Chapter 366: The Strength of the Otherworld Debuts in the Sea Star World!
Within the Biochemical Research Institute on Impel Down Level 5.5, there were actually its own Prison Cells, primarily used to detain some high-value Test Subjects.
However, the Researchers generally didn't call them Prison Cells, but rather Storage Rooms.
For example, Amber Lead Disease Patients, Blue Heart Kabane with Blue Light Hearts, and the two 'Man-Eating Demons' recently added to storage, Muzan Kibutsuji and Nakime.
'Man-Eating Demon' was the 'scientific name' specifically given to them by the Researchers, because the word 'oni/demon' (oni/demon) sometimes also refers to 'ghosts'.
The Environment here was actually better than the Prison Cells on other floors. The Ground and Walls were made of alloy Steel Plates mixed with Seastone. The lighting was a bit eerie green, making the atmosphere feel unsettling, but it fit the 'Biochemical' theme well.
Muzan Kibutsuji sat expressionlessly in one of the 'Storage Rooms', the green ring on his Neck occasionally flashing with bright Radiance.
In another 'Storage Room' across a Corridor from him was a Blue Heart Kabane that hadn't undergone 'Wash Heart'.
It always followed its primal instincts, reaching out its hands towards Muzan's location and emitting Bloodthirst roars.
The 'Storage Room' next to Muzan housed Nakime. She seemed quite docile, just kneeling quietly on the Ground, covering her pale face with her long black hair.
Suddenly.
A series of Footsteps sounded from far to near.
This made the Blue Heart Kabane even more agitated and caused a glimmer of Hope to bloom in Muzan Kibutsuji's eyes.
"Yo~ Otherworlder Man-Eating Demon Boss, I heard you want to come out and stretch your legs?"
A moment later, a massive figure appeared outside the bars. A large Black Shadow blocked the light, but his tone was so flippant, full of mockery.
If it were before, Muzan would have undoubtedly tortured and killed the other party without hesitation, but now he could only slowly Stand Up, calmly looking at the 'Giant' outside and negotiating amicably.
"Mr. Queen, my Value is too wasted just being a Test Subject."
Yes, the person who appeared was none other than 'The Plague' Queen, formerly of the Beast Pirates, who had recently joined the Biochemical Research Institute.
A super fat man over six meters tall, with golden braided pigtails and a golden beard behind his head, who stretched his White Coat round and round.
"Is that so? Then tell me, besides providing us with Materials for Experiments, what else can you do?"
Queen asked, bending down curiously.
In response, Muzan already had a draft prepared and revealed a confident, refined Smile.
"First is my Blood Demon Art. I can use my Blood to turn people into Demons, and then read the Thoughts in their Hearts. I believe this will have an excellent Effect on interrogating Prisoners!"
"Oh~~ Indeed, Magellan and the others should be very interested. I can pass it on for you later, but it's not very useful for our Research Institute."
Queen teased, subconsciously reaching for a Cigar.
But when his hand instinctively went into his pocket, he suddenly realized he didn't have any tobacco on him.
This was a Rule at the Biochemical Research Institute; if you wanted to smoke, you had to go to a designated smoking area. This left him smacking his lips regretfully and swallowing.
"I can also change my appearance at will, sometimes male, sometimes female, sometimes adult, sometimes child. Don't you want to understand the process of this Body transformation?"
Saying this, Muzan was about to activate his Body to turn into a Woman, but the green ring on his Neck suddenly shone with Radiance, stopping him.
This made Muzan feel very unhappy in his Heart.
"I can also distinguish between different types of Blood, Diseases, and changes and differences in Genes. Believe me, as long as I have enough Knowledge, I can definitely help you!"
"That amazing?"
Queen was stunned for a moment. They knew Muzan could change his Body Form, although they hadn't seen it with their own eyes. But distinguishing Blood and Genes was something they truly didn't know.
There was nothing they could do; Im hadn't written this Intelligence down at the time, as it wasn't useful for capturing Muzan.
"Wait a moment, I'll go talk to the Dean. But if that's really the case, then the probability of you being allowed out to move around is quite high! When that happens, I'll take you dancing and rapping!"
With that, Queen left with heavy Footsteps like a Dinosaur, causing Muzan Kibutsuji inside to reveal a joyful Smile.
He actually had very little Ambition; he just wanted to live.
Of course, it would be best to live comfortably. In his opinion, Impel Down was a good place. He didn't have to worry about the threat of Sunlight, there were many people, it was lively, and Safety.
Moreover, he was very interested in the Sea Star World and Other Worlds. In the Future, he would definitely encounter more interesting things in this Biochemical Research Institute.
Just like that thing...
Muzan's Gaze looked towards the Blue Heart Kabane opposite him.
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Sabaody Archipelago, the Final Island of the seven Routes in the First Half of the Grand Line, and also the Island of Crime that had served as the World's Slave Trade center for hundreds of years.
After extensive rectification and Management by the World Government, Marine Headquarters, and the Ministry of Police Affairs.
It had truly become an Amusement Island.
Adding to that, it was also a Fish-Man Safety Zone, and many Fish-Men or Mermaids could be seen walking on the Streets of various Zones on the Island.
They naturally became a unique Scenery of this Island, attracting many Tourists who came from the Countries of Each Sea, drawn by its reputation.
Among them, there were naturally people who harbored thoughts of 'taking' a few Mermaids back 'as guests'.
But upon seeing the Surveillance Den Den Mushi with their large eyes slowly wriggling, and then looking at the tall and sturdy Sea King Army Patrol teams wearing Armor and holding Steel Forks, and the Dark Green Police figures guarding various locations, they could only suppress their intentions.
Then they would enthusiastically walk over and strike up conversations with those beautiful Mermaids, showcasing their most Gentlemanly side.
They had already heard that if a Mermaid voluntarily followed, as long as they weren't imprisoned or abused, normal interaction wouldn't be a problem.
Although the possibility of this was very low, it was worth a try. Perhaps with their charm, they could truly make a Mermaid friend or capture their Heart?
The Island's 60th Great Zone, formerly a Navy Base, was now the Headquarters of the Public Security Department and the garrison base for the Sea King Army.
Of course, there were also Office Areas for some Government Departments.
The biggest change, it must be said, was that the color of the Main Building and the Wall had changed from Sea Blue to Dark Green.
The Police Officers coming and going also wore Dark Green fitted Uniforms, with black belts that clearly cinched the waist, and a cut that highlighted the Body's lines, full of masculine handsomeness.
And the high-ranking Inspectors didn't wear Coats of Justice, but black Trench Coats.
It was said that this currently very popular set of Uniforms was personally designed by Minister Dragon.
Speaking of this Big Shot, logically he should be working at the Ministry of Police Affairs on Enies Lobby, but he had always stayed here. Some people had asked Dragon why, when simply appointing a Division Chief for the Public Security Department would suffice.
But Dragon's answer was that he was waiting for the first Division Chief of the Public Security Department to take their Position!
On the Training Ground within the Base.
Hundreds of Police Officers in green everyday Uniforms were seen sitting cross-legged on the Ground under the scorching Sun and hot temperature, their eyes tightly closed, their Chests rising and falling with a certain Rhythm.
A young man with a right golden and left green pupil, a face wrapped in Bandages, black medium-length hair like seaweed, and a White Snake coiled around his Neck, slowly walked between the ranks.
A moment later, he stopped after passing one of the Police Officers and said coldly.
"549527, your Breathing Rhythm is wrong, and your Spirit is not focused enough."
Hearing the reprimand, the Police Officer opened his eyes and looked up unhappily, "Police Superintendent Iguro, is this Breathing Style really useful? Just sitting like this?"
Yes, this young man was none other than 'Serpent Hashira' Obanai Iguro from the former Demon Slayer Corps. He was now also dressed as a High-ranking Police Officer, his black Trench Coat gently swaying behind him.
He had originally wanted to join the Army like 'Wind Hashira' Sanemi Shinazugawa, or become a Constabulary officer responsible for hunting down high-risk Criminals like 'Flame Hashira' Kyojuro Rengoku, 'Water Hashira' Giyu Tomioka, and 'Mist Hashira' Muichiro Tokito.
But because 'Love Hashira' Mitsuri Kanroji disliked Combat and chose to be a Breathing Style Instructor in the Public Security Department, he also stayed.
After arriving here, he was granted the Police Superintendent Rank and the Position of Serpent Breathing Style Instructor by Minister Dragon.
It wasn't just him.
'Stone Hashira' Gyomei Himejima in the distance was now also a Stone Breathing Style Instructor.
There was also Kyojuro Rengoku's Father, the 'former' Flame Hashira Shinjuro Rengoku, as well as the former 'Thunder Hashira' Jigoro Kuwajima, who was old and used a Cane, and the former 'Water Hashira' Sakonji Urokodaki.
They served as Instructors for Flame Breathing, Thunder Breathing, and Water Breathing respectively. Their job was essentially still that of Trainers, but the number of Cadets they had to train had increased dozens of times.
Actually, with their Strength comparable to Military Headquarters Officers (Field Grade), they should logically be at least Inspectors.
But after all, they were Otherworlders, and their Stamina, which was weaker than Sea Star People of the same Rank, determined that this kind of Strength could only be considered an 'Explosion'.
At the Military Police Bureau, the lowest Rank was Senior Police Superintendent.
"I should have said this before, Breathing Style can Enhance your Physical Ability by at least twofold, it can also Activate your Mental Power, and it can give you the Ability to stop your own Bleeding. If you think these are useless, you can leave now."
Obanai Iguro said, staring coldly into the other person's eyes.
"But... but you're just talking, and just sitting like this is really annoying. Isn't there a way to practice that involves moving?"
The Police Officer who raised the objection had a Police Sergeant Shoulder Insignia, equivalent to a Military Non-Commissioned Officer, and had indeed been a Marine Headquarters Sergeant before.
In his opinion, so-called training should be about Physical Ability training or practicing Swordsmanship and Fist Fighting, not just sitting with eyes closed like this.
His words clearly resonated with the other Police Officers around him. Although they didn't say much, they all nodded in agreement.
"Originally, there was a Physical Ability training segment, but your Physical Ability has already met the requirements, and many have even far exceeded them. So you only need to learn the Rhythm of the Breathing Style. Once you master the Breathing Style, you can practice the Accompanying Sword Techniques!"
At this moment, Sakonji Urokodaki, who heard the Commotion not far away, raised his voice and shouted towards the surroundings.
A Police Superintendent of the same Rank as these Instructors stood up and said loudly, "We need to see the actual Effect. You Instructors should all know this Breathing Style, right? Please demonstrate it."
"First Form: Shiranui!"
Just as his voice fell, he felt a ball of raging Flame rush towards him from his side. He instinctively wanted to dodge, but the cold Touch Sensation on his Neck froze his Body.
After all, not every 'Sergeant' could encounter a Marine Vice Admiral giving private lessons to get early exposure to the Navy Six Styles.
"Wow!"
This Police Superintendent might not have seen it clearly, but everyone else around saw it clearly. Instructor Rengoku's Blade indeed emitted Flame.
As for the Speed displayed, no one paid too much attention to it. Although they couldn't do it, they were all from Marine Headquarters and had seen such things before.
"This is the specific Effect of swinging Sword Techniques after Mental Power Activation. It will make you faster, Stronger, and your Reactions more acute!"
Shinjuro Rengoku said in a deep voice, retracting his Nichirin Blade.
In his opinion, with the Physique of these Sea Star People, if they mastered the Breathing Style and Accompanying Sword Techniques, they would probably be able to fight him soon.
Of course, they would still be much weaker than the 'current Hashira' like Kyojuro Rengoku.
"Are you really not an Ability User?"
At this moment, the Police Sergeant whose Neck had just been held at knifepoint looked at him with suspicion. This kind of Superpower where a Blade swings out Flame, how could it not be the Ability of an Ability User!
But Shinjuro Rengoku seemed to have been prepared. He took out a Handcuffs from his Trench Coat pocket and held it above his head.
"These are Seastone Handcuffs. I presume you are all Familiar with them. If anyone has doubts, please have an Ability User come up and touch them!"
Soon, a Police Officer who claimed to be of the Animal System ran over. After personally experiencing the Feeling of Weakness brought by the Seastone, he certified the authenticity of the Handcuffs.
After he returned to his Position, Shinjuro Rengoku was seen gripping the Handcuffs tightly in his left hand and holding the Nichirin Blade in his right, performing the 'First Form' to 'Tenth Form' of the Flame Breathing Style in succession.
For a time, In the Court, it was as if a Flame Tornado had appeared and was continuously raging, leaving all the Police Officers sitting cross-legged on the Training Ground dumbfounded.
On the other side, Dragon also watched this scene through the Office Window.
In his Heart, he realized that this should be the first debut of Otherworlder Strength in the Sea Star World. He thought that more and more peculiar Abilities would appear in the Future.
It seemed they had encountered a great Era full of wonders...
After Shinjuro Rengoku finished performing a set of Sword Techniques, he proved that he was not a Devil Fruit Ability User.
"This is Flame Breathing. Besides this, there are also Breathing Styles with their own Characteristics such as Thunder Breathing, Water Breathing, Stone Breathing, and so on. The Mission of us Instructors is to teach you the Breathing Style that is most suitable for you!"
Immediately after, under everyone's astonished Gaze, he used the Blade in his hand to cut a gash on his arm. Blood immediately flowed non-stop, and scarlet Blood kept dripping onto the Ground.
"Watch carefully!"
Shinjuro Rengoku narrowed his eyes and stared at the Bloody Wound on his arm.
The next moment.
The damaged Blood Vessels, which were difficult to observe with the naked eye, quickly ligated themselves.
A few seconds later, he took the water bottle handed to him by Sakonji Urokodaki, cleaned off most of the Blood, and then raised his arm, which had already stopped bleeding, high.
"It really stopped bleeding?"
"Is that real!"
The Police Officers who were closer widened their eyes. After confirming that no more Blood is flowing from the Wound, they quickly relayed the news to the people around them. A few minutes later, everyone on the Training Ground knew.
"I heard you were all Marines before, Soldiers. Then I ask you, is this Ability to quickly stop bleeding on the Battlefield useful!"
Shinjuro Rengoku questioned all the Police Officers loudly.
For a moment, there was dead silence.
Dragon in the distance, however, gazed at him and murmured to himself, "It really is the Effect of Life Return..."
(End of Chapter)