In the Chief's office at Enies Lobby, I informed the gathered CP9 members about the upcoming joint training with the Navy. As per the information from Tama, the formal proposal for joint training had been received and approved. The training would involve coordination exercises carried out by several teams, each composed of a mix of CP and Navy personnel. The teams would compete against each other, with CP providing information while the Navy executed actions based on that information.
This training emphasized cooperation and coordination among team members.
Next on the agenda was a collaborative rescue and evacuation drill designed to simulate large-scale disasters. Recognizing that the World Government's responsibilities extended beyond battling pirates and revolutionaries, disaster relief for civilians during emergencies was also essential. The participants would be divided into two groups: citizens in need of rescue and those providing rescue operations. CP would focus on information gathering and organizing safe havens, while the Navy would handle actual rescue operations.
Finally, there would be a mock battle between CP and Navy. To ensure some level of confidentiality, only Navy personnel of the rank of Captain and above and selected CP members would be present as observers.
Others would engage in a large-scale discussion session, a kind of celebratory gathering to foster camaraderie.
"However, it's obvious that not all members can fight consecutively. We'll need to select representatives for each team. On the Navy side, we have Vice Admirals Momonga, Gion, Cancer, Yamakaji, and also, the Admiral Kuzan, for a total of five."
Vice Admiral Momonga was a skilled officer who had played a prominent role in the original story. Vice Admiral Gion had been mentioned as a candidate for Admiral in the original story and was a formidable female officer. I don't know much about Vice Admiral Cancer; I don't recall any combat scenes involving him in the original story. Vice Admiral Yamakaji, if I remember correctly, was one of the Vice Admirals summoned during the Buster Call at Enies Lobby.
"As for us, against Vice Admiral Momonga... Lucci, you'll fight."
"Understood."
"Overall, you have the upper hand. So, I'll give you a challenge for this battle... your opponent is an experienced Vice Admiral. Constrained battles can provide valuable experience."
Assigning Lucci against the capable and steady Vice Admiral Momonga seemed appropriate. A fight against Vice Admiral Momonga, who excelled in steady and practical combat, would contribute to Lucci's growth.
"As for Vice Admiral Gion, Fizz... your opponent is a strong Vice Admiral, even among Vice Admirals, who is sometimes called 'Tontatta.' Fight with the intention of learning from her."
"Understood. I won't engage in a lackluster fight."
While Fizz would be facing a stronger opponent, his current strength should allow him to put up a good fight. Battling against a strong opponent provides valuable experience, making it a great opportunity for growth.
"As for Vice Admiral Cancer, Jabra, you're up. Your opponent is apparently skilled in hand-to-hand combat, although we have limited information. Don't let your guard down."
"Yes, leave it to me!"
Based on the information I gathered, Vice Admiral Cancer's abilities were slightly below average among the Vice Admirals. Overall, Jabra had a slight edge, and as long as he remained cautious, he should secure a solid victory.
"Vice Admiral Yamakaji will face Kaku. Yamakaji wields a sword, and his robust defense is highly regarded."
"I see. So, this will be a good experience for me, given the challenge. An opponent with a decisive edge."
"Exactly. Well, I do have something that might help you with that challenge, but I'll talk about that later."
The intention here was to expose Kaku to a durable opponent. Additionally, this would provide an opportunity for Kaku to further master the Devil Fruit ability he was planning to eat later.
"And lastly, regarding Admiral Kuzan, it's not about CP versus the Navy. Nevertheless, it's crucial that we don't underestimate him... Pochi, take him down."
"Understood!"
Apologies to Admiral Kuzan, but I decided to let Pochi handle this one. Well, a battle against an Admiral-level opponent will be a valuable experience for Pochi. Considering his abilities, there's no way Pochi would lose. What's more concerning is whether he'll accidentally destroy the venue...
With the announcement of the joint training completed, there was another matter to attend to.
"Now, onto the next matter. Kaku, Kalifa, Fukurou, Kumadori, step forward. Pochi, fetch that for me."
"Yes!"
Following my instructions, the four stepped forward. Pochi brought a box, from which I took out four Devil Fruits and arranged them on the desk.
"I asked each of you before, and I've arranged Devil Fruits for you."
"Whoa, Chief, that's amazing. You actually got four of them? That's at least four hundred million...!"
"Actually, they were more than happy to provide them when I made the request..."
Answering Jabra's surprise, I explained that they were quite eager to prepare the Devil Fruits. Indeed, the response came quickly, and within a few days, we had received four Devil Fruits.
"What's this? Did you do something recently to earn such rewards...?"
"Recently, I annihilated a rebel force of several thousand... about that scale."
"Are you sure about that!?"
Well, it was for my father's request, but the achievement would indeed be attributed to me... It seems the Revolutionary Army had cooperated, so in a sense, we had managed to diminish their strength. Given this, rewarding us wasn't unreasonable...
"Well, whatever. Now, regarding these Devil Fruits, I've arranged them for each of you."
"Woah, Chief, seriously? You arranged four of them? That's like, at least four hundred million..."
"In fact, they were quite eager to provide them..."
Surprising Jabra, I explained. In truth, they had responded quite eagerly to the request, and within a short span, we had these four Devil Fruits on hand.
"What's this? Have you been up to something recently, leading to them wanting to reward you so...?"
"Just recently, I wiped out a rebel force of several thousand..."
"Are you serious!?"
Well, it was at the request of my father, but the credit would still go to me... The Revolutionary Army had apparently lent a hand, so in a way, we had succeeded in reducing their strength. Given these circumstances, rewarding us wasn't out of the question...
"Well, anyway, this Devil Fruit matter. I plan to decide who gets what through a lottery to ensure fairness. However, if any of you have a strong desire for a specific Devil Fruit, speak up."
"......."
"It seems there aren't any such desires. Very well, then. Choose one of these four pieces of paper, and it will correspond to the number on the Devil Fruit."
Four folded pieces of paper were placed, and they made their selections. While it was just an assumption, unless I intentionally tried to change things, destiny would likely stay close to the original story... As expected, Kakku drew the paper with the number corresponding to the Ushi Ushi no Mi, and Kalifa picked the Awa Awa no Mi.
"Now, each of you, consume the Devil Fruit assigned to you, and gather at the training ground for an ability confirmation. If anyone else wishes to observe, feel free."
***
"GYAHAHAHA, K-Kaku, you... this is just too amazing!"
"K-kukuku... quite impressive, I must say..."
"What's so funny? I'm loving it!!"
Seeing Kaku transformed into a giraffe-human hybrid, Jabra and Fukurou burst into laughter. The exchange between Jabra and Kaku was reminiscent of the original story.
"Well, simply put, Zoan-types that enhance physical strength work well with Rokushiki. You're laughing, Jabra... but with Kaku becoming an ability user, he has surpassed you in overall strength."
"What!?!"
"If he learns to master his abilities, he'll become even stronger. If you don't want to be left behind, train with determination."
"Hahaha, you've got a point. Sorry, Jabra, I might end up widening the gap."
"Oh, you're getting cocky, huh? Prepare yourself, I'll overtake you again soon!!"
As the two glared at each other, I gave the instruction for them to accompany Jabra to confirm their abilities, then proceeded to check the abilities of the other members.
"How is it? Have you grasped your abilities to some extent?"
"Yes. It seems the Awa Awa no Mi grants the power to become a so-called 'soap human.' It has a wide range of applications, such as weakening others' strength when applied. However, due to its bubbly nature, it's likely susceptible to water. Also, be aware that excessive Haki can negate the abilities, but Haki isn't limitless. You could deliberately exhaust an opponent's Haki by making them block your ability. Well, try various strategies."
"Understood."
Paramecia-type abilities can have a wide range of applications depending on how they are used. With training, they can evolve into powerful abilities. If they can awaken the ability to affect their surroundings, they might even approach Logia-level combat.
Alright, that's settled. The abilities are the same as in the original story... The issue lies with Fukurou and Kumadori, who were not ability users in the original story. What could the Devil Fruits they ate possibly be?
"... Wait, Fukurou. Is that your appearance... Dharma?"
"Chapa!? It's Fukurou! The Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Owl!"
"No, I get that. I'm saying you look like Dharma even though you're Fukurou."
Seeing Fukurou with an appearance resembling a winged Dharma, Lucci responded with exasperation. It was a spot-on match for his current ability.
Fukurou having consumed the Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Owl was a kind of comical twist.
"... Well, if it's an Animal Zoan-type, the abilities should improve. There's also a possibility that due to its nature, it might have gained enhanced night vision. Make sure to verify the extent of your abilities, including nighttime activities."
"Chapa-pa, got it!"
After addressing Fukurou, I turned my attention to Kumadori. He was facing the wall, making a grand gesture, and then shouted loudly.
"Yoyoi!!!"
Accompanying his immense shout, a shockwave emanated from Kumadori's mouth, causing the wall to dent. Could it be... the Goe Goe no Mi? The ability to convert a loud voice into shockwaves, as demonstrated by Eldorago in the first movie.
Although characters from movies might exist in this world with different life trajectories from the movies themselves, either Eldorago never consumed a Devil Fruit in this world, or he's already deceased.
Bruno, who was nearby, held his ears with a pale face, suggesting that the amplified voice was quite powerful.
"What... what a loud voice... my ears hurt."
"Kumadori, make sure you can control that ability properly. Don't accidentally release shockwaves and destroy Enies Lobby, got it?"
"Yo-yo-yoi... u-understood."
For now, to prevent shockwaves from being unleashed every time he boasts, it's best to nail down the control in advance.
Why would someone who's already quite noisy gain an ability to become even louder?... It's too flashy. Well, considering Kumadori's build and appearance were flamboyant to begin with... thinking of it that way, this ability might actually suit him.
Well, for now, everyone except Pochi and me has become an ability user. They still need thorough training to master their abilities, but their overall combat capabilities have significantly increased.
It feels like the day when everyone can participate in New World missions is getting closer.
***
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