One Piece: Awaken The Replication System

South Blue.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Marine cannons roared as a fierce naval battle raged on through the night.

The first light of dawn broke over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the choppy sea. Amidst the scattered debris, a battered ship billowed smoke as it slowly began to sink, staining the water around it in shades of crimson, attracting predatory sea creatures circling hungrily below.

"Breaking news! Vice Admiral Sakazuki has crushed the South Blue Revolutionary Army!"

"Victory for the Marines! Nearly a thousand revolutionary soldiers, including high-ranking cadre Emporio Ivankov, have been captured or killed!"

"The World Government officially designates the Revolutionary Army an illegal organization. Any associates will be pursued, arrested, and brought to justice!"

The Revolutionary Army's first armed rebellion in South Blue ended in devastating defeat, a bitter blow to their cause. Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, managed to escape after a fierce clash with Sakazuki, leaving the organization shaken and wounded.

According to the World Government's official report, the Marines achieved a sweeping victory, delivering a crippling blow to the Revolutionary Army. As for the civilians caught in the crossfire... well, they hardly mattered.

"Those aren't civilians," Sakazuki declared. "They're all revolutionaries."

Sakazuki's Marine squadron returned to South Blue, leaving behind a desolate, war-torn island. Half of the royal capital lay in molten ruins from Sakazuki's magma, while the other half was caught in wild, swirling winds left by the dragon's power.

In recognition of this campaign, Marine Headquarters promoted all officers involved, each awarded a higher rank. The operation's swift success also won Sakazuki favor among the Five Elders and the World Government, who praised his ruthless efficiency in quelling the unrest in just five days.

...

Meanwhile, Marie Geoise.

"Sakazuki is a man we can depend on!" declared one Elder. "Mark my words, when Sengoku retires, Sakazuki will be ready to step up."

The Five Elders leafed through a post-battle report from Sakazuki, noting his efficiency and brutal decisiveness. Although Fleet Admiral Sengoku had criticized Sakazuki's excessive use of force, the Elders were rather pleased.

"It's exactly what we need," one Elder mused. "Once Sengoku steps down, Marine Headquarters will require a more... uncompromising hand, and Sakazuki fits the role perfectly."

"And as for Leno," another added, "we have reports that he's been clashing with Charlotte Linlin."

"Not surprising," one Elder laughed. "The Four Emperors fancy themselves rulers of the sea. Whether for power, pride, or principle, they'd never willingly yield."

The Elders exchanged knowing looks. Leno taking down even one of them would rid them of a dangerous nuisance and destabilize the Emperors' growing influence in the New World.

"So long as Whitebeard, Kaido, and Linlin remain, we have to split our focus between them and the Revolutionary Army," one Elder continued. "But if even one falls, their underlings will battle for the empty throne, consuming themselves in the chaos. That's an opportunity we can't ignore."

The Elders were content to wait. The longer Leno tangled with the Four Emperors in the New World, the longer the World Government could maintain its foothold elsewhere without risking open conflict.

As long as Leno was busy, the World Government could focus on smaller threats without directly intervening. Though the Revolutionary Army was a thorn in their side, it was not yet their priority. Only time would reveal what would happen when the World Government finally turned its full attention toward the New World and the Revolutionary Army.

...

New World!

Under the clear blue sky, the sun blazed down as fluffy white clouds drifted by. But the seasoned sailors could sense a storm brewing.

"Reel in the sails!" barked Fujitora, clutching his sword. "Brace yourselves for rough seas!"

"A storm?" murmured a bewildered crew member, casting a glance at the cloudless sky. The sunshine was so fierce that it made their skin prickle.

"This is the New World," Fujitora said, his voice steady. "The weather here is unpredictable and dangerous. Sun one moment, blizzards the next. Magnetic fields, celestial patterns, ocean currents, even air flows—all constantly shifting. Only a skilled navigator can guide us safely through."

Just as Fujitora finished speaking, the sky grew dark, and fierce winds whipped the sea into a churning frenzy, sending waves crashing against the ship.

"Mr. Fujitora was right!" the crew marveled, impressed by his foresight. Fujitora's calm leadership and intuition had earned him the respect of every crew member on board.

Within the ship's cabin, Leno reviewed a confidential report delivered by Robin, one far more comprehensive than anything appearing in public news.

"The Revolutionary Army's defeat was inevitable," he murmured, skimming the report. In his discussions with Dragon, Leno had sensed Dragon's reluctance to use violence, his approach still influenced by ideals of peaceful reform. Real change, Leno knew, would only come once Dragon fully recognized the depths of the World Government's oppression, especially after the disaster at Goa Kingdom.

"Hehe, that guy Morgans was all over the news the past couple of years, but lately, he's been quiet!"

The World Government isn't clueless. After dealing with the backlash from public opinion, they've certainly learned to keep an eye on things.

Still, Morgans remains elusive.

Faced with the shadowy powers of the World Government, he knows when to lay low, otherwise, he'd be taken down in an instant.

Outside, the sky had turned pitch black.

A fierce wind kicked up massive waves, higher than the deck itself, slamming into the ship with a thunderous crash.

Boom!

The ship lurched hard to the left.

Robin, caught off guard, slipped, her footing giving way just as Leno reached out to steady her.

"Huh?"

As the ship tilted, Leno felt something soft brush against his face, carrying a light floral scent.

Before he could look up, the ship rocked sharply to the right, sending Robin off balance once again.

She reached out, grabbing onto whatever she could.

Moments later, the wind and waves subsided as suddenly as they'd arrived.

Robin exhaled in relief, only to realize she was holding the back of Leno's head, pressing him against her chest.

Quickly letting go, her cheeks turned red as she stammered, "P-President, are you… alright? You're… bleeding?"

Alright? What was that?

Leno shot her an annoyed look, wiped his nose, and muttered, "It's been too hot lately… must be the heat!"

"Really?" Robin's brows knit in curiosity, her scholarly gaze scrutinizing him. "It could be due to certain hormone levels."

Not missing a beat, she added, "I don't know much about physiology, but if you need help, I can assist."

Leno looked at her in surprise. "You study this too?"

Robin nodded. "In Ohara, I mostly studied history, but when things got dull, I read about all sorts of topics."

Since learning that Leno could read the ancient texts too, Robin had felt a special kinship with him, gradually letting down her guard.

"So, how would you… help?"

Robin considered it. "I could use my Flower-Flower Fruit powers. As long as it's quick and doesn't interfere with work, I wouldn't mind. From what I've read, simple protein exchange—well, it's supposed to be linked to love in some way. You might gain some insight by trying it."

Leno coughed, feeling himself flush at her suggestion. "We'll… uh, talk about it later. Tonight, maybe."

"Tonight? Hmm." Robin nodded, apparently taking it as a genuine suggestion for academic research.

Huh?

Did she… agree?

As Robin returned to her seat, Leno sneaked another glance, but she seemed calm, without a hint of embarrassment.

Wait! Is she serious? About… experimenting on me?

In his mind, Leno imagined himself lying on an operating table, while Law, in a white coat, stood over him with a scalpel.

"President, it's time for your injection!" Robin's clinical gaze studied him, carefully choosing where to make the first cut.

Leno shivered, quickly shaking off the mental image.

Grabbing his tea, he took a big gulp, trying to calm himself down.

"This talent upgrade is gonna drive me crazy…"

He opened the system interface, inspecting the new abilities. His SSS-level talent, Gluttony Demon God], glowed with a mysterious light, surrounded by a faint mist.

[Talent Description: Possessing the blood of a demon god, your strength and resilience are amplified a hundredfold. With immunity to 80% of damage, an extended lifespan of 500 years, and a divine-like physique, your potential knows no limits.]

The talent's review said it all.

Monster!

This talent made Leno almost invincible—enhanced strength, immunity, longevity…

Once fully mastered, he'd have no need to fear the World Government and could challenge them outright.

[Ding! Due to this talent enhancement, host's body will undergo 2000 days of evolution!]

The sheer growth of his power was putting extreme strain on his body, requiring a slower evolution period to stabilize.

With great power came shifts in mentality, especially after experiencing Sulong from.

Leno realized that unchecked power could eventually come back to bite him.

That night, after some "research" discussions with Robin, she looked more worn out than after a training session.

Robin sighed thoughtfully, "I don't like feeling out of control… My mind's usually too rational for that."

She shook her head, adding, "It wasn't as intense as Hancock described, though. What do you think, President?"

Leno: (⊙o⊙)...

The ship docked back, where Yamato was waiting.

Spotting him, she dashed over excitedly.

"Mentor, let's—"

Leno greeted her with a punch, sending her flying. It had become routine since she'd joined him on the island.

Every day, she either found herself unconscious or bracing for another hit, leaving her mark in numerous craters across the land.

Strangely enough, her strength was growing despite this constant beatdown.

Leno noted that the resistance was part of her ghost race heritage, helping to improve her body even further.

With Kale Bali established, the construction phase could begin.

Leno assigned oversight to Luwell, with Lucci and Van Augur assisting.

Reluctantly, Hancock returned to Amazon Lily with Kuina, who was still training after her defeat by Vista.

Fukaboshi also had to return to Fish-Man Island.

Meanwhile, the Hunter's Guild made waves in the New World, capturing an island from the Whitebeard Pirates and cementing their reputation.

With recruitment underway, those uninterested in becoming marines or pirates flocked to join the Guild.

By the Sea Circle Calendar of September 1513, Leno brought 500 new recruits from the New World back to East Blue for the third hunter examination.

This entry marked a significant step for the Hunter Guild, inspiring people across East Blue, South Blue, and beyond to dream of the New World.

Three years since the Guild's founding, 20,000 hopefuls had taken the exam, with over 4,000 passing.

Even those who hadn't passed but performed well were hired to help grow the Guild back home.

Naturally, the Five Elders weren't thrilled, but they had bigger problems.

Within the month, news broke of revolutionary army uprisings in ten member nations.

As Dragon shifted tactics, he employed guerrilla warfare, expanding the Revolutionary Army's influence.

Compared to the Hunter's Guild's moderate growth, the Revolutionary Army's approach was bold, directly threatening the status quo.

Having already "won" once in South Blue, only to be crushed by Akainu, the Army's resurgence could spell disaster for the World Government.

One country had defied them before, what if next time, it was ten… or a hundred?

"Down with the tyranny of the World Government, equality without oppression, freedom over slavery!"

With their slogan reverberating across the seas, Dragon's message resonated with countless oppressed souls.

The Five Elders and allied nations alike were on edge, bracing for the storm that was Dragon's growing army.

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+30 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg