After reviewing the latest instructions on the Starmap, Imu glanced out the window at Mihawk, who was shirtless, sweating profusely as he swung a massive barbell on the silver-gray ground. He then picked up the receiver on the Den Den Mushi's back and dialed the rotary on its body.
"Lord Imu."
Soon, the Den Den Mushi mimicked the appearance, expression, and tone of Shepherd Ju Peter Saint, greeting respectfully.
Imu asked coldly, "Has the first batch of Cipher Pol agents to be dispatched to the Stargate been selected?"
"They have been chosen. I plan to send CP9, led by Laskey, with a total of ten members. Two will be responsible for guarding the Stargate on the other side of the world, while the remaining eight will be divided into four teams to explore in four different directions."
"Since we still don't know whether Den Den Mushi can function normally in another world or if communication across the Stargate is possible, we will need to conduct experiments in these areas."
"However, all of this will have to wait until the Biochemical Safety Station is completed. Researchers wearing Advanced Hazmat Suits will first test the air composition of the other world."
Shepherd Ju Peter Saint briefly outlined the plan devised by the professionals under his command.
"A Biochemical Safety Station is indeed necessary."
Imu nodded silently, fully appreciating their caution and prudence.
After all, no one knew whether the air in the other world contained special pathogens or gases. The greatest fear was that these might be brought back to their own world by the dispatched personnel.
"Is there a confirmed timeline?"
"The Construction Division, following the guidance of the Biochemical Research Institute, has determined that the Biochemical Safety Station will take twenty days to build. It will be completed three days before the start of this year's Levely," Shepherd Ju Peter Saint replied respectfully.
"Testing the air will take time, and we can simultaneously conduct communication experiments with the Den Den Mushi. If there are no major issues, we can dispatch CP9 through the Stargate on the day the Levely convenes!"
Imu felt that this date held significant commemorative value. He was now eagerly anticipating what the world beyond the first Stargate would be like.
"Understood."
Shepherd Ju Peter Saint naturally dared not object. After Imu ended the call, he placed the receiver back on the Den Den Mushi's back.
"It seems it's settled."
In the Chamber of Authority, Topman Warcury Saint spoke with a serious expression.
"Yes, we are about to make contact with another world, perhaps even another planetary civilization."
Shepherd Ju Peter Saint flashed a handsome smile and then turned to Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, who held the First Generation Kitetsu.
"Outside the Biochemical Safety Station, military guards will undoubtedly be necessary. Although the possibility is low, no one knows if creatures from that world might break through once the Stargate opens again."
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro was well aware of this.
"That's not a problem. A unit of the Army, which will be the first to complete the transition to automatic weapons and be equipped with armored vehicles, tanks, and other military vehicles, will be responsible for security. Moreover, RL1556 is adjacent to the Army headquarters in RL1555. If any troublesome situations arise, the main force can provide immediate support. And there's also that kid, Douglas Bullet."
Shepherd Ju Peter Saint asked, "Just changing the equipment isn't enough, is it? No matter how good the gear is, if the soldiers' quality is lacking, it can't be considered a first-rate army."
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro Saint nodded and said, "That's why Lord Imu transferred Bullet to the army. But training the troops will definitely take some time; this can't be rushed."
"Should we consider sending some marines over, or directly transferring a portion of the marines into the army?" Jaygarcia Saturn Saint inquired.
"Since Lord Imu hasn't mentioned involving the marines, there must be a reason. Besides, the marines have a lot on their plate as well. Let's leave it for now."
Topman Warcury Saint shook his head, then suddenly remembered something.
"Speaking of which, the Construction Division's report mentioned that the modifications to the Thriller Bark are nearly complete. They're asking when it should be moved to the Reverse Mountain."
"Is that so? That's great news! Once it's stationed at the Reverse Mountain, pirate ships from the four seas won't be able to enter so easily!" Jaygarcia Saturn Saint chuckled.
"But there will be plenty of trouble too. At first, we'll undoubtedly capture a large number of pirates. Your Enies Lobby will be swamped. And when we encounter ships without pirate flags, we'll need to investigate, inspect, and confirm their identities. That will require a lot of manpower, and we need to be prepared for all of that."
Marcus Mars Saint interlocked his fingers and rested his chin on them, speaking in a deep voice as he laid out his considerations.
"Also, shouldn't this Reverse Mountain Marine Branch have a proper designation?"
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro Saint was prepared for this last point.
"Looking at the marine branches along the entire Grand Line, G2, G4, G6, and G8 are in the first half, while G1, G3, G5, and G7 are in the second half. I propose designating this Reverse Mountain branch as G0, symbolizing that no more pirates will enter the Grand Line from here."
"The base commander will be Borsalino, as originally planned. With his Devil Fruit ability and speed, he can ensure that no pirate ship escapes!"
Topman Warcury Saint nodded and said, "In that case, I'll have the Construction Division move it to the Reverse Mountain once the modifications are fully complete. Borsalino can lead his men to take over first, and the administrative staff from the Government Affairs Office will follow later."
"Additionally, we'll need to order ten more warships from Water 7. Since G-0 is also a direct branch, it should have its own fleet. Until then, let Kong transfer ten ships from Marineford."
Meanwhile.
Just as the world's nations had barely recovered from the ONE PIECE live broadcast, they were immediately faced with the second wave of commotion brought by the Levely. At the same time, the underwater prison, Impel Down, welcomed another significant figure.
"Hmph, this is my first time here. I wonder how it compares to other prisons. I'm going to see for myself if it can really hold me!"
Kaido, wearing specially made large Seastone Handcuffs, stepped off the warship under the watchful eyes of Garp and a group of marine officers. He arrogantly surveyed the massive iron gate and the grim interior environment.
"Ha ha ha ha, in any case, I've never heard of or seen anyone who could escape from there in my lifetime. If you can manage it, you'll be the first since the founding of the World Government. I'd be more than happy to personally bring you back when that happens."
Garp tilted his head back, laughing with his mouth wide open.
"Go on in, there are some old acquaintances of yours inside. Catch up with them!"
Kaido glanced at the most prominent figures among the prison guards who came out to greet him—Deputy Warden Magellan and Gecko Moria—and asked with a smack of his lips, "Is there any alcohol in there?"
"How would I know? I've never been inside. Just go in and ask," Garp replied, crunching down on a Rice Cracker. After exchanging a nod with Magellan, he turned and left with his men.
"Alcohol? Definitely not. But we'll have plenty of hot water for you to drink as much as you want. Consider it a welcoming gift from Impel Down."
Magellan walked over, his expression blank, and stepped aside to make way. He added, "I assume you don't need to be pushed in, Kaido of the Beasts."
"Worororo, those horns on your head look a lot like mine. But mark my words, it won't take me a year to get out of here!"
Kaido declared with full confidence, puffing out his chest like a victorious general as he strode through the gates.
Magellan didn't respond, showing no interest in engaging. Instead, it was the still lowly prison guard, Gecko Moria, who sneered, holding his giant scissors.
"Heh heh heh, I really don't believe it. If even I couldn't do it, what makes you think you can?"