Chapter 78: Dragon's New Position and Wish
"That's the whole process," Dragon said in a deep voice, looking like he still felt the lingering fear. "To be honest, there was a bit of luck involved in defeating that Slave King. It was very difficult, and I feel that if we were to do it again, the outcome would likely be different."
"Indeed, it was really close. If you hadn't forcefully increased your Strength in that most dangerous desperate situation, the consequences would have been unimaginable!" Onigumo, usually optimistic, also had a serious expression at this moment.
Zephyr scanned his outstanding disciples and asked, "What did you learn from Dragon's battle this time?"
Momonga, Onigumo, and the others exchanged glances. Kuzan's Gaze revealed a hint of helplessness; he had already guessed what this important figure was going to say.
As expected.
Seeing his students remain silent, Zephyr didn't hold back and said heavily, "The importance of Martial Arts and Haki!"
"This Slave King neglected Martial Arts and Haki, focusing all his efforts on his Devil Fruit Ability. He did Awaken because of it, but what was the result? He was easily caught up to by Dragon, who is decades younger than him!"
"Uh, Teacher, from Dragon's description, this Slave King's Haki and Martial Arts weren't weak, were they?" A less famous Colonel at the table scratched the back of his head and chuckled.
*And it wasn't easy for me to catch up either,* Dragon couldn't help but inwardly complain beneath his calm exterior, only to see Zephyr let out a cold snort.
"Hmph, his age is similar to mine, and his Martial Arts and Haki could only slightly suppress this kid at first, and were later surpassed. Is that not weak enough?"
Hearing this, let alone Kuzan and the others around, even the Marines at the next table twitched their mouths, roaring inwardly.
*My goodness, you were a former Marine Admiral, and now you still hold the Admiral Rank! Are you really using yourself as a standard for comparison? If that's the case, ninety percent of people the same age in this World have lived their lives in vain!*
Zephyr ignored them.
"You must remember, whether you are an Ability User or not, Martial Arts and Haki are the foundation of everything. You cannot rely too much on Devil Fruit Abilities, otherwise, your final fate will be the same as this Slave King's. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Teacher Zephyr!!"
Dragon, Kuzan, and the others no longer had any objections, responding in unison with tacit understanding. This made the other Marines look on with envy, as Zephyr's Training Camp wasn't open to just anyone.
Seeing this, Zephyr nodded with satisfaction, then looked at Dragon.
"Good, your Aura is impressive. Oh, and those two 'Cats' you brought, I heard your description of them is quite good; they are promising talents. Have them report to the Training Camp next year, and they can continue following you after they graduate!"
"That's great! I thank you on their behalf!" Dragon showed a hint of joy.
This morning, he reported on his Mission in the Fleet Admiral's Office and was promoted to Vice Admiral on the spot. Before leaving, he mentioned 'Black Cat' Three-Legged Cat and 'White Cat' Fishing Little Cat.
There were no complications. After all, they were two Zoan Users. Kong 'The Iron Fist' agreed to incorporate them into Marine Headquarters and assign them as his direct Subordinates.
Now they could train under Teacher Zephyr for another year. This was definitely a rare opportunity. The future of these two 'Cats' would at least be that of a Colonel.
"Speaking of which, ordering the capture of the Slave King from the Underworld, thoroughly investigating the Tutmos Kingdom, liberating over 200,000 Slaves, then organizing Fleets and personnel from various Nations to provide them with Medical Treatment, Food, and temporary Residence, and finally having the South Blue Marines send them back to their Hometown..."
Kuzan took a sip of the golden Liquid in his Wine Glass, let out a long breath, and grinned.
"These Matters, put into the past, were truly unimaginable. If Dragon hadn't told us himself, we probably wouldn't have believed it even if we heard it, right?"
Momonga, Onigumo, and the others nodded thoughtfully. Although Kuzan's words were relatively subtle, everyone understood. Dragon had the deepest realization from this experience. He looked at Kuzan and said,
"I think you should have also participated in similar things recently that were previously unimaginable, and now seem somewhat incredible, for example, regarding Fish-Man Island."
He was thinking of the two hundred Fish-Man Tribe and Merfolk Tribe members who had arrived this morning.
"Heh, it's more than just that. Listen to me next, and you'll be even more surprised!" Kuzan said with a flushed face and a laugh.
"I'll start with the Mission I received earlier regarding the Drum Kingdom..."
Next, he vividly recounted how he followed Minister Mick of the Administrative Department to the Drum Kingdom to painstakingly build Ice Stairs with a Height of five thousand meters, how the World Government designated the Drum Kingdom as a Medical Development Cooperation Nation, and how they established a Medical Academy and the World Hospital System.
After finishing, he then described in detail how he followed Senior Director Coulson of the Administrative Department to Fish-Man Island, and how the two sides signed the Equal and Friendly Relations Communiqué, becoming more and more excited as he spoke. He repeatedly picked up his beer glass, his inner joy was clearly visible on his face.
The Marine Elites present also clicked their tongues in wonder and exclaimed repeatedly, especially Dragon and Zephyr, who felt greatly shocked.
They didn't feel much about the Drum Kingdom Matter, as they weren't very knowledgeable about Medical Development.
But establishing a Marine Branch on Fish-Man Island, allowing the Sea King Army to be stationed and patrol on Sabaody Archipelago, allowing the Fish-Man Tribe and Merfolk Tribe to join the Marines, and even other departments of the World Government, and allowing Fish-men to live, reside, and play freely on Sabaody Archipelago in the future – these things sounded outrageous.
What was wrong with the World Government?
Dragon and Zephyr exchanged glances, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes, with the latter's surprise being the most intense, as it was the first time he had become aware of these strange changes.
*Is this still the World Government I know?*
"So that's it, no wonder Fleet Admiral Kong sent me to Sabaody Archipelago to be the Base Commander..." Dragon immediately thought of his next Position.
Marine Vice Admirals are divided into two types: one type is stationed at Marine Headquarters, and the other is sent to the major direct Branches on the Grand Line, among which the G-X series Branches are the most famous.
However, besides these, there are actually some smaller Branches that are also directly subordinate to Marine Headquarters. The Marine Branch on Sabaody Archipelago is one such case.
After being promoted to Vice Admiral this time, he was directly appointed as the Marine Branch Base Commander stationed on Sabaody Archipelago. Fleet Admiral Kong's requirement was to strictly crack down on Pirates arriving there and protect the Fish-Man Tribe and Merfolk Tribe on the Island.
He also had to regulate the Coating Industry on the Island, prohibit providing services to Pirate Ships, dismantle Slave Trade Houses, arrest relevant Criminals, and liberate and properly handle the Slaves, although those Slaves who were originally Pirates needed to be escorted to Enies Lobby for Trial, which was equivalent to sending them to Impel Down.
Overall, Dragon would have many things to deal with in the future, and they were all relatively dangerous Matters. After all, whether it was Pirates who could cross the Grand Line to reach Sabaody Archipelago or the Malice and retaliation from the Slave Trade, ordinary people really couldn't handle it.
However, Dragon accepted the Order without any hesitation, because in his opinion, these were the most Just things. While listening to Kuzan's excited narration, the former's Gaze looked towards the direction of Holy Land Marie Geoise.
"Regardless of what caused these strange changes, or who is behind them, I sincerely hope that this change continues."
"I am willing to go through fire and water for this, and do my utmost to promote and implement it. Since you are willing to change, then I, Dragon, will accompany you to the end!"
(End of this chapter)