Chapter 28 Dr. Kureha's Research Project and New Star Gate!
Dr. Kureha arrived.
The slender, white-haired woman stepped out of the Cable Car, dressed in a set of purple-blue jeans and a jacket, with only a thin white t-shirt underneath, and small, light yellow sunglasses perched on her forehead.
Overall, she looked nothing like a 117-year-old super-aged elderly person. Instead, she resembled a middle-aged woman with a rebellious streak, exuding a very rebellious air about her.
"Hoo—it's been many years since I've been here."
Dr. Kureha looked up at the magnificent Snow-White Castle before her, a carefree smile spreading across her face.
"This way, please. His Majesty the King and Minister Malvani from the World Government, along with Vice Admiral Aokiji from Marine Headquarters, are waiting for you inside."
The official from before respectfully raised his hand, pointing towards the Castle gate.
"Let's go!"
Dr. Kureha had already heard a rough explanation on the way about the 'Medical Development Cooperation Country' and the establishment of the Drum Medical Academy. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been interested in coming, not even for a king's invitation.
As soon as she stepped into the Reception Hall, a wave of heat washed over her. Although the climate of Drum Kingdom was cold, the Royal Family certainly knew how to treat themselves well.
"Dr. Kureha has arrived!"
King Arnold on the Throne breathed a sigh of relief. To be honest, he wasn't sure if she would actually come. This old woman doctor, over a hundred years old, was a special figure in this Kingdom.
Dr. Kureha stopped about five meters away from Minister Malvani.
"Yeah, I'm here. You're the Minister of the Administrative Department, right? Let's talk about the Medical Academy. If this old woman doctor isn't satisfied, I'll turn around and go buy some booze!"
She was utterly impolite, but Minister Malvani didn't mind. Having held a high position in the World Government for so many years, his composure was quite adequate.
Moreover, he didn't want to stay in this cold Kingdom for too long, so this straightforward and efficient personality actually suited him well.
"It's like this..."
Minister Malvani patiently repeated what he had said to King Arnold before, even going into more detail.
After listening, Dr. Kureha fell silent. To be honest, she was tempted.
In her life, she had only been obsessed with two things: drinking and medicine, especially the latter, to which she had devoted her entire life.
Whether it was ancient germs or modern novel diseases, she dared to say she 'knew a thing or two'. In particular, her superb Surgical Skill was unparalleled in the entire Drum medical community. She also had a habit of collecting all kinds of Uncommon Medicine, all of which were hidden in a secret base.
Minister Malvani had just said that the Medical Academy would be the highest-level medical research institute under the World Government, a place responsible for organizing and researching all known and unknown medicines, diseases, and Medical Skill in the World.
If it could really be like that, wouldn't it be paradise for her?
As for establishing a Rank Promotion System for World doctors, and being responsible for writing Teaching Material and conducting Assessment, she wasn't very interested in these troublesome matters.
Fortunately, however, the Medical Academy wouldn't just be her alone.
The first step was to bring in the excellent doctors within Drum Kingdom. Those with extremely high Medical Skill would directly enter the Medical Academy, while those of a slightly lower level would join the World Hospital.
The Medical Academy and the World Hospital were the core of the 'World Government Medical Development Cooperation Country' project.
Any hospital within the Affiliated Nations that encountered Difficult and Complicated Diseases that could not be resolved could apply for transfer. Similarly, doctors from other Affiliated Nations who wished to join the Medical Academy or the World Hospital could also apply.
Both the Medical Academy and the World Hospital were decided to be built on a Drum Mountain Peaks, on the left side of the Main Peak where the Royal Palace Castle was located.
"So, are you willing to accept the position of Dean of the Medical Academy?"
Hearing Minister Malvani's solemn inquiry, Dr. Kureha didn't stand on ceremony and readily agreed, "Sounds good, I'll give it a try for a few years!"
"That's great. Once Vice Admiral Aokiji has built the Ice Bridge and Steps, our Administrative Department will bring over the building materials and construction workers!"
With that, Minister Malvani waved his hand behind him, and a pre-prepared Administrative Department attendant quickly stepped forward, holding a File Bag in both hands.
"Although the Medical Academy hasn't started construction yet, the 'World Government Medical Development Cooperation Country' project has already taken effect since King Arnold signed the agreement. In other words, you are already the official Dean of the Medical Academy. This is the first research project that the World Government has issued to the Medical Academy."
He took out a Report from the File Bag and handed it to Dr. Kureha. She took it and was surprised to find that it was actually a Disease Report.
It detailed the Medical Case of three patients and a Professional Evaluation of the disease, along with High-Definition Pictures of the Patient's Body Surface and Internal Condition.
"Platinum Lead..."
Dr. Kureha murmured to herself. She had never seen this disease before, and it immediately piqued her curiosity. She decisively immersed herself in the Content of the Report, completely ignoring the surrounding Environment and people.
Seeing this scene, Minister Malvani and Kuzan exchanged a smile filled with meaning.
"By the way, King Arnold, in addition to this matter, I also hope to take twenty of the most outstanding doctors from Drum Kingdom back with me to the Holy Land Mary Geoise for treatment work."
"Mary Geoise?!"
"Are the 'Descendants of the Creator' ill?" King Arnold put on a very concerned expression.
"No, it's to treat a group of Mermaid and Fish-man. The higher-ups hope to restore their Injuries and Illnesses as soon as possible," Minister Malvani said.
"Oh, I see. Of course, no problem. I will send someone to notify them immediately. I believe many doctors will be interested in Mermaid and Fish-man. Please stay for the night, and allow me to properly entertain you and Vice Admiral Aokiji!"
Holy Land Mary Geoise, Moon Chamber at the very top of Pangea Castle.
As the saying goes, 'a leader's mouth moves, and subordinates' legs run off'. After Imu discussed with the Five Elders and issued an Order, the World Government, Marine Headquarters, and CIPHER POL began to busy themselves across the Grand Line.
And what about Imu and the Five Elders? The latter were still drinking tea and reading the Newspaper in the Hall of Power, while the former was lying on a luxurious, gold and red bed, spacing out.
It looked like spacing out, but in reality, he was staring at the 'Latest Prompt' in his vision.
This prompt had appeared a few days ago, on January 1st, the day of Roger's Public Execution. The Content of the prompt was brief, just one sentence: 'A new Star Gate is waiting to be opened.'
The Instruction Manual stated that a small Star Gate, three meters high and two meters wide, would appear every year, so he now had two small Star Gates, two Portals leading to Unknown Planet!
Dilemma.
His main Planet had only just begun to be cleaned up and was still in the initial stages. Where would he find the energy to interfere with a Planet that he knew nothing about? What if there were particularly terrifying beings there?
Although his Strength was the strongest in this Pirate World, the Universe was vast. Since the Star Chart's instructions mentioned Unknown Civilization, it meant there must be experts among them, possibly even stronger than him.
Caution.
It was better to be cautious. At least wait until this year's World Conference progressed to a certain stage before considering it. When the time comes, he could send a few CIPHER POL to investigate.
In any case, Imu would definitely not be the first one to go in. Adventurous things like this should be left to his subordinates!
(End of Chapter)