Chapter 136 New Alliances and New Strength

The G8 Base was bustling with activity as reinforcements arrived. Sengoku had not disappointed Satoru. In addition to a contingent of elite soldiers, the Navy HQ had sent two Devil Fruits. Though both were Zoan types—a Pit Viper Fruit and a Gecko Fruit—the gesture was still significant. After all, Logia fruits were rare treasures kept under tight wraps.

Satoru placed the fruits in front of Krar, his loyal second-in-command.

"Choose one," he instructed. "Either will boost your strength significantly."

Krar's eyes welled up with tears. Devil Fruits were treasures of unimaginable value, yet Satoru was offering one to him.

"Don't cry," Satoru said, waving off Krar's emotion. "You're my right hand. If your strength doesn't match your position, how will we maintain order?"

Krar nodded, taking a deep breath. "Thank you, sir. I'll choose the Gecko Fruit."

Satoru nodded, understanding Krar's choice. The Gecko Fruit's regenerative capabilities were likely what appealed to him.

"Take the Pit Viper Fruit too," Satoru added. "Find someone among the troops who performed exceptionally in the last battle and reward them."

Krar saluted, his excitement evident. With two new Devil Fruit users, the G8 Base's combat strength would see a significant boost.

---

Alongside the reinforcements, promotions were announced. Each surviving soldier was elevated a rank, and their pay was doubled—a small consolation for their sacrifices. Satoru, however, had also requested specific reinforcements from Sengoku: his former classmates from the elite training program.

Chris, Herak, and Bosla arrived at the base, each having grown stronger over the past two years.

Chris, who wielded the Speed-Speed Fruit, had refined his abilities to the point of breaking the sound barrier, earning the title of the Navy's fastest man after Admiral Kizaru.

Herak, thanks to his Ape-Ape Fruit: Ancient Model—King Kong form, had become a physical powerhouse. His towering figure and immense strength made him a force to be reckoned with.

Bosla, while not a Devil Fruit user, had mastered advanced physical techniques and honed his two-color Haki to perfection, placing him on par with a vice admiral.

"Long time no see, guys," Satoru greeted as the three entered his office.

Chris grinned. "I always knew you'd become an admiral, but man, you skyrocketed past all of us. Faster than Admiral Kizaru himself!"

Herak clapped Satoru on the back with a grin. "Two years, and you've left us in the dust. Feels like we're trying to catch a typhoon!"

Bosla, more reserved but no less impressed, added, "Your record is something else. We're here to help, but I doubt we'll match what you've accomplished."

Satoru chuckled, observing how they'd changed. Chris remained sharp and youthful, Herak had grown into a giant of a man, and Bosla now carried himself with confidence instead of timidity.

"I specifically requested you three for this base," Satoru said. "The admirals were not happy. Admiral Kizaru even called me to complain that I was stealing his best man."

Chris smirked. "He probably just didn't want to do the extra work."

Herak laughed. "Meanwhile, Admiral Akainu probably solved every problem himself. He doesn't need anyone!"

The room filled with laughter, a rare moment of levity amidst the tension of rebuilding.

--

The arrival of reinforcements and the addition of Devil Fruit powers brought hope to the G8 Base. Training routines were intensified under Satoru's command, with Chris, Herak, and Bosla taking leadership roles.

"Tomorrow," Satoru declared to his officers, "we start rebuilding this base's strength. We've been through hell, but we'll come out stronger. We owe it to those who sacrificed everything."

The officers saluted, their determination mirroring Satoru's resolve. The seeds of loss and grief had been planted, but from them, a new era of strength and unity would grow.