Chapter 133

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In the blink of an eye, it was the end of July. 

With only ten days left before the World Summit, Arthur was reflecting on the preparations. He had already obtained the charter for the event when he visited the World Government to discuss joining. 

Kings attending the World Summit could bring their family members and a small number of guards, but the limit on the number of attendees was strict. Out of the more than 170 countries that were members of the World Government, only about one-third, or fifty nations, typically participated in each summit. The reasons for the absence of the other countries varied.

Arthur wasn't entirely clear on the conditions for participation from this country, especially since Valbo had managed to attend the World Summit despite his dark reputation in the re-established Drum Kingdom, which was hardly populated. 

As he stood in the shrine, Arthur considered which women he should take with him—if he should take them all. He needed to think about Nami, Nuo, and Yana, especially since Nami had escaped from the moon in a floating boat, indicating her importance in his plans.

However, he also recognized the reality of their combat capabilities. Apart from Yana and Laqi, who had developed some self-defense skills, both Nami and Nuo were relatively weak. Though they had trained since arriving on Sky Island, their strength was equivalent to that of a Marine Lieutenant Colonel at best. This was largely due to Arthur's training; without his guidance, even that level would have been out of reach for them.

Given the uncertainty of his trip to Mary Geoise, Arthur was concerned about the potential dangers they might face. If something went wrong, having Nami and Nuo—who were still vulnerable—could lead to complications. 

"This time I'm going to Mary Geoise, and I'm not sure what might happen. Nami, Nuo, you both are too weak right now. If anything were to occur, I'm afraid you could get hurt! This time, I need to bring stronger allies with me. I promise I'll take you next time!" he explained, looking at the four women chatting happily.

Nami turned her head, a slight frown on her face. "That makes sense. We'll go next time, right, Nuo?" 

Despite her attempt to keep the mood light, Arthur could sense that both Nami and Nuo's enthusiasm had dampened. 

"I've already decided what Devil Fruits to find for both of you. I'm still searching, but once I find them, you'll be strong too!" Arthur said, stepping closer to pat their heads.

"Oh?" Nuo's eyes lit up with curiosity. "What fruits are you looking for us?"

The question intrigued all four women except Jessica from the Navy Headquarters, but Arthur kept his plans close to his chest.

"I'm not telling! Just know that Nami's fruit will be perfect for her. As for you, Nuo, it may not be an ideal fit, but it's a very powerful fruit nonetheless. If you both work hard, you'll make a name for yourselves in the sea!" 

With that settled, Arthur shifted his focus to selecting which legion commanders to take with him. He needed a few strong fighters from the Angel Empire, and he planned to take at least two.

Currently, Urouge and Enel stood out as strong candidates, both nearing the strength of quasi-Admirals, while Wyper was slightly weaker. However, Wyper had recently obtained an ideal Electric Shock fruit, rapidly enhancing his abilities. In a year or two, he could reach quasi-Admiral level, especially with Yana's help, as they complemented each other's strengths well.

Raki, having eaten a special Paramecia laser fruit, had achieved elite lieutenant status and was on par with Wyper and Yana in terms of potential. Given that the laser fruit could be elementalized, Raki's combat prowess could even surpass that of the others.

Arthur also considered other elite lieutenants, like Wald, Rafi, and Naz, who might reach the peak of lieutenant general status if they consumed the right fruits. However, achieving quasi-Admiral strength would still be a challenge for them.

"This time, I'll take Enel, Wyper, and Wald, along with Raki and Yana. With this lineup, we'll be well-prepared." After making his decisions, Arthur vanished from the shrine and reappeared in the barracks of the Great Legion.

"You mean, you're taking me, Wyper, and Wald to Mary Geoise?" Enel asked, excitement glimmering in his eyes.

"Yes, inform them both to prepare. We'll leave half a day before the World Summit." Arthur nodded, issuing his command.

"Understood, God." Enel nodded and swiftly disappeared from Arthur's presence.

Seeing Enel's speed made Arthur smile. 

The Shave technique, a high-speed movement method, had been mastered by the commanders of the ten major legions, as well as vice-commanders and talented squad captains who had reached lieutenant general ranks. Even major-general-level members were close to mastering it.

In addition, the legion commanders had also mastered techniques like Tempest Kick and Moonwalk. Within less than two years, it was estimated that the commanders would be proficient in all six forms of combat, while the entire legion would likely be able to use at least three essential moves: Shave, Moonwalk, and Tempest Kick.

Shaving allowed for high-speed movement on the ground and served as the foundation for other techniques. Moonwalk might seem unnecessary for the angels since they could fly; however, Arthur wanted them to learn it as a precaution. If their wings were injured during battle, knowing Moonwalk would enable them to execute Shave while airborne, providing a significant tactical advantage. 

Tempest Kick was a long-range attack that compensated for the angels' usual shortcomings. If they could utilize their wings to enhance this technique, it would add a powerful element to their fighting style.

Having determined who would accompany him to Mary Geoise, Arthur remained busy. The World Summit was just ten days away and would last for seven days before concluding. After the summit, the Angel Empire was set to open its doors, which would undoubtedly attract countless guests eager to witness its splendor. This influx was bolstered by the publicity that had been generated over the past few months.

Arthur had already met for three days with key ruling officials, including Gang Cole, to establish various regulations and protocols. The arrangements for the opening of the Angel Empire would be finalized after the World Summit.

By the ninth day, several participating countries had arrived in the town below Mary Geoise ahead of schedule. Arthur was in no rush; after all, the angels could cover the distance to Mary Geoise in just half a day.

At that moment, Arthur was in conversation with Jinbei and Neptune. 

"Tomorrow, I should arrive around eleven or twelve o'clock," Arthur informed them.

"Really? We might need to adjust our schedule. Why don't we meet in the town below Mary Geoise instead?" Jinbei suggested.

After a moment of contemplation, he added, "That sounds reasonable. But, Mr. Arthur, are you really going to give up your Shichibukai identity?"

Jinbei's doubt about Arthur's proposal was palpable. His Shichibukai status had provided protection for Fish-Man Island for many years.

"Absolutely! After the World Summit, regardless of what decisions are made, I will bring you all close to the Angel Empire. To humans, we are all seen as alien races, and we must unite," Arthur affirmed confidently.

Neptune's voice emerged, filled with mixed emotions. "I truly look forward to it."

"Trust me, it will happen!" Arthur assured him, having many plans in mind for Fish-Man Island and its inhabitants. Once the World Summit concluded, he intended to rescue Jessica and relocate Fish-Man Island entirely.

Soon, the day of the World Summit arrived.

On the Island of Gods, Ain, Wyper, and Wald had chosen not to wear their respective legions' exclusive armor but instead opted for stylish white suits. 

Before long, Arthur emerged from the shrine, dressed in a striking black suit with a red cloak—the outer layer black and the inner layer red. Raki and Yana accompanied him, both adorned in formal dresses that accentuated their beauty.

The two girls had become even more striking, particularly Yana, who had visibly blossomed since their return from the top ten extreme single islands. Their desire to enhance their beauty seemed to have subconsciously transformed their appearances, improving their faces, bodies, and skin.

As Arthur stepped forward, everyone in the shrine performed the traditional Sky Island etiquette, acknowledging his status.

"Everything is ready. Let's go!" Arthur declared, glancing at his companions with satisfaction.

The only shortcoming he noted was that while their wings were beautifully designed, they could only be retracted behind their backs; they weren't able to elementalize them like Arthur could. He himself had a thunderbolt embedded in the fabric at the base of his wings, allowing him to conceal them. Without the lightning shell, he could only keep them elementalized, which, while visually impressive, felt somewhat unnecessary.

"Nolan!" Arthur called softly, but his voice carried across the distance to Nolan, who was on a tourist island several dozen kilometers away.

"Roar~" came the reply, a dragon's roar echoing through the air.

On that tourist island, Nolan, still in the process of growing and stretching more than 1,100 meters in length, stepped onto a golden cloud and soared into the sky, ready to join Arthur for the momentous occasion.