Devil Fruits Begin Distribution

The next morning, Julian summoned the division captains and the first mate to a meeting in the conference room. Julian said, "I plan to establish twelve intelligence squads. They don't need many members—just ten people per squad. Their codename will be the Twelve Dark Dragon Guards of our Flame Dragon Pirates. Every member will be a captain-level elite pirate. The first Dragon Guard will be codenamed Dragon One, the second Dragon Guard will be Dragon Two, and the twelfth squad will be Dragon Twelve."

Herbert said, "Captain, why the sudden decision to form such an elite squad?" Julian replied, "These Dark Dragon Guards will normally gather intelligence, collect information on various pirate crews, and track Navy movements. Their treatment will be the same as a squadron captain, but their rank is one step below a division captain. First, we establish twelve Dragon Guard squads, then select one Dragon General. Pick thirteen from among the division and squadron captains, and the strongest will be promoted to Dark Dragon General to lead the twelve Dark Dragon Guard captains."

Julian continued, "I also plan to strengthen the Dark Dragon Guard captains. I'll pick a few powerful ones and give them some Devil Fruits." Herbert said, "Everything will proceed according to the captain's wishes." All the division captains voiced their support. George said, "The captain truly plans ahead and can foresee everything! This Humble One's admiration for the captain is as vast as the ocean." Allison thought to himself, Damn, that flattering bear said all the good words. What's left for me to say?

Julian thought to himself, Yesterday I was planning to keep five Devil Fruits, but now I think that won't work. I have to give the Speed-Speed Fruit to this Dark Dragon General too. I need them to gather information, and without speed, it's no good. Julian also considered that on other islands, without eyes on the ground, relying entirely on the division captains to find information was too troublesome. It was better to establish a dedicated spy organization.

Julian said, "The World Government has the CP0 organization. Our Flame Dragon Pirates will have the twelve Dark Dragon Guards. We must keep pace with the World Government and align with their standards." Herbert said, "I support the captain's decision." Julian said, "Then I'll start naming the members of the Dark Dragon Generals and Dark Dragon Guards."

Julian selected twelve young squadron captains. The first was Passat, the second was Mars, the third was Leschi, the fourth was Dex, the fifth was Harry, the sixth was Hamrick, the seventh was Asland, the eighth was Exon, the ninth was Robrant, the tenth was Gulia, the eleventh was Adi, and the twelfth was Lux. All were very strong squadron captains.

Julian said to the twelve squadron captains, "From today, your codenames are Dark Dragon Guards. You can keep your own names, but now you must change them. The twelve of you will be called Dragon One, Dragon Two, Dragon Three, Dragon Four, up to Dragon Twelve. You are all excellent crew members. Today, you become the captains of these twelve Dark Dragon Guard squads. Your daily duty is to gather intelligence—don't let any information slip by."

Julian then said to a squadron captain named Talilun beside him, "From now on, you will be called Dragon General. Maintain a low profile and be responsible for commanding these twelve squads." Julian said, "You must train hard now to improve your strength. I will prioritize giving you Devil Fruit abilities." The thirteen Dragon Guard officers all said, "We will train hard and improve our strength!"

Julian continued to Talilun, "Little Tal, from now on, you are the lead Dragon General of the twelve Dark Dragon Guards, also the Dark Dragon General. Your treatment will be the same as a division captain. The other Dragon Guard squads are also your responsibility. The first mate and I have great faith in you and trust you."

Talilun said excitedly, "I will complete my missions even at the cost of my life! I will never betray the captain's trust!" Herbert said, "Keep it up, Talilun." Julian said to the twelve Dragon Guards, "From now on, as the squad leaders of the Dark Dragon Guards, Dragon General Talilun will handle your missions. You must unconditionally obey the Dragon General's orders. His orders are the same as mine and the first mate's. Understood?" The twelve Dragon Guards all said, "Understood!"

Julian said, "We are one collective. Only by uniting can we become stronger." Julian then said, "Talilun, this Speed-Speed Fruit is for you. Work hard to develop its abilities." Talilun took the Devil Fruit from Julian's hand with excitement and said, "Thank you, Captain! I will protect our Flame Dragon Pirates!"

Julian then said to Dragon One, "Passat, this Devil Fruit is the Paramecia Storage-Storage Fruit. It's a very powerful storage-space type Devil Fruit. I hope you can keep improving your strength and add more achievements to our Flame Dragon." Dragon One said excitedly, "Understood, Captain! I will definitely train hard!"

Julian was very satisfied with the attitudes of Talilun and Passat. He thought to himself, As expected of a pirate crew I raised myself. Look at that attitude—it's good. They know gratitude. Very nice.

Julian said to Dragon Two, "Mars, this Zoan Devil Fruit is the Bird-Bird Fruit, Common Zoan, White Dove Form. I give it to you. I hope you can also shoulder the heavy responsibility of being a Dragon Guard captain for our Flame Dragon Pirates. Train hard to improve your strength from now on." Dragon Three said, "Thank you, Captain!" Julian nodded and said, "I have high hopes for all you Dark Dragon Guard officers. Work hard and earn more merits."

Julian then said to Dragon Three, "Leschi, work hard. This Ox-Ox Fruit, Common Zoan, Great Black Ox Form is for you. You also need to train hard." Dragon Three said, "I am truly, infinitely grateful to the captain!"

Julian handed out four Devil Fruits, leaving four remaining. He thought to himself, I can't hand out any more. If I do, I'll have none left myself. And these Devil Fruits aren't ordinary ones—they're rare finds you can't just come by. Besides, I already have two offspring. I want to have more sons in the future. If the shares aren't even, the brothers will start blaming each other.

The four Dragon Guard officers who received Devil Fruits began eating them. The taste of Devil Fruits was terrible, but the four of them swallowed them in one gulp without a hint of discomfort on their faces. Herbert said, "Strong willpower. You're all excellent." George said, "The first mate is absolutely right. Very reasonable."

Julian said, "Talilun, do you have a direction for developing your Speed-Speed Fruit?" Talilun replied, "Captain, I don't have any direction." Julian said, "Speed is power, but power isn't necessarily speed. First, develop your speed, then strengthen your power training. First, multiply your movement speed. Second, multiply your attack speed. Third, multiply your escape speed. Master these, and you can roam the four seas. It'll be hard for enemies to kill you." Talilun said, "Understood, Captain."

Julian then said, "Passat, your Devil Fruit is a space type. You can develop storage abilities from it. It's a functional Devil Fruit. Focus on developing your storage space daily and train more in Marine Rokushiki." Dragon One said, "Understood, Captain."

Julian said again, "Mars, yours is the White Dove Form. Train more in kicking techniques and marksmanship. Get used to aerial combat and bring out the Bird-Bird Fruit's greatest strength—fighting in the sky." Dragon Two said, "Thank you for the guidance, Captain."

Julian looked at Dragon Three and said, "Your Great Black Ox Form is a strength-type Devil Fruit. Train more in Marine Rokushiki." Leschi smiled and said, "Understood, Captain."