CHAPTER 231

After such a rigorous competition, those who lose will have no choice but to accept the results. Actual combat serves as the most direct measure of one's overall combat prowess.

Those with weak foundations or poor training habits will never make it to the final stages of a competition of this scale.

The winners, emerging from a thousand competitors, are undoubtedly elite warriors—true prodigies with exceptional strength.

Upon hearing Caesar's vision for the military competition, Douglas Bullet couldn't help but nod in approval. He quickly recognized several advantages to this approach.

A ranking system like this would not only allow warriors to fight for the right to claim a Devil Fruit, but it would also grant them prestige—an honor that soldiers would eagerly pursue.

This dual incentive would significantly boost morale, igniting both ambition and fighting spirit among the troops.

"I'll implement this military competition as soon as possible," Bullet declared.

"This is an excellent idea!"

Caesar grinned. "No rush. The first competition will take place in three months."

"Spread the word immediately!"

"Give them three months to train and improve themselves. That way, it's fair, and everyone has a chance to prepare."

To ensure fairness and impartiality, Caesar spared no effort in designing the tournament. Everyone would have a clear goal in mind. Even those who usually slacked off in training would be forced to push themselves this time.

After all, who would turn down the chance to obtain a Devil Fruit?

"I understand, Captain. I'll inform the entire army at once!"

"I guarantee the competition will be a success!"

"Good, Bullet. I'm leaving this matter in your hands!"

"By the way, we should make this an annual event."

"Let those who fail have the motivation to keep trying."

The benefits to the army were undeniable, giving Caesar every reason to continue this tradition.

Moreover, forming an elite Devil Fruit Army wouldn't happen overnight. The collection of Devil Fruits was a slow process.

With a system like this, he could keep his soldiers striving for greatness year after year.

"Understood, Captain!"

Bullet agreed wholeheartedly. This was a military event worth maintaining indefinitely.

There were no real downsides to this competition. A yearly tournament would harness the full potential of every soldier.

"Alright, go and announce it. I have other matters to attend to!"

With that, Caesar ended the call.

At the Training Grounds

Bullet ordered the entire army to assemble.

Once the troops had gathered, he announced Caesar's decision.

The reaction was instant—excitement rippled through the ranks. Every soldier resolved to push themselves to the limit over the next three months.

Even if they couldn't win a Devil Fruit, they were determined to secure a high ranking.

After all, even the last place among the top one thousand would be considered an honor.

In the Palace

Caesar set down the Den Den Mushi, smirking.

He had already amassed over 180 Devil Fruits—and with the 60 or so he had recently recovered from the ocean depths, his total exceeded 240.

Granted, many of them were of lesser quality, but the stockpile kept growing year after year.

With this supply, he could sustain the tournament for at least eight years.

And within that time, he would continue acquiring more, extending the event indefinitely.

However, Caesar suddenly realized that limiting such a grand tournament to his army alone might be a mistake.

Not far from Dressrosa, there was an arena where warriors from all over the world could compete.

Why not open the competition to outsiders as well?

After some thought, he made a decision.

He would establish a grand fighting arena in his territory—a place where the strongest could gather and test their mettle.

This would not only foster a culture of martial arts, but also serve as a powerful tool for recruiting hidden talents.

Even if he couldn't directly recruit every strong fighter, their battles would help hone his subordinates.

Their combat footage could even be studied by his army as training material.

Beyond that, the arena would stimulate the economy.

Such an event would draw massive crowds, eager to purchase tickets and witness legendary battles firsthand.

With media coverage, the spectacle could gain international attention, drawing even more challengers.

It was an opportunity with limitless potential.

The Power of Public Opinion

As Caesar drafted his plans for the arena, another thought struck him.

If he wanted to cultivate a culture of strength, the best way was to create star fighters—warriors the people could admire and idolize.

Public figures held immense influence.

Just like how he had saved his country, earning the people's loyalty and admiration, star warriors could inspire future generations to pursue strength.

However, to make this idea truly effective, he needed a powerful media platform.

While Den Den Mushi could broadcast images and snail-projected visuals existed, television did not.

This was an oversight in the world's technological development—there were surveillance video capabilities, yet no mass communication TV networks.

The technological tree of this world was as erratic as that of the Naruto world.

Caesar had realized this flaw long ago, during the Gilmanda Kingdom incident.

At the time, the World Government-controlled newspapers had twisted the narrative, portraying the Marines in a positive light while downplaying his own achievements.

That was when he first conceived the idea of establishing his own media empire.

Despite the world's seemingly outdated technology, "black tech" innovations existed—proof that such advancements were possible.

If he could develop a TV network and sell televisions worldwide, he wouldn't just make money.

He would control the most influential propaganda tool on the planet.

This would be far superior to newspapers, which were limited by text-based reporting.

With live broadcasts, he could manipulate public opinion on a massive scale.

If he gained control of a global TV network, he would become the uncrowned king of media.

And in the final battle against the World Government, this would be an invaluable weapon.

He could expose the secrets of the World Government—broadcasting the truth of Raftel and the hidden history for the entire world to see.

That alone could shatter the legitimacy of the World Government's rule.

Right now, the World Government controlled most major newspapers, ensuring that public perception remained in their favor.

Even independent publications faced pressure and censorship.

This manufactured bias meant that ordinary people never had access to the true history of the world.

But if he introduced an alternative media platform, he could directly challenge their monopoly on information.

The World Government would no longer be able to shape public perception at will.

Realizing this, Caesar momentarily set aside his fighting arena plans and immediately traveled to Sky Island, where his research base was located.

Sky Island Research Base

Upon arrival, he sought out Dr. Amicel, a brilliant scientist specializing in alloy materials.

For the past few years, ever since Amicel had joined Caesar's forces, he had been working on two major projects:

1. Developing stronger alloy materials.

2. Designing a mass-production line for advanced firearms based on modern designs.

Although alloy research had proven difficult, the firearm production line had already been completed.

However, Caesar had kept it a closely guarded secret—a trump card for the final war.

If the World Government ever got hold of this technology, their immense resources would allow them to rapidly mass-produce advanced weaponry, giving them a terrifying advantage.

That was why Caesar had not yet revealed the existence of the production line.

Now, he had a new mission for Amicel.

Approaching the scientist, he spoke with determination.

"I have a new idea. I need you to assess its feasibility."

Amicel, now looking even thinner from years of research, looked up.

"Captain Caesar, just tell me what you need."

Caesar smirked.

"I want to create something that can broadcast images worldwide—something more advanced than Den Den Mushi projections."

"A device for every household… I call it television."

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