Capítulo 208: Chapter 208: Gravity Homies
After the banquet, the major pirate crews went their separate ways, returning to their respective territories.
During this time, Charlotte Linlin dragged Li Yuan along to find Barrett, and together, they created twenty Gravity Homies. Linlin kept ten for herself, saying she wanted her children to use them for training, while the remaining ten were gifted to Li Yuan. These twenty Gravity Homies were created for free, thanks to Barrett supplying the materials.
In the recent battle, the Infinite Pirates lost around fifty thousand members. The main forces in the assault were from the Infinite Pirates and the Sky Pirates, so naturally, they suffered the heaviest casualties.
But such losses didn't bother Li Yuan in the slightest. To him, those who died weren't worthy of being part of the Infinite Pirates. Only those who survived the battlefield could truly be counted among their ranks.
Now, Li Yuan understood why Rocks recruited his crew so ruthlessly – only those who could endure bloodshed were true elite pirates.
"Captain, here are the Gravity Homies."
Standing on the Hades of the Underworld, Barrett approached and handed the twenty Homies to Li Yuan.
"Howard, Ashura Doji, take these Gravity Homies. They're fantastic for body conditioning under gravitational force."
Li Yuan distributed the Gravity Homies to those he valued, such as Ashura Doji. These devices could adjust gravity up to fifteen times, an invaluable tool for training.
Having trained his own body under gravity, Li Yuan knew firsthand the benefits of gravitational resistance. With these Homies, his subordinates would be able to increase their strength significantly and at a faster pace.
"Thank you, Captain! I used to borrow Barrett's gravity training, but now I won't have to anymore!" Ashura Doji said cheerfully. He'd always joined Barrett's sessions whenever possible.
"Haha, I look forward to seeing how much you all grow! Let's head back."
Li Yuan laughed heartily at the enthusiasm of his crew.
Once back in the Infinite Sea, he ordered his crew to disband, each returning to their homes for a well-deserved break. The five-day war had left many mentally exhausted, and they all needed some time to unwind.
Li Yuan also needed a break, eager to spend time with his wife and children.
"Daddy! Daddy! Hold me, hold me!"
As soon as four-year-old Ares saw Li Yuan return, he dashed over with open arms.
"Well, if it isn't Ares! Have you been listening to your mother?"
Li Yuan picked Ares up in his arms.
"Daddy, Ares has been very obedient."
Ares' big, gleaming eyes twinkled mischievously. Li Yuan couldn't help but notice the hint of slyness in his gaze. This little one wasn't as innocent as he seemed!
"Husband, it's time to eat."
Yadina emerged from the living room, her face lighting up with joy at the sight of Li Yuan.
"All right, Ares, let's go eat."
Li Yuan carried Ares toward the dining room.
Soon, Yadina called for Shaqi, Razili, and Weizhuang to join them, and the family sat down to a meal together.
After a satisfying dinner, Li Yuan reclined in a chair to rest. Yadina, busy with matters concerning the Infinite Pirates, had to leave. The recent battle had claimed many lives among their ranks.
Some of these fallen members left families behind, for whom the Infinite Pirates would provide compensation. This "death compensation" involved looking after the families of those who had died and granting a sum of money to help them. Only officers of the captain level or above were eligible for such benefits, a new policy that provided additional support.
This generous treatment made many in the Infinite Sea eager to join the Infinite Pirates. The benefits were unparalleled: captains received salaries, benefits for themselves and their families, and even a death gratuity.
"Esdeath, come here. Dad has a gift for you."
Li Yuan called out to Esdeath, who was trying to slip away, with a smile.
"A gift? Dad, what is it?"
Hearing the word "gift," Esdeath and the others dashed over, their eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Here, these are Gravity Homies, which can adjust gravity levels."
"When you wear them, you're not allowed to take them off. Start with the lowest gravity setting."
"Every year, you must increase the gravity by at least twofold. I'll be checking regularly. If you don't meet the standard, no allowance or treats for you."
Li Yuan chuckled as he handed out the Gravity Homies to Esdeath, Gai Nie, Weizhuang, Akame, and Faraday. As for four-year-old Ares, he was still too young, and Li Yuan decided to wait until he was older.
"Huh?"
The five kids stared wide-eyed. They'd expected some sort of treat, only to receive something that would "torture" them.
"All right, set it to 1.5 times gravity and give it a try."
Despite their reluctance, the children dared not disobey their father. Losing their treats and allowance would be too much to bear!
"It's so heavy!"
As they adjusted the gravity, it felt as if they were being weighed down by massive stones.
"Good, keep it on at all times – whether you're walking, bathing, sleeping, or training. Get used to it."
"A year from now, you should be comfortable at two times gravity. Two years from now, four times."
Li Yuan set a modest goal for the five, recognizing they were still young and needed to build strength gradually.
"Dad, it's so heavy! If I have to sleep like this, I won't be able to sleep at all." Akame whined, her voice filled with pleading.
"Akame, if you can't sleep, then don't. After two days, you'll be so tired that you'll be able to sleep standing up!"
"But since you've asked so nicely, I'll double your treats and allowance."
"Yay!"
Hearing this, Akame's worries vanished instantly. A doubled allowance and treats were too good to pass up! Esdeath could only shake her head at her sister's reaction, realizing Akame's love for food had made her forget the original reason for pleading.
"Razili, Shaqi, here are gravity bracelets for each of you. Wear them, gradually increase the weight, and adapt at your own pace."
Li Yuan handed gravity bracelets to Razili and Shaqi. Both possessed Devil Fruit abilities, and though they weren't frontline fighters, the Gravity Homies would subtly strengthen their bodies over time.
"Thank you, my love," Razili and Shaqi replied, smiling as they accepted the Homies.
"No need for thanks. If you really want to show gratitude, words won't be enough."
With a grin, Li Yuan wrapped his arms around Razili and Shaqi, leading them to the bedroom. The days of continuous battle had left him weary, but in the presence of his beloved wives, his fatigue seemed to vanish. He felt ready to keep fighting for days.
---
Navy Headquarters:
The recent defeat left the Navy's morale shattered, with even Admiral Zephyr in low spirits. But an even more devastating blow soon followed.
"What? My wife and child… How could they be in danger!"
Zephyr burst into the Fleet Admiral's office in a frenzy.
"Tsuru, please tell me my wife and child are safe!!"
Zephyr clung to the hope he saw in Tsuru's eyes, knowing she oversaw Navy intelligence, the most reliable source of information.
"Zephyr, calm down and listen. Your wife and child were attacked by pirates on Hormansk Island, but we haven't found any evidence of their deaths. There's still hope."
Tsuru spoke gently, hoping to steady Zephyr's nerves.
"Hormansk Island… Pirates… Damn them, I'll save them myself!"
With that, Zephyr stormed out of the office, leaving the Fleet Admiral with a heavy sigh.
"Tsuru, keep an eye on him. Our forces are already stretched thin, and we can't afford to lose Zephyr now."
"Yes, Fleet Admiral."
Tsuru understood well the depth of Zephyr's pain, knowing he had always been merciful even to pirates, earning him the moniker of the "Admiral Who Doesn't Kill."
But with his family in peril, this tragedy might push him to the breaking point.
As news of the World Government's defeat spread, oppressed people everywhere began rebelling, launching revolts, and taking to the seas as pirates. The seas surged with newfound chaos.
The Infinite Pirates received countless orders for weaponry. The demand was relentless.
"Husband, look at these weapon orders. Even if we took from our existing stock, it's nowhere near enough."
Yadina handed Li Yuan a stack of orders, seeking his advice – though, in truth, she simply wanted a moment to rest with him.
"Look into these orders, especially those under the table. See which factions are ordering them."
"Prioritize selling to factions hostile to the World Government or regions with frequent unrest. Then, new-world pirate factions, and finally underground groups."
"Don't supply too many at once. We need to draw this out. Preferably, let them trade in resources we need instead of berries – give preference to factions that offer materials in exchange."
Li Yuan's words put Yadina at ease as he gently massaged her temples.
"Yes, trade should be mutually beneficial. Let them offer what we need instead of dealing with middlemen. This streamlines the process."
"By the way, how's the construction of the Venice Colosseum coming along?"
"They started two years ago, but with the manpower and resources needed, it's only a third completed. However, if these recent
weapon orders go through, the process will speed up significantly. I estimate it could be ready in two more years."
Yadina curled up beside Li Yuan like a contented cat, savoring the moment of warmth and comfort.
"Two years, huh? Not too long." Li Yuan thought to himself. Though four years was a lengthy timeframe for a construction project, the sheer scale of the colosseum made the wait worthwhile.
---
Holy Land Mary Geoise:
"The World Summit is about to begin, but the growing piracy across the Four Seas and the Grand Line is concerning. Many kings have requested the World Government to send protection for themselves and their nations. Otherwise, they're threatening not to attend."
The God of Agriculture, Saint Peter, frowned as he spoke.
"In recent months, the Infinite Pirates have sold large quantities of advanced weaponry. These weapons have reached the Four Seas through various channels, fueling turmoil," said Saint Saturn, the God of War.
"Many forces have risen rapidly, overthrowing old powers and boosting pirate firepower to new levels, pinning down our marines."
"Saint Nasjuro," Saint Saturn continued, addressing the God of Finance, "you acquired some of the Infinite Pirates' weaponry for research. Can our own factories reproduce these weapons?"
Saint Nasjuro looked troubled. "The technology in these weapons is more advanced than expected. Replicating them would require significant time and resources. Without a better understanding of their manufacturing methods, we'd be relying on trial and error."
"Then what do you suggest we do?" Saint Piter asked with a deep sigh.
"The best course of action," Nasjuro replied, "would be to monitor the Infinite Pirates more closely, intercepting weapon shipments wherever possible, and pressuring the black-market dealers supplying these arms to the Four Seas."
Saint Piter's face darkened as he absorbed the suggestion. "If only it were that easy. This world, already frayed, may unravel faster than we can respond…"
A tense silence filled the room, each elder wondering how long their reign could withstand the surging tide of rebellion and pirate ambition.
For now, they could only hope the upcoming World Summit would provide some solution – or else the balance of power in the world was bound to tip.
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