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"Bang!" "Bang!"

The massive alloy steel column trembled under the relentless barrage of blows. One after another, shocking imprints of fists, kicks, and fingers were added to its surface. If it weren't for the specially designed shock-absorbing systems developed by Germa's scientific team, the entire Warship House might have collapsed from the sheer force.

His fiery red hair, drenched in sweat, clung to his body. Glistening beads of perspiration coated his muscular frame, which resembled coiled dragons, each muscle defined yet not overly brutish, brimming with unimaginable explosive power!

Having finished browsing the latest newspaper and ignoring any new updates about Portgas D. Ace, Iji casually ate some breakfast delivered by the kitchen before diving straight into another day of intense training.

Years of relentless, grueling training had become ingrained in his very bones. He didn’t despise occasional indulgence, either! After all, whether it was the immense pressure he placed on himself or the pent-up aggression accumulated from countless battles, suppressing it all without release would surely drive him mad.

Power, authority, women…

Perhaps it was vulgar and greedy, but these were things he craved—things he wanted to possess entirely!

To achieve this, he needed absolute strength!

One-fold effort wasn’t enough? Then two-fold, three-fold…

This was his obsession, his unapologetic ambition that Iji had harbored for years.

Without overwhelming power, everything precious could vanish overnight, reduced to nothingness. Even one’s manner of death might be beyond their control.

Vinsmoke Judge had long understood this truth. It was precisely why, despite his domineering nature, he repeatedly tolerated Iji’s insatiable drive.

This eldest son possessed far greater potential than his siblings—a terrifying combination of vision, strategy, and an almost abyssal, unyielding ambition!

As a mere “tool of war,” this son might not have been considered particularly qualified. However, the unique capabilities and latent talents Iji had displayed over time forced Judge, who had devoted his life to restoring Germa 66 as the dominant power in the North Blue, to acknowledge something:

The hope of fulfilling Germa Kingdom’s three-century-old unfinished mission might rest upon this son—once deemed a “half-finished product.”

"Whoosh... Whoosh..."

Time passed unnoticed, and the waves began surging violently. The morning sun, once rising gently above the horizon, now hung high in the sky, scorching the vast expanse of ocean below.

In the distance, a colossal, crimson mountain range loomed ahead, shrouded in mist, stretching endlessly into the horizon. This was none other than the Red Line—a natural barrier akin to an uncrossable chasm, standing alongside the perilous Grand Line to isolate the Four Seas.

"The Red Line is here..."

"All personnel prepare yourselves. We will begin our ascent in approximately ten minutes."

Clearly, not everyone possessed physical endurance like Iji’s. The warriors of Germa had already completed their daily training routines and were gathering in small groups at the dining hall, enjoying a lavish lunch meticulously prepared according to scientific calculations and nutritional adjustments.

As for Iji, who continued to train as if his stamina knew no bounds, they had grown numb to his relentlessness—from initial astonishment to eventual indifference.

"Prince Iji, we are approaching the Red Line. Please prepare accordingly!"

After what seemed like hours, Captain Houghton of the Fifth Squad approached, his expression grave. "Moreover, you must take care of your body. Please resume training only after having a proper meal."

Germa’s warships were all modified from gigantic sea slugs, boasting exceptional speed and capable of scaling even the treacherous Red Line.

Thousands of meters high, the rugged cliffs proved challenging even for these monstrous creatures, requiring significant time and effort to climb.

When ascending, the entire Warship House would stand vertically—if anyone fell, they would plummet to their death.

During these days of navigation, they hadn’t encountered any foolish pirates. Ordinary pirates, spotting Germa 66’s black flag, wouldn’t dare approach unless utterly devoid of sense. Guided by the "Vital Card," delays or losing direction were rare.

Once across the Red Line, navigating through the currents at the entrance of the Grand Line and climbing toward the North Blue region, Germa’s Warship Houses, with their remarkable speed, would reach headquarters within just a few days.

"BOOM!!"

With one final punch, Iji left a deep indentation on the alloy pillar.

"Oh? We’ve arrived?" Exhaling heavily, sweat pouring down his face, Iji ceased his frenzied training and nodded curtly.

Soon afterward, a breathtaking scene unfolded on the Red Line.

On the steep, rugged red cliffs, enormous sea slugs climbed ceaselessly upward, defying gravity...