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West Blue Headquarters Base:
"Is that so?"
"That's definitely good news!"
Kojin smiled and replied softly.
"I'll be there right away."
Not long ago, a message arrived from Vegapunk's experimental base. Seraphim Zeus had brought back Kozuki Oden.
Kozuki Oden was the first name written on Kojin's list. Oden's importance was self-evident. As the strongest samurai in Wano Country in the current era, his combat power was beyond question. He had once served as the First Mate of the Whitebeard Pirates when he was taken aboard by Whitebeard. Later, Roger borrowed him, and he assisted Roger in becoming the Pirate King.
After Roger disbanded his crew, Oden returned to Wano Country, where he encountered Kaido's forces and ultimately died a humiliating death.
As for Kaido's group in Wano Country, Kojin currently had no particular plans.
"The more chaotic the future of this world is, the better!"
In other words, figures like Kaido and Big Mom, the future Yonko, serve as a balancing force against the World Government.
With this opposing equilibrium in place, he could quietly develop.
Expanding his subordinate forces, growing his organization, cultivating talent, and advancing Vegapunk's technology all required time.
At the same time, however, Vegapunk had brought troubling news:
Kozuki Oden's injuries were too severe. A quarter of an hour later, Kojin arrived alone at the experimental base and saw the Wano samurai. His body was covered in extensive burns, and his wrinkled skin resembled withered wood.
"Is he still alive?" Kojin asked with a frown.
"He's barely holding onto a single breath. I currently have two options."
"First, we can wait until he dies, then study his corpse, extract his Lineage Factor, and create a new Seraphim."
Vegapunk spoke rapidly.
His eyes shone with excitement. He hadn't expected his leader to acquire two powerful individuals in such a short time.
Shiki's lineage factor had already given him new inspiration.
Zeus, who had recently returned, also had many issues that could be improved upon.
"The second option," he continued, "is to immediately begin partial bodily modification. We'll completely transform him into an even more powerful artificial human!"
Kojin frowned slightly. "After the modification, will he still have consciousness?"
"Consciousness?" Vegapunk was taken aback and fell into thought.
After a moment, he spoke hesitantly.
"I can't be certain. But I need to ask you a question. Would you prefer a Kozuki Oden who retains his consciousness or a fully obedient artificial being?"
Kojin blinked but quickly made his decision.
"A man like Kozuki Oden... if he retains his consciousness, he'll be far more useful."
Machines and artificial humans cannot produce Haki. In this world's combat system, Haki is undoubtedly a crucial element.
"I understand! I'll do my best!" Vegapunk nodded.
Kojin glanced around the laboratory. He saw Zeus lying silently, his body already dissected and clearly undergoing further modification.
The corpse of Golden Lion Shiki was submerged in formalin.
In the corner, a strange fruit covered in intricate patterns lay further in the corner.
"Is that a Devil Fruit?" Kojin asked in surprise.
"You could say that, but it's not ripe. Eating it would poison someone to death," Vegapunk replied, not even turning his head.
Kojin was speechless.
This scientist never ceased to amaze him. While researching Lineage Factors, he was also experimenting with artificial Devil Fruits.
"There's something else," Vegapunk added. "My laboratory requires special materials that may be difficult to obtain through your channels. So I'll have to trade with certain people."
Kojin narrowed his eyes. "Then you'd better be careful not to expose yourself."
"Don't worry!"
"Once my Seraphim are finished, they'll be ready for missions. Also, the Shandians and native Marines you gathered in Skypiea can be put to use. Their combat power has increased significantly with the weapons I've improved," Vegapunk said proudly.
Kojin smiled lightly. He knew this man would one day create weapons so terrifying that they could destroy entire islands. After staying a while longer and learning about the projects' progress, Kojin turned and left.
Modifying Kozuki Oden would undoubtedly be extremely complex, requiring a great deal of time, perhaps even more than modifying Bartholomew Kuma.
However, once successful, it would greatly enhance the strength of his forces.
Time passed in the blink of an eye, and another year went by.
Marine Era, Year 150 5.
Kojin received a call from his mentor, Garp, who happily informed him that he had a new grandson and that Ace was being well taken care of.
The West Blue headquarters base was also fully completed this year.
The base was even grander and more massive than the G-18 fortress. It loomed imposingly 500 meters above a steel harbor on the sea.
A large number of battleships and flying ships traveled back and forth between the port and the surrounding islands.
"Currently, the headquarters has 15,000 Marine recruits, Vice Commander Bullet is putting them through strict training," Eveya reported.
"And what about those three kids... Buggy, Smoker, and Aroshu?" Kojin asked.
"All three have mastered Rokushiki. Over the past year, their strength has grown tremendously. They now possess combat power comparable to a lieutenant junior grade," Eveya replied with a smile.
"Not bad." Kojin nodded.
He was quite satisfied with their progress.
"Recruitment across the various West Blue branches is still ongoing. The headquarters can accommodate up to 50,000 troops."
"We're still some distance away from that goal," Eveya added.
Kojin nodded slightly but said nothing more.
Time continued to pass.
West Blue grew increasingly powerful. Elite lieutenants began emerging like bamboo shoots after the rain. Following the battle in which the Golden Lion destroyed the G-18 fortress, the surviving soldiers experienced tremendous growth, producing a large number of officer-level powerhouses.
Marine Era, Year 1506.
Kojin sent a congratulatory letter to Alabasta, along with a generous gift.
"To celebrate the birth of my dear niece, Nefertari Lily. Due to my busy duties, I ask my elder brother's forgiveness for being unable to attend this joyous occasion."
Holding the brief letter, Cobra's eyes filled with tears... tears of overwhelming happiness.
Under Kojin's planning and guidance, the West Blue developed rapidly. That same year, the West Blue headquarters recruited a powerful female Marine named Hina.
"Her name is Hina! She is a user of the Cage-Cage Fruit, and her strength is formidable. She's the first female officer with a Devil Fruit ability that we've recruited in recent years," Eveya said excitedly.
Kojin nodded and looked toward the square in front of the office where the female officer stood.
"List her as a priority candidate. Focus on her training."
"Yes!"
Eveya responded.
"Also, what about Crocodile?"
Kojin asked in a low voice, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"A few days ago, Crocodile contacted headquarters and reported his situation."
As a pirate, he has gathered a group of intelligence personnel and is in the second half of the Grand Line."
Eveya replied.
"Heh, looks like he's gone back to being a pirate again."
"Fulfilling his dream?" Kojin smiled faintly.
After that, he no longer paid much attention.
Crocodile had been sent out on a mission to establish Baroque Works, an intelligence organization covering the entire world.
For him, this was old business and not particularly difficult.
However, after gaining freedom of movement, it was clear that he had begun to indulge himself a bit, so much so that Sengoku had personally inquired about it.
"Bounty: 81 million Berries... Sand Crocodile! And his bounty hasn't increased at all."
Kojin shook his head and chuckled.
Setting aside the wanted poster, he quickly immersed himself in other work.
He now had full control over the entire administration of West Blue, including deployment, appointments, and dismissals. One could say that most of his free time was consumed by tedious responsibilities.
"I really feel like throwing in the towel."
"Well, I'll just treat this as preparation for becoming Fleet Admiral in the future."
Kojin sighed.
——
Marine Era, Year 1507. It was also Kojin's seventh year as Base Commander of West Blue.
New World.
"Sir Crocodile, ahead of us is the territory of the Whitebeard Pirates!"
On a pirate ship flying a skull flag, a burly, scar-faced man spoke in a trembling voice.
"Whitebeard?"
"So what?"
Just hearing his name makes you tremble like this?"
With a cigar in his mouth, Crocodile sneered.
Since leaving West Blue, he had regained his freedom. While carrying out Kojin's mission, he had also relished the thrill of being a pirate again after so long.
Now, returning to this familiar sea, he couldn't help but feel nostalgic.
At the same time, excitement and passion surged within him.
"That's Whitebeard, Old Boss!"
The pirate behind him said nervously.
"So what?"
"I want to know just how big the gap is between me and a legend!"
Crocodile sneered.
His eyes flickered as he did the math in his head.
Over the years under Kojin, his strength had grown rapidly. His Armament Haki and Devil Fruit abilities had reached entirely new levels.
He estimated that, even if he couldn't defeat Whitebeard, he should at least be able to retreat safely.
Most importantly, he wanted to understand the difference between himself and the World's Strongest Pirate. As for challenging Kojin, just the thought made Crocodile abandon the idea immediately.
That man was a monster!
"Steer the ship forward! I want to see just how powerful this legendary pirate really is!"
Crocodile shouted.
His crew exchanged uneasy glances, but ultimately, they could only grit their teeth and obey.
Three days later, news spread across the world:
"Rookie pirate Crocodile challenges Whitebeard—and is defeated."
Aboard the Moby Dick.
"Gurarararara! Kid, you've barely grown your whiskers, and you dare challenge me?"
Whitebeard burst into laughter as he sat at the edge of the ship with a fishing rod in hand. Marco and the others stood behind him, smiling as they watched the figure tied to the end of the fishing line.
"Hold the hook tight. You're called Crocodile, right?"
"As long as you help me catch a fish, I'll let you go."
Whitebeard laughed loudly.
"Otherwise, today will be the day you're buried in the sea."
The surrounding pirates roared with laughter.
Crocodile's face was ashen and filled with humiliation as he held a golden hook in his mouth. He was deeply shaken by Whitebeard's overwhelming strength.
Suddenly, another man tied up on the deck shouted:
"Crocodile, the old boss, is in trouble with Vice Admiral Kojin!"
"How dare you treat him like this! If he finds out, he won't let you off, even if you're Whitebeard!"
As these words were spoken, the smile on Whitebeard's face froze, and the atmosphere on the ship fell silent instantly.
After a long moment, a loud laugh broke the silence.
"Gurararara… Kojin, huh?"
"Then let that brat come to me personally if he wants his man back!"
Whitebeard's eyes gleamed with amusement as he looked at Crocodile, still biting the hook.
"Until then, you'll kindly help me fish!"
(End of Chapter)