This Is a Life With a Golden Finger

"Colonel Smoker, Sergeant Tashigi, how long was I unconscious?"

Wilton reflexively raised his hands and worked his biceps. He even got out of bed and did a few stretches under the bewildered gazes of Smoker and Tashigi.

Although his whole body was in pain, it no longer hindered his actions.

After this battle, his body had become even stronger, and his Armament Haki and Haki had improved further.

As expected, combat was the fastest way to get stronger.

This painful ordeal was not endured in vain; he had gained a lot.

It was only right that the process wasn't pleasant.

"Major General Wilton, you have been unconscious for two days and two nights."

Smoker, with three cigars in his mouth, continued, "Dragon saved the Straw Hat Pirates, but Clown Buggy, Iron Mace Alvida, Arlong, and Bartholomew are still imprisoned."

"I understand."

He had seen it before he faked his unconsciousness.

"Sergeant Tashigi, could you prepare a hundred portions of food for me?"

He collected his thoughts.

Wilton was very hungry.

He felt like he could eat twice his usual amount.

"Yes!"

Tashigi gave a military salute and left to make the preparations.

"Colonel Smoker, please prepare as well. After I eat, I'll escort Arlong and the others to Impel Down."

"So soon? Major General, your body..."

"I'm fine, I can rest and recover on the way."

Wilton shook his head. He had gained the desired reputation from his battle with Dragon, so he didn't have time to waste here. It was better to complete the mission quickly and then go to the Grand Line or the New World to capture pirates.

He would improve his strength as much as possible through combat.

Soon.

Two hours later.

After eating, Wilton returned to the port. However, the port was currently under repair; the battle had caused considerable damage, and Smoker would handle the aftermath.

"Damn it."

"We still can't escape?"

"Damn Monkey D. Luffy."

"Why didn't that guy save us too!"

Starting over, Buggy and the others, handcuffed with Seastone, were escorted onto the warship, all with looks of despair and resignation. Two days ago, when Wilton had collapsed, they thought their chance to escape had arrived.

Who would have thought that the world's most ferocious man had no intention of saving them and only took the Straw Hat Pirates, without even harming the Marines?

Before they could even call for help, he had disappeared.

At the time, Buggy and the others were furious, crying and cursing endlessly.

What was wrong with saving them? It was just a small favor.

But then they thought that they had no connection to each other. On the contrary, they were enemies with Luffy, and if they were all saved, it might lead to Wilton's mission failing, making it difficult for him to pursue Luffy.

Dragon had no obligation.

He didn't need to create unnecessary minor troubles for himself.

"Set sail."

Buggy and the others, still grumbling, were escorted into the ship's cabin. With a command from Wilton, the warship began to head towards Enies Lobby. Through the Gate of Justice, they could reach Impel Down faster and more safely.

"Yes!"

The sails were raised.

In the eyes of Smoker, Tashigi, and the other Marines, the warship gradually disappeared over the horizon.

In the ship's lounge, Wilton's face was still a little pale, and he felt weak all over. His combat power had not recovered much, but Wilton was not worried at all.

Because he had a cheat.

"Never belittle a cheater, understand a cheater when you are one, and become addicted to cheating after using it."

Fragrant.

"Recover."

Two days had passed, and he could use his skills again.

With one "Recover," a green light emanated from Wilton's body, and his complexion quickly improved. However, it wasn't enough. He also used "Heal," and the entire lounge was engulfed in green light.

"Enough!"

With his injuries mostly healed, Wilton stretched, feeling as good as new.

This was the life with a cheat.

Simple, unpretentious, and intoxicating.

He could even unleash his ultimate move if he wanted to, but there was no need. It was better to keep a trump card up his sleeve just in case.

Currently, both his ultimate move, Justice Potential, as well as his recovery, Heal, and Recall abilities could only be used once a day. Perhaps this would change once Wilton's strength increased later on.

"I still need to eat a Devil Fruit,"

Wilton mused as he worked out, realizing that apart from Tekkai, he wasn't proficient in any other Rokushiki, which greatly limited his combat style.

He would be at a disadvantage against truly well-rounded fighters.

Therefore, he needed to find other solutions.

Devil Fruits were perfect. Some suitable Devil Fruits could not only compensate for his weaknesses but also make him even stronger.

The question was, What Zoan Devil Fruits were available at this time? If he were to choose, he'd want the most powerful, like a Mythical Zoan.

Besides that, Paramecia or Logia-type would also be acceptable. However, they wouldn't provide the same comprehensive enhancements as Zoan types and wouldn't synergize as well with Tekkai and his Golden Finger ability for maximum benefit.

The plot had already begun. If he continued to follow the established path, it would be difficult to become a Vice Admiral after the Summit War.

His strength wouldn't allow it.

As for achievements and contributions, he could capture powerful pirates during this period, or perhaps apprehend key figures in the Revolutionary Army, or eliminate powerful subordinates of the Four Emperors.

Although the Marines valued seniority, this was, after all, a world of superpowers where strength was the ultimate criterion, along with loyalty.

If he were as strong as, or stronger than, Fujitora and Ryokugyu, and could show absolute loyalty to Mary Geoise, he would have a high chance of becoming a Vice Admiral.

Therefore, he had to take a different approach, seeking a Devil Fruit that offered immense short-term gains.

For example, extreme types.

He was naturally gifted in recovery and sustainment. He also had defense. Tekkai and Armament Haki would ultimately lead to extreme defense if pushed to the limit. In that regard, the only thing he lacked was extreme offensive power. To make up for this, he had to focus on Paramecia-type fruits.

Specifically, abilities that were simple, brutal, and direct.

For instance, the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, Paw-Paw Fruit, Weapon-Weapon Fruit, Press-Press Fruit, Ton-Ton Fruit, Heat-Heat Fruit, Explode-Explode Fruit, Power-Power Fruit, DEX-DEX Fruit, and so on.

Zoan types offered long-term benefits, while Paramecia types offered short-term gains. Unfortunately, there were too few Logia types, and they were all already taken. However, he could hunt for them and take a gamble.

Anyone who had read One Piece knew that the method of taking a Devil Fruit was quite simple. As long as fruits were placed around the original user before killing them, there was a chance that after the user's death, the Devil Fruit would possess the nearest fruit.

He had to become a Vice Admiral in this era if possible, even if it was just a slim chance. Otherwise, if Sakazuki became Fleet Admiral, and Aramaki and Ryokugyu became Vice Admirals, all in their prime, they might hold their positions for many years.

That would be a waste of time, unless Sakazuki or Borsalino, Aramaki, or Ryokugyu died prematurely in middle age.

But it would be too wasteful to kill such talented individuals.

He might not have the strength for that.

Once he became a Vice Admiral in this era, after a stable year or two, he could have Sakazuki abdicate and pass on the position. The sooner he became Fleet Admiral, the sooner the world would be unified.

His ambitions could also be realized sooner.

In this process, necessary killing and sacrifice would be inevitable.

Therefore, he needed to take a gamble for that slim chance. Besides, who said a person could only eat one Devil Fruit?

Capture Blackbeard, study Blackbeard, become Blackbeard!

"Sand-Sand Fruit, Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Paw-Paw Fruit, Weapon-Weapon Fruit, Ton-Ton Fruit, Heat-Heat Fruit, Explode-Explode Fruit, Power-Power Fruit, I'll start with these fruits."

At this moment.

Wilton set his sights on certain individuals.

These fruits had a high chance of being obtained. Not only did he know their whereabouts, but he also had the opportunity to defeat their current users or pick them up as leftovers.

Time was running out for him.

Meanwhile.

Shortly after Wilton was defeated by Dragon, both the Fleet Admiral's office at Marine Headquarters and Vice Admiral Dalmatian in the New World received the news.

"I've heard a lot about Vice Admiral Dalmatian having a very brave general under his command. I didn't expect him to show no fear even when facing the leader of the Revolutionary Army, getting knocked down and getting back up repeatedly. He lost with honor."

Looking at the intelligence report in his hand, Sengoku became even more interested in this General Wilton.

He had heard of this fierce general under Dalmatian before. He always charged to the front lines when fighting enemies, and he had risen from an unknown Marine to the rank of Rear Admiral in five years.

He had forged his path through hail of bullets.

His brilliant achievements were all on record, leaving no room for criticism. Generals like him were highly respected and trusted within the Marines, unlike some who slacked off or relied on connections.

"For the past two to three years, Vice Admiral Dalmatian has praised Rear Admiral Wilton in every phone call, with a strong sense of pride. This has made Vice Admirals like Onigumo and Momonga quite uncomfortable."

Sengoku was not alone in the office; Tsuru was also present.

Recalling the constant complaints from Momonga and the others always made Tsuru chuckle, but she quickly composed herself and said seriously, "However, Dragon appearing in the East Blue requires an investigation."

"I've already made arrangements."

"Also, contact Major General Wilton. After completing the escort mission, have him return to Marineford. You will observe him."

"Understood."

Tsuru understood Sengoku's intentions.

They had always kept an eye on Marines with such potential.

At the same moment, in the New World.

After Dalmatian received the intelligence from Loguetown, his face, half in beast form and half in human form, was filled with a proud and admiring smile.

He could brag to his colleagues again