Evening Visit to the King's Warehouse

Julian spent these days on the ship, watching these new workers who had just fallen into the pit, and he felt nothing but excitement. Life aboard was good too—when he had nothing to do, the crew served him fine tobacco and good liquor. Julian thought to himself: This is the benefit of being captain. As the saying goes, better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix.

Julian also trained regularly in the practice room, keeping a strict daily routine. He trained in Body Techniques and developed his Devil Fruit ability, using his Earth-Earth Fruit power to create an extremely heavy Earth Weight-Bearing Suit for himself to train in Body Techniques.

Although the training process was painful, it had its benefits. Julian could clearly feel that both his strength and speed had improved significantly.

In private, Julian often chatted with the crew members, talking about their dreams. Every day, he instilled core values in them—unity and camaraderie. He also guided the crew and Division Captains in their training on the ship. Julian demanded everyone practice the wild-route version of Soru (simplified version 0.5). Although no one succeeded—not even the two Division Captains, George and Pekki, and not even Julian himself—they could still see a noticeable improvement in speed.

Julian was quite satisfied. Even though it wasn't the authentic version, it still trained their bodies. Once they got their hands on the real Marine Rokushiki later, everyone's training would speed up.

Finally, the Mud Dragon arrived at the next island. This island was called Ilusigal Island, and it looked enormous—roughly thirty thousand square kilometers, about the size of a small region. The island was jointly ruled by the king and nobles, with a population of around eight hundred thousand. It was indeed massive.

Julian ordered the crew to lower the Mud Dragon Pirates' flag. It had been made by the shipwrights during the voyage—a yellow Eastern dragon's head, very eye-catching. Julian planned to dock at the port.

This huge port had many ships moored at the docks—probably several hundred. Among them, a fair number flew pirate flags. Julian had an idea: Once I get ashore, I'll scout for information first, then grab a few ships to boost our strength. He ordered some crew members to go ashore first, leaving George, the strongest, to guard the ship. George's strength was now at least at the level of a Marine Headquarters Lieutenant Commander. He was naturally powerful, and with his Ancient Giant-Toothed Bear Form Devil Fruit, if Julian hadn't mastered Elementalization, he might not have been a match for George.

George had also developed several very powerful skills. Million Ton Giant Strike—a single slap could unleash over ten tons of force. He had also developed his Hybrid Form, transforming from a seventeen-meter-long giant bear into a nine-meter-tall bear-man, with five-meter-long bear forearms and nearly half-meter-long bear claws. Covered in gray bear fur, his defense was formidable. An ordinary person couldn't withstand his slapping attacks.

A few crew members who had been practicing the wild-route version of Soru couldn't even walk anymore. The method for practicing Soru involved jumping off the ground and continuously stomping on the air, using the air's reaction force to create explosive acceleration.

Julian looked awkward. These elite crew members had strained their legs from the practice. Julian, holding onto the hope that they might succeed by some miracle, encouraged them to keep practicing. With a face full of black lines, he said, "You guys stay on the ship and recover from your injuries." The injured crew members replied respectfully, "Thank you, Captain."

After the Mud Dragon docked at the port, Julian stood on the deck and gave orders to the group: "George, you stay and guard the ship first. This is our only vessel. If someone steals it, we're finished." George said seriously, "Captain, go ahead without worry. I'll keep the ship safe. Not even a mosquito will get on board."

Julian nodded in satisfaction and praised him: "Once I'm back from scouting, I'll let you all go play on the island." With that, Julian patted George on the shoulder and led Pekki, Garud, the Ship Doctor Rose, and others off the ship.

All the crew instinctively followed behind Julian. Julian thought to himself: With more people, the momentum is stronger. Even though these crew members look like a bunch of misfits, they make me, the captain, look even more imposing and domineering.

Julian took the lead, walking at the front. The scenery ahead was indeed beautiful—a wide road leading straight to the city ahead. He could see people moving about in the city and hear the clamor coming from it. Julian said excitedly, "Brothers, pick up the pace!"

All the crew quickened their steps, following Julian into the city. As Julian and his men saw the city's inhabitants—women with children, workers busy in their uniforms, old men leaning on canes, and noisy, chattering kids—these ordinary people looked at Julian and his crew. One of them said admiringly, "That young man is ridiculously handsome." The ugliest among them was a crew member called Monkey, the worst of the worst—shifty-eyed and sneaky-looking, mocked as being like a Sea King.

Monkey said angrily, "Captain, can we rob these people?" Julian said disdainfully, "What's wrong? Can't handle their comments about you? Don't be so fragile." Monkey fumed, "Their insults are too harsh! They said I'm not human!" Julian chuckled and said, "That's just Popular Support. Don't sweat the small stuff." Pekki said with a look of enjoyment, "Captain, this city feels very comfortable to me."

Julian also looked at the city streets, seeing the dazzling array of goods. There were vendors selling ice cream, lollipops, and many snacks. Many beautiful women were walking along the streets. Julian turned to the crew behind him and said, "Pekki, accompany Garud to buy a Log Pose. The rest of you buy whatever you need. Gather around five in the afternoon." Julian then warned, "We are principled Senior Pirates. Don't go around looting things." Everyone nodded and said, "Got it." Monkey, still with a face full of black lines, said, "Understood, Captain."

Julian also planned to check out the city for any treasures and buy some clothes. The clothes he was wearing were still the fishing outfit from the original owner—no style at all. Julian walked into a clothing store. It was similar to his previous life—clothes everywhere. Looking at the very pretty salesgirl at the counter, he asked, "Do you have any cloaks or coats here?" The salesgirl said enthusiastically, "We do have cloaks. What style are you looking for?" Julian replied, "Can you show me? I'd like to pick one out myself."

He followed the salesgirl upstairs. Looking at the dozen or so cloak styles in front of him, the most stylish one was the pink feather cloak, the same model as Doflamingo's. Julian immediately thought of the famous saying: The pinker you dress, the steadier you stand. But according to the timeline, Doflamingo was still a fifteen-year-old kid. Thinking of Doflamingo, Julian couldn't help but laugh out loud. The Paramecia Devil Fruit Gold-Gold Fruit, the Paramecia Devil Fruit Op-Op Fruit, the Logia Flame-Flame Fruit—all of these had passed through Doflamingo's hands. Selling weapons and doing business every day just to earn that bit of blood money—it wasn't as practical as a single Paramecia Gold-Gold Fruit.

Julian then thought of the Golden Bell of Shandora on Sky Island. That alone could probably buy ten Op-Op Fruits, right? And that Golden Ark was truly impressive. Thinking of this, Julian couldn't wait to reach the Grand Line. Following the route to Jaya Island, waiting for the Knock-Up Stream, going up to Sky Island, beating up Enel—ideally stealing the Rumble-Rumble Fruit—beating up Gan Fall, and becoming CEO. The beauties on Sky Island even came with wings. Once he found an Eternal Pose for the Grand Line, he could set off for it.

Julian thought it over and picked a yellow cloak. After putting it on and looking in the mirror, he said, "Not bad at all." He examined his own appearance—black hair, a handsome, sharp chin, a sturdy build. He asked the salesgirl, "What do you think?" She replied, "I think it looks very handsome." Julian paid one hundred thousand Berries and left. The salesgirl said to herself, "What a generous and handsome young man."

Julian walked through the streets in his cloak, found a large restaurant, ate a meal, and asked the owner for directions to the king's castle and the local noble estates. He thought to himself: Tonight, I'll play the sneaky thief. He also bought a lot of ingredients and seasonings. Activating his Earth-Earth Fruit ability, he stored these items in the mud space within his body. The Earth-Earth Fruit allowed him to place objects inside his body. When he Elementalized, his body was all mud space. However, only objects could be stored inside; if he tried to store a human, they would suffocate.

Julian saw that it was about time and headed to the meeting point agreed upon with his crew. All the crew had already arrived. Pekki saw Julian and said with a smile, "Captain, you look so handsome in that cloak!" Julian casually replied, "A one hundred thousand Berry cloak. From now on, every member of our Mud Dragon Pirates will get one." Pekki said gratefully, "Thank you, Captain."

Julian immediately transformed into a master of success philosophy. With a smile, he said, "Brothers, if any of you want to retire early from our Mud Dragon Pirates, I'll give you one million Berries." The crowd was startled. "Really, Captain?" Julian continued his success philosophy spiel: "Those who leave our crew, I'll give them one million. But those brothers who stay with me—how much will I give them? A full one billion." Julian added, "In the future, when we carve out our territory, we'll have money and people. If you understand, applaud."

Pekki and the other crew members all clapped and shouted, "The captain is mighty! The captain is generous!" Pekki also yelled, "The captain is a man of unmatched loyalty on the Sea!" Monkey asked, "Captain, if someone unfortunately dies in battle, how much do you give?" Julian cursed directly, "If you die, I'll burn one billion in paper money for you! You little brats don't train properly. How many small fries die on the Sea every year? When you're dead, you won't even be able to spend the money!" The crowd was speechless... They decided they needed to train hard and improve their strength.

Julian chatted and laughed with the group all the way back to the ship. He returned to his cabin and slept. When night fell, Julian activated his Logia Devil Fruit Earth-Earth Fruit ability, turning into a small lump of mud. He swiftly moved across the island, bouncing like a bullet, traveling underground.

Julian entered the castle of this kingdom. He thought to himself: Sure enough, the stench of corruption. Look at all this gold inlaid on the walls. You need your Uncle Julian to liberate you. He turned into a small piece of mud and began tunneling underground, passing through hall after hall. He quickly found the treasure vault.

Jumping out from underground, Julian looked at the treasure before him—Berries, gold, gold coins, silver coins. He activated his Earth-Earth Fruit ability and packed it all away in one go. He found two treasure chests. Opening one, he found a Devil Fruit. Opening the second, another Devil Fruit. He didn't recognize either fruit. Julian smiled and said, "As usual, pack first, study later." He looked around to see what else was there.

He rummaged through the treasure room and found several books. Opening one that looked like an album, he exclaimed, "Holy crap! A Devil Fruit Encyclopedia!" Julian was startled, then immediately overjoyed. "Whatever I need, it comes. Nice!"

Satisfied, Julian left the castle and headed to the estates of a few particularly greedy nobles to rob them. Why their homes? Because their greed made them fat. The first one he visited was a count with a face like a fat pig, who also lived in a large castle. Julian took whatever he found—if it was an object, he didn't even leave a rag. He also discovered a Dungeon underground.

In the Dungeon, he found some young women and many young men. From their tone, they seemed to be slaves. Other slave traders had sold them to this Fat Pig Count, probably to be tortured here for a while until they became obedient tools. Seeing them locked in iron cages, Julian suddenly had an idea. He smiled: If I save these people, they'll willingly work for me out of gratitude. When I pay them, they'll work their asses off for me. He decided to act.

Julian appeared instantly in front of several guards. A few Mud Spears shot out like bullets, instantly killing the guards. The imprisoned slaves looked at Julian with terrified or numb expressions. Julian looked at the people locked in the cages and complained, "Unbelievable. How can there be so many people locked up here?" The men and women before him were all imprisoned. He also saw a frail man tied to a wooden stake. They really don't treat people like people. This is pure corruption. These nobles in this country are bloodsuckers. Even when Luffy was captured in Wano Country and sent to Kaido's Udon Prison Mine, it wasn't this dark. At least there, they just put on Seastone handcuffs and made you mine every day.

Julian said, "I am the captain of the Justice Mud Dragon Pirates. Today, I stand for justice and liberate you slaves." He thought to himself: Too bad there's no Drum of Liberation playing. This operation really lacks BGM. The momentum is halved. I need to get a Sound System later. When I fight, I'll blast music to boost morale and weaken the enemy's will to fight.

Julian thought further: Gear Five Luffy only beat Kaido because he had the Drum of Liberation as his BGM. If Kaido had a BGM louder than Luffy's Drum of Liberation, drowning out his heartbeat drum, Kaido wouldn't have ended up lying in magma. Julian planned to replicate the sound of the Drum of Liberation. A band could solve it. He could use a Sound Shell from Sky Island to record the Drum of Liberation's sound, then sell it to Kaido. Drawing a tube of blood shouldn't be a problem. Then Kaido could proudly call himself Joy Boy. Luffy's Gear Five awakened form could activate the Drum of Liberation, but all it took was a Sky Island Sound Shell speaker to listen to the Drum of Liberation every day.

Then Joy Boy would be a dime a dozen. He could even sell the speaker to the World Government, telling them, "I, Julian, have replicated the power of the Drum of Liberation." Trading for two Devil Fruits wouldn't be too much to ask.