ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

The military column of nearly 40,000 soldiers stood in perfect formation, creating a magnificent and imposing sight. Each soldier's face was marked by unwavering seriousness and discipline.

Once the formation was set, an eerie silence fell over the entire base. The once-bustling atmosphere became so quiet that even the faintest breath seemed audible.

This scene reminded Caesar of the grand military parades from the 21st century. Seeing the soldiers' flawless execution of discipline and order, he felt deeply satisfied.

For an army to charge forward with unwavering resolve, strict discipline was paramount. Though every soldier had different strengths—some excelling in raw physical power while others specialized in agility and technique—all adhered to rigorous self-discipline, an essential trait of a true warrior.

Surveying the troops, Caesar nodded approvingly. Then, without a word, an invisible wave of oppressive force began to emanate from him.

His Haoshoku Haki (Conqueror's Haki) spread through the ranks, starting at a subtle level and gradually intensifying.

A warrior's true potential—whether they could rise to become a great force—depended on their willpower. Those with unshakable determination would develop a more formidable Haki, paving the way for greater achievements in the future.

Willpower was not just about physical endurance; it was an all-encompassing force. To be a soldier required an indomitable spirit. To be a true powerhouse, one had to endure pain and hardships that would break ordinary people.

Few embodied this principle better than "Black Arm" Zephyr (Zefa).

Compared to Monkey D. Garp and Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Zephyr was slightly inferior in raw talent. Garp and Sengoku were naturally gifted, their rapid rise in the Marines a testament to their exceptional abilities.

At fourteen, Zephyr enlisted in the Marines alongside Garp. At eighteen, he fought in his first major battle. A decade later, at twenty-eight, he reached the rank of corporal and began learning Rokushiki (Six Powers).

His progression was slower compared to Garp and Sengoku, a sign that his innate talent was not as extraordinary.

However, through sheer willpower and unbreakable conviction, Zephyr forced himself to become a top-tier warrior, eventually earning the title of Admiral.

Of course, saying his talent was "weak" was only relative—compared to legends like Garp and Sengoku.

His unwavering spirit was commendable.

Conqueror's Haki was a power that crushed the will of the weak. Caesar now used it to test the resilience of his soldiers.

As the invisible aura of dominance spread, a suffocating majesty weighed on the troops. It struck at their very souls.

Some trembled. Others clenched their fists, resisting with all their might.

But the weak fell.

One by one, soldiers collapsed, their eyes rolling back as unconsciousness claimed them.

Ten.

Twenty.

Fifty.

Hundreds.

Thousands.

These men had once been ordinary civilians, hardened by over a year of intense training. But training alone could not forge true strength—only time and battle could do that.

Still, within this vast army, a select few possessed exceptional potential.

Among the nearly 40,000 troops, only about 1,000 men remained standing. Their willpower had been tempered through suffering and hardship.

Of course, Caesar had held back.

Had he unleashed his full Haki, not a single soul in the base would have remained conscious.

But his purpose was not destruction.

He was testing them, identifying exceptional talents who could be molded into true warriors.

Among them, one man stood out—Doyle.

A Soldier with Potential

Doyle had joined Caesar's forces during the kingdom's first expansion campaign.

Once a starving civilian from another country, Doyle had been rescued by Caesar. In return, he had sworn absolute loyalty to the Heavenly King.

His record showed promising potential.

Despite possessing no notable lineage, Doyle had resisted Caesar's top-tier Haoshoku Haki longer than most.

His personality was calm and reserved, yet his comrades held him in high regard.

The military instructors' reports confirmed this.

A man of few words, unwavering resolve, and absolute integrity—the ideal soldier.

Caesar took special note of Doyle.

Though many in the army had potential, only a select few could be granted the power of a Devil Fruit.

And Doyle, it seemed, would be the first chosen.

---

A Test of Loyalty

Caesar summoned Doyle to his office.

Sitting behind his desk, he studied the young man before him.

His sharp gaze radiated authority, filling the room with an intimidating presence.

Any ordinary soldier would have been drenched in sweat. Some might have collapsed to their knees under the sheer weight of his aura.

But Doyle did not falter.

Though he was clearly affected, his eyes burned with determination.

Caesar finally spoke.

"Your name is Doyle, isn't it?"

Doyle saluted. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"You're young. Why did you join my army?"

Doyle answered without hesitation.

"Your Majesty saved me and my family."

"I wish to serve you and the Central Kingdom."

His voice was steady, void of flattery or pretense.

"I know that Your Majesty was once a pirate, a man feared by the World Government and the Marines."

"The nation you have built is something they despise. They will seek to destroy it."

"Whether it is out of loyalty to you or for the sake of my family's future, I will fight to defend this country."

Caesar leaned back, pleased with the response.

But he wasn't convinced yet.

"For the country?"

"Then tell me—if this kingdom is threatened, what will you do?"

For the first time, Doyle hesitated.

But only for a moment.

Then, with steely resolve, he answered.

"I will become stronger."

"I refuse to live in fear. I will protect my family, my people, and this kingdom with my own strength."

His voice did not waver.

Caesar smirked.

"And if the battle is hopeless?"

Doyle straightened his posture.

"I will charge forward without hesitation."

"I am prepared to give my life for the Central Kingdom and for Your Majesty."

Caesar, who had been subtly monitoring Doyle's emotions with his electromagnetic abilities, saw no falsehood.

The young man spoke the absolute truth.

Caesar nodded. "Good."

"From this moment on, you are no longer a simple soldier."

Doyle's eyes widened, but he did not question.

"You will follow me."

Excitement flickered across Doyle's face. "Yes, Your Majesty!"

Caesar stood, walking toward a locked chest.

He opened it, revealing a mysterious, swirled fruit resting within.

The Doa Doa no Mi (Door-Door Fruit).

Doyle's breath caught.

He recognized it immediately.

A Devil Fruit.

Power.

Strength.

A path to fulfilling his vow.

Caesar smirked. "You know what this is, don't you?"

Doyle clenched his fists, his eyes burning with resolve.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

And in that moment, his fate was decided.

Visit patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters