The Recruitment and Training of the Middle Kingdom's Army
After half a year, the Middle Kingdom had undergone drastic changes. In a nation with a total population of just over three million, an astounding 500,000 people had signed up for military conscription.
Had it not been for Caesar's strict age restrictions, preventing those too young or too old from enlisting unless they demonstrated exceptional talent or strength, the number of applicants would have surpassed a million.
This meant that one-sixth of the country's total population had volunteered for the army—an overwhelming turnout that even Caesar found surprising. The sheer enthusiasm for enlistment reflected the immense transformation the Middle Kingdom had undergone in just six months.
Caesar couldn't deny that this was also a testament to his own charismatic influence over the people.
An army of 500,000 strong—an unprecedented number—was now under his command. However, as the recruitment phase concluded, a crucial issue arose:
The training base.
To train such a massive force, they needed a vast area where soldiers could hone their physical abilities, martial prowess, and combat techniques. Furthermore, those who demonstrated exceptional potential—especially those who acquired Devil Fruits—would require specialized training grounds to develop and master their newfound abilities.
With this in mind, Caesar personally set out to create a training base.
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The Selection of the Training Island
Caesar arrived at a deserted island near the central landmass of the Middle Kingdom. The island was small, barren, and devoid of any life—far too inadequate for training tens of thousands of recruits.
He discussed this matter with Douglas Barrett, his trusted right-hand man and soon-to-be Supreme Commander of the army.
After much deliberation, they concluded that this small island was the most suitable location despite its size.
The island's proximity to the mainland was its biggest advantage, allowing easy access while ensuring that training activities wouldn't interfere with daily life in the kingdom. However, it was far too small for Caesar's vision of a grand military complex.
Fortunately, Caesar had a solution.
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Caesar's Meteorite Expansion Project
Since the island was too small, he would expand it himself.
Standing at the highest point of the island, Caesar gripped his Tyrannical Saber, his signature weapon, and unleashed a surge of gravitational force into the sky.
Instantly, the atmosphere shifted in color, fading from light blue to an ominous crimson.
Moments later, seven or eight colossal meteorites, each measuring about one cubic kilometer, streaked through the sky, trailing fiery tails as they descended toward the sea.
The intense wind pressure caused the ocean below to part—revealing the seabed—as the meteorites approached the surface. However, just as they were about to impact the water, Caesar raised his hand.
A deep purple glow radiated from his palm.
In an instant, the meteorites were suspended in mid-air, as though their momentum had been completely nullified.
Caesar, who possessed mastery over gravity, electromagnetism, and other fundamental forces, was effortlessly reshaping the land to his will.
If the island was too small, he would simply summon stones from the heavens. If the terrain was uneven, he would smooth it out with gravity.
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The Birth of a New Land
With a flicker of silver light, Caesar used his gravitational force to fuse the meteorites together, merging them into one massive landmass.
Then, using his power, he sank the newly formed rock into the sea, precisely aligning it with the seabed near the deserted island.
But his work was far from finished.
The New World's oceans were unpredictable. Tsunamis, whirlpools, and undersea currents could easily dislodge a newly created landmass if not properly anchored.
To prevent this, Caesar used his immense gravitational ability to press the rock into the continental plate itself, ensuring that it would remain permanently fused with the planet.
The surface of the new land—initially jagged and uneven—was then continuously compressed and reshaped until it became a flat, stable terrain suitable for training.
By the time he was done, Caesar had expanded the island from barely two square kilometers to nearly ten.
With this new landmass, the Middle Kingdom's army would have a proper battlefield to hone their skills.
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The Conscription Dilemma
A few days later, in the palace of the Middle Kingdom, Caesar reviewed the official recruitment report.
500,000 applications.
Even for him, this number was staggering.
"This is too much!" Caesar muttered, momentarily taken aback.
Standing beside him, Barrett chuckled, scratching his head.
"The people are too enthusiastic about joining the army," he said. "The way they signed up was just like when you first established the Middle Kingdom—with everyone celebrating a new era and a new king."
"They want to protect their homeland… and many want to repay you for your kindness."
Caesar understood the sentiment. But he simply could not train that many people at once.
Half a million soldiers?
If he accepted them all, the logistical burden would be overwhelming. The newly created training island, despite its increased size, was still not enough to accommodate such a massive army.
After a moment of thought, Caesar made his decision.
"We need to raise the recruitment standards."
He turned to Barrett, who would soon become the Army's Supreme Commander, and stated:
"We can't recruit everyone. We'll need stricter conditions to filter out applicants."
Barrett nodded, deep in thought. It was a good problem to have—an enthusiastic populace willing to fight for their nation. However, training half a million soldiers at once was unrealistic.
"What new requirements should we set?" Barrett asked.
Caesar leaned forward on his throne.
"First, we further restrict the age range."
"Second, every applicant must pass a rigorous trial—only those who prove themselves worthy will be admitted."
Barrett understood immediately.
By limiting the age group, they could ensure that the army consisted of those in their prime—youths with strong bodies and higher growth potential.
And by introducing a mandatory combat trial, they could ensure that only the strongest recruits were chosen.
The Middle Kingdom didn't need an army of mediocrity—Caesar wanted an elite force akin to the Navy's Vice Admirals or the Marines' special divisions.
"Understood," Barrett replied. "I'll make the announcement immediately."
The new requirements were posted throughout the Middle Kingdom.
Soon after, the largest military trial in the nation's history began.
Aspiring recruits gathered, ready to prove themselves. Each one dreamed of becoming as strong as Caesar…
And, of course, many were drawn by one particular promise:
"Those who prove themselves will be granted a Devil Fruit."
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