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*Gulp…*
Beppo swallowed hard, his body trembling with a chill.
"Out of over twenty people, only fewer than ten survived?" Law took a deep breath, his heart stirring with unease.
Keep in mind, the "twenty-some" individuals Mike referred to were all carefully selected "elites." The fact that even they had perished spoke volumes about just how brutal Germa's training regimen truly was.
"Don't be surprised. Germa doesn't merely need skilled fighters—we need true high-tier combatants. Otherwise, we wouldn't invest such vast resources and manpower into cultivating them…" Ichiji's expression remained calm as he spoke in a low voice. "Moreover, this first batch hasn't officially 'graduated' yet. No one can say for sure how many will survive until then."
"The trainees in the first batch are generally between fourteen and sixteen years old. If everything goes as planned, they won't 'graduate' until they're twenty," Mike patiently explained to Law.
He knew that bringing Law to Kerveenya Beast Island meant the prince intended to formally integrate him into Germa's core ranks—it was proof that Law had passed his "probation period."
"…"
Law fell silent.
Though he might inwardly disapprove of Germa's merciless training methods, he couldn't exactly criticize them. After all, he didn't consider himself a good person either.
If Germa hadn't taken in these orphans, there was no guarantee they would have survived. Dying painfully from starvation or exposure was an all-too-common fate for abandoned children.
An evil organization like Germa poured so many resources into nurturing these orphans precisely because they expected significant returns in the future.
"…"
"This program has been underway for five years now."
"There are currently five batches of trainees concentrated in the island's training base. Each batch consists of around twenty individuals, ranging in age from ten to sixteen. Those who show exceptional potential but are younger than ten are kept in regular facilities until they meet the age requirement before being transferred to the elite base!"
This was the fruit of Ichiji's efforts over the years!
Initially, Vinsmoke Judge hadn't supported this plan. In his view, investing massive resources to train these orphans might not yield worthwhile results and could even be a waste of manpower and materials. He believed it would be more efficient to use those resources to produce more modified soldiers.
But in the end, under Ichiji's insistence, Germa decided to give the plan a try.
Judging by the current results of the first batch, the cost of cultivating elites was indeed staggering. However, as the second, third, and subsequent batches progressed, the long-term benefits were promising.
What Germa lacked most was true high-tier combat power, and these individuals might very well become the backbone of Germa in the future.
---
Not long after…
A distant "black dot" appeared on the horizon, growing larger and larger.
*Roar… Growl…*
From afar, the sound of monstrous roars echoed, sending shivers down their spines.
As they drew closer, Law finally got a clear view of the island. It was a sprawling primeval forest, and he could vaguely make out massive shadows moving within—but no trace of any base.
"Let's go…"
Soon, the War House arrived at Beast Island.
Leaving Mike behind on the War House, Ichiji disembarked with his three beautiful maids, Law, and Beppo.
*Growl…*
*Rustle, rustle…*
No sooner had they stepped into the dark, dense jungle than pairs of crimson eyes glinted from the bushes on both sides, startling the newcomers.
"With His Highness here, what do you two girls have to fear?" Isabelle scolded Wensni and Dilia gently.
Compared to Wensni and Dilia, Isabelle was clearly no mere decorative figure. She had earned Ichiji's trust for a reason, and her calm demeanor reflected that.
In fact, if she wished, she could easily handle these beasts herself.
However, even during the recent battle against the Geoffrey Pirates, she hadn't lifted a finger. Law had no idea that this maid by Ichiji's side possessed strength far surpassing his own.
*Howl… Roar…*
The trees swayed violently, leaves raining down as a group of towering red-eyed gorillas charged out.
Over a dozen ferocious apes, their fanged maws wide open, lunged toward them menacingly.
"Enough!"
Ichiji's gaze turned icy as he bellowed sharply.
The once-fearsome gorillas froze mid-motion, breaking out in cold sweat instantly.
The next moment—
*Boom, boom…* Panicking, they turned tail and fled, kicking up clouds of dust. Several massive trees were even uprooted or snapped in half by their frantic escape!
*BANG!!*
At the same time, a deafening roar thundered through the air!
A colossal tree boar, bristling with jagged spikes and sporting two sharp tusks, its grotesque form towering nearly six meters tall, went flying out of the forest.
One after another, several massive trees thick enough to require multiple people to encircle were snapped clean in half. The beast's immense body crashed heavily onto the ground.
*Rumble…*
Dust billowed as the earth cracked beneath the impact.
*Groan…* The massive tree boar foamed at the mouth, its body twitching uncontrollably. It had completely lost the ability to resist.
*Gulp! That thing's huge!*
Staring at the horrifying sight of the spiked boar, Beppo couldn't help but swallow nervously, beads of cold sweat trickling down his face.
That enormous bulk could probably flatten him in an instant.
"Who's there?"
Law's eyes widened in alarm as he focused intently on the figure emerging from the forest.
His instincts screamed that this newcomer was extremely dangerous!
"Not even using Haoshoku Haki, yet simply his presence scared off those pack-hunting gorillas that even I find troublesome…" A wiry black-clad figure emerged slowly from the forest, speaking in admiration. "Truly worthy of being His Highness!"
The man was of average height, likely in his mid-twenties, with an unattractive face—thick lips, short black hair styled neatly, and red earrings dangling from his ears. His eyes gleamed with ferocity and cruelty. Clad in Germa's signature black combat uniform, he looked every bit the part of a ruthless thug.
"Germa's combat uniform?"
Wensni and Dilia exchanged surprised glances. They already knew the captains of Germa's six major squads, but they'd never heard of anyone like this man.
"To take down such a thick-skinned tree boar with a single strike—your Busoshoku Haki has become even more refined, Akkin…"
Ichiji smiled, clearly pleased as he watched the fierce-looking man approach.
This was currently his most outstanding subordinate!
"All thanks to Your Highness's guidance!"
Akkin, his savage face twisting into an awkward smile, gazed at the red-haired figure before him.
For Vinsmoke Ichiji, he harbored nothing but boundless gratitude and respect.
If not for this prince saving him, he might have been beaten to death years ago by some noble from the East Blue. Forget about achieving his current strength—he wouldn't even be alive.
---
["Demon Man" Akkin is the pirate who defeated Sanji in the opening of the anime. He made a promise with Luffy to meet again in the Grand Line, so it's likely he'll reappear later.]