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On the third day of a week-long publicity campaign, resumes had already begun to pour in. In this One Piece world, there are express and mail companies, though the most well-known is the one run by Shichibukai's Buggy Pirates.
During the past two days, Arthur had been guiding Raki, Yama, Wyper, and Naz on how to master their Devil Fruit abilities. Naz had shown great potential. After his evolution, he was expected to reach the level of a Quasi-Admiral, though he was still a little short. It was an unexpected development, and Arthur's understanding of the effects of IQ grass deepened with this progress.
Webber, on the other hand, displayed immense potential, possibly reaching the level of a lieutenant general or higher. With the synergy between his fruit ability and the Electric Shock Fruit (Shokku Shokku no Mi), Webber was also nearing Quasi-Admiral strength, possibly comparable to an emperor-level fighter. However, that was where his progression would halt for now.
Yana, gifted in her own right, had the potential to reach elite lieutenant strength. With the enhancement of IQ grass, she had stabilized at the top of the elite class. Her mastery of the Frozen Fruit could soon make her a match for an Admiral within a year or two. Arthur knew she would push beyond her limits with time.
As for Raki, while her natural talent wasn't as strong as Yama's or Wyper's, the unique nature of her Laser Fruit granted her immense potential. It was on par with the Glint-Glint Fruit, making her capable of reaching the Admiral level despite her more modest abilities. However, for now, she would need a few years to reach the level of Quasi-Admiral.
With these four under his command, Arthur knew that within the next two or three years, the Angel Empire would have a solid force of six Quasi-Admiral and emperor-level warriors. Urouge and Enel could very well rise to match the current Admirals, adding even more strength to the empire.
Jessica, with a talent close to Yama's, also had a bright future. Armed with the ( Neko Neko no Mi) Lion Fruit, there was a high chance she could become the third Admiral-level fighter within three years, but for now, Arthur was confident that she would at least reach Quasi-Admiral strength.
As Arthur was observing their progress, he received a sudden alert. A luxurious ship was approaching Dengtian Island, 30 kilometers away from the gateway to the sky island on the Grand Line. It bore the symbol of the Celestial Dragons, the loathed "Hoof of the Flying Dragon." Onboard were three Celestial Dragons, chatting smugly about Arthur's beautiful land.
"These fools," Arthur thought as he listened to their arrogant plans to take his land and enslave his people. They viewed the angels as nothing more than "untouchables" and lesser beings, comparable to the mermen they had oppressed for centuries.
Arthur's blood boiled as the report continued. More Celestial Dragons were following behind, and several of their bodyguards had already shot people who didn't bow in time. Arthur's eyes darkened as he clenched his fists. "These pigs," he muttered. Without hesitation, he gave orders, "I'll handle this," before disappearing in a flash of lightning, heading straight for the island.
Back at Marine Headquarters, things had also turned chaotic. Sengoku was furious as he slammed the table, staring down the colonel who had just reported the news. "What did you just say? Kaido disappeared for three days in the New World, and now he's appeared on the Grand Line?"
The colonel, visibly shaken by Sengoku's outburst, stammered, "Yes, sir! Kaido suddenly jumped into the sea three days ago. At first, we thought it was another one of his suicide attempts, but he hasn't been seen since. We've been searching, but he seems to have drifted into the Grand Line."
More than two hours earlier, a ship had spotted Kaido swimming in the Grand Line, heading towards the north and south. It was speculated that he might pass by Dengtian Island.
"Dengtian Island? Where is that?" Sengoku asked, frowning.
Lieutenant General Tsuru, who had joined them due to the urgent news, replied, "That's the gateway island of the Angel Empire, located at the edge of the Blue Sea."
Sengoku's frown deepened. "Kaido's target is the Angel Empire? Why?"
A flash of realization crossed Tsuru's face. "The empire has a dragon. It's said that it used to be a giant python, but a child found a Dragon Fruit and gave it to the creature. Kaido must be after the dragon!"
"Of course!" Sengoku said. "Kaido, as a Dragon Fruit user himself, wouldn't tolerate another dragon being used as a mount. But it's incredible that someone would give such a precious Mythical devil fruit to a python."
Tsuru, deep in thought, added, "The Angel Empire is now a member of the World Government. We need to send support. Kaido, as a great pirate, is the Marine's responsibility."
Sengoku grimaced. Kaido was notoriously difficult to manage. Marine had captured him several times, but they were unable to execute him, and he always escaped. They didn't even dare to imprison him in Impel Down, fearing that he might break out and release even more dangerous criminals.
"Garp! Aokiji!" Sengoku called out, addressing Garp, who was napping nearby, and Aokiji, who was lazily slouched in his chair.
*Pop!*
Garp's nose bubble burst, and he awoke with a blank expression. "Huh? What's going on?"
Sengoku's face darkened, ready to hit him, but he restrained himself and explained the situation once more. Garp, now fully alert, nodded. Defending against pirates in the World Government's territories was indeed their responsibility.
Tsuru spoke up, "Arthur, the leader of the Angel Empire, is strong—possibly with combat power rivaling that of an Admiral. Kaido may not be able to defeat him quickly, but we should still send reinforcements to prevent any irreversible consequences."
Under Sengoku's orders, Garp and Admiral Aokiji quickly boarded a ship and set off towards Dengtian Island. Meanwhile, Arthur had already arrived at the island, his face grim.
As soon as he landed on Dengtian Island, Arthur's perception locked onto a wounded angel soldier. The soldier, an ordinary war angel, lay in a pool of blood, clutching his stomach in pain.
Seeing that the soldier's life wasn't in danger, Arthur exhaled in relief. He had fought hard to unify the sky islands and become a king under the World Government, but it was not to let his citizens die at the hands of arrogant nobles.
Ignoring the three Celestial Dragons nearby, Arthur gave instructions to his people. "Take him to the medical facility on the island and treat his injuries immediately."
However, the Celestial Dragons could no longer contain their fury. How dare a mere king ignore them?
"Hey! You, king of the angel country, how dare you ignore us!" the tall, fat Celestial Dragon shouted.
Arthur turned around, his expression dark, as he stared at the three nobles. CP0 agents, wearing their distinctive white coats, tensed up at Arthur's movement.
The tall, fat Celestial Dragon shouted again, "Hey! You lowborn king, I'm talking to you!"
In an instant, Arthur's figure blurred. The CP0 agents, who were poised to react, found that Arthur had already moved. He now stood directly in front of the three Celestial Dragons, his eyes burning with fury.
"You fools! You dare come to my country and act recklessly?" Arthur snarled.
*Bang!*
The three Celestial Dragons screamed in pain as they were sent flying, blood spraying inside their bubble helmets, staining them red. Shocked, the CP0 agents couldn't believe what they had just witnessed. Arthur had struck the Celestial Dragons right in front of them.
"How dare you attack the Celestial Dragons!" one of the CP0 agents shouted, preparing to retaliate.
But before they could make a move, a thunderous roar echoed across the island.
"Arthur, you b*****d, give me that dragon!"
Kaido, the Beast, had arrived on Dengtian Island.