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Boom…
Whoosh… Splash, splash…
Bolt after bolt of lightning streaked across the darkened sky. The wind howled furiously, and rain poured down in torrents, like countless bullets piercing the air. The sea churned violently, wave after wave crashing against the massive warships of Germa. Even their colossal battleships rocked unsteadily amidst the storm.
Surrounded by a fleet of warships—each constructed from giant sea slugs—the central command ship housed an expansive, luxurious bedroom.
Standing before the panoramic window, gazing at the gloomy weather outside and the towering waves that rose intermittently, a man dressed in a white shirt and black trousers slightly furrowed his brows.
His fiery hair stood up slightly, exuding a noble and heroic aura. His sharp, slender eyes glimmered with intelligence, his thin lips pressed tightly together, and his chiseled features framed a tall, elegant figure. Like a hawk soaring through the night, every detail about him radiated sophistication and grace.
"What terrible weather…" He muttered softly, voicing his complaint.
Of course, such storms were not uncommon on these seas, so Iji wasn't particularly concerned.
Still, encountering such harsh conditions was bound to leave one feeling irritable.
It was already the third night since they had departed from the Kingdom of Philan, beginning their journey back to the North Blue. They were expected to reach Reverse Mountain by the next day.
"Lord Iji, given this, our route back will likely be somewhat affected by the storm, won't it…?"
Winny, the elder of the twin maids, approached quietly behind him, speaking in a soft voice.
Her long golden hair cascaded down her back, framing her delicate and beautiful face. Her arched eyebrows sat above gem-like eyes that shimmered with admiration whenever she looked at the young master before her.
"There might be some deviation, but it won't significantly impact us," Iji replied with a faint smile.
"My dear Delia, what are you hiding by the door?"
Iji suddenly turned around, his eyes devoid of anger, filled instead with amusement.
The twin sisters, Winny and Delia, had been handpicked by Iji during one of his campaigns years ago, chosen from all corners of the world.
Though their demeanor might not match that of his older sister, Vinsmoke Reiju, their beauty was unparalleled—especially since they were identical twins.
Even Reiju, who rarely praised her less-than-adorable younger brother, couldn't help but commend him for his excellent taste when he brought the pair back.
---
Morning dawned.
The sky stretched out a brilliant azure, clear and cloudless.
The fierce storm had dissipated as quickly as it came, vanishing without a trace after lasting through the night.
Caw, caw…
A flock of seagulls circled high in the air, diving and soaring joyfully.
Bright sunlight bathed the fleet of "warships," lifting the oppressive atmosphere and replacing it with a sense of ease and vitality.
"Hah!"
"Kill!!!"
"Are you not eating properly? Put more effort into it!"
Soldiers of Germa had already begun their daily morning training, engaging in vigorous combat exercises below decks. Each soldier fought fiercely, sparing no mercy despite using blunted weapons instead of real ones.
Injuries were promptly tended to by medical personnel stationed nearby.
This brutal regimen was part of what made Germa's army far superior to those of ordinary kingdoms—not just due to their advanced technology but also because of their relentless discipline.
Inside the luxurious room, a refreshed Iji stood up and walked to the large window, gazing at the now-calm blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds.
"Lord Iji, here is today's newspaper…"
As soon as he stepped out of the castle, a squad leader hurried over, handing him a freshly delivered newspaper ordered from the News Coo.
Iji understood the importance of information better than anyone.
Every day, he dedicated time to reviewing the news—not only to keep track of events in the Grand Line but also to stay informed about noteworthy happenings worldwide.
"Portgas D. Ace…"
Flipping casually through the pages, a bounty poster slipped out, catching Iji's attention.
"Lord, this is the latest rookie pirate to emerge—a captain of the 'Spade Pirates,' gaining momentum rapidly…"
"A rookie with the power of a Logia-type Mera Mera no Mi… What incredible luck!"
Iji wasn't envious, merely reflective. After all, the strength granted by Logia-class Devil Fruits was undeniable.
For a newcomer to possess such a powerful ability was undeniably fortunate.
"Luck is also a form of strength."
Iji spoke indifferently. "Take, for instance, Gol D. Roger's pirate crew during the Battle of Edd War. They were surrounded by the airborne pirate fleet led by Shiki the Golden Lion, seemingly doomed. But thanks to a sudden storm, Roger's crew escaped while Shiki's once-dominant forces were nearly annihilated, dragged into the depths of the sea."
"Even Shiki himself ended up with a ridiculous ship's wheel stuck in his head, too afraid to remove it lest it cost him his life."
"On the other hand, Roger's pirates emerged victorious, advancing steadily until they conquered the Grand Line. Their captain, Gol D. Roger, became universally recognized as the 'Pirate King.'"
Like them, Iji was just an ordinary person among countless others, yet somehow fate had thrust him into extraordinary circumstances.
Whether this was mere luck or destiny would only be answered by the future.
"Extraordinary people will shine no matter where they are. Even without Devil Fruits, their achievements wouldn't fall short."
While powerful Devil Fruits could greatly enhance one's abilities, true strength didn't rely solely on such powers.
That was Iji's belief.
"Of course, if it weren't for the Logia ability, his bounty wouldn't be so high—at least not this early in his career."
Glancing at the bounty poster of "Fire Fist" Ace, Iji remarked calmly.