force Headquarters Vice Admiral King."
Nine people!
Actually, if Marco had remained in the Air Force Headquarters, he should have also been awarded the Admiral Military Rank. Unfortunately, his ambition wasn't here.
However, among this list, the most surprising was Charlotte Cracker.
Because he was only twenty-five years old this year.
Everyone didn't understand why Charlotte Cracker was chosen to be promoted, skipping over Charlotte Oven and Charlotte Daifuku?
Actually, the initial choice of the Command Department was indeed Charlotte Oven.
But who knew that after some discussion and investigation, they surprisingly discovered that Charlotte Cracker's Strength was even stronger than Charlotte Oven and the others.
And this kind of Strength was strong enough to sincerely convince Oven, Daifuku, and the others.
Even 'Big Mom' Charlotte Linlin personally admitted to them that Charlotte Cracker's Talent among her many children was second only to Charlotte Katakuri.
This led to the current situation.
Thus.
'Diamond' Jozu and 'Biscuit' Cracker became the representative figures of the Whitebeard Kingdom and Totto Land Kingdom within the World Government Military.
"Next, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn Lord will personally award the Marshal Rank and the Admiral of the Fleet Gold Star Medal to Commander-in-Chief Kong, Chief of Staff Tsuru, Minister of Military and Political Affairs and Marshal (Air Force Headquarters) Zephyr, Marshal (Navy Headquarters) Sengoku, and Marshal (Army Headquarters) Raimon!"
As soon as the words fell.
Everyone's Line of Sight simultaneously focused on Saint Jaygarcia Saturn Lord, who was sitting in the central Position on the Rostrum.
This Big Shot, who held the World Government's highest Military Power, calmly walked onto the Rostrum amidst solemn and dignified Music, and sequentially awarded the medals to the five Military High Command members who were already standing in a row.
As he passed in front of each person, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn Lord would say softly.
"The person you should thank is Lord Imu, and the person you should be loyal to is also Lord Imu. Remember, remember..."
This instantly made the expressions of Sengoku and the others complicated.
They had previously always thought they were loyal to the World Government itself, but now the object of their loyalty had suddenly changed to an individual with transcendent status.
This actually violates the 'Spirit of Non-Dictatorship' advocated by the World Government.
But these people all knew that the World Government's general trend and changes now were indeed all due to that Lord Imu.
Therefore, the five people ultimately could only... choose to acquiesce!
(End of this chapter)