"Marshal!"
Bucky and Sakata Gintoki walked into the office, their expressions grave.
Bucky, in particular, was no stranger to the legendary pirate Golden Lion Shiki.
He was a powerful existence; even when Roger was alive, had it not been for a sudden storm, they might have lost to the Flying Pirates led by Golden Lion.
Now, this legendary pirate group, which had been planning for a long time, had not only appeared in the East Blue and destroyed the East Blue Marine base, but was now threatening to destroy Genbu Marines.
The moment he received the news, Bucky's first thought was to flee from Genbu Marines.
However, after careful consideration, he hesitated.
It was for this reason that Bucky, despite his heavy heart, was somewhat distracted at the moment.
Benedict nodded to Bucky and Sakata Gintoki, then said to Wang Zhi and the others, "For us, tomorrow will be a great challenge."
"Indeed, given Shiki's personality, he might even launch a surprise attack tonight."
"Therefore, we must be fully alert."
Saying this, Benedict's gaze turned to Sakata Gintoki and Bucky, "If possible, I hope the battlefield is not within our Genbu Marine base."
Bucky felt uncomfortable under Benedict's gaze.
With his strength, he was only at the bottom among everyone.
What could he do?
Wang Zhi and Kanjuro, hearing this, immediately understood Benedict's thoughts.
Once the Genbu Marine base became the battlefield, regardless of the outcome of the battle, the Genbu Marine base would be destroyed.
And for Benedict, rebuilding a Genbu Marine base was not something he could afford.
"Bucky, to what extent have you developed your Devil Fruit abilities?" Benedict asked, gazing at Bucky.
"This... haven't I been learning the Six Powers of the Marines and mastering Armament Haki?" Bucky asked, somewhat taken aback and confused.
During this time, through constant beatings, he had grown stronger and taller, mastered the Six Powers of the Marines, and awakened Armament Haki, but such abilities could not be maintained for long.
To master these abilities in such a short time, Bucky was already very happy.
In fact, Bucky was extremely confident that when he met Shanks again, he would be more than capable of defeating him.
Now, you're asking me how my Devil Fruit abilities have developed?
Marshal, are you sure I had time to develop them?
"The Bara Bara no Mi is a very powerful fruit."
"If you can master more abilities, or even awaken it, combined with your current physique, you could easily take down an Admiral."
"If you can survive this crisis, you will need to continue your efforts."
Benedict said, looking at Bucky with earnestness.
Upon hearing this, Bucky's mind quickly conjured illusions of stepping on Admirals, punching Emperors, and possessing endless treasures.
For a moment, drool dripped from his mouth.
"Uh, well, okay!"
Bucky didn't know if he would survive, but he agreed anyway.
Benedict no longer paid attention to the distracted Bucky and turned his gaze to Sakata Gintoki, asking, "Awakened?"
Through the information panel, Benedict learned that Sakata Gintoki had already awakened.
And with his awakened abilities, Sakata Gintoki's strength was already close to the peak power of a Vice Admiral.
However, to face the potential trouble ahead, this was not enough.
Sakata Gintoki nodded and said, "Awakened."
He didn't know how Benedict knew, but since they were on the same side, there was no need to hide it.
Wang Zhi and Kanjuro both looked at Benedict with anticipation.
Neither of them were Devil Fruit users, but they both knew that those who had awakened their Devil Fruit abilities were terrifying.
Fortunately, even though Sakata Gintoki had awakened, he had not yet posed a fatal threat to them.
"Since you have awakened, I shall grant you a boon."
Upon hearing Benedict's words, Clown Bucky immediately reacted, his eyes filled with envy.
Wang Zhi had also been looked after by Benedict, which was why he truly possessed Admiral-level strength, so he understood what Benedict meant.
Benedict extended his hand, placed it on Sakata Gintoki's shoulder, and a faint light flashed and disappeared.
"Talent Reinforcement!"
"Ding! Successfully reinforced skill Toya Lake Eighteen Slashes."
"Ding! Successfully reinforced skill Sword-Sword Fruit User (Awakened): Sword Domain."
"Ding! Successfully reinforced skill Byakuyasha Form: Rampage."
"Ding! Successfully reinforced skill Ten Thousand Swords Volley."
This was Benedict's innate ability, which could enhance individual potential and strengthen abilities.
As Benedict silently recited, Sakata Gintoki also felt the surging power within him, growing like a snowball.
Boom, a powerful aura erupted from Sakata Gintoki.
The immense pressure caused Wang Zhi and Kanjuro's expressions to change slightly.
An aura on par with theirs.
Admiral-level.
At the same time, Sakata Gintoki's information on Benedict's visible information panel had also changed.
Sakata Gintoki (Reinforceable).
Weapon: Demon Blade Shattering Star.
Skills: Toya Lake Eighteen Slashes (Reinforced); Ten Thousand Swords Volley (Reinforced); Sword-Sword Fruit User (Awakened): Sword Domain (Reinforced); Byakuyasha Form: Rampage (Reinforced); Observation Haki Lv2; Armament Haki Lv1.
Combat Power Level: S-Class (Admiral-level).
Potential to Inspire: SS-Class.
Loyalty: 100%.
The Observation Haki, which was originally at Level 1, had now increased to Level 2 through this process.
And his original Vice Admiral-level strength had now increased to Admiral-level.
Sakata Gintoki opened his eyes from his meditative state and immediately saluted Benedict with sincere gratitude, "Thank you, Marshal."
Although Sakata Gintoki believed that he would be able to advance to Admiral-level in the near future, it was not now.
The power bestowed upon him by Benedict was not forced growth, but a form of reinforcement and guidance, increasing his potential for a more profound foundation.
Benedict nodded and turned his gaze to Silver Axe, saying, "Silver Axe, you are no longer young, and your previous battles have accumulated many hidden injuries. You have only one chance, and how much potential you can finally unleash depends on yourself."
"Understood," Silver Axe replied seriously.
Silver Axe had learned from Wang Zhi and had always envied him.
Now that he had also gained Benedict's approval, and given the need for combat, he was very much looking forward to reaching his next level.
Benedict wasted no more words and extended his hand. After a flash of light, the aura emanating from Silver Axe began to rapidly increase.
"Ding! Successfully reinforced skill Lion Slash."
"Ding! Successfully reinforced skill Sky-Breaking Slash."
Wang Zhi watched his old comrade, sensing the aura emanating from him, and a smile appeared on his face, filled with anticipation.
However, moments later, when the climbing aura ceased to rise, Wang Zhi could not help but feel regret.
Silver Axe (Reinforceable).
Weapon: Shield, Axe.
Skills: Shield Bash; Lion Slash (Reinforced); Great Whirlwind; Sky-Breaking Slash (Reinforced); Armament Haki Lv2, Observation Haki Lv1.
Combat Power Level: A+-Class (Vice Admiral-level).
Potential to Inspire: A+-Class.
Loyalty: 80%.
Silver Axe opened his eyes. Although he was somewhat unwilling to not break through to Admiral-level, at this moment, he had no room for complaint.
At least, Silver Axe could feel that his strength had indeed improved significantly.
Taking a deep breath, Silver Axe saluted, "Thank you, Marshal."
Benedict nodded and looked at Wang Zhi, saying, "Each person only gets one chance. Whether you can become stronger depends on yourself."
Wang Zhi nodded. Benedict had told him the same thing when he had used it on him before.
"Do you need me to help you?" Benedict asked Kanjuro.
"No, among the Admirals, no one can defeat me," Kanjuro said with great confidence.
Wang Zhi heard this and looked at Kanjuro.
Invincible among peers?
The two exchanged glances, their eyes filled with intense fighting spirit.
Seeing this, Benedict smiled and said, "Go prepare and guard against a night raid by the Flying Pirates."