Immortality begins with the ninjas of Konoha

"You all did a fantastic job this week! You didn't let me and Lord Xiu down!"

"As your father, I have bestowed upon you the most outstanding talents. Now, all you have to do is work ten times, a hundred times harder!"

"Yes!!"

Reiju and her three younger brothers puffed out their chests, tilted their heads back, and responded loudly, just like the clone soldiers. They were used to their father's teachings.

Because the children behaved so well, the kitchen prepared a very lavish lunch. Unlike her three younger brothers who were busy eating, Reiju would occasionally sneak some meat away.

These days, Sanji hasn't been getting enough to eat in the dungeon. Reiju knows her father is in a bad mood, so he cut off her brother's food. That's why she secretly brings him food.

...

After lunch, Osamu Furukawa and Judge arrived at an underground laboratory.

Huge metal cylinders are connected to a dense network of pipes, and in the blue culture medium, numerous culture tanks contain the bodies of 20-year-old young men.

This is Germa's most advanced technology to date: cloned soldiers. In just five years, absolutely loyal soldiers who are not afraid of death will emerge from the incubation tanks and become qualified Germa warriors.

Standing in this enormous laboratory, Judge couldn't help but show a smug expression. The four children were his greatest technological achievement, and the Germa soldiers were the technology he was most proud of.

"Lord Xiu, with these soldiers, we can influence the course of a nation!"

"This will bring us more resources. You know, any research needs financial support, and the Soldier Program is how I earn money."

Judge made no secret of his purpose; he used war to support his research.

The world is vast, and some small countries can only seek external protection. Most royal family members are very wealthy, and that's all their money.

Seeing that the soldiers in the cultivation tank had grown a bit more, Furukawa Osamu silently assessed the life force generated by the nutrients. The "medicinal power" contained in some plants on this planet was even stronger than that in the ninja world.

"Funding is indeed a major problem. Was this part of the reason for MADS' dissolution?"

“With the support of ‘Loan Shark King’ Du Field, funding was not the main problem; the key issue was that Bagin Gum Stussy’s cloning experiment was too successful.”

"If the lineage factor were to advance further, it would touch the realm of 'gods.' This technology could even be described as a 'blueprint for life.' The World Government would not allow such a power to emerge and ultimately acquired the research institute."

When Judge brought up this past event for the first time, a complex expression appeared on his face. Although there were disagreements among the people in the research institute, burying themselves in research was indeed a happy time.

"Direct intervention by the world government?"

"Yes, in fact, several of us suspect that there was a government mole in the institute from its very inception!"

Judge stated his guess with a serious expression, and seeing the curious look on Furukawa Osamu's face, he added in a low voice with a solemn expression:

"Every time we achieve some preliminary results in our research, some of the experimental samples mysteriously disappear!"

"The latest 'green blood' was developed by Vegapunk by accident, but the experimental product disappeared without a trace the next day, and we almost came to blows."

"This also accelerated the split of MADS..."

A strange glint flashed in Furukawa Osamu's scarlet eyes. He had indeed been using psychic abilities to try and pinpoint the coordinates for a period of time, but he hadn't expected it to have such a huge impact on the research institute here.

"Don't worry, I'm not affiliated with the world government. We share technology, and it won't be leaked."

"However, I think the world government doesn't care about our 'small tricks' right now, otherwise your technology would be acquired too."

Judge's lips twitched slightly. The truth was hurtful; clearly, Furukawa hadn't been fooled. If his skills were truly exceptional, he would have been recruited by the World Government like Vegapunk...

"What I want to know is, how did the original lineage factors come about?"

"The genes that alter the strength of the human body must have been optimized many times, but where does the energy to change body cells come from?"

"Food alone shouldn't be enough to sustain this, even the nutrient solution you developed wouldn't work."

Furukawa Osamu looked serious and asked for advice. Judge remained silent for a while before finally telling the truth:

“I don’t know how far Vegapunk’s research has progressed, but in my opinion, the power in the children actually comes from ‘demons’ and ‘new humans’.”

"It's hard to understand, isn't it? Actually, it's just a part of the power of a Devil Fruit. The MADS Research Institute has projects that replicate Devil Fruits."

"Devil Fruits alter the biological structure of humans, turning them into 'New Humans,' who resonate with the energy of nature in ways we cannot comprehend."

“Ichi can use fire, Nichi can use electricity, and Yonji can alter the structure of the body.”

"I am simply using the power of the 'demon' in a scientific way. As for where the 'demon' originated, no one knows to this day. Perhaps it is a product of a higher level of technology in ancient times."

Furukawa Osamu nodded. This seemed to explain the strength of Devil Fruits. Whoever had the stronger Devil Fruit power could better alter human genes, thereby generating even greater power.

For some reason, I thought of the Karma seal of the Otsutsuki clan. Furukawa Osamu can currently change his own genes and use Sage Chakra to unleash more energy in his cells. Perhaps he could also be called a "demon"?

"That's impressive research. I'd like to visit that scientist sometime. I wonder what his energy technology is like?"

"Energy? That's a global problem. As far as I know, even world governments haven't achieved much success in this area."

"Energy itself is a powerful force, this is taboo, we must be very careful!"

Judge advised in a low voice that energy was too sensitive. Even the MADS Research Institute dared not touch it back then. It was a research project exclusively for the World Government and cost a lot of money.

Osamu Furukawa deduced that Vegapunk probably hadn't researched the "Mother Spark" yet, which meant he still had time.

The powerful energy could help him catalyze the "divine tree" more quickly. If he really had to endure a thousand years to eat a chakra fruit, Furukawa Osamu worried that he would be consumed by the fruit, after all, he was just a special human.

"I understand. Confirming this information has been very helpful to me."

"Haha, I'm glad you're satisfied. Let's get started on today's work! Once we arrive in the East China Sea, we can test these clone warriors!"

Judge grinned and beckoned Furukawa Osamu to come to the workbench, then a hesitant look appeared on his face.

Furukawa Osamu glanced at it, a slight smile playing on his lips. He knew what the other was struggling with, and slowly said:

"I'll give you the photos, don't worry, I don't have your kind of perverse taste."

"Master Xiu's magnanimity is admirable! I'm so sorry you had to see this. When I get back, I'll tear that photo to shreds."

Judge breathed a sigh of relief. He had revealed a lot of information and flattered the emperor every day, and finally he was able to get the photos.

Showing off those four unfortunate kings of the North Sea was the worst decision he ever made!

As night fell, the snail-shaped ship continued its arduous journey, and the banquet in the castle continued, with Judge using every night to shower his crew with flattery.

Reiju didn't know much about the "extremely powerful Conqueror's Haki" her father mentioned. She only knew that Osamu Furukawa was the most handsome person she had ever seen, which made her happy for a long time after receiving the photo.

In the dungeon beneath the castle, Reiju silently glided down the stairs with a food basket on her shoulder. After confirming that no soldiers were guarding the area, the girl quietly approached the iron bars.

"Sanji! Sanji!"

"I brought you food, including your favorite steak..."

In the corner of the cell, Sanji, wearing a helmet, heard the sound and hurriedly got up. He ran to the iron bars and looked at the food in front of him, and couldn't help but shed tears again.

Seeing her younger brother's pitiful state, Reiju felt a pang of sadness. She avoided mentioning her father's punishment of withholding food, and, as usual, changed the subject, saying:

"Sanji, here's a picture. This is Lord Shu, a man even stronger than Father!"

"Isn't it cool! My heart was racing when we took the picture. Master Xiu has been observing our training these past few days."

"He said that having emotions makes you stronger. Sanji, don't be discouraged. You can definitely become a powerful warrior!"

Sanji, who was gulping down his food, stared at the photo for a long time, seeing his sister blushing for the first time.

As for the young man with black hair, red eyes, and a gentle smile, Sanji had an indescribable feeling upon seeing him; the man seemed extremely dangerous.

However, upon hearing the word "warrior," Sanji, regaining his senses, immediately denied it:

"I want to be a chef!!"

"chef?!"

Reiju asked a question, and seeing Sanji nod, she was very disappointed. Noticing her younger brother clenching his fists and crying, she finally softened and turned her head away to whisper her plan:

"We'll be in the East Blue next week, Sanji. This might be our last chance."

Tears streamed down Sanji's face; his father's punishment had broken his heart, and he choked out as he spoke:

"If I can escape to the East China Sea, I'll never have to see my father again, right?"

Tears welled up in Reiju's eyes. She wiped them away, nodded emphatically at her younger brother, and then whispered in response:

"This place isn't right for you, Sanji. You'll definitely meet people who cherish you!"

...

The Kingdom of Kogia in the East Blue is an island nation built on mountains. Although it has a partial guard, when faced with naval battles, the captains and crew are terrified by Germa's snail-like ships.

"Adjust your direction! Don't panic!"

"Reload! Reload!!"

The Kingdom of Kogia's fleet immediately began shelling after contact, but the crew members were screaming in terror, and the accuracy of the shells dropped significantly, with the first few attacks only missing the target.

"Boom! Boom!!"

Explosions continued, but the sudden naval battle did not panic the Germa soldiers. The snail-like ships dodged at a leisurely pace, while the soldiers continued to assemble according to plan.

"My God! It really is Germa 66!"

"They really exist!"

The waves continued to surge, and the Kingdom of Kogia's fleet, which had failed to hit the enemy ship, became increasingly panicked. The crew members were shouting and yelling, and most of them were terrified of the legendary power, influenced by the newspapers.

Hearing the target's exclamation, Judge, whose right arm was in a sling, couldn't help but smile. This was the reputation of Germa; the enemy would flee at the mere sight of the snail ship and its flag.

"Speed ​​up! Crush them all!"

Judge, brimming with confidence, issued his orders. Meanwhile, Osamu Furukawa, observing the distant coastline of the Kingdom of Kogia, noticed that the defensive fleet seemed to consist of only a few ships and asked curiously:

"Is this country's defense so weak? Is your client a member of the royal family?"

"Haha, there are countless small countries on the sea. It seems that Master Xiu has already guessed. That's right, our client is a member of the royal family."

"Such internal strife happens frequently, and many kings are incorrigible fools!"

"Rumor has it that the revolutionary army also carried out operations in the East China Sea last year, also because some royal families in some countries have intensified their taxation on celestial gold and luxurious lifestyles."

Judge spoke of those kings with disdain. In his view, those kings who indulged in pleasure and acted recklessly deserved to die; such people did not deserve to sit in that position.

"Nine years ago, the Kingdom of Sorbe in the South China Sea even divided its country into two parts in order to pay less Heavenly Gold. Can you imagine such a foolish king?"

"Many members of the royal family are parasites; when our fleet arrives, the people will even cheer for our arrival."

"This is the origin of Germa 66's fame!"

Furukawa Osamu crossed his arms and nodded slightly. Accustomed to ninjas fighting for their villages and countries, he was still a little unaccustomed to the current national situation.

He overestimated the nation's cohesion, which may be related to its geographical environment. There are too many islands in the ocean, making it difficult for people in some small countries to feel a sense of belonging.

"It seems this is an easy mission; the fleet of the Kingdom of Kogia appears to have begun to flee."

"The assessment will only begin after we land. There should still be troops loyal to the king in this country. The time has come to test our soldiers!"

As Judge finished speaking, he looked at the officers who were waiting in line and loudly gave the order:

"Speed ​​up and dock! Merchant ships in the port are not our target. Once we land, we'll head straight for the capital!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Law and Baby-5 stared wide-eyed as Germa's soldiers lined up in preparation. The orderly formation was a stark contrast to the loose and disorganized pirates.

When the giant snail-shaped ship reached the shore, the Germa soldiers silently jumped off the ship with their weapons on their backs and, led by the local contact, ran towards the capital to launch a surprise attack.

Judge remained on the ship to observe the impending battle. Noticing Reiju's disappearance, he immediately turned to Furukawa Osamu and whispered:

"Lord Xiu, I need to return to the palace. You will be in command here for the time being. Don't worry, these soldiers will fight on their own."

"If you encounter difficulties in an encounter battle, simply order an attack."

Furukawa Osamu casually responded. He was still observing the condition of the Germa soldiers' weapons. This was his business, and if the goods didn't match the description, the Spada-Maltz families would need to be warned again.

Immediately after the skirmish, in the castle's underground prison, Reiju roared and bent the iron bars, then hurriedly instructed her younger brother:

"Sanji, hurry and find the key in your room! You don't have much time left! Don't get caught!"

"Reiju!"

Wearing an iron helmet, Sanji burst into tears. The boy eventually ran crying towards the stairs and, taking advantage of the absence of guards, slipped into Judge's room.

The helmet key was hanging on the wall. Sanji was about to tiptoe to take it down when a familiar voice sounded from behind him, and the boy immediately trembled.

"Sanji? So you really are trying to run away..."

Startled, Sanji pulled out a knife from behind his back, pointed it at his father, and angrily said:

"I want to leave this country! Don't stop me!!"

"Leave? I originally planned to send you to HEART as an experimental subject. Xiu should be very interested in the technology contained in your body."

"However, what he said that day bothered me a bit. Emotions are also a kind of power, and unwavering determination is strength! Maybe you can also become a powerful Germa warrior!"