Chapter 67: And so, the beginning unfolds
In the special training grounds at Enies Lobby. Among the first structures to be rebuilt as part of the Enies Lobby reconstruction plan, and with Lillith's assistance, a considerably robust place was established. I turn my attention to the figure who has fallen onto their back.
Though they hold a certain position, they've informed me that formalities aren't necessary, so I speak in a straightforward manner.
"...This isn't exclusive to just you, but individuals with formidable abilities often tend to rely heavily on those abilities. Naturally, having such abilities is an advantage, and honing them is not wrong... however, individuals of this type often find their options severely limited when confronted with opponents whose vulnerabilities lie beyond the scope of their abilities."
"...Uh, yeah... Well, you seem to be naturally leading into an explanation, but before that... Aren't you a bit too strong? I mean, I have my pride as an admiral, you know. I grasped that you're powerful, but I still thought I might hold my ground to some extent... Yet, with a mere flick of your thumb, all my attacks were effortlessly brushed aside. It's nothing short of despair..."
Conversing while still reclined on the ground is Admiral Aokiji, also known as Kuzan. Responding to Pochi's invitation after the previous joint training, he embarked on special training to refine himself, which is why I'm offering him a light sparring session.
Indeed, as an admiral, he must have been honed in areas beyond his abilities, and various aspects of his combat skills are highly developed... Yet, even so, it's within those limits.
"Well, you possess a comprehensive array of fundamental abilities, and your mastery of the Devil Fruit is remarkable. On a global scale, there's no doubt you stand among the most powerful individuals. However, that doesn't mean there's no room for improvement. In your case, your Devil Fruit mastery is already substantial, so you should focus on refining your physical prowess. Oh, and there's no need to use formalities with me. Use them appropriately when the situation calls for it..."
"...Yeah, got it. But well, you're right, when it comes to both your time as Chelsea and your time as... you, whenever you face an adversary impervious to your abilities and surpassing you in physical might, your offensive strategies tend to become quite limited. Haki, of course, but also revisiting combat techniques..."
Having a variety of training partners benefits me. Kuzan is undoubtedly a powerful contender, and sparring against someone with a natural Logia-type ability is a first for me.
This also encompasses reassessing tactics against foes with a broad range of abilities like natural Logias. There are numerous advantages.
"You have some grasp of Rokushiki... Very well, then let's not waste time. I'll assist you in honing that aspect."
"Uh... well... I mean, please go easy on me."
"Don't worry, I'm quite adept at restraining myself just enough to prevent causing fatal harm."
"Wait a minute!? Saying that you'll restrain yourself just enough to avoid killing me is akin to saying you'll subject me to torment until I'm nearly dead, isn't it!?"
"Even if that's what I'm saying?"
"Oh my... did I make a wrong decision here? Perhaps, inspired by the previous defeat and stirred by past fervor, I got a bit too enthusiastic and my actions led to failure... It's like I'm being expertly manipulated..."
"Alright, stand up. Let's resume."
"A merciless instructor, huh..."
Kuzan wore an expression that bordered on despair, yet he rises and takes a ready stance. He probably had a lot on his mind following his thorough defeat by Pochi. Despite his words, his eyes reveal determination.
Well, for now, it's the first day... Going easy on him is probably best... I'll give him a gentle pat on the back...
***
Kuzan started coming for occasional special training, diversifying the range of training partners, and the CP9 members' progress is also going well.
We assigned several missions in the New World, and they were all completed without any issues. Because of this, albeit indirectly, a message arrived from higher-ups suggesting they wanted to confirm if anyone had the intention to join CP0. I inquired with everyone, but the unanimous response was "none whatsoever."
In the original storyline, members like Lucci and Kaku seemed to belong to CP0... Well, it's different from the original... Mainly influenced by the way Tama treats me with more respect than herself, the atmosphere has gradually shifted toward CP9 being at the top of CP. As long as they're content with the current state and don't wish for it, I think it's fine.
While contemplating these things, I was engaged in paperwork. Then, a package I had been expecting arrived, so I headed to the gate of Enies Lobby with it.
Upon reaching the gate, I spotted the gatekeepers, Oimo and Kashi, so I called out to them.
"Oimo, Kashi, may I have a moment?"
"Ain't that the boss? Got somethin' ya need from us?"
"There's something I want to discuss... You two made a contract 50 years ago, agreeing to serve as gatekeepers for 100 years in exchange for the release of the former captains of the Giant Pirate Crew and the World Government, right?"
The ones I needed to talk to were Oimo and Kashi. These two were members of the Giant Pirate Crew, led by Dorry and Brogy, who appeared during the Little Garden Arc in the original storyline. They were captured on their way to retrieve Dorry and Brogy, who had started a duel 100 years ago, and were falsely informed that the two were imprisoned in Impel Down by the World Government.
As a condition for releasing Dorry and Brogy, they entered into a contract to serve the government for 100 years. In the original storyline, they were deceived by Usopp, who revealed the government's lies, and they sided with the Straw Hat crew.
"Yeah, at first we couldn't believe it..."
"If someone as monstrously powerful as you exists, it's possible even the incredibly strong big bosses could've been captured."
"Speaking of which, we did some research... We couldn't confirm the fact that the two giants you refer to as the red ogre Brogy and blue ogre Dorry are being held in Impel Down."
"What!?"
Leaving gatekeepers who might potentially betray in their current state wasn't a good idea, so I intended to reveal the truth to these two and release them. However, it took time to investigate whether there were other giant tribes employed under similar conditions by the Navy or others, as well as to arrange certain matters. That's why it took until today.
"...It seems that someone 50 years ago negotiated with you two, seeking your strength, and lied. I apologize for that."
"I see... But, Chief, there's no need for you to apologize!"
"That's right! The ones at fault are the jerks who deceived us! We don't bear any grudge against the Chief. In fact, we're grateful for everything you've done for us."
By the way, these two weren't even being paid proper salaries, so I quickly made changes upon my arrival and ensured they received fair compensation and leave. Thanks to this, they never held any resentment toward me.
With this out of the way, I took out the items I had prepared.
"I'm glad you understand. Now, regarding Dorry and Brogy's current situation, I couldn't confirm that they are imprisoned as you described. However, there have been eyewitness reports from an island called Little Garden. It's likely the island where the duel took place. And this is the Eternal Pose for that island."
The item I had arranged was an Eternal Pose to Little Garden. However, considering that very few people have visited that island and it takes a year for the log to be filled, it was difficult to find.
"I've also prepared a ship for you two. Before discussing your plans moving forward, I suggest you visit the island together."
"Is that really okay?"
"Yes, if you find them there, discuss your plans for the future. You can return to Elbaf or come back here as gatekeepers. In the latter case, we will formalize a contract for your employment. Regardless, have a conversation after you meet them."
"We apologize for all the trouble, Chief."
"No, ultimately, it was the World Government's foolish lies that caused this. It's only natural to provide this level of support."
And so, I handed over the Eternal Pose to Little Garden and a large ship suitable for the two giants as a form of apology, and suggested that they visit Dorry and Brogy.
Afterward, whether they return or not is up to them. However, it's quite a predicament the World Government has put itself in. I understand their motives, but using deceptive methods like this carries substantial risks if exposed.
In the original storyline, when the two sided with the enemy, they became a significant force for the enemy side... Their actions are quite exasperating at times, causing considerable trouble.
***
After finishing the conversation with Oimo and Kashi, I returned to my office. Swiftly wrapping up the paperwork, I sat back, sipped the coffee that Pochi had brewed, and read the newspaper as usual.
While going through the newly issued bounties and such, my attention was drawn to one particular bounty poster, causing me to pause.
"Monkey D. Luffy, 30 million Berries"
So, it's finally reached the starting point of the original storyline. There's a certain profundity to it. Considering the timing of the bounty poster being issued after the Arlong battle, Luffy hasn't even entered the Grand Line yet.
But from here on, the pace is going to be relentless. While his arrival at Water 7 occurs after Alabasta and Skypiea, thinking that he'll reach Sabaody Archipelago within a year is an incredibly rapid progression.
The Enies Lobby arc is unlikely to happen, so the chances of meeting him are low... However, due to my alteration of the Enies Lobby events, I'm curious whether some sort of compensatory event might occur.
Well, regardless of that, it seems that various... things are about to get lively in the world.
***
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