The highest-ranking officer at the G-2 Branch was Vice Admiral Kumil, a stern bald man who adhered to "Righteous Justice."
In the original storyline, he cared deeply for his subordinates, valuing their lives more than mission objectives.
Ivan held considerable respect for such a tough man.
Ivan saluted Kumil and declared clearly, "Vice Admiral Kumil, Colonel Ivan reporting for duty!"
Vice Admiral Kumil nodded solemnly, though curiosity was evident in his eyes. "Colonel Ivan, I hear you adhere to Burning Justice?"
"Exactly!" Ivan's voice was firm and resolute, with a blazing fire flickering in his eyes. "The flames in my heart will burn away all the evil in this world!"
"Excellent!" Kumil nodded with satisfaction.
Ivan's sense of justice mirrored his own—sharp yet not merciless—leaving him with an excellent first impression of this young man.
"Colonel Ivan, welcome to the G-2 Branch. Your accommodations have been arranged. Rest for now, and you will officially begin your duties tomorrow."
"Yes, sir!"
After Ivan left, Kumil stared at his retreating figure for a long time without looking away.
His personal reception of Ivan was not only to meet the new generation upholding Burning Justice but also to see for himself the kind of person praised by Vice Admiral Garp as a future admiral.
Now, after just this brief encounter, Kumil couldn't help but feel reassured.
Colonel Ivan was undoubtedly a righteous Marine.
If he could truly rise to the rank of admiral in the future, as Garp predicted, it would be a great boon for the seas.
Moreover, what surprised Kumil even more was Ivan's unwavering, resolute gaze, unaffected by external influences.
He had only seen such a gaze in the eyes of those born to be kings.
Could it be that Colonel Ivan also possessed the potential to awaken Conqueror's Haki?
...
The G-2 Branch was a crucial frontline base for the Marines in the Grand Line, with core missions revolving around regional security, intelligence control, interrogation, investigation, and combat support...
Since the tasks were not overly demanding, Ivan quickly adapted to life at the G-2 Branch.
Two weeks passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, Ivan frequently carried out missions, significantly increasing the progress of his Yamato Template.
[Due to completing 26 consecutive missions, [Yamato Template] Approval Rating +20%]
[Template: Yamato (Approval Rating: 52%)]
[Congratulations! You have acquired the skill: Earth Release!]
[Earth Release: Consumes stamina to manipulate soil, rocks, and other earth-based materials. A highly versatile and practical ninjutsu.]
In the colonel's office, Ivan raised his hand, and tiny clumps of earth appeared in his palm before falling to the ground.
Earth Release was undoubtedly a powerful ability. If used skillfully, it could allow him to pass as a Soil-Soil Fruit user.
Ivan had no intention of revealing this ability openly. Instead, he planned to use it for his alternate identity.
He intended to build his main identity as a Swordsman Master skilled in water-controlling swordsmanship, while Earth Release and any future abilities would be reserved for his alternate persona.
After all, there were too many things on these seas that were inconvenient to handle as a Marine, often requiring a pirate persona to operate outside the rules and achieve goals in secret.
That day, Vice Admiral Kumil suddenly issued an order, summoning all officers of the G-2 Branch for an emergency meeting.
In no time, all senior officers of the branch had gathered in the conference hall.
Sunlight filtered through the stained glass, casting a kaleidoscope of colors onto the plaque hanging above the head of the hall.
Though the vibrant hues appeared beautiful, they blurred the words "Unwavering Justice" inscribed upon it.
The atmosphere in the conference room was heavy. As the last officer entered and closed the door, Kumil spoke with a grave expression:
"The reason for summoning you all today is that one week from now, the workload of the G-2 Branch will increase severalfold.
We must completely eradicate all pirate forces within our jurisdiction within seven days, raising the security control of these waters to the highest level. This is to welcome the arrival of a distinguished figure."
"A distinguished figure?" Ivan raised an eyebrow slightly, already having an inkling of who it might be.
Only someone of immense authority could compel the Marines to mobilize on such a scale, expending tremendous effort to secure an entire sea just for their arrival.
In the entire world, even high-ranking officials of the World Government might not command such influence.
The only ones capable of this were those self-proclaimed "descendants of the creators," the false gods entrenched in Mary Geoise!
Sure enough, Vice Admiral Kumil's next words confirmed his suspicion:
"One week from now, the Gran Tesoro will dock in the waters under the jurisdiction of the G-2 Branch for resupply. At that time, Saint Roswald will board the ship for entertainment.
Our sole mission is to protect Saint Roswald at all costs. Any of his demands must be unconditionally fulfilled!"
The moment his words fell, the air in the conference hall froze.
The term "Celestial Dragons" itself signified supreme privilege and unquestionable authority.
Any task related to them allowed no room for error.
Instantly, the expressions of all officers present turned solemn, and even their breathing unconsciously softened.
Ivan lowered his head slightly, avoiding revealing the flicker of intent in his eyes to Vice Admiral Kumil.
A Celestial Dragon heading to the golden ship Gran Tesoro for amusement—this was a rare opportunity.
Perhaps he could use the "fall of a god" to unveil the curtain of the New World!
However, the security for Celestial Dragons was top-tier, with at least one vice admiral providing close protection and numerous CP0 agents guarding them covertly.
Moreover, if a Celestial Dragon were injured, an admiral would arrive on the scene in a short time!
Therefore, to kill a Celestial Dragon, one must proceed with caution, ensuring their own safety while successfully carrying out the act.
Ivan planned to send Wood Clones for the task. Even if they failed, only a few clones would be lost.
The oppressive atmosphere in the conference room seemed poised to linger until Vice Admiral Kumil broke the silence, continuing:
"This operation is somewhat unique, as we must protect Saint Roswald while also guarding against pirate attacks.
This is because, one week from now, an extraordinary auction will be held on the Gran Tesoro. At this auction, three precious Devil Fruits will be up for sale, rumored to include even a Mythical Zoan type!"
According to our intelligence, the Beast Pirates in the New World may have learned of this news. Based on their habits, it is highly likely they will come to plunder the Mythical Zoan fruit.
"Colonel Ivan, within the base, your combat strength is second only to mine. Therefore, the most difficult task of defending the outer perimeter is entrusted to you!"
Mythical Zoan!
Three precious Devil Fruits!
After three draws, Ivan had roughly grasped the system's lottery patterns.
The character panels drawn were mostly related to the abilities of Devil Fruits.
If he could seize the Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, he would undoubtedly gain a powerful ability, greatly enhancing his strength.
Thus, Ivan was completely convinced.
Why bother with Wood Release Clones?
He would go in person this time!
This time, he would not only slay a god but also seize the three Devil Fruits, snatching them from the jaws of the Golden Emperor, the Beast Pirates, and the World Government!
He would present the world with an unparalleled grand opera!