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Within the massive underground base, the group arrived at a lounge located on the second subterranean level under the guidance of Avis Burn, the captain of the First Squad.
"Master, here are the latest data for the fifth-phase trainees, freshly updated. There are seventy-eight in total..."
After everyone had taken their seats, the ever-efficient Burn retrieved a summary of the trainees' information from the archive room and handed it to Ichi, who was seated on the couch.
The documents contained detailed records of each trainee's basic information, performance metrics, and battle achievements—such as when they mastered one of the six Rokushiki techniques, or the types of beasts they had defeated in solo combat.
Originally, there should have been exactly one hundred trainees in the fifth phase, but with only seventy-some remaining, it was clear that fatalities had occurred among the second, third, and fourth phases as well.
"Out of the first-phase trainees, only eight remain—all of them male..."
"Among the top three, each has mastered at least three of the six Rokushiki techniques, and two have even awakened Haki of Observation..."
"What?! Are you serious...?"
Bepo's eyes widened in disbelief.
For the past two or three months, it hadn't even managed to master the most basic technique, Shave. Yet these teenagers were already achieving such feats.
"So astonishing?"
It wasn't just Bepo; even Law felt his pupils contract. He knew all too well how difficult it was to master the six Rokushiki techniques. At present, he had only barely grasped Shave, and still couldn't apply it effectively in combat.
The eldest of the first-phase trainees was reportedly only sixteen years old, yet they had already mastered several techniques and awakened Haki of Observation.
No wonder Germa was willing to invest such vast resources into this elite training camp.
"Don't be surprised," Ajin interjected, arms crossed as he sat calmly nearby. "Each of these trainees was carefully selected from orphanages worldwide and underwent rigorous screening before being admitted to the elite program. Germa doesn't waste its resources nurturing useless individuals..."
He shook his head slightly, his tone matter-of-fact. "They endure brutal training every day, constantly teetering on the brink of life and death. Despite Germa's advanced medical facilities and stringent safety measures, more than half have been naturally eliminated over the years due to various reasons."
His words were harsh, but they reflected reality—Germa didn't tolerate mediocrity. Many of these trainees had been purchased through human trafficking organizations because of their promising potential.
"Interesting... So Pod has already mastered five of the six Rokushiki techniques and can now utilize Armament Haki?"
As Ichi flipped through the trainees' files, his eyebrows rose slightly in surprise.
Grilz Pod, ranked first among the first-phase trainees, was just sixteen years old. Born on a poor island in the North Blue, he had been ostracized by his village due to his father's past as a pirate and abandoned by his mother. His outstanding talent caught Germa's attention, and he had even received personal guidance from Ichi himself. Pod was also an ardent admirer of Ichi.
"What?!"
Law and Bepo were left speechless.
Especially Law—he couldn't help but feel disheartened. What had he accomplished in recent years?
Aside from Vinsmoke Ichi, this teenager no older than sixteen had surpassed him.
Though age might limit the boy's current overall strength, his innate talent was undeniably remarkable.
"That unruly brat Grilz Pod truly outshines the second-ranked Axon and third-ranked Cecil Mori..." Burn nodded proudly. "In a few years, he'll undoubtedly become one of Germa's pillars!"
Burn couldn't help but admire Ichi's foresight. Even King Judge had initially doubted the viability of this elite training program, but Ichi had insisted. Now, the results were beginning to show, albeit at a significant cost.
Still, it was easy to imagine that as these elites grew stronger over the next few years—or even a decade—Germa would steadily rise in power, potentially restoring its former glory.
"Let's move to the conference room and summon Pod here as well..."
After reviewing the fifth-phase trainees' data, Ichi stood up, satisfied, and addressed Burn directly. "I've come here specifically to initiate a plan crucial to Germa's future, but I need to consult with him."
Turning to Ajin and Burn, who had also risen, he continued gravely, "This plan will also require both of your efforts..."
At these words, everyone present froze momentarily.
What kind of plan required consulting trainees and seeking their opinions? Was it sending them undercover into the Navy or World Government?
*In the Conference Room*
Only Ichi, Law, Ajin, Burn, a young but determined stranger, and Isabelle—the ever-present maid trailing behind Ichi—remained.
"Master, please give your orders..." Grilz Pod spoke up immediately. Despite his calm demeanor forged through countless life-and-death trials, his excitement was palpable.
As an ardent admirer of Ichi, becoming one of the master's trusted aides was his lifelong ambition. Being personally chosen by Ichi before even graduating from the training camp was a testament to his hard work over the years.
"This plan may take ten years or longer..."
Seated at the head of the conference table, Ichi looked solemnly at Ajin, Burn, and Pod. "It will be incredibly demanding and perhaps even cruel for you. Therefore, I need to hear your thoughts and consent fully."
"Master, what is this about?"
Burn frowned slightly, his tone tinged with curiosity.
"For Master, for Germa's honor, ten years mean nothing! I, Pod, am ready without hesitation!!"
Ajin remained silent, but the resolute gleam in his eyes conveyed his determination.
"Germa cannot rise quickly using conventional methods."
"The ability of the Ope Ope no Mi allows for swapping 'minds,' meaning someone can directly take control of another person's body..."
Pointing to Law, Ichi explained his abilities bluntly. Then, looking directly at the stunned faces around him, he continued, "I need several talented individuals with exceptional combat skills. Law will use his powers to transfer their consciousnesses into the bodies of strong individuals, rapidly enhancing Germa's strength within the shortest time possible."
Initially, Ichi hadn't expected Law to develop such a mind-transfer ability so soon. Though the technique drained the user significantly, leaving them utterly exhausted, it suited his plans perfectly. Originally, he thought he'd have to wait another year or two, but now the plan could proceed ahead of schedule.
Ajin, whose natural talent and combat prowess were already formidable, needed no further explanation.
Burn, ranked first among the six squad captains, rivaled even ordinary Marine Vice Admirals in strength.
And Pod, having mastered five of the six Rokushiki techniques and awakened dual-color Haki, possessed limitless potential. While his youth limited his current strength, unlike Ichi, who was born with monstrous physical capabilities, Pod's future achievements could very well surpass Burn's.
"In other words, if this plan proceeds, you'll live in another person's body under a different identity for an extended period. Meanwhile, Germa will maintain your original bodies in stasis using nutrient solutions, preserving them until you can return."
Under normal circumstances, few would willingly abandon their original bodies. However, Germa's assurance that their bodies would be preserved—and potentially returned to later—significantly reduced resistance to the idea.
Everyone in the room was left speechless, including Law, the Ope Ope no Mi user himself.
None of them had anticipated such a plan from Ichi—it was almost unbelievable.
"This isn't a mandatory order; I'm asking for your consent..."
Ichi's expression remained calm as he observed the fluctuating emotions of those present. With a soft sigh, he added, "I have never doubted your loyalty to Germa. However, this plan is exceptionally cruel for those involved. It's a difficult choice that affects your lives and futures. Regardless of whether you agree, I won't blame you..."
Time was of the essence.
If not for the urgency of the situation, he wouldn't have considered sacrificing two promising subordinates like Ajin and Pod.
But for Germa to rise quickly, such ruthless decisions were necessary!
The large conference room fell into silence.
"I'm willing to follow Master's plan..."
The first to break the silence was Grilz Pod, Ichi's fervent admirer. His face radiated resolve and zeal. "For Master's grand vision, spending ten or twenty years in another body means nothing. Besides, it's not permanent—we'll eventually return to our own bodies..."