After all, these individuals possessed expertise in various fields, and the greening of the Middle Kingdom would only expand in the future.
Caesar retained them all and established two departments.
The first was the Ministry of Agriculture, composed of those most skilled in cultivating crops. Their goal was to research methods to increase food production and guide farmers toward more efficient and scientific cultivation techniques. While food supply was not an immediate concern, preparing for the future was essential.
The second was the Ministry of Forestry, focused on the restoration and expansion of natural landscapes. Their primary task was to oversee the planting and maintenance of trees and flora. As this was Caesar's own kingdom, he sought to create a scenic and verdant nation—one that would bring both prosperity and peace of mind.
After finalizing these decisions, Caesar raised his hand. From deep within the palace, something shot through the air and landed in his palm.
The gathered individuals gazed at the object in his hand, puzzled. It was a strangely patterned fruit, unlike anything they had seen before.
"A Devil Fruit!"
A voice cried out in shock. The realization rippled through the crowd, their gazes locking onto the mysterious fruit. Some had only seen such things in newspapers; few had ever encountered one in real life.
They all knew the immense value of a Devil Fruit, but no one could determine what ability this one possessed.
They recalled Caesar's words from earlier—the best among them would be rewarded with a Devil Fruit.
While this promise was originally made during the military conscription, it applied just as much now.
The establishment of a nation was no simple feat. The growth of the Middle Kingdom required the talents of elites across all fields. Caesar's decree extended beyond warriors—those with extraordinary skill or contribution would also be granted the opportunity to change their fates.
With that realization, the crowd's eyes burned with desire.
A Devil Fruit—a treasure of the seas, rarely encountered and never easily obtained. Whoever consumed it would gain a power that set them apart.
In a world where strength dictated status, few would refuse such a chance.
Yet, this particular Devil Fruit was not meant for a warrior—it was for the Ministry of Forestry.
Over the years, Caesar had collected several Devil Fruits, primarily Paramecia, Zoan, and even rare Mythical Zoans. Among them was one known as the Lush-Lush Fruit (繁茂の実, Hanmou no Mi)—a fruit that granted its user the ability to accelerate plant growth and fortify vegetation.
It was the perfect match.
With this ability, the Alchiman Mangroves—the trees foundational to the floating islands of the Sabaody Archipelago—could be cultivated rapidly.
The land had to be prepared before the arrival of Fish-Man Island's inhabitants.
"Guizi."
In the vast palace, Caesar's voice echoed.
A young girl with vivid green hair looked up.
Her name was Guizi—a simple name, much like the girl herself.
She flinched slightly at Caesar's summons, a mix of surprise and nervousness flashing across her face.
"Your Majesty…?"
Guizi, still kneeling, hesitated to speak, fearing she might say something wrong. Yet, she couldn't suppress the excitement gleaming in her eyes. Though young, she harbored ambitions of strength—dreams of wielding power to serve her nation.
"Could it be…?"
The murmurs in the hall grew louder.
"No way, His Majesty is actually giving her the Devil Fruit?!"
"She's young, but her knowledge in botany is exceptional."
The assembled scholars and officials exchanged hushed whispers. None openly objected, but many questioned whether someone so young was ready for such a responsibility.
A middle-aged man in the crowd, loyal to Caesar, spoke with admiration:
"She has already achieved great feats in her field. His Majesty the Heavenly King must have recognized her potential."
The discussions gradually quieted as realization set in.
Guizi possessed an extraordinary talent for plant life—that much was undeniable.
If Caesar, the ruler they all revered, had chosen her, then there could be no doubt.
Caesar extended his hand. With a mere thought, the Lush-Lush Fruit floated toward Guizi.
"Take it. Eat it."
The entire palace fell silent.
A Devil Fruit that could enhance the very land itself—entrusted to a girl barely in her teens.
Guizi's hands trembled as she reached out. Yet, just as she was about to grab it, she hesitated.
"Your Majesty… I…"
A storm of emotions flickered across her face.
She had always dreamed of becoming stronger. She wanted to repay this kingdom that had lifted her from poverty.
But could she truly bear this responsibility?
Would she be worthy of such power?
Caesar, however, understood this hesitation all too well.
Rather than offering empty reassurances, he simply stated:
"You stood out among all the experts in the field of botany."
"I promised that those who excel would be rewarded with a Devil Fruit."
"This fruit belongs to you."
A deep breath.
A moment of silence.
Then, Guizi's doubt vanished—replaced by determination.
She took the Lush-Lush Fruit and bit into it.
An expression of sheer disgust contorted her face—the unmistakable bitterness of a Devil Fruit overwhelming her senses.
But in that moment, she had become something more.
Her powers, while not combat-oriented, were far from weak.
In time, her abilities would reshape the landscape of the Middle Kingdom.
---
The Arrival of the Fish-Men
With the new departments established, Caesar turned his attention to even greater matters.
Soon after, he led Guizi—now a Devil Fruit user—to a vast expanse of land where Alchiman Mangroves had been planted.
He turned to her and said:
"Your task is simple. Grow these as fast as possible."
"I want to see a forest rise before my eyes."
Guizi nodded, still a little shy but brimming with newfound confidence.
Then, she began to dance.
A mesmerizing, fluid movement—the signature activation method of the Lush-Lush Fruit.
Just like a seed sprouting toward the sun, her ability took root.
And as she danced, the mangroves responded.
The sight stirred something deep within Caesar's mind.
"A young girl, full of potential."
It was a far cry from the original user of this ability—Binz, the marine officer clad in a ninja jumpsuit.
Compared to his awkward, jarring movements, Guizi's dance was a vision of grace.
And soon, her efforts bore fruit—the Alchiman Mangroves matured rapidly, creating the foundation for an island sanctuary for the Fish-Men.
---
The Arrival of Neptune and Fisher Tiger
As preparations neared completion, Neptune and three thousand Fish-Men arrived in the Middle Kingdom.
This was a historic event—the world had never before witnessed so many Fish-Men stepping onto land as a unified force.
With them came an even more unexpected figure—Fisher Tiger.
A legend among the Fish-Men, Fisher Tiger was known as the man who would one day scale the Red Line with his bare hands and wage war against the Celestial Dragons.
Now, he stood before Caesar, filled with admiration for the kingdom and its leader.
And in that moment, a new alliance was forged.
An alliance that would reshape the course of history.
Visit patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters