The technology of the Germa Kingdom was indeed impressive in this world, but they relied too heavily on it. Without the power of their technology, they were practically nothing.
As Kaku suggested, since they were already there, they might as well make the most out of it.
Using Germa's technology to modify their ship was a move that held more pros than cons.
Takumi was definitely in favor of Kaku's small suggestion.
Judge never expected Takumi to demand something like that, but he had no other choice now.
"Fine, I agree," Judge said, his face grim.
Takumi glanced at Kaku and said, "Have Enel bring the ship over here."
Kaku grinned and gave a thumbs-up before heading back to the ship.
When Enel saw Kaku return, he immediately tried to shift the blame. "It wasn't me who broke the ship's hull; it was those curly-browed family members."
Kaku casually looked at the heavily corroded door and the hole in the wall, shrugging, "Broken is broken. It's not a big deal."
"Huh?" Enel's mouth twitched in surprise. "What happened to you? Normally, when I break the ship, you go nuts. But today, you aren't angry?"
"That's because I don't have to fix it this time." Kaku smirked. "Captain wants you to bring the ship to Germa's main battleship. After this, the Germa people will be responsible for modifying it."
"Another modification?" Enel said, exasperated. "Didn't you just finish building this ship a few months ago? It's just the door and wall that got damaged. Do we really need a full overhaul?"
"Of course we do. If we can incorporate Germa's technology into our ship, our future travels will be much more convenient. Stop talking and get moving. Captain is waiting for us," Kaku urged.
"Yeah, yeah, I got it..." Enel grumbled, then steered the ship towards Germa's main battleship.
When Enel and Kaku arrived, Takumi handed Enel a rather important task.
"From now until the ship modification is complete, I want you to keep an eye on all of Germa's people."
With just a few casual words, Takumi nearly made Enel spit blood.
"All of them?" Enel asked, annoyed. "How am I supposed to keep watch? Twenty-four hours a day?"
"Too hard for you?" Takumi asked, amused.
Though Enel's "Mantra" was similar to Observation Haki, it was different in a few ways. With Enel's abilities, he could even monitor people while asleep if he wanted. Takumi was confident Enel could handle this job.
Judge hadn't expected Takumi to say they would be monitored, and by only one person at that. Germa Kingdom had dozens of battleships—could one person really monitor all those ships and all those people simultaneously?
Right now, Judge had no choice but to go along with Takumi's demands. He needed to find an opportunity to inform the Navy or the World Government about Takumi's presence in the North Blue.
"How do you plan on modifying the ship?" Judge asked.
Takumi pointed at Kaku, "Kaku will be in charge of overseeing the modifications. You have one month to complete it. If it's not finished in time, the Germa Kingdom will cease to exist."
Judge was stunned.
Kaku stroked his long nose and grinned. "Our captain always means what he says. Though one month is quite tight, given the technological prowess of your kingdom, you should be able to get it done."
Judge's face twitched, his fists clenched as he spoke through gritted teeth, "Fine. One month. I hope that, after a month, you'll keep your promise and leave."
"That's a joke." Enel sneered. "Since when is it up to you to decide when we leave?"
Kaku added, "Whether we leave or stay, whether you live or die, it's all up to our captain. You'd best not struggle needlessly; it's futile. Trust me."
Judge didn't respond.
"Fine. I understand," Judge finally said, suppressing the anger boiling inside him.
"Find us a place to stay," Takumi commanded nonchalantly. Then, looking at Enel, he added, "From now on, monitor every ship in Germa. If anyone leaves your range, kill them."
"One more thing," Kaku added, "If anyone tries to make a phone call, kill them too."
At the mention of killing, Enel perked up. "Alright, I'm in. Haha, this month, the Thunder God will show them what it means to be dominated by fear."
Judge, despite his resentment, had no choice but to swallow his pride.
Later, Judge arranged accommodations for Takumi, Kaku, and Enel.
He also ordered his research team to follow Kaku's instructions and begin drafting the ship modification plans.
Judge himself, assisted by his subordinates, went to the medical bay where his four children were undergoing emergency treatment.
"Your Majesty Judge, you're here," the chief physician greeted Judge upon seeing him enter.
Judge waved a hand, indicating for him to continue his work.
Looking at his four children, all badly electrocuted and still unconscious, Judge asked with a grim expression, "How are they?"
The chief physician shook his head. "The situation isn't optimistic. Fortunately, our medical equipment is highly advanced, which is why Prince Ichiji and the others are still alive. In my professional opinion, it will be at least three days before they regain consciousness."
"Good. As long as they survive," Judge said, nodding as he let out a sigh of relief.
To him, his children were nothing more than tools to help him dominate the North Blue. To make them stronger, Judge had subjected them to lineage factor modifications even before they were born.
Those who underwent the lineage factor modification were born with superhuman physical abilities and developed an "exoskeleton"—their skin became tougher, and their recovery abilities were heightened, but they lost their emotions.
Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji were all thoroughly modified, devoid of any emotions.
Only Reiju and the abandoned Sanji retained their emotions.
Unlike Sanji, Reiju couldn't resist Judge's orders, despite retaining her emotions. She had no choice but to obey.
Reiju was kind-hearted and empathetic. Even when her family faced ruin in the future, she thought of her brother Sanji and urged him to flee. However, influenced by her family's cruelty, she sometimes had to act cold to protect herself. For example, when she saw Sanji being bullied as a child, she publicly mocked him, not wanting to be dragged into his troubles.
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