ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

"Ah, very good!"

"As for your future research direction, I don't care—it's up to you to decide!"

"But!"

After discussing some general matters, Caesar Clown outlined a long-term plan for his team of scientists.

It was the same as what he had said when he first brought them to the ruins of the ancient Sky Island. He had no intention of interfering with their individual research goals. However, when the time came, they would be required to assist him in bringing his ideas to life.

And now, that time had come.

"I want to add one more topic to your research."

"Develop a battle suit capable of enhancing a single warrior's combat power in every aspect!"

"..."

Hearing this, the corners of Vinsmoke Judge's mouth twitched. There was something strangely familiar about these words, but he couldn't quite place why.

As for the other scientists, they simply nodded, acknowledging the request. The development of an advanced combat-enhancing suit was a complex challenge, but not impossible for researchers of their caliber.

Caesar personally assigned the project's lead role to Judge, who was the most suitable candidate given his expertise in combat technology.

Following that, Caesar shared additional ideas that had been brewing in his mind. The scientists found no issues with them and agreed to move forward.

The Military Tournament

Once the meeting concluded, preparations for the grand military competition Caesar had planned were nearly complete.

For three full months, tens of thousands of soldiers trained relentlessly, pushing their limits to secure a place in the top 1,000. Among them, the true elites sought even greater heights, undergoing rigorous training in hopes of achieving higher ranks.

The most talented individuals were especially driven, knowing that the ultimate reward—a Devil Fruit—awaited only the best.

After three months of grueling training, the long-awaited day arrived. At the military training grounds, thousands of soldiers stood in perfect formation, awaiting Caesar's arrival.

The Military Competition was finally about to begin!

---

[Chapter 252] Thirty Devil Fruit Users

Time flew by, and after two weeks, the competition reached its conclusion.

The entire army had been caught up in the excitement, and the results were remarkable. In just three and a half months, nearly 40,000 soldiers had undergone substantial improvements. If given real battlefield experience, their strength would undoubtedly rise even further.

The final rankings had been decided.

Among the winners, the top 30 soldiers stood out. They were individuals brimming with potential, refined through intense training and perseverance. No one questioned their right to the rewards.

As promised, Caesar presented the 30 pre-selected Devil Fruits to the top-ranked warriors. These fruits had been chosen carefully, ensuring maximum combat potential.

Among them were two Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruits:

Yamata no Orochi Fruit

Kirin (Qilin) Fruit

Additionally, there was a Paramecia-type Bone Fruit, which also showed great potential.

Even such rare Mythical Zoan Fruits were given away without hesitation. Caesar firmly believed that the sooner these powers were utilized, the sooner these warriors would grow stronger and serve his purposes.

Moreover, these 30 individuals had already proven their loyalty. In the future, they would be indispensable assets.

Besides, what good were these Devil Fruits just sitting in his possession?

Even though these fruits were rare, none of them were top-tier in Caesar's eyes. Instead, he believed in making the best use of everything—these fruits would only reach their true value once wielded by capable hands.

Alongside the Mythical Zoans, the distributed Devil Fruits included other Ancient Zoans and powerful Paramecias:

Fengshen Pterosaur Fruit (Ancient Zoan)

Albatross Fruit (Zoan)

Falcon Fruit (Zoan)

These fruits provided enhanced flight abilities, drastically improving mobility in battle.

Additionally, the Ancient Zoan users would gain immense vitality and enhanced physical endurance, especially the Fengshen Pterosaur, which was a larger and more powerful flying dinosaur than the Toothless Pterosaur used by King of the Beasts Pirates.

Falcon Fruit users, beyond flight, would also develop extraordinary vision, making them excellent aerial scouts.

Other distributed fruits included:

Polar Bear Fruit (Zoan)

Silverback Gorilla Fruit (Zoan)

Snow Leopard Fruit (Zoan)

Rope Fruit (Paramecia)

Spring Fruit (Paramecia)

Hardened Fruit (Paramecia)

Though not legendary fruits, these were all powerful abilities that, with effort, could elevate their users to lieutenant-level fighters.

Of course, just obtaining a Devil Fruit didn't guarantee strength. Hard work and training were still essential.

For example, in the past, the Inu Inu no Mi (Dog-Dog Fruit) had been considered one of the least remarkable Zoans. However, Dalmatian, a Marine Vice Admiral, had still risen to that rank using its power—proving that true strength depended on the wielder.

Thus, Caesar's selection of 30 capable individuals ensured that these fruits would reach their full potential.

The Awakening of New Power

As Caesar distributed the fruits, the entire army looked on with admiration and envy.

Under the watchful eyes of thousands, the chosen 30 consumed their Devil Fruits, gaining their newfound powers.

Excitement filled the air. After months of grueling training, these warriors had finally achieved their dream.

Caesar, observing the scene with a faint smile, gave them a simple command:

"Go on. Show me what you're capable of."

Without hesitation, the soldiers activated their newly acquired abilities, displaying their transformations and supernatural powers.

Zoan users shifted into their animal forms, towering over the crowd.

Paramecia users demonstrated their unique abilities, performing feats beyond human limitations.

The entire training ground erupted into awe-inspiring displays of strength, speed, and agility.

Those who hadn't made it into the top 30 watched in shock and determination.

They vowed to train harder, ensuring that next time, they would claim victory and earn their own Devil Fruits.

As cheers and exclamations filled the air, the first Military Competition came to a perfect conclusion.

---

Beyond the Military: The Police Request

However, word of the competition quickly spread beyond the military.

The Royal Police Force, responsible for maintaining internal security, was deeply intrigued.

They saw Caesar's initiative as an opportunity and wasted no time in making a formal request:

"We want a similar competition. We also wish to earn Devil Fruits through hard work."

It was evident that the police officers had been pushing their superiors to act.

Caesar considered their proposal carefully.

While the military's primary focus was war, the police force's role was different:

Internal Security & Crime Prevention

Tracking & Capturing Criminals

Their combat skills weren't on par with the army, but they still played a crucial role in national security.

Thus, instead of combat-based fruits, Caesar thought of utility-based Devil Fruits that would enhance police efficiency:

Inu Inu no Mi (Dog Fruit, various breeds) → Enhanced tracking abilities

Memory-Memory Fruit → Perfect crime scene recall

Illusion Fruit → Advanced interrogation techniques

Rather than brute strength, these fruits would amplify the police force's effectiveness in solving crimes and maintaining order.

And so, Caesar prepared for a new competition—this time, for the police force.

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