Vegapunk turned around, his gaze appearing particularly profound through his lenses.
"Theoretically, yes."
"But the cost is equally enormous. Each use costs three years of lifespan. Moreover, the user's physical constitution must meet certain standards, otherwise..."
He didn't continue, but everyone understood what that meant.
....
Meanwhile, At Marine Headquarters, the atmosphere in the solemn conference room was particularly tense.
Sengoku had gathered all high-ranking officers for this crucial emergency meeting.
The lighting in the conference room was somewhat dim, with only the massive projection screen emitting a cold, flickering glow.
On the screen, Various data points of the Super Green Blood Potion scrolled like dancing musical notes.
Those dense, intricate data seemed to carry countless secrets and expectations, with every change in numbers tugging at the heartstrings of everyone present.
"Everyone,"
Sengoku spoke slowly, his hands firmly planted on the conference table as his gaze swept over every officer present, not missing any change in expression,
"This is Vegapunk's latest invention. As you all know, Vegapunk has always been the cornerstone of our Marine scientific research. Every one of his inventions has profound impacts on our combat capabilities.
This Super Green Blood Potion in particular embodies countless hours of his effort and wisdom."
At this point, Fleet Admiral Sengoku paused slightly, his gaze revealing a trace of complex emotion as he continued.
"Although the development cost of this potion is exorbitant—requiring immense investment in manpower, resources, and finances—the strategic value it brings is truly immeasurable.
It's like a double-edged sword. Wielded properly, it can pave a path to victory for our Marines; but once it spirals out of control, the consequences would be unimaginable."
Akainu was the first to break the silence, his expression showing no fluctuation, his voice as cold and resolute as ever.
"Three years of lifespan in exchange for four hours of full capability usage—I consider this price worthwhile.
As long as we can eradicate those wicked Pirates, such a sacrifice means little. For us Marines, victory is what matters most; everything else can be discarded."
Kizaru leaned lazily against the back of his chair, a seemingly casual smile playing on his lips as he drawled.
"How terrifying~ But then again, if this kind of potion were to fall into the hands of Pirates, the consequences would truly be unthinkable.
They're already committing every evil imaginable; if they were to gain such formidable power on top of that, our days as Marines would become quite difficult. At that point, the seas would likely descend into endless chaos."
"That is precisely what we must guard against," Fleet Admiral Sengoku interjected sternly, his eyes alert.
"Therefore, I have ordered that all Super Green Blood Potions must be placed under strict control.
From research and development, production, to storage and transportation—not a single misstep can be allowed in any step of the process.
Moreover, using this potion requires the highest level of authorization. We absolutely cannot allow any unauthorized personnel to access it easily."
Aokiji rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his brow slightly furrowed with a hint of doubt in his eyes.
"Physical fitness requirements... meaning ordinary soldiers cannot use it? Wouldn't that limit our operational scope and combat effectiveness?"
"Yes," Fleet Admiral Sengoku nodded, a touch of helplessness in his gaze.
"Currently, only officers of captain rank and above can withstand the side effects of the potion.
After all, the impact of this potion on the human body is immense, and ordinary soldiers' bodies would struggle to endure it.
But even so, this is already enough to alter the course of battle.
At critical moments, officers of captain rank and above, empowered by the potion, can unleash combat abilities beyond imagination, creating opportunities for our victory."
"..."
"Additionally, it's not that ordinary soldiers are completely unable to use it,"
Fleet Admiral Sengoku added, his tone growing more serious and resolute, "Once they use this potion, after the effects wear off, their lives would be completely exhausted!
This is an extremely dangerous practice, no different from seeking death.
Such a shortsighted, destructive approach is strictly forbidden within our Marines!
We must never sacrifice our soldiers' lives for the sake of temporary victory."
"..."
The conference room fell into complete silence.
The officers sank into deep contemplation, each keenly aware of the importance and difficulty of this decision, and the immense responsibility resting on their shoulders.
...
After the meeting concluded, Fleet Admiral Sengoku stood alone by the window in his office.
The fading glow of the sunset streamed through the window, casting a golden sheen over his Fleet Admiral's cloak and illuminating his silhouette.
His gaze was deep and distant, fixed on the shimmering sea surface far away.
As the supreme commander of the marines, he understood better than anyone what this invention truly meant.
This was not merely a technological breakthrough—it was a high-stakes gamble.
It was a high-stakes gamble trading soldiers' lives for victory, where every decision determined the fates of countless individuals.
He was acutely aware of the immense responsibility on his shoulders, knowing he must carefully weigh the pros and cons to make the most correct decision.
...
Three days later
Sunlight filtered through the clouds, casting its glow upon the earth while the air thickened with a tense, anxious atmosphere.
The first practical test was about to commence at the Marine's secret base, a facility normally under strict guard but now fortified as if facing imminent threat.
Every corner of the base was swarming with heavily armed Marine soldiers, their eyes sharp and vigilant, closely monitoring every movement around them.
The subject of this test was a highly regarded captain—tall and upright, with resolute features and an unwavering determination in his eyes.
After deep contemplation and repeated deliberation, he ultimately chose to utilize the power of the Logia-type Ice-Ice Fruit.
This ability possessed formidable combat strength, yet it also came with unknown risks.
As the emerald-green serum slowly injected into the captain's body, everyone involuntarily held their breath.
The scene fell into absolute silence, as if time itself had frozen in that moment.
Every pair of eyes was fixed intently on the colonel, anticipating a miracle.
"Begin!"
With that command, sharp as a thunderclap, the silence shattered.
In an instant, The captain's body transformed into ice, the crystal-clear frost rapidly spreading across his form, emitting waves of bone-chilling cold.
The entire training ground was swiftly encased in countless layers of ice!
The ice crackled as it froze everything in its path, like a merciless reaper harvesting lives, its popping sounds evoking awe and dread.
The test continued under this intense atmosphere for a full four hours.
"Hold on, it's almost over!"
...