Mythical Zoan Fruit!

The commanding officer of the G-2 Branch was Vice Admiral Comil, a stern, bald man who believed in "Moral Justice."

In the original story, he cared about his men and valued their lives more than meeting mission objectives.

Ivan held a tough man like him in considerable respect.

Ivan saluted Comil and said in a clear voice, "Vice Admiral Comil, Captain Ivan reporting for duty!"

Vice Admiral Comil nodded sternly, though he could hardly conceal the curiosity in his eyes. "Captain Ivan, I hear you believe in Burning Justice?"

"That's right!" Ivan's voice rang with conviction, a fiery light dancing in his eyes. "The flames in my heart will burn away all the evil in this world!"

"Good!" Comil nodded in satisfaction.

Ivan's justice was just like his own: sharp-edged but not heartless. It gave him an excellent first impression of the young man.

"Captain Ivan, welcome to the G-2 Branch. Your quarters have been arranged. Go get some rest, and you'll officially begin your duties tomorrow."

"Yes, sir!"

After Ivan left, Comil stared at his departing figure for a long time.

He had come to welcome Ivan in person not only because he wanted to meet a member of the new generation who upheld Burning Justice, but also because he wanted to see what sort of man this future Admiral praised by Vice Admiral Garp really was.

Now, after just this one meeting, Comil could not help feeling somewhat reassured.

Captain Ivan was unquestionably a Marine with a sense of morality.

If he really could join the ranks of the Admirals one day, as Garp had said, it would be a blessing for these seas.

What surprised Comil even more, however, was Ivan's resolute gaze, unshaken by outside influences.

He had only ever seen that look in the eyes of those born to be kings.

Could Captain Ivan also have the potential to awaken Conqueror's Haki?

The G-2 Branch was an important Marine frontline base on the Grand Line. Its core duties included maintaining regional security, controlling intelligence, conducting interrogations and investigations, and providing combat support...

Since his duties were not particularly demanding, Ivan quickly adapted to life at the G-2 Branch.

Two weeks passed in the blink of an eye. Ivan had frequently carried out missions during that time, and his Yamato template progress had increased substantially.

[Because you completed 26 missions in succession, recognition of the Yamato template has increased by 20%!]

[Template: Yamato (recognition: 52%)]

[Congratulations, you have acquired the skill: Earth Release!]

[Earth Release: Consumes stamina to manipulate soil, rock, and other materials. It has multiple functions and is an extremely practical release technique.]

In the captain's office, Ivan raised a hand. Tiny clumps of earth appeared from his palm, then fell to the floor.

Earth Release was undoubtedly a powerful ability. Used properly, it could let him pass himself off as a Tsuchi Tsuchi no Mi user.

Ivan had no intention of revealing this ability publicly. Instead, he planned to use it for an alter ego.

Ivan planned to build his true self into a master swordsman skilled in water-controlling swordsmanship, while using Earth Release and the abilities he acquired later to build an alter ego.

After all, there were too many things on these seas that he could not conveniently do as a Marine. Instead, he needed a pirate alter ego to act outside the rules and secretly achieve his goals.

One day, Vice Admiral Comil suddenly issued orders summoning every officer at the G-2 Branch to an emergency meeting.

Before long, all the branch's senior officers had gathered in the meeting hall.

Sunlight streamed in at an angle through the colored glass, casting a wash of multicolored light and shadow over the plaque hanging above the seat of honor.

The dazzling colors looked beautiful, but they made the words "Lazy Justice" somewhat difficult to read.

The mood in the meeting room was heavy. Once the last officer had pushed open the door and entered, Comil's expression turned grave, and he spoke in a solemn voice.

"I've summoned you all because, one week from now, the G-2 Branch's workload will increase severalfold.

Within seven days, we must completely eliminate every pirate force in our jurisdiction and raise security in these waters to the highest level. This is all to welcome the arrival of an important person."

"An important person?" Ivan raised an eyebrow slightly, already having a few guesses.

Someone who could make the Marines mobilize on a large scale and spare no effort in clearing out an entire stretch of sea, all to welcome his arrival.

That person's power had to be immense.

Across the entire world, even high-ranking officials of the World Government might not be able to command such an effort.

The only ones who could do this were those false gods entrenched in Mary Geoise, who called themselves the "descendants of the creators"!

Sure enough, Vice Admiral Comil's next words confirmed his guess.

"One week from now, the Gran Tesoro will stop to resupply in the waters under the G-2 Branch's jurisdiction. Saint Rosward will board it for leisure.

We have only one task: do everything in our power to keep Saint Rosward safe. Every request he makes must be fulfilled unconditionally!"

The instant his words fell, the air in the meeting hall froze.

The words "Celestial Dragon" themselves meant supreme privilege and unquestionable authority.

Any mission involving one left no room for the slightest mistake.

Every officer present turned grave, even unconsciously breathing more quietly.

Ivan lowered his head slightly to keep Vice Admiral Comil from seeing the interest in his eyes.

A Celestial Dragon was going to the golden ship Gran Tesoro for entertainment. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Perhaps he could use the fall of a "god" to raise the curtain on the New World!

However, Celestial Dragons had top-tier security. At least one Vice Admiral protected them at close range, while numerous CP0 agents guarded them from the shadows.

If a Celestial Dragon was injured, an Admiral would arrive on the scene shortly afterward!

Therefore, to kill a Celestial Dragon, he had to act carefully. Only then could he succeed while ensuring his own safety.

Ivan planned to send Wood Clones. That way, even if he failed, he would only lose a few Wood Clones.

The oppressive mood in the meeting room seemed set to linger, until Vice Admiral Comil finally broke the silence and continued.

"This operation is somewhat unusual, because while protecting Saint Rosward, we must also guard against pirate attacks.

That's because an auction will be held aboard the Gran Tesoro in one week. Three precious Devil Fruits will be auctioned, and rumor has it that one is even a Mythical Zoan!

According to our intelligence, the Beasts Pirates of the New World may have learned of this. Judging by their usual behavior, they are very likely to come and seize the Mythical Zoan Fruit.

Captain Ivan, your combat strength is second only to mine at this base, so I'm entrusting the most difficult task of defending the perimeter to you!"

A Mythical Zoan!

Three precious Devil Fruits!

After three draws, Ivan had gained a rough understanding of the system's draw mechanics.

Most of the character panels he drew were related to Devil Fruit abilities.

If he could get his hands on a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, he would definitely gain a powerful ability, greatly increasing his strength.

Ivan was completely tempted.

Why bother with Wood Release Clones?

I'll go in person!

This time, he would not only slay a god but also seize three Devil Fruits, snatching them from the jaws of Gild Tesoro, the Beasts Pirates, and the World Government!

He would present the whole world with a grand opera beyond compare!