Syrup Village

"Zoro, promoted to Ensign of the East Blue Inspector Headquarters, swordsmanship instructor."

"Gin, promoted to Ensign of the East Blue Inspector Headquarters, combat captain."

"Daniel, promoted to Ensign of the East Blue Inspector Headquarters, adjutant."

"Johnson, promoted to Sergeant of the East Blue Inspector Headquarters, chief logistics officer."

"All soldiers, promoted one rank."

At that moment, a system notification sounded in Ener's mind.

"Congratulations, Host, on being promoted to Major. You have obtained mastery of the Six Powers. You have obtained one random Lineage Factor. Use it?"

Did that even need asking?

Use it immediately!

"Random selection beginning..."

"Option one: Longlimb Lineage Factor."

"Option two: Whale Shark Fish-Man Lineage Factor."

"Option three: Giant Lineage Factor."

"Option four: Mink Lineage Factor."

"Option five: Lunarian Lineage Factor."

"Please select one Lineage Factor for integration!"

His first choice would definitely have been the Lunarians. But for now, he did not dare choose that race, because they were far too rare.

Once he integrated it and gained that race's characteristics, he would be too easily targeted.

With his current strength, he had no ability to protect himself. The most likely outcome would be becoming a slave of the Celestial Dragons.

That left only the Whale Shark Fish-men, Giants, and Minks. He directly ignored the Longlimb option because it was completely useless.

Any of those three races would bring enormous benefits to Ener right now.

The Whale Shark Fish-Man Lineage Factor would improve him in every aspect while giving him the ability to fear no sea.

The Giant Lineage Factor would greatly increase his strength.

As for the Minks, there was even less need to say it. They could use electricity, and on nights of the full moon, they could transform into Sulong.

After weighing his options again and again, Ener made his decision.

"Choose the Whale Shark Fish-Man Lineage Factor!"

That was right, he chose the Whale Shark Fish-Man Lineage Factor. This was a real world, and sailing the seas meant inevitably encountering natural disasters.

After integrating this Lineage Factor, he would no longer fear such disasters.

At the same time, when he encountered powerful enemies, he could escape through the sea.

After all, he was still weak. While improving his strength, staying alive was the top priority.

"Ding... Lineage Factor integration beginning!"

Ener immediately felt a qualitative change in his body. The bones throughout his body became sturdier, and his muscles became tougher.

He even gained the ability to breathe freely underwater.

Once everything was complete, Ener suddenly felt as if he could knock out Blackbeard with a single punch.

Ener understood that this was an illusion produced by his body after his strength had multiplied.

But this feeling was truly amazing!

Host: Ener

Rank: Major

Talent: Superman Body [Physical toughness, strength, and speed reach superhuman standards from One Piece]

Lineage Factor: Whale Shark Fish-Man Lineage Factor

Weapons: Ice Demon, Flame Dragon

Sword Soul: Two-Sword Burns

Swordsmanship: One-Sword Style, Two-Sword Style

Sword Techniques:

One-Sword Style: Iai—Ice-Sealing Slash, Ice Tiger, Dragon Fang; Iai—Flame Demon Slash, Flame Tornado, Fire Phoenix

Two-Sword Style: Ice and Fire Double Slash, Ice and Fire Whirlwind, Ice and Fire Stair Ascending Slash, Ice and Fire Full Moon Slash

Realm: Iron-Cutting Realm

Martial Arts: Six Powers

Doriki: Colonel

Speed: Colonel

Body: Colonel

Swordsmanship: Colonel

Observation Haki: Beginner

Overall Strength: Colonel

"Tsk, tsk!"

With the support of this Lineage Factor, he had directly risen to Colonel-level combat strength.

This gave him even greater confidence.

Smoker could not help smiling. "As you wish... But where do you plan to establish the East Blue Inspector Headquarters?"

The corners of Ener's mouth curled upward slightly. "Personally, I think Shells Town would be a good choice."

"Shells Town?"

Smoker was momentarily stunned.

Then he realized. "Isn't that the location of the Marine's 153rd Branch?"

Ener nodded. "That's right!"

The Marines had no authority to station troops within kingdoms, so these branches were all established on small islands.

And since small islands had limited land area, they generally found it difficult to develop.

Just like Cocoyasi Village, where Nami was from, and Syrup Village, where they were heading next—they were truly nothing more than villages.

They were both on small islands.

Yet the 153rd Branch possessed an entire town.

If he converted the 153rd Branch into the Inspector Headquarters, then wouldn't all of Shells Town be under his control?

The normal annual tax revenue alone would be considerable.

And with him there... he could develop the town even better. Most importantly, Shells Town was located right in the center of the East Blue. He wanted to turn it into—

A transit hub for the East Blue.

However, Smoker frowned at that moment, because he felt that Ener was planning something. He could not help reminding him, "If I remember correctly, Shells Town is where the Marine's 153rd Branch is located, right? You plan to convert it directly?"

He paused there.

Then he added, "As the highest-ranking officer in the East Blue, let me remind you of this. If you do not have a reasonable justification, I will not agree."

Ener said, "I have received reliable intelligence that Morgan of the 153rd Branch has imposed a reign of tyranny over Shells Town, forcing all its residents to live in misery. Based on that alone, as East Blue Inspector General, I have the authority to remove him directly.

"Besides... I have also discovered Kuro's confirmed whereabouts.

"And if I remember correctly, Colonel Morgan rose to his position after capturing Kuro. He became the highest-ranking officer of the 153rd Branch in Shells Town, didn't he?"

Smoker's expression changed again and again upon hearing that.

Although he knew Ener was not a good man, he knew even better that Ener would not lie about something like this.

If it was true, then this joke had gone far too far.

After a moment of silence, he said, "I will send people to Shells Town to confirm it. If it is true, and you successfully capture Kuro, then I will agree to your plan to convert the 153rd Branch into the East Blue Inspector Headquarters."

"Good... it's a deal!"

Ener smiled, because standing at the bow of the ship, he could already see the island where Syrup Village was located.

Could Kuro still be far away?

After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Ener took a deep breath and forcefully kicked off the ground with both legs. It was as if a powerful force erupted from within him. His body shot into the air like an arrow released from its bow, tracing a graceful arc across the sky.

Immediately afterward, Ener used Geppo. His feet seemed to step upon invisible stairs. Every step landed precisely in the empty air, yet generated powerful thrust, making him as fast as lightning.

Just like that, Ener sped toward Syrup Village at an astonishing pace. The scenery along the way rapidly fell behind him, while the wind howled past his ears...

"He... he... he's flying?"

The Marines who witnessed this scene all widened their eyes, their gazes filled with shock.

Not only them—even Lina, Zoro, and Gin were stunned.

Daniel had the most seniority among them.

After recovering from his shock, he explained, "This should be the legendary Six Powers, which only elite members of Marine Headquarters are qualified to learn."