Distributing Devil Fruits

Julian planned to strengthen the members of his pirate crew. He still had three Devil Fruits in his safe, and he intended to give the Paramecia Devil Fruit, the Gale-Gale Fruit, to Herbert. Herbert had trained in Gale Style Swordsmanship from the start, and the Gale-Gale Fruit was also a Calamity-level Devil Fruit. It could control Hurricane Power, lacking only Elementalization compared to Dragon's Logia.

Of the remaining two Devil Fruits, one would go to Rekdon, the First Squadron Captain of the First Division, while the second would go to Landikrio, the Second Squadron Captain of the First Division. The Squadron Captains of the other divisions were weaker than those two.

Julian thought to himself, It's fine. They can all be cultivated gradually in the future. When the time comes, I'll head to the New World, Punk Hazard, and the World Government's research center to snatch scientists like Vegapunk and Caesar Clown.

Julian thought to himself, It would be best if I could obtain Vegapunk's lineage factor cloning technology and Artificial Devil Fruit technology. At this point in time, Caesar Clown hasn't yet blown up the World Government research center on Punk Hazard. There are plenty of research materials in there. That Artificial Devil Fruit, the Mythical Zoan Azure Dragon Form, is even stronger than ordinary Mythical Zoans and possesses several elemental abilities.

Julian intended to replicate several more of those Artificial Devil Fruits, the Azure Dragon Form. Kaido was in Wano Country, so all he needed was some blood. Then he could form a whole squad of Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit users. Once he took them out, they would be unstoppable. Who would dare stand in his way?

Julian calculated that there were still more than ten years until the Punk Hazard explosion. Caesar Clown was still a young man, working as Vegapunk's assistant. His ideas were rather extreme, but he still did not dare oppose Vegapunk. Julian planned to take Sky Island first, then secretly lead his men to swallow up the entire World Government Research Center, seize complete control of it, and bring it to Sky Island.

Julian also had many concerns regarding Vegapunk. Vegapunk was still researching Mother Flame. Julian said, "If the robbery fails, the World Government will hunt us down. Void King Im might even personally act to wipe out the Mud Dragon Pirates."

Julian thought that if Dr. Vegapunk's Mother Flame appeared ten or so years later, it would weaken Saint Im. That Mother Flame was definitely the Energy Activator that powered Uranus. A single strike could wipe out the Lulusia Kingdom. Julian said, "It's terrifying. This is the Technological Power of the Pirate World." Julian thought to himself, And Im has basically never acted from Eight Hundred Years ago until now.

Julian had no intelligence whatsoever. He only knew that Im had undergone the Immortality Surgery, was a Multiple Devil Fruit User, and could even deploy a Spatial Barrier. He was terrifying beyond measure. He had also granted the Gorosei eight hundred years of life. None of them were opponents to be taken lightly.

Julian thought to himself, Sure enough, Joy Boy has to be the one. No one else is qualified to challenge Saint Im. With just a few Marine Admirals, hardly anyone would dare go. Julian thought to himself, First, I'll interfere with Dr. Vegapunk's progress on Mother Flame. That will indirectly affect the Celestial Dragon Government.

Julian thought to himself, Vegapunk is also secretly researching the hundred-year Void Century. He ate the Paramecia Devil Fruit, the Brain-Brain Fruit, and even divided his brain among six clones. Vegapunk himself truly is a scientist who loves peace.

Julian thought that even if he could not seize Vegapunk, he could not let him develop Mother Flame so easily. Once that happened, who knew how many levels the World Government's strength would rise? Julian felt that if the Celestial Dragon Government defeated Luffy in the future, this world would be ruled by them for another eight hundred years.

Julian felt that even occupying Sky Island would not be entirely safe. In the end, he had already made up his mind. He would cultivate more Devil Fruit users and accumulate strength. Even without Joy Boy, his Sky Island had to possess the power to protect itself. Julian thought to himself, I'll distribute the Common Zoan Devil Fruits. I'll keep the Mythical Zoans and the exceptionally powerful Devil Fruits for myself.

The Rumble-Rumble Fruit could go to Alice. As for the remaining Devil Fruits, he would decide later.

The next morning, Julian contacted Herbert through a Den Den Mushi. "Old Sen, come over for a moment. I have something to discuss with you." Julian then contacted George and asked him to bring Rekdon and Cleo over.

Herbert knocked on Julian's door. Julian said, "Come in, Old Sen." Herbert asked, "What are your orders, Captain?" Julian pulled a Devil Fruit from his body and said to Herbert, "This is the Paramecia Devil Fruit, the Gale-Gale Fruit. It's a Calamity-level Devil Fruit." Julian continued, "You're already very strong. You're only a little short of being able to unleash Flying Slashes with your swordsmanship. Now, there's a shortcut to make you even stronger. Once you break through to Swordmaster, your Flying Slashes will become even more powerful. This strength will greatly improve you."

After saying all that in one breath, Julian saw Herbert's hesitation and continued, "The realm of a Swordmaster should embrace all rivers and never confine itself to one path. Whether it's swordsmanship, Devil Fruits, or Sword Skills, they are all your strength. You must learn to draw on the strengths of others and make all your power work together. Don't hesitate. Strength is strength. Take it." Julian handed the Devil Fruit to Herbert, who looked excited.

"Thank you, Captain. I was too stubborn in the past. Now I understand that I must integrate everything and embrace all rivers." With that, Herbert took out the Devil Fruit and devoured it in huge bites.

Julian looked at Herbert's resolute expression approvingly. "Herbert, you truly are a man with a will of steel. That Devil Fruit tastes awful. Don't you feel anything at all?" Herbert answered earnestly, "Anything given to me by Captain is the best thing in the world. No matter how awful it tastes, I will eat it without hesitation." He even smiled afterward.

Julian said, "We're all good brothers. Don't be so formal." He continued, "All right, Herbert, hurry and familiarize yourself with your Devil Fruit ability. In the future, when the fleet is sailing, you can use the Gale-Gale Fruit to speed us up." Herbert replied, "Understood, Captain," before leaving directly.

Julian called toward the door, "Rekdon and Cleo, both of you come in." Julian was also very familiar with these two. He often encouraged them during training, and both had learned Soru from Marine Rokushiki. Rekdon was a sixteen-year-old youth, nearly 2.2 meters tall. He looked like an honest, dependable fellow, with a very short crew cut, standing a head shorter than Julian.

Julian took out the Lizard Fruit, Ancient Zoan Deinosuchus Form, and handed it to Rekdon. Julian said, "Rekdon, this Devil Fruit is for you. You must develop its abilities properly, understand?"

Julian continued, "It's an extremely powerful Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit." Rekdon was thrilled and asked Julian, "Captain, is this really for me? It's even an Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit, like Big Brother George's Devil Fruit."

Julian said, "Take it. Train hard, and don't waste this Devil Fruit, understand?" Rekdon accepted it excitedly and immediately began eating.

Julian then said, "This is the Bomb-Bomb Fruit, with terrifying destructive power. Cleo, take it and train hard, understand?" Cleo hurriedly nodded. "I'll work hard. Thank you, Captain." Julian guided Cleo in developing his Devil Fruit ability, afraid Cleo would go astray and use boogers to make bombs, creating disgusting techniques.

Julian told Cleo to release his Devil Fruit ability through his hands, such as Air Bombs. He could imitate Kuma a little. If he developed it to the point of awakening, he could create Spatial Bombs capable of destroying heaven and earth, or develop the power into his fists so that one punch would make his opponent explode.

Rekdon's Devil Fruit was formidable. He could transform into a twenty-meter-long giant crocodile. Even after repeatedly developing his fruit, George could only transform into a Great Bear Form that was twenty-two meters long and nine meters tall at the shoulder. Any Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit had a body far larger than a Common Zoan, perhaps seven or eight times larger.

Julian instructed Rekdon to quickly develop his Beastman Form. Zoans had three forms. The first was the normal human form, the second was the animal form, and the third was the Hybrid Form. All three were very powerful. Even in Deinosuchus Form, he could not swim, because Devil Fruit users feared seawater. If he went swimming in the sea, he would be unable to move and would ultimately drown.

Julian also warned Rekdon not to stubbornly go swimming in the ocean just to test whether a crocodile feared water. He then told the two of them to train more whenever they had time. They nodded and left Julian's captain's quarters.

Today was the first day of the new year. Julian hung several strips of red cloth around the ship, turning the Mud Dragon into a festive sight. He then brought Beatrice and Alice to sit aboard the ships of the various Division Captains for a while, checking in on them. He also handed out red envelopes to every crew member aboard the Division Captains' ships, each one filled with Berries.

Julian added, "Everyone is free to do as they please for the next few days. Go into the city and have fun." All the Division Captains replied, "Understood, Captain," before leading their crews into the city to enjoy themselves.

Julian returned to the ship and went straight to sleep. Over the past half year, he had not dared sleep until he woke naturally. He got up at seven every morning. Today, he needed to have a proper afternoon nap.

That night, the Mud Dragon Pirates held another banquet. Julian brought Beatrice and Alice along to drink with everyone. Today, he planned to truly have fun with them. At night, he took out playing cards and dice to play with everyone. Julian gave everyone two days off, but Herbert was nowhere to be seen. Julian brought some alcohol to find him and discovered that he had already broken through to the realm of Swordmaster.

Julian was delighted. He brought Herbert to the raised platform above the banquet hall's dance floor, picked up a microphone, and announced, "Everyone, congratulate Division Captain Herbert! He has become a Swordmaster. From now on, the Mud Dragon Pirates have gained another great expert!"

Julian continued, "Let's all cheer for Herbert!" As soon as he finished speaking, the crew began applauding and cheering for Herbert. Allison cheered the loudest. He greatly admired Herbert, who often taught Allison swordsmanship.

George and Pekki were not interested in swordsmanship, but they were very interested in sparring. Everyone trained and exchanged martial arts together, and before they knew it, their bonds had grown very deep. Herbert also had his own personal charm. He never withheld knowledge, was extremely generous, and treated the other Division Captains and crew members with great kindness. He had an excellent reputation aboard the ship.

Herbert took the microphone and shouted, "For the rest of my life, I will be grateful for Captain's great kindness! He saved me, sought out all kinds of Sword Skills for me, and gave me a path to become stronger!" He wore an expression of profound gratitude. Julian thought to himself, This worker is going to stay on this ship for life.

Julian knew it was time to improve the benefits. He said, "I hereby announce that Zelda Herbert will become the First Mate of the Mud Dragon Pirates from now on. Everyone, applaud!" All the crew members began applauding for Herbert. Julian continued, "From today onward, everyone must cooperate with First Mate Herbert."

The crew shouted, "Long live the First Mate!" Julian immediately said to Herbert, "See? This is what the people want. The Mud Dragon Pirates will depend on you from now on." Julian raised Herbert's right hand and shouted at the crowd, "Let's work together! Let's make the Mud Dragon Pirates the strongest pirate crew in the world!" All the crew members cheered, "Long live the Mud Dragon Pirates!"

Julian looked at the cheering crowd and thought with a smile, Workers really need to hear slogans from time to time. This is the power that comes from bonds. Julian then continued making arrangements, appointing Rekdon, the First Squadron Captain of the First Division, as the Fourth Division Captain. Just like that, under Julian's arrangements, everyone took up their respective duties.