Judge's Narrow-Mindedness and Lack of Vision
Upon hearing Ortolan bring up this serious matter, Judge instinctively sat up straighter and nodded seriously. "Yes, I have thought it through."
Before Ortolan could speak, Judge quickly continued, "After this, Germa will open all research opportunities to you."
That's right, the most basic requirement that Ortolan gave to Judge was to open up Germa's technology.
Germa's technology is actually quite advanced.
Although many things overlap with Punk Hazard, such as clones, Punk Hazard's Marine Science Unit also has this.
However, when it comes to military technology, Ortolan cannot make a move.
Therefore, the repetitive technology on Germa's side is somewhat valuable to him.
Aside from these repetitive things, Ortolan was somewhat interested in technologies like granting superpowers.
But overall, this request is actually a way for Judge to show his sincerity.
While Ortolan might not care much about these technologies, Germa definitely does; they are fundamental to their success.
The fact that Ortolan made such a demanding request meant that Judge's Achilles' heel would be in Ortolan's hands from then on.
After all, Ortolan had never cooperated with Judge before, and there was no basis for trust between them.
He suddenly came up and said he wanted to join him. Without any other support, Ortolan would definitely want to control this guy's weakness. Otherwise, how could there be any talk of trust?
How could we possibly treat him as one of our own?
Ortolan listened to Judge's answer and nodded in satisfaction, "Very good, this way we can both feel more at ease."
After a slight pause, Ortolan continued, "What about my second request?"
Judge smiled helplessly, "I have already agreed to the first request, so I will not refuse the second one. Since the Admiral needs me, I am happy to serve Admiral."
"Haha, then it's a pleasure to cooperate." Ortolan laughed heartily.
Ortolan's second request to Judge was that Judge stay in the New World and serve as his research advisor, responsible for establishing a research department for the New World Marines.
To put it simply, Ortolan plans to separate some operations from the Logistics Department currently managed by Tesoro and hand them over to Judge, who is more specialized in the field.
This includes Mugen, which is currently collaborating with the Big Mom Pirates.
There is also the development of new technologies for warships, as well as some technologies that Ortolan had previously acquired from the Science Unit but which have not yet been deployed.
He planned to build a department around Judge, specifically to help him solve the research problems encountered by the New World Marines.
"I brought you here to the Golden City because we need your help. I got some new technologies from Dr. Vegapunk from the Science Unit, including climate control, holographic projection, and the like. I have the technical data, but we need a skilled researcher to implement these things and integrate them into the construction of the Golden City. You'll be in charge of this. Do a good job, show your talent, and earn everyone's respect. Only then can you truly be considered one of our own." Ortolan looked at Judge and said earnestly.
Upon hearing these words, Judge immediately nodded in agreement. "Yes, I will definitely complete these tasks you have assigned in the shortest possible time."
"Well, it just so happens that Tesoro and the others will be staying in the Golden City for a long time, so you can take this opportunity to get to know them." Ortolan made this arrangement first, and then continued, "Once you have done all these things, I will give you what you want from me."
Judge wasn't doing charity work; he eagerly handed over his estate to Ortolan because he had his own needs.
However, his needs were actually quite simple for Ortolan.
Judge hopes to restore Germa to its former status as a normal nation. By normal nation, he means having a fixed territory, no longer having to wander around like it does now, with the so-called 'territory' being organized by war houses.
In terms of strength, Judge is fully capable of seizing some places on his own and treating them as his own territory.
The reason they ended up like this is because the World Government doesn't allow them to possess these things. Therefore, under the restrictions of the World Government, Judge doesn't dare to make such a move. He can only hope that Ortolan can legally and compliantly help him solve this problem, which means that the World Government will no longer target Germa.
In the original story, Judge worked hard for many years within the World Government system, but in the end, he achieved nothing.
Therefore, he was completely disappointed and desperate with the World Government and decided to stop associating with it. However, doing so would inevitably offend the World Government, so he needed to find a powerful figure who could help him withstand the pressure from the World Government and mentor him.
So he chose to form a marriage alliance with the Big Mom Pirates. Charlotte Linlin was a ruthless person; she never intended to treat Judge as a human being. The so-called marriage alliance was nothing more than a way to legitimately devour Germa's capital.
With the Straw Hat Pirates' intrusion, Judge ultimately suffered a net loss. He offended the World Government, was expelled from the Affiliated Nation, and failed to make a name for himself with the Big Mom Pirates. He has completely fallen into the Underworld world and probably has no chance of making a comeback.
After receiving Ortolan's promise, Judge was extremely excited.
He understood perfectly well that what was an incredibly difficult task for him was something that Ortolan could easily accomplish.
Because the two sides are worlds apart in terms of position, power, and importance to the World Government.
For example, there's no way that Judge could connect with the Five Elders, but Ortolan can communicate directly with them at any time. And many things that Judge finds difficult to do might be solved with just a Den Den Mushi.
"Thank you, Admiral! Thank you, Admiral!" Judge said excitedly.
"Don't get so worked up. Perhaps soon you'll realize that these things aren't so important anymore..." Ortolan smiled meaningfully.
Petty and narrow-minded—these are some of the opinions Ortolan had about Judge.
After all his begging and pleading, all he wanted was a Germa. It's no exaggeration to say that among Ortolan's core team, no one had a lower goal than him.
They both came from the North Blue, but look at how many people like Doflamingo are now, how flamboyant they've become.
He was almost about to become the godfather of the Marines's Fleet Admiral!
Then look at Judge, he's really degraded.
But on second thought, Doflamingo did fall from Mary Geoise, and as someone who once stood on the clouds, his vision and perspective are much broader than Judge's, which is understandable.
Vision and perspective can be cultivated. Ortolan believed that after being influenced by this group of people for a long time, Judge might open up his narrow-mindedness and think, "Why do I need Germa?"
Wouldn't it be great to join his big ship and become the new ruling class of the world?
After sending Judge away, Ortolan stretched and yawned, saying, "Hina, after this, is there anything else I need to do immediately, or any plans I need to make?"
Upon hearing this, Hina quickly pulled out Ortolan's travel itinerary, carefully checked it, and said, "The original plan was for you to go to Whole Cake Island in Totto Land Totto Land to visit the Big Mom Pirates, to discuss the Golden City and some other matters..."
But before Hina could finish speaking, Ortolan waved his hand and said, "I'm not going. The old woman is a very stubborn person, and it's impossible to reason with her. I'll go and show my filial piety to her when the time is right next time."
Hina didn't try to persuade her, but immediately crossed out the line and said, "Then there are no other arrangements."
"Well, since that's the case, let's inform Yixiao and have him come with me to the Skypiea." Ortolan nodded in agreement.
First, go to Skypiea and settle things with Shandora the Golden Country, then head to Fish-Man Island to meet King Neptune.
Once all these matters are settled, Ortolan's duties as the newly appointed Admiral of the Marines and his preliminary plans for the New World will be considered complete.
After that, it's just some routine tasks, and there's not much pressure.