The Battle Suit Proposal and Middle Kingdom's Rise
Caesar Clown, ever the ambitious scientist, directly proposed his idea, ensuring that Judge Vinsmoke wouldn't be reduced to nothing more than a human experiment like those locked away in cylindrical preservation tanks.
"As for the transformation mechanism, I believe a belt would be the most convenient option."
Judge's eyes lit up instantly, inspiration striking like a bolt of lightning.
"That's right! Why didn't I think of this before? Storing the Raid Suit within a belt when not in use would make it both portable and discreet, without interfering with everyday activities."
Now equipped with a concrete plan, Judge confidently vowed to create a functional battle suit as soon as possible.
Caesar, on his part, reassured the scientists under his employ that funding would never be an issue. He promised to provide whatever was necessary to ensure their research progressed without hindrance.
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The Top-Tier Devil Fruit – The Hurricane Fruit's Whereabouts!
Time passed, and the grand fighting tournament conceived by Caesar became a worldwide sensation.
Particularly in nations where ambition and wealth ruled, countless warriors eager to prove their strength flocked to the Middle Kingdom to participate. Meanwhile, enterprising merchants recognized the tournament as an unparalleled advertising opportunity, flooding the organizers with sponsorship requests.
With the rapid global adoption of television—thanks to Caesar's technological advancements—the tournament's viewership skyrocketed at an unprecedented rate. Businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to major conglomerates, competed to secure advertising slots. Some sought regional exposure, while others had grander ambitions, aiming for worldwide recognition.
This surge in advertising revenue strengthened the Middle Kingdom's financial position immensely. Television networks, broadcasting rights, and promotional deals—all were controlled by Caesar alone. Any individual or company wishing to engage with this lucrative market had to go through him.
With these continuous inflows of wealth, scientific research in the Middle Kingdom thrived, unrestricted by financial constraints. After all, technological advancement was a bottomless pit for funds—many projects ended in failure due to resource depletion or insurmountable technical challenges.
Yet, Caesar feared none of this. His wealth and influence were formidable, but more importantly, his team of scientists—handpicked from the world's best—ensured that no innovation was beyond their grasp, provided they had sufficient resources and time.
This financial and technological boom accelerated the Middle Kingdom's development. With Caesar and Admiral Fujitora (Issho) tirelessly working, the nation's infrastructure expanded, and its population surged. The duo continued their mission of liberating oppressed people, relocating them to newly secured islands that were then integrated into the Middle Kingdom.
Television broadcasts further fueled the kingdom's growing prestige. Across the world, people marveled at the prosperity and order of a nation ruled by a man once known solely as a pirate.
Even among aristocrats and elites, an undeniable truth emerged—Caesar Clown was not merely a scientist or an outlaw. He was a visionary ruler, reshaping the world in his own image.
This realization led not only refugees but also wealthy merchants, intellectuals, and skilled professionals to seek citizenship in the Middle Kingdom. Many believed that this young, rising power would soon surpass even the World Government itself.
Meanwhile, other nations, alarmed by the sudden migration of their most talented individuals, struggled to curb the exodus. After all, population and skilled labor were the foundation of a country's strength.
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A Call That Changed Everything
Amidst Caesar's relentless pursuit of progress, an unexpected call disrupted his rhythm.
"Hello, Mr. Caesar? It's Sander."
The voice on the other end was rough, unbothered by emotion. Sander, one of Caesar's trusted underground contacts, rarely called without good reason.
"There are two pieces of news you need to hear."
Caesar, still reviewing documents, responded without looking up. "Go on."
"The good news—there's been a sighting of a Devil Fruit that might be the Hurricane Fruit."
At that, Caesar immediately stopped writing, turning his full attention to the conversation.
"You said… suspected Hurricane Fruit?"
"Yes," Sander confirmed, exhaling smoke from his cigar. "But it was already purchased by a nobleman—a wealthy merchant who took it back to his homeland."
Caesar's grip tightened around the receiver. The Hurricane Fruit—one of the most elusive Logia-type Devil Fruits—was something he had long sought but had never been able to track down.
"Then why haven't you taken it back yet?" His voice carried an unmistakable sharpness. "As long as it's confirmed to be the real thing, I'll pay any amount. Tell him to name his price."
Sander hesitated. "That's the problem. According to my sources, the merchant didn't keep it. He presented it as a tribute… to his king."
Caesar's expression darkened. "A king? Are they affiliated with the World Government?"
"No," Sander clarified. "It's an independent nation—an 'illegal country,' as the Government calls it. And its ruler is powerful. We haven't even had a chance to confirm whether the fruit is genuine."
Caesar narrowed his eyes. "Powerful, you say? How strong?"
For Sander, a veteran of the criminal underworld, to use the word 'powerful' meant this king was not to be underestimated.
"He's a Great Swordsman," Sander revealed. "His swordsmanship is extremely formidable."
At that, Caesar finally understood why his informants had hesitated to act.
A monarch with genuine combat prowess—especially one capable of wielding a blade at such a level—was a rare existence. Even the most ruthless underground organizations would think twice before provoking such a figure.
But for Caesar, this only made things more intriguing.
As one of the world's strongest swordsmen himself, he was well aware of those who could be considered Great Swordsmen. In his mind, he quickly filtered through the names of all known master sword-wielders.
Yet, a ruler with such ability? That was uncommon.
Of course, this did not deter him. No matter how strong this king was, he was not stronger than Caesar. And Caesar needed the Hurricane Fruit.
Fruits like the Goro Goro no Mi (Thunder Fruit), Pika Pika no Mi (Glint-Glint Fruit), and Hie Hie no Mi (Ice-Ice Fruit) were among the most devastating in the One Piece world. A Hurricane Fruit—if real—would belong to that same legendary tier.
And now, after years of fruitless searching, a lead had finally surfaced.
"Which country?" Caesar asked, his mind already made up.
Sander immediately provided the answer. "South Blue. The Kingdom of Pengo Lie."
With that, the call ended.
Caesar wasted no time. Without hesitation, he launched himself into the sky, heading straight for the South Blue.
As he soared through the air, a thought crossed his mind.
"A female swordsman?"
He had caught something intriguing in Sander's wording—this king was not just a powerful ruler but also a woman.
A Great Swordswoman.
Caesar smirked.
"Well now… this might be interesting."
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