The vast swarm of giant snails formed an enormous floating island on the sea, its sheer size comparable to some smaller landmasses. The architectural clusters on the floating island were dense, almost without gaps at a glance. All buildings were practically squeezed together, creating a nauseatingly crowded layout that might cause trypophobics to faint if they looked down from above.
At this moment, immense waves suddenly surged on the sea near one side of this floating island.
Boom!
A colossal monster abruptly burst from the water, lifting its head and letting out a mighty roar towards the sky. It was a giant lion, with a lion's mane and claws, but its lower body was a massive fish tail. It wasn't alone; one by one, enormous monsters emerged from the water, eager to roar.
They were sea beasts, wild creatures living in the sea, far inferior to Sea Kings in size and intelligence, but they had one advantage: fish-men could communicate with and thus tame them. These sea beasts dragged thick iron chains, pulling huge ships up from the seabed. These ships were surrounded by large bubbles, allowing them to navigate underwater.
The sea beasts roared impatiently towards the floating island's shore. The shore seemed prepared; identically-faced clone soldiers threw large fish from the bank. The sea beasts immediately began to feast, stirring the sea into a frenzy.
On a large ship in the rear, Fisher Tiger stretched. "Successfully arrived. Finally, I can take a vacation."
"Your vacation might have to be postponed again," a voice from the shore said, seemingly having heard Tiger's words. "Tiger, Boss wants to see you."
"Huh?"
"Every time I come here, I feel so stifled!" Tiger, accompanied by Jinbe, walked behind Dylan amidst the Germa Kingdom's architecture. "Can't they build the structures a little more sparsely?"
He grew up on Fish-Man Island, an island with some of the world's most beautiful and pleasant scenery. Compared to Fish-Man Island, this country called Germa Kingdom hardly seemed like a place for people to live. It was just houses upon houses, incredibly crowded.
"No need," Dylan replied indifferently. "This country doesn't need beauty, nor does it need comfort. It only needs to operate according to Boss's vision."
Tiger smiled indifferently. He had been to this country several times, so he naturally knew its true nature. Germa Kingdom wasn't a country at all. It was a massive military camp and a colossal armory. Other than the executives of the Calamity Company, there were only three types of people in this country: soldiers, workers, and servants. There were no shops, no schools, and not even families. Because the original residents of this country didn't need entertainment, didn't need to learn, and didn't even need to procreate. Clones were enough for everything; even professions like chefs and doctors were gradually being taken over by clones. The fate of the indigenous people was simply to quietly fade away. Of course, before their demise, none of the work in the factories could be neglected.
It had to be said, that fellow Roa was truly a lunatic. Tiger had never seen anyone so indifferent. But thinking of Roa, it somehow made sense. After all, he was the most wicked person in history. He wondered what that guy wanted from him this time. Tiger sighed slightly. My vacation!
Soon, Dylan led the two to the center of the floating island, where Roa's palace resided. Inside the palace, Roa was leisurely flipping through a book. Noticing their entry, he immediately sat up, delighted. "Tiger, you've returned just in time!"
"Lord Roa," Tiger's tone was respectful. Although strictly speaking, he was Roa's partner, Tiger, with a clear understanding of himself and Fish-Man Island, knew very well that if he didn't properly understand his place and angered Roa, Fish-Man Island would immediately face a disaster. No matter how much he grumbled inwardly, in front of Roa, he had to show absolute respect!
Tiger bowed his head, not even meeting Roa's gaze. "Is there another mission?"
"There's an urgent situation," Roa's tone carried a hint of complaint. "Some guy has repeatedly delayed payment for goods, and it seems he wants to default on his debt."
"Tiger, don't you think he's going too far? Our weapons are top-notch and affordable worldwide, yet he still wants to get them for free. Shouldn't such a heartless fellow be punished?"
Tiger thought to himself, You, through mass sales of military weapons, have forced how many countries and factions into an arms race? Isn't it normal for them to run out of funds? Do you know how many times we've already helped you transport troops to collect debts?
"Understood," Tiger nodded slightly. "Where's the target this time?"
"Oh! As expected of Tiger, so reliable!" Roa chuckled, praising him, then said, "It's North Blue, but this target is a bit different. Clone soldiers alone won't be enough, so..."
Roa gestured to the side. "They'll go with you too."
Tiger followed Roa's gaze. Standing there were the stern-faced Douglas Bullet and the softer-looking King. Tiger's heart instantly tensed. Roa's two strongest executives, Mercury Bullet and King, one a Logia, the other a Mythical Zoan; both were world-renowned monsters! Was there someone in North Blue worthy of them personally making a move? He had absolutely no impression. Was such a grand effort really necessary?
"Should we eliminate that guy, Boss?" Bullet asked calmly.
"No, no, no," Roa waved his hands repeatedly, smiling. "I have high hopes for that guy. Hmm, a lesson will be enough. Take those few 'artificial humans' with you too; it'll be good for real-world combat."
"Understood." King nodded seriously. "Please leave it to us with confidence."
Tiger found himself seemingly privy to some secret. What did he mean, "high hopes"? Tiger didn't understand, but regardless of his lack of understanding, the deep-sea fleet set off immediately, heading towards North Blue at top speed.
However, when boarding, Tiger noticed the five particularly unique artificial human soldiers. Although they had the same face as ordinary clone soldiers, they were clearly younger, and their flamboyant hairstyles were truly very special. Were these the "artificial humans" Roa mentioned? They seemed like an evolved and upgraded version of ordinary clone soldiers. Would their abilities also be very different?
This speculation was soon confirmed during casual conversations with the clone soldiers. When talking about those specially made artificial humans, referred to as Calamity Knights, ordinary clone soldiers showed twisted jealousy. Tiger then learned that these five newly-created artificial humans possessed power far exceeding that of ordinary clone soldiers, and their lifespans were more than twice as long. Without any selection or trials, they had already become part of the leadership of the Calamity Legion.
But what made the clone soldiers most jealous was that those artificial humans, known as Calamity Knights, had no emotions. Tiger initially found this a bit perplexing, but then he heard the clone soldier say with a complex expression, "Without emotions, we wouldn't feel pain in our lives, and we wouldn't feel despair about our future."
Tiger was silent. Without emotions, what was the point of living? Like walking corpses. But this living-dead existence, for these soldiers, seemed like a dream.
Roa, that guy, seemed to derive pleasure simply from watching people's suffering. But despite his lament, Tiger did nothing and could do nothing.
North Blue. This was an island far from the major shipping lanes, an island where hardly any ships passed by. It should have been an uninhabited desert island. But unbeknownst to anyone, a sizable settlement had quietly been established deep within this lush island. Tens of thousands of people lived here. They built houses and cultivated farmland.
But more importantly.
"Hoo—hoo—"
A circular road had been built around the settlement. On this road, soldiers in neat uniforms were trudging, breathing heavily.
"It's finally taking shape." By the roadside, Doctor Trafalgar Law spoke with some emotion.
Monkey D. Dragon stood beside him, silently watching these diligently training soldiers. His eyes visibly showed a hint of satisfaction. "To fight against the World Government, scattered individuals will never have a chance of winning."
"What we need is a truly powerful army!"
It might sound cruel, but the people of Flevance were indeed very suitable as soldiers. Even the moderate Flevance people's hatred for the World Government was undeniable. Now that someone was leading them, this hatred could be appropriately transformed into motivation to push them forward. Soon, Dragon had indeed assembled a qualified army.
However, relying solely on Flevance people was not enough. Mr. Zeff was right; to defeat the World Government, they had to rely on those in the world who suffered because of the government. Next, they would use the Revolutionary Army as a base to liberate more people, thereby shaking the World Government's foundation of rule.
"Once the next batch of weapons from the Calamity Company arrives, our army will be fully armed!" Doctor Trafalgar Law was somewhat excited. "Then we can start the next phase of operations!"
"Yes," Dragon's sigh also carried a hint of joy. "The period of蛰伏 has to end."
"Hahaha, speaking of which, we have to thank Roa!" Doctor Trafalgar Law suddenly said somewhat mischievously, "If it weren't for his free sponsorship of these weapons, it would probably take us a long time for our forces to become battle-ready."
The usually stern Dragon also couldn't help but crack a smile at this moment. Trafalgar had indeed given a good suggestion. The Calamity Company's weapons were indeed useful. The most amusing part was that when Roa later wanted to collect payment, he probably wouldn't know where to find them. Every time they made a transaction, they deliberately chose an island very far from here.
Buru buru buru.
Abruptly, the Den Den Mushi rang. Hmm? Dragon was a little surprised; there weren't many people in the world who had his contact information right now. He answered the call.
"Dragon! Get out of there, fast!" A familiar voice came from the other end.
"Mr. Zeff?" Dragon was stunned, and an urgent feeling suddenly rose in his heart. "What happened?"
"Your location has been exposed! Someone reported your whereabouts to the Marines! They said they found traces of Flevance extremists on your island!" Zeff said from the other end of the line, "The nearby Marine bases are already organizing fleets to your island. If you don't want to clash with them, leave quickly!"
Dragon's pupils suddenly constricted, his face utterly stiff. "How could this be!" Doctor Trafalgar Law even shrieked directly, "The base we worked so hard to establish..."
"A base can be rebuilt if it's lost, but if the people are gone, there's nothing left!" Zeff instantly reprimanded him coldly, "Don't hesitate, leave quickly!"
Dragon clenched the Den Den Mushi in his hand; his previously joyful mood was now completely gone. When he spoke, he didn't even notice the hoarseness in his own voice, "I understand, Mr. Zeff."
So, soon, a fleet of large ships set sail from this island, heading straight into the depths of North Blue.
Shortly after, a Marine fleet visited the island. But the Marines, who were a step too late, found only an empty settlement on the island; they didn't see a single soul.
A little earlier, Marine Headquarters, New Recruit Training Camp.
Zeff, having ended his call with Dragon, still had a worried frown. Who was it? Outsiders definitely didn't know Dragon's location. Not even Sakazuki knew the exact spot. Who leaked the whereabouts? Could it be that there was a traitor among Dragon's subordinates? If so, that would be troublesome!
Knock, knock, knock.
A knock on the door. Zeff was not surprised; he had been continuously using Observation Haki and had long sensed someone approaching. But to complete the act, he still asked, "Who is it?"
"Teacher Zeff, I have a few questions about Iron Body I'd like to ask!" A somewhat high-pitched male voice came from outside the door.
"Come in, Kuzan."
In a certain sea area of North Blue, in the hastily fleeing fleet, Dragon also fell into deep hesitation. "Among us, I fear there is a traitor."
"A traitor..." Doctor Trafalgar Law closed his eyes in pain. "That means, someone has actually colluded with the Marines?" He couldn't accept that someone among their own people had gotten involved with the World Government!
Dragon understood Trafalgar's pain very well. But the immediate priority now was to find the mole, otherwise—
Boom!
A massive roar suddenly came from one side of the fleet. Not far away on the sea, ships were approaching.
"They really came! To stop us from retaliating against this world! Have you forgotten the hatred of Flevance? Then you all deserve to die! Hehehehe!" At the bow of the large cannon-firing ship, a man who seemed to be in a frenzy laughed.
A gust of wind suddenly swept into the sky. Dragon gritted his teeth. "Bastard!"