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The scene remained unchanged as always. A massive black vortex continued to spin within a towering, hundred-meter-high portal.
Since the establishment of this spatial portal, Anos had never stepped into it. As for what the state of Skypiea was now, no one could say.
The lack of communication from there wasn't just due to its impracticality it was also unnecessary and an energy drain.
Standing before the portal, Fujitora couldn't see its form, but his advanced observation haki painted a vivid picture in his mind: a colossal and mysterious construct.
Despite his blindness, every detail around him unfolded clearly in his mental perception.
Fujitora's curiosity grew, fueled by the strangeness of this phenomenon, which he had noticed upon first arriving in this kingdom.
The unfathomable depth and peculiar aura it exuded intrigued him to no end.
"What exactly is this?"
Fujitora asked, his expression grave.
He sensed this wasn't ordinary by any means, but its purpose eluded him. He could only voice his question directly.
"This is a space portal," Anos replied without hesitation. "Once a corresponding portal is established elsewhere, it allows instantaneous travel to any corner of the world."
Abona, standing nearby, shared the same scepticism as others like Suzu. Why would His Majesty lead an outsider to such a classified site?
However, unlike others, Abona could sense Fujitora's overwhelming strength so much so that it eclipsed his own by a wide margin.
Fujitora furrowed his brows as he listened, then slowly opened his eyes, revealing only their white sclera.
He strained to "see" the portal through his mind's eye, feeling both awe and intense curiosity.
"Space teleportation?" he muttered. "Could it be the work of a Space-type Devil Fruit? And to think it's been developed to this extent…"
"Would you be interested in stepping through and taking a look, Mr. Fujitora?" Anos asked, his tone calm.
"If it's possible," Fujitora replied, "I'd like to know what lies on the other side of this so-called space portal."
Without hesitation, Anos raised his hand. A flicker of blue light shot into the portal's frame, and the swirling black vortex grew deeper and more ominous.
"Since you're so curious, Mr. Fujitora, let us explore it together," Anos said with a faint smile. "Perhaps you might even offer some insight."
Fujitora chuckled softly. "Insight? I'm not sure I'll be of much help."
His tone was genuine. The phenomenon before him was unlike anything he had encountered, and the concept of a Space-type Devil Fruit wielding such power was utterly alien.
Without further hesitation, Fujitora stepped into the portal, his staff tapping rhythmically against the ground. Anos and Abona followed closely behind.
Moments later, their surroundings transformed entirely.
As they emerged on the other side, two guards stationed there immediately grew wary at the sight of unfamiliar faces.
They began preparing for a potential conflict, but their tension dissipated as Anos stepped through.
"It's His Majesty the King!" one guard exclaimed.
Recognizing him instantly, the guards lowered their weapons and stood at attention, saluting respectfully.
"Your Majesty!" they greeted in unison as Anos approached.
"Thank you for your diligence," Anos replied with a polite nod.
Meanwhile, Fujitora tapped his staff lightly against the ground, his observation of Haki spreading out like ripples.
The full scope of their new surroundings materialized in his mind a vast and astonishing sight.
The Immense size of Skypiea, coupled with the presence of tens of thousands of soldiers undergoing rigorous training, left Fujitora visibly stunned.
"This… This is far beyond what I imagined," Fujitora murmured. "And to think, this base is on Skypiea."
"Have you been to Skypiea before, Mr. Fujitora?" Abona asked curiously.
"I have," Fujitora admitted, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "Many years ago. But the Skypiea I remember is nothing like this. The transformation is remarkable."
"I didn't expect you to have visited Skypiea!" Anos remarked, his tone one of mild surprise.
In Anos's experience, very few had ventured to Skypiea. However, given Fujitora's status as a well-traveled individual, it wasn't entirely unexpected.
"What truly astonishes me," Fujitora said, turning to Anos, "is not just the existence of this space portal. The real surprise lies in the Tru Kingdom's ability to maintain a military base here with tens of thousands of soldiers. Their strength surpasses that of ordinary Marines."
Fujitora's observation wasn't mere flattery. Among Marine ranks, only those proficient in Rokushiki techniques often rose to commanding positions.
By contrast, the average Marine soldier typically lacked such advanced skills.
Yet here, on Skypiea, even the ordinary troops trained with exceptional rigour.
The Tru Kingdom's military reform had clearly borne fruit. Soldiers were trained in the basics of Rokushiki, with some mastering one or two techniques, earning their place among the special forces stationed here.
Though costly, this investment had elevated the Tru Kingdom's military might considerably.
The special forces on Skypiea, numbering over 10,000, consumed resources comparable to those of the kingdom's 500,000-strong domestic army.
This strategic shift, though resource-intensive, ensured the kingdom's military remained highly capable and adaptable, securing its strength in an ever-changing world.
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