BOOM—
A dull, thunderous sound echoed, and Ian's eyes widened in disbelief.
489?! That high?!
In terms of sheer physical strength alone, this kid might just be the strongest in all of Branch 157...
For comparison, Ian's own current Doriki was barely above 300. Even Luo Lan, though he had already resolved his physical issues, had only just broken past the 200 mark due to the short time since his recovery.
And now, this 17-year-old had nearly reached 500?
What kind of monster was he?
"Uh... so, this 489... is that considered high or low? Did I pass the requirement?"
Ace scratched his head, clearly puzzled. He had no real concept of what Doriki values meant.
Ian sighed internally. Eligibility requirements...
While it's true that most formal CP9 agents had Doriki values over 500, they were also fully trained in Rokushiki. As for the bare minimum to begin learning those techniques? Around 100 was already sufficient.
Of course, don't expect someone with 100 Doriki to perform Rokushiki like someone with 500.
"Ahem... it's passable. You've just about hit the minimum threshold. Alright, I'll start your formal training now!"
Ian quickly dragged Ace away, afraid the kid might turn around and suggest he get tested too, just to compare power levels.
---
At the same time, Luo Lan sat in his office, brows furrowed as he studied a fresh intelligence report from the Information Division.
Target of Investigation: Marine 16th Branch
Method: Undercover infiltration
Status: Ongoing
The document was over twenty pages long and detailed even the most mundane marine personnel files. But what truly caught Luo Lan's attention were a few damning events recorded within.
For instance, since Nezumi's promotion three years ago, 27 marines had died. Official records claimed they were all combat casualties, but in reality...
They were upright marines who refused to go along with Nezumi's corruption—and were silenced.
Then there was the matter of two battleships reported as sunk last year. The branch had formally requested replacements, but—
The ships weren't destroyed. Nezumi had secretly sold them through the black market.
And then, of course, there were the events mentioned in the original timeline:
Nezumi had openly protected seven pirate crews within his jurisdiction. He let them run rampant—extorting, abusing, even murdering civilians. Anyone who came to the branch for help?
Executed.
So long as the pirates paid him 50% of their monthly earnings, he turned a blind eye.
The report concluded with one final point: although the Information Division's network currently only covered the East Blue, it was already clear—
Nezumi had backing from within HQ.
He kept only a small portion of the profits. The rest?
Unaccounted for.
Someone else was pulling the strings—someone with real power, likely someone with influence over the Four Blues.
But who?
That didn't matter. Once Nezumi was captured, they'd get their answers. If he tried to keep quiet?
Heh. Luo Lan wasn't worried.
Nezumi didn't have the spine for resistance.
With that, Luo Lan set down the report and picked up a black Den Den Mushi.
Brrr... Brrr...
"Arrive at Cocoyasi Village in three days. Get ready."
Without waiting for a response, Luo Lan ended the call.
---
Branch 157 did have a small warship, but Luo Lan had no plans to use it.
First, it was falling apart—looked like it might break down at any moment.
Second, it was slow and too conspicuous.
At a maximum speed of 7 knots, it would take more than ten days to reach Cocoyasi. And in the heavily trafficked East Blue, a marine warship would be far too noticeable.
So what was the alternative?
Same as before—borrow one of Impel Down's submarines.
Though small, with capacity for only around 20 people, the subs were fast.
Underwater cruising speed could hit 38 knots. That meant a direct trip to Cocoyasi in less than three days.
---
The Next Day
Two submarines surfaced off the coast of Lodestar Island.
Nearby, several small marine dinghies ferried personnel to the metal vessels.
"This is what you were riding in the other day?"
Ace stared at the unfamiliar craft.
"Yeah," Luo Lan replied. "It's called a submarine. Originally, it was used to transport prisoners and supplies to Impel Down, but... in special cases like this, we use it for covert operations."
"Because underwater, we won't be detected, right?"
Ace nodded, eyes filled with curiosity as he examined the sub.
Honestly, he had never heard of a boat that could sail underwater. It felt like something out of a fantasy.
But once he stepped inside—and especially once the sub began diving—his nerves kicked in hard.
What if...
What if it breaks down halfway?
Luo Lan had mentioned they'd be hundreds of meters underwater. Ace didn't fully understand water pressure, but he did understand one thing:
If something went wrong down here, they were all dead.
Luo Lan, are you sure this thing is safe...?
To be fair, Ace's anxiety wasn't unreasonable. Anyone's first time in a sub would be terrifying.
It was like being sealed in a coffin and buried alive. Sure, someone promised to dig you up before you suffocate... but could you really stay calm?
Not likely.
That kind of mental strain could unnerve even a trained soldier.
In fact, submarine crews were trained to overcome exactly this kind of fear.
Seeing Ace's unease, Ian nodded in understanding—he had been just as anxious during his first ride. Without delay, he escorted Ace back out for some fresh air and a bit of mental support.
Meanwhile, Luo Lan raised a hand.
"Set course for Cocoyasi Village. Notify Sub Two to follow."
"Yes, Commander!"