1502 Sea Circle Calendar )
Almost two years have passed since the Pure Gold incident.
For the past two years, the entire sea has been unusually calm.
The Whitebeard Pirates held fast to their territory. Occasionally, some reckless rookies would provoke them, but Marco would take a few division commanders out for a stroll, and they would behave themselves.
The Golden Lion floated on the floating Sky Island, studying that fake Pure Gold every day, but who knows if it has come up with anything yet.
Big Mom's side has also calmed down. The Pure Gold incident severely damaged the Big Mom Pirates, and they have been recuperating for the past few years.
As for Kaido--
That guy spent a month drinking on Hachinosu, and only left after being urged to do so seven or eight times by Jhin.
They were reluctant to leave, saying "I'll come again next time," and they actually came the following year and drank for another month.
Roy sometimes wondered if this guy was treating Hachinosu like a resort.
The navy also didn't make any major moves.
The battle of Pure Gold resulted in nearly 10,000 casualties, including several Vice Admiral. Sengoku returned and spent three months writing a report, reportedly until his hands cramped up.
The military expansion plan is progressing quite quickly, with new warships being launched one after another and various branches recruiting people like crazy, but it's just about accumulating strength and no one dares to take the initiative to cause trouble.
After all, those emperors of the New World were all incredibly difficult to deal with.
Hachinosu has also entered a period of dormancy.
For the past two years, Roy has basically never left the island.
He spends his days processing documents, giving pointers to the crew on their training, occasionally sparring with Hawk Eyes, and having tea with Red Count —living like a retired senior official.
But Hachinosu's strength has not been idle at all.
Research base.
Dr. Gracia's laboratory is now three times larger than it was three years ago.
Researchers in white lab coats moved about, various instruments hummed, and the data on the screens jumped around so fast it was dizzying.
"Doctor, the energy shield has been upgraded for the sixth time, expanding its coverage to the entire island and increasing its defensive strength by thirty percent."
" Lunarian's modification technology has optimized Bloodline Transplantation. Soldiers who received ordinary transplants have seen a significant increase in their inherited abilities, with side effects reduced to zero."
Dr. Gracia stood in front of the control panel, looked at the data, and nodded in satisfaction.
It's been two years.
The technologies brought back from the moon have finally been largely assimilated.
Energy Shield – Hachinosu is now shrouded in three layers of shields: the outermost layer defends against tsunamis and artillery fire, the middle layer withstands attacks, and the innermost layer isolates detection.
Even if Marine Admiral, it wouldn't be possible to break through in a short time.
When Kaido left, King relinquished command of the mechanical warriors to Roy and Kaido.
Kaido also took 10,000 mechanical soldiers with him.
Each of these mechanical warriors possesses naval-grade combat capabilities.
If they were all released, they could crush the lower-middle level of a Four Emperors crew into dust.
Lunarian Bloodline Transplantation – This technology is the most revolutionary. Originally, Bloodline Transplantation could only strengthen the physique, but now even a flame core can be implanted.
Of course, the success rate is incredibly low; so far, only Bullet and Red Count have succeeded. However, Roy and Hawk Eyes already possess this ability.
To be honest, against a powerhouse like Roy, Lunarian's fire abilities seem somewhat useless.
But it's better than nothing.
"Unfortunately, it still doesn't reach the level of the original Lunarian species." Dr. Gracia sighed.
Roy leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "That's enough. Any stronger and we'll lose our balance."
Dr. Gracia turned to him. "Captain, you've arrived. Would you like to see the latest data on the Mechanical Legion?"
"I'm not watching anymore." Roy waved his hand. "I just wanted to ask how the Ark Maxim's modification is progressing."
"It's basically complete. The energy shield, light speed engine, and weapon system have all been upgraded."
This ship can go not only to the moon, but also to Mars.
"Mars is out of the question," Roy chuckled. "That place is too far."
Before Dr. Gracia could say anything more, Roy had already turned and left.
Training ground.
Bullet's roar was still deafening.
"Hurry up! Haven't you eaten?! Give us another set!"
Dozens of Reserve Camp soldiers crawled and rolled around in the gravity field, exhausted like dead dogs, but no one dared to slack off.
Kazami stood in the corner, eyes closed, hand on the hilt of his sword.
Hawk Eyes stood opposite him, Black Blade Yoru slung across his back, arms crossed, expressionless.
Suddenly, Kazami's eyes snapped open.
No one saw how he drew his sword; they only saw a flash of cold light.
In the blink of an eye, Kazami a dozen stabs, each aimed at Hawk Eyes's vital points.
Ding ding ding ding--
The clanging of metal was so dense it sounded like rain.
Hawk Eyes stood still, not taking a single step back. Black Blade Yoru had been drawn at some point and had already blocked all of Kazami's attacks.
Kazami felt the force from the blade and staggered back seven steps, his hand going numb and the sword nearly slipping from his grasp.
"Not bad," Hawk Eyes rarely spoke, "Much better than before."
Kazami a wry smile, "Teacher, are you praising me or insulting me?"
"Truth."
Kazami silent.
Bar's approach was much simpler and more direct.
He and Bullet exchanged blows, each throwing a punch like they were hammering iron, the sounds of their blows never ceasing.
Bullet used 30% of his strength, Bar was already giving it his all.
"Again!" Bullet threw a punch.
Bar crossed his arms to block, but was sent flying backward, crashing to the ground and sliding more than ten meters away.
He got up, dusted himself off, and grinned sheepishly, "Boss Bullet, you've gotten even stronger."
Stop flattering me.
Bullet glared at him.
"Your physique is good enough, but your combat skills are too rough. Starting tomorrow, you'll have extra training in the Six Powers."
"Huh?" Bar scratched his head. "I think strength is enough."
"Snort."
Bullet scoffed, "Strong? You go try it with that guy."
"Hehe! Let's forget about it then!"
Bar looked at Jesus Burgess, scratched his head, and gave an embarrassed smile.
Lafitte, Van Augur- Jesus Burgess, and Burgess are also training.
Lafitte has mastered the Clone-Clone Fruit to a high degree; not only can she change her face, but she can also perfectly replicate body shape, voice, and habitual movements.
He can even mimic other people's fighting styles—though his skill level is far inferior, it's enough to fool a few people.
Van Augur finally obtained the Warp-Warp Fruit he had longed for.
Six months ago, Crocodile's intelligence network located the Devil Fruit user's position, Roy sent Lafitte, Van Augur, Jesus Burgess to investigate.
They quickly captured the Devil Fruit User.
With Roy's ability, the Warp-Warp Fruit was successfully extracted.
Van Augur ate it on the spot.
Now, he can move instantly within a 500-meter range, and combined with his sniping skills, no one can escape from his gun.
Jesus Burgess is the most direct; with his Strong-Strong Fruit combined with his terrifying physique, a single punch can create a crater over ten meters in diameter in the ground.
He once had a strength contest with Bullet —the two exchanged punches and were almost evenly matched in terms of power, but who knows about now.
Roy stood at the edge of the training field, watched for a while, and nodded silently.
Everyone has made significant progress in the past two years.
But that's not enough.
He turned and left the training ground, heading towards the palace.
As soon as she reached the door, Kalifa came to greet her.
"Captain, Mr. Crocodile has sent a message."
"What news?"
Kalifa adjusted her glasses and lowered her voice. " The Reverie is about to begin."
Roy raised an eyebrow.
Reverie?