One Piece:The Fruit of Evolution

"I'm the new director of Impel Down, Barrett!"

"Under the highest order of the World Government, I have come to take over the position of director of Impel Down."

"This is my commission."

Standing at the entrance of Impel Down, Ron glanced at the commission in his hand. After confirming its authenticity, the handover of the directorship was completed.

"Finally, I'm leaving this place," he muttered, breathing a sigh of relief as he stepped onto the undead warship. A large fleet departed from Impel Down, heading for the Naval Headquarters at Marineford.

"After returning this time, it's only fair we get a proper reward."

The three of them had guarded Impel Down for several months, a significant achievement. Sakazuki had a 90% chance of being promoted to Vice Admiral. For Ron and Tsuru, whose military ranks had already reached Vice Admiral, promotion to Admiral was hindered by either lack of qualifications or insufficient strength.

While military ranks couldn't be elevated further, medals of honor could only satisfy lower-ranking officers. Therefore, substantial rewards were anticipated.

If meritorious service went unrewarded, who would be motivated to carry out tasks for Kong in the future?

The warship arrived at Marineford, and Ron led his companions to report to the Marshal's office. Marshal Kong, busy with work, looked up with a bright smile as they entered. It was no exaggeration to say these three were his trusted confidants who had tackled the immense challenge of Impel Down.

"I have already reported the suppression of Impel Down to the Five Elders, and your rewards have been issued," Kong announced.

"Rear Admiral Sakazuki, for his contribution to quelling Impel Down, will be promoted to Vice Admiral and awarded a special medal of honor."

"Vice Admirals Tsuru and Ron, for suppressing the rebellion and restoring order at Impel Down, are granted special medals of honor and access to the World Government's treasury."

The World Government's treasury? Ron's mind raced, but he couldn't recall any details.

"The World Government's treasury holds countless treasures from the sea, including Logia-type Devil Fruits and weapons of the highest quality," Kong continued. "Since my promotion to Naval Headquarters, I've only entered it twice—once when I became an Admiral and again when I qualified to be the Marine Marshal."

He didn't elaborate on what he obtained from the treasury.

"Logia-type Devil Fruits, supreme blades…" Ron's eyebrows raised; either one was enough to captivate a top-level warrior. Considering the scale of the World Government's resources, it was likely that some Admirals had obtained their Devil Fruits from this very treasury.

Sakazuki acquired the Lava-Lava Fruit before joining the Marines, but few were fortunate enough to consume a Logia-type Devil Fruit. Sengoku's Buddha Fruit was likely a similar benefit from the treasury.

Now, with the chance to enter the World Government's treasury, Ron knew it was an opportunity to cherish.

"Tomorrow, agents from the CP organization will escort you to the Holy Land of Mariejois to select your rewards," Sora added. "Remember, do not offend the Celestial Dragons."

At the mention of the Celestial Dragons, Kong's tone turned grave. Although the Marines wielded significant power, they were still a subordinate arm of the World Government, which was led by the Five Elders—the ultimate authority of the Celestial Dragons.

"Of course, if the Celestial Dragons make unreasonable demands, ignore them. I'll handle any explanations with the Five Elders."

As Vice Admirals, they only needed to show due respect when encountering Celestial Dragons. Few Celestial Dragons would dare cause trouble for an officer of their rank. Over the years, the number of Celestial Dragons had multiplied, but only a select few held real power; most were pampered under the World Government's watch.

The Five Elders wouldn't let such individuals create unnecessary chaos. High-ranking officers like Admirals, barring egregious offenses, had little to fear from Celestial Dragons. The World Government would never sacrifice an Admiral's might for trivial matters, as they knew the stakes of maintaining Celestial Dragon authority. Without Marines and their Admiral-level deterrence, the World Government would have collapsed long ago.

Ron's eyes narrowed as he noted Kong's cautious expression. He didn't plan to provoke the Celestial Dragons, but if one crossed him, he wouldn't hesitate to act. With his current strength, even defecting from the Marines, he could thrive in the vast sea and perhaps become one of the Four Emperors, ruling over the New World.

The next morning, a warship from the World Government arrived. Ron and Tsuru, ready and waiting, boarded and set sail for Mariejois. The warship traversed the Red Line, arriving at the Holy Land of Mariejois, the seat of the World Government's headquarters and home to the Celestial Dragons. Located between the first and second halves of the Grand Line, Mariejois was one of the two paths to the New World and the place where the Five Elders, the world's highest authorities, presided. Every five years, kings from allied nations convened here for the World Summit.

"Follow me, both of you. Do not wander; many areas here are private, and outsiders are strictly forbidden," the leading CP agent said in a cold, mechanical tone. Members of the CP organization, trained as emotionless spies, had little capacity for human sentiment.

After navigating the streets, they reached their destination—a massive wall surrounded by heavily armed guards. Upon verifying their identities, Ron and Tsuru were handed over to the guards within the wall.

"Beyond this point is the World Government's treasury. You may each choose one item to take with you. Remember, only one," instructed the man in the black uniform, his voice low and authoritative. He inserted a giant key into the lock, and the massive door creaked open.

Inside, Ron noticed that the walls were embedded with seastone particles, forming a barrier to prevent Devil Fruit users from breaking in. An aggressive presence immediately swept over them—an Admiral. Ron remained outwardly calm but inwardly vigilant. The presence of such a powerful guard reinforced the significance of the treasury.

Ron's eyes scanned the room. There were no piles of gold; such common treasures weren't worthy of this place. Instead, he saw legendary swords, Devil Fruits, and other items he couldn't identify, each sealed in its own seastone container. Though not abundant in quantity, every piece was a rare find.

He glanced over the Devil Fruits. The treasury held the World Government's accumulated riches, but only a few dozen Devil Fruits remained, mostly Paramecia and Zoan types. Logia and Mythical Zoan types had already been claimed. Without hesitation, he ignored the rest; if there had been Logia or Mythical Zoan Fruits, he might have shown interest, even if only to equip his subordinates. But these rare items had already been taken, leaving only what others deemed undesirable.

Ron's attention shifted to the swords in the corner. True sword masters were rare, and those who qualified to enter this treasury usually had their own weapons. Hence, over a dozen notable blades were left here. Among them were seven or eight ordinary crafted swords and four or five of the 50-class Skillful Grade Blades (Ryōwazamono). Only one Great Grade Blades (Ōwazamono) 21-class sword was present. No Supreme Grade Blades (Saijō Ōwazamono) swords were in sight.

The Ōwazamono sword was named "Riyao." The blade was inlaid with fine, transparent crystals that shimmered like sunlight when swung, reflecting a brilliant golden light. Its unique material generated intense heat when the blade was swung forcefully enough, with heat powerful enough to melt steel.

[Power Stones Required]

I hope your like the chapter 😊.