Chapter 70: Fantasy Beast Species, Fusion Fruit, I Want Them All

"Everyone, I have a suggestion.

"I think it's time for the Marines to make a change."

Seeing the situation spiral out of control, Carlos, who had been observing for some time, finally stood up.

Originally, he had thought that being promoted to Admiral would be enough. To his surprise, the Five Elders had come in person to elevate him to the rank of Fleet Admiral. The Five Elders needed his abilities to lead the Marines in eliminating pirates and maintaining the World Government's rule. Carlos also needed the Marines' power to achieve his goals. It was a mutual benefit.

With the support of Saint Saturn, Carlos felt confident. Whether his ambitions involved changing the world or becoming the freest person on the sea, both required substantial power. The Marines, as the world's most powerful military organization, needed to be firmly in his control.

Sengoku looked at Carlos with a complicated expression.

"Change the Marines?"

"Carlos, you might as well state your opinion clearly. If you can convince us, I might consider stepping down as Fleet Admiral."

Carlos nodded and addressed the audience.

"There's no need to complicate things."

"Since you believe I'm not capable enough to manage the entire Marine organization, perhaps it's better to divide the responsibilities."

"Sengoku, you, Garp, Tsuru, Zephyr, and Aokiji can focus on guarding the entrance to the Grand Line and ensuring global security."

"I will oversee Marineford and lead the rest of the Marines in clearing the Grand Line."

"As for whether I can handle it now, the examples of Big Mom and Kaido should speak for themselves."

Carlos was aware that even though he had defeated the Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates, and was now Marine Fleet Admiral with the Five Elders' support, his influence within the Marines was still not on par with Sengoku, Garp, Tsuru, and Zephyr. These figures had dedicated decades to the Marines and had far more prestige and qualifications.

If he wanted to control the Marines, overcoming these seasoned veterans was his biggest challenge. It was unrealistic to force Sengoku out. It might be more practical to let these veterans handle world security while he took charge of the Grand Line.

The Four Seas were vast and challenging to manage, but Carlos was prepared to assume control of most of the Marines' combat power.

After listening to Carlos's proposal, everyone present exchanged looks, their initial desire to refute the idea faltering as they considered its merits.

Tsuru's expression shifted, and her tone became more intense.

"Do you realize what this means? You're proposing to divide the Marines!"

Divide?

Carlos smiled.

"No, it's not about division but about a rational allocation of resources.

"You have extensive experience, and I believe you will manage the Four Seas effectively, eliminating pirate threats.

"We, the younger generation, will handle the more dangerous task of battling formidable pirates."

Carlos's words prompted deep reflection among those present.

Akainu, known for his hawkish demeanor, seemed somewhat persuaded.

The pirates in the Four Seas were not as strong. With Sengoku, Zephyr, and the others stationed at the Grand Line, global security could be maintained with fewer resources. It would also make recruiting and training new personnel more efficient, allowing them to focus all their efforts on the Grand Line's powerful pirate factions.

Most importantly, it would eliminate internal conflicts and disagreements, greatly improving operational efficiency.

Carlos's achievements were well-recognized. Under his leadership, it was possible he could indeed clear the Grand Line.

Saint Saturn considered the proposal carefully before his eyes lit up with approval.

"Sengoku, this proposal is quite valuable.

"Whether you agree or not,"

"I will inform the others about today's events."

"We await official notification from the World Government regarding future arrangements. I hope you will cooperate."

As he delivered the final statement, his tone grew serious, with a hint of threat.

Allowing Sengoku to remain as Fleet Admiral to handle critical rear affairs was the biggest concession Saint Saturn was willing to make. If Sengoku refused, the World Government would take appropriate measures.

"Sengoku, remember that the Marines belong to the World Government, not to you personally."

After saying this coldly, Saint Saturn signaled Carlos, and they left the conference room, flanked by Fujitora, Green Bull, and CP0, heading to the Five Elders' exclusive warship.

"I must say, your proposal is quite feasible."

"The others should also agree. Once the official notification comes, they won't be able to refuse."

"We can be confident that the Marines' main combat power will be under your control."

Saint Saturn took a sip of tea and continued.

"We are interested in knowing more about the device you used to subdue Kaido."

Vegapunk, who was beside him, looked eager and continued mumbling excitedly.

"Being able to store a giant dragon into a palm-sized ball—this must involve space-folding technology."

"Carlos, please show it to me!"

Vegapunk had a broad range of scientific knowledge and was deeply interested in anything related to science. The complexity of space-related technology was beyond his current understanding, and if he could uncover its principles, it could trigger a technological revolution and change the world profoundly.

"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I'll disappoint you."

Carlos shrugged, echoing what he had said in front of Sengoku.

The Master Ball was bound to him and couldn't be used by anyone else. Any attempt to study it would be futile, even for the world's top scientist.

Seeing Carlos's reluctance, Vegapunk turned to Saint Saturn for support.

"In that case, lend the Master Ball to Vegapunk for research."

"In return, Fujitora, Green Bull, and all 100,000 troops will be assigned to your command.

"Your department will receive 80% of the resources allocated by the World Government."

"Additionally, I will try to procure a Supreme grade sword for you."

Carlos frowned slightly.

"How long will this take? Hawkeye will be back soon for our duel."

Saint Saturn was momentarily startled and pondered.

Carlos had defeated the Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates, and with Kaido now securely held, the World Government was prepared to publicize this victory. The importance of the upcoming duel with the world's greatest swordsman could not be overstated. A win would elevate Carlos's status significantly and be beneficial for the World Government as well.

Saint Saturn said seriously:

"Hawkeye's strength cannot be underestimated. Even with the supreme grade sword in your possession, he should not be taken lightly.

"Vegapunk has recently developed a new technology that allows inanimate objects to consume Devil Fruits."

"You might want to give it a try. It could at least improve your chances of winning."

Letting an inanimate object eat a Devil Fruit?

Carlos was immediately intrigued.

In the original story, Spandam's sword, which ate the Elephant Fruit, likely used a similar technique.

It sounded interesting, but its effectiveness might be limited. Since Carlos had accepted Hawkeye's challenge, he knew he had to go all out.

Facing the world's greatest swordsman, Carlos couldn't afford to be careless. With his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan and top-notch Conqueror's Haki, he was technically an equal match.

However, in a duel between swordsmen, the importance of weapons was clear. Hawkeye wielded the supreme grade sword, Black Sword Night. Although Carlos's Dark Thunder, Enma, and Second Generation Kitetsu were powerful, they were still a step behind.

To advance a sword to the level of a black sword, one needed to use powerful Armament Haki and cultivate it over time. Carlos was confident that his weapons would not fall short, but he had only had them for a few months.

If he used Vegapunk's technology to let these three swords consume Devil Fruits, it could indeed boost his combat power quickly.

When Carlos returned from Wano, he had brought back twenty Zoan Devil Fruits, including two ancient types: the dragon-fruited Spinosaurus and the dragon-fruited Pachycephalosaurus.

Should he transform his weapon into a dinosaur, allowing it to bite or headbutt the enemy?

The thought of this abstract idea made Carlos twitch the corner of his mouth and shake his head.

"If you only want to give the weapon a normal Zoan Devil Fruit, then forget it."

Saint Saturn nodded slightly in agreement.

The recent events in the conference room had made him realize that to better control the Marines, sacrifices would be necessary. Garp, Sengoku, and others had to be sidelined ruthlessly.

This would inevitably cause some instability within the Marines. However, if Carlos could defeat Hawkeye in front of everyone, or even if they ended in a draw, it would stabilize military morale and greatly deter pirates.

Saint Saturn silently resolved to support Carlos.

"After all, this is a battle between the world's top swordsmen. It really can't be taken lightly."

"Vegapunk, I remember you also have an artificial Devil Fruit, right?"

Vegapunk seemed a bit embarrassed.

"You mean the Fish Fruit, Blue Dragon form?"

"That's just a failure."

Since the Rocks Pirates fell apart, Kaido had been captured by the Marines multiple times and imprisoned for research. After extracting Kaido's life factor, Vegapunk created the world's first artificial Devil Fruit. However, the replica had imperfections compared to Kaido's original fruit, so it was not given much attention.

Carlos raised his eyebrows.

In the original plot, this fruit was kept in Punk Hazard and was later consumed by Momonosuke, who traveled through time. Although it was an artificial Devil Fruit, its quality was comparable to the original, except for the pink color.

"Well, I can lend you the Master Ball for a few days to study it."

"But in return, I have a few conditions."

Upon hearing this, Vegapunk's eyes lit up as if he were about to pounce on Carlos.

"Really? You're not lying to me, are you? Great!"

Seeing Vegapunk's eagerness, Carlos couldn't help but smile.

"Wait, please listen to my conditions first."

"In addition to the artificial Kaido Devil Fruit, I need you to create another one for me."

Facing the puzzled looks of Vegapunk and Saint Saturn, Carlos continued slowly:

"You must have Douglas Bullet's life factor, right? I want you to reproduce one of his fusion fruits."

As soon as Carlos finished speaking, Vegapunk's face showed embarrassment. He scratched his head and stammered:

"In fact, I abandoned research on artificial Devil Fruits a long time ago..."

Seeing Carlos's expression, Vegapunk quickly added:

"Of course, I can attempt it if you insist, but it won't be 100% perfect."

Vegapunk was known for his dedication to his work. It took him several years to perfect the artificial Devil Fruit technology. Despite his reluctance, Vegapunk was very interested in the Master Ball.

He gritted his teeth and said:

"Alright, give me one year. I will definitely provide you with a perfect fruit."

"One year?" Carlos shook his head slightly.

"No, you don't have that much time, and I don't have the patience to wait so long. The quality doesn't need to be perfect, just not weaker than Kaido's."

Vegapunk breathed a sigh of relief.

"In that case..."

"It will only take three days, no, it can be done in one day!"

Unlike the initial stages of exploration and research, the technology for artificial Devil Fruits had matured. Though it might not be perfect, it was feasible to meet Carlos's requirements.

"Fusion fruit? Are you considering that?"

Saint Saturn looked thoughtful as Carlos smiled.

"Yes, I want to fuse my three swords together."

Bullet's abilities were no secret. During the Buster Call against him, Marine recorded detailed information about Bullet. The Fusion Fruit could rearrange and combine inorganic objects, merging them together.

For instance, during the First World War, Bullet used scrap metal, rubble, and rocks to create a massive monster thousands of meters high with immense power. If Garp and Sengoku had not joined forces, they might not have defeated him.

"That's an incredible idea."

Saint Saturn was initially startled but quickly realized the potential.

If Carlos's idea succeeded, it might be possible to mass-produce top-notch weapons in the future!

The resources needed were not a problem for the World Government's deep pockets.

Saint Saturn's tone became serious.

"Vegapunk, set aside your other work for now and ensure this task is completed successfully!"

Carlos added:

"In addition to these two artificial Devil Fruits, I also need a batch of advanced weapons and equipment."

Saint Saturn looked confused and doubtful.

"Weapons and equipment? If nothing else happens, you'll be in charge of the Marines, and you'll naturally have the right to distribute Marine supplies."

"Currently, there are tens of thousands of standard equipment sets stored in the Marines..."

Carlos shook his head with a smile.

"No, I'm referring to high-tech creations, such as battle suits, bubble guns, and lightsabers."

Vegapunk who was originally very happy.

His face suddenly fell after hearing Carlos' words.

"Oh, okay."

"However, I can only give you fifty sets at most. The cost of this thing is quite expensive..."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You can visit my Patreon page:

Patreon.com/PhoeniXcel

There are 40+ advanced chapters available for you to read.

Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Check out my new One Piece fanfic!

[Naruto: I Have Doraemon]