ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

"Even though our power isn't spread across the entire world, it's still more than enough to dominate this sea!"

Building an army requires immense resources—funds, manpower, weapons, and logistics. A nation capable of assembling a large-scale military force must be prosperous and well-developed.

Now, the Middle Kingdom possesses this strength.

However, extending its influence across the world is still a long-term goal.

Caesar plans to start from the outer seas first. After all, even the World Government's Navy, despite its might, cannot maintain equal military presence everywhere.

Its strongest forces are concentrated in the Grand Line, particularly in Paradise, while its control over the New World is relatively weaker.

Even a power that has ruled the world for over eight centuries has yet to achieve total global dominance. Caesar understands this reality—he won't overreach.

"This way, we can also train soldiers."

"It ensures regional security and might even attract more followers."

Fujitora (Issho) nodded at Douglas Bullet, neither expressing doubt about Caesar's strategy.

Caesar's approach was simple: secure a foothold, then expand gradually.

"And…"

Seeing that the two were listening attentively, Caesar continued, "If we intend to overthrow the World Government and replace it, our current territory is insufficient."

From the moment he initiated the Kingdom Expansion Plan, he had foreseen this challenge.

That's why, when rescuing people, he also sought to relocate valuable islands under his control.

Territorial expansion is crucial to Caesar's ultimate ambition.

"Once we establish a navy, we can begin expanding our domain."

In this ocean-dominated world, naval strength is an absolute necessity.

By building a fleet, he could consolidate power in a specific region, expand gradually, and eventually solidify his rule.

Caesar outlined his naval strategy to Fujitora and Bullet.

His purpose in confiding in them was clear: establishing a navy wouldn't be a task he could start from scratch.

Currently, the Middle Kingdom had nearly 60,000 troops, which was already formidable.

However, maritime control demands a larger force than land-based armies.

If the goal was to dominate the seas, the navy had to be the primary military branch.

The army would remain vital for domestic security—repelling invasions, suppressing rebellions, and maintaining order within the kingdom.

Besides, with Caesar himself and other elites stationed at the Central Island, few would dare to stir trouble.

Thus, a separate naval force had to be formed under Bullet's command.

Caesar turned to him.

"Captain, I have no objections. I'll begin selecting candidates for the navy immediately."

Bullet didn't hesitate.

The task wasn't difficult—converting trained soldiers into marines was a straightforward transition.

Their discipline wouldn't change; only their training would differ.

Moreover, the 60,000-strong force already had solid combat foundations. Even a shift in military branch wouldn't significantly affect them.

As for Fujitora, Caesar had chosen him because he was the ideal candidate to lead the navy.

In terms of strength, leadership, and ideology, Fujitora was more than qualified.

In the original history, this man had become a Navy Admiral, yet his concept of justice far surpassed that of Sakazuki (Akainu).

Combined with his formidable power, he was the perfect leader for this new naval force.

After discussing the details, Caesar dismissed them.

He ordered Bullet to inform the army of the forthcoming separation of forces.

Fujitora was tasked with overseeing the construction of warships.

Currently, the Middle Kingdom lacked standardized naval vessels, uniforms, or even a structured military identity.

Frankly, it was disorganized.

When the army was first assembled, preparation was rushed, and improvements were neglected.

This was understandable—back then, the soldiers were still being trained.

Now, however, those veterans had matured into a real fighting force. It was time to address these shortcomings.

Whether army or navy, their forces needed to be recognizable at a glance as the Middle Kingdom's military.

Thus, Caesar issued a series of orders.

He directed the kingdom's shipbuilders to design a unique warship model, distinct from the World Government's navy, embodying the Middle Kingdom's identity.

Simultaneously, he invited fashion designers and military experts to create a set of official uniforms.

A structured military requires uniformed discipline, and Caesar had specific aesthetic preferences.

He favored black—a color that exuded calm, authority, and elegance.

His concept resembled the military aesthetics of Germany from his past life—sleek, practical, and intimidating.

Thus, he established the following designs:

Army Uniform: Black base with red accents.

Navy Uniform: Black base with a white top.

These color schemes would give the Middle Kingdom's forces a striking and imposing appearance.

The designers took this assignment seriously. For them, crafting the nation's military image was an honor. They worked tirelessly to ensure their final designs met Caesar's expectations.

However, in Caesar's vision, these were merely temporary solutions.

Ultimately, he aimed for multi-functional battle suits, similar to those developed by Vinsmoke Judge (Germá 66)—suits that could be stored in a belt and deployed instantly.

Although the cost and technology for mass-producing such suits remained uncertain…

At the very least, Caesar intended to equip officers with them.

If possible, he would expand the technology to his entire army, which would revolutionize its combat effectiveness.

In One Piece, the Vinsmoke siblings—as well as Judge himself—weren't overwhelmingly powerful on their own.

Yet, once they equipped their battle suits, they could hold their own against Big Mom Pirates' elite commanders.

This alone demonstrated the tremendous potential of these suits.

If Caesar could mass-produce them, he would possess the strongest army in the world.

However, the technical complexity of this project was staggering. Even with Judge and Vegapunk's expertise, it would take years to complete.

To monitor progress, Caesar personally traveled to the Moon Base, where Judge's research team was working.

"Everyone, you've been working hard. How's the research progressing?"

Upon arrival, Caesar immediately inquired about the battle suit's development.

Judge turned, meeting Caesar's gaze.

"Your Majesty, with Dr. Vegapunk's assistance, we've resolved the material constraints for the suits!"

Previously, they had struggled to find a lightweight yet durable material.

Now, they had successfully synthesized it.

However, a new challenge emerged—integrating the suit with the belt-storage system.

"I'm currently working on compact storage technology," Judge admitted.

Caesar nodded.

He wasn't impatient—this level of scientific innovation took time.

"How long until the first prototypes are complete?"

Judge carefully calculated.

"At least three years."

Caesar sighed but wasn't disappointed.

It was a long wait, but the payoff would be revolutionary.

Meanwhile, back on Earth, the World Government and Navy had caught wind of the Middle Kingdom's naval expansion.

Their reaction? Sheer disbelief.

"A pirate-ruled nation… building a NAVY!?"

At Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Kong slammed his fist on his desk.

"What the hell did you just say!?"

"That bastard Caesar is mass-producing warships!?"

"Are you kidding me!?"

The intelligence officer swallowed nervously.

"Sir… the reports are accurate."

The World Government and the Navy had underestimated Caesar's ambition—but not for much longer.

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