Thanks to Luo Lan's friendly persuasion, Viola finally gave in—but only under two conditions: she wanted to speak directly with King Riku, and she would only join Jun Lin for three years.
Luo Lan naturally had no objections.
Forget one call—with Luo Lan, she could contact King Riku anytime she liked.
As long as Jun Lin's secrets weren't leaked, he didn't mind at all.
As for the three-year limit...
That was more than enough!
---
After making a trip to Alabasta, Luo Lan brought back another 1,000 fresh recruits.
Housing that many people wasn't easy. Even the hangars and storage depots had to be converted into temporary shelters. But since it only took a day and a half to reach Rhodes Island, it wasn't a big deal.
They could endure the discomfort for a little while longer.
And finally...
On the fifth day after the assault on the prison ship, Luo Lan returned to the 157th Branch.
Coincidentally, on the same day, the training center's upgrade to B-rank was completed!
---
[Training Center]
[Grade: B-rank]
[Facility Trait 1: Adjustable gravity up to 20x (includes Trait 2 bonus)]
[Facility Trait 2: All trait effects doubled]
[Facility Trait 3: Not yet activated]
---
The upgraded B-rank training center had transformed from a single floor to three full levels.
The first floor was now a general training zone for all personnel.
The second floor had 72 individual training rooms.
The third floor also featured solo rooms, but only nine—and each was significantly larger than those on the second floor.
That covered the structural upgrades.
Now came the traits.
Two traits had carried over from the previous C-rank version: the adjustable gravity (initially 10x) and the effect-doubling trait.
Luo Lan had no intention of changing either—unless the third trait turned out to be an even more advanced gravity enhancement.
> "System, activate Trait 3!"
[Ding! B-rank buildings no longer grant free initial traits. Each activation or refresh costs 3,000 points. Proceed?]
> "Do it!"
He'd already experienced this while upgrading the branch HQ. Trait refreshes jumped from 1,000 points to 3,000, with no freebies.
That's 30 million Berry per refresh.
Two words: insanely expensive.
But it had to be done—because the training center was the best way to grow stronger.
[Ding! Activation complete.]
[Ding! Trait 3: Adjustable gravity up to 30x.]
Wait—was his luck just that good?!
He was just thinking about how he wouldn't change Trait 1 unless something better showed up... and now here it was?
Don't underestimate that extra 10x gravity. The original 20x gravity in Trait 1 had only been that high thanks to the effect-doubling trait. Without it, it would've been 10x.
Now this new trait—once engraved—would instantly become 60x gravity!
That's a 40x increase over before!
Still, there was no need to rush the engraving. With the new gravity trait secured, the old one could be replaced.
> "System, refresh Trait 1!"
[Ding! 3,000 points deducted. Trait refresh complete.]
[New Trait 1: Increases awakening probability of special abilities by 30%.]
Huh?
Special abilities?
Like psychic powers? Elemental skills?
...Was it really that overpowered?
He quickly checked the trait description.
---
Turns out, Luo Lan had definitely overthought it.
According to the system, this trait boosts the innate awakening chance of any special ability during training inside this facility.
And it doesn't just multiply the odds—it adds a flat 30% on top of your existing base chance.
For example:
If your awakening chance was originally 50%, training here would raise it to 80%.
If it was already 70%, congratulations—you now have a guaranteed 100% awakening.
So basically, just stepping into this place made it hard not to awaken.
However, the system clarified that the "special abilities" must already exist in this world, and the individual must naturally have an awakening chance.
Which narrowed it down significantly.
The only one that matched the criteria was…
Haki.
Was he really about to turn the entire 157th Branch into an Amazon Lily-style crew, all awakened with Haki?
Just think—soldiers like Hina or Smoker, who originally had zero chance of unlocking Conqueror's Haki...
Now, inside this building, that zero becomes 30%.
As long as there's any probability, it's just a matter of time.
And once the engraving was complete, with Trait 2's bonus effect...
That 30% would become 60%!
That's insane. Absolutely insane.
Imagine this: thousands of marines from the 157th Branch stepping forward, forming a Conqueror's Haki battle formation...
Could sheer numbers overwhelm even Shanks' unparalleled Haki?
Luo Lan was overwhelmed by the possibilities, his thoughts running wild.
But maybe... they weren't so wild after all.
> "System, engrave! Immediately engrave Traits 1 and 3!"
[Ding! Engraving complete. Please review the updated traits.]
[Trait 1: Awakening probability for special abilities increased by 60%. (Bonus included)]
[Trait 2: All effects doubled]
[Trait 3: Adjustable gravity up to 60x. (Bonus included)]
Done!!
Without hesitation, Luo Lan waved his hand and led the newly arrived group straight to the training center.
"Come on, let's go take a look at the upgraded facility."
"I guarantee it'll blow your minds!"
The others had an idea of what was coming and quickly followed.
Only Viola, who was still marveling at the port, looked completely lost.
Why was everyone so excited about a training center...?
She hurried after them, eager to see what all the fuss was about.
---
Roughly ten minutes later, from the moment she stepped foot into the 157th Branch until they reached the training center, Viola could sum up her entire experience in two words:
Utter. Shock.
Especially when she saw the towering glass-and-steel headquarters in the center of the base.
It shattered her perception of what was even possible in this world.
Was this even something that should exist here?!
Then she stepped into the training center—
And her body sank.
She nearly collapsed on the spot.
Fortunately, the gravity in the general training hall wasn't too intense—only 2x—so she didn't actually fall.
That floor was meant for standard marines, after all.
Now that the space had expanded, Luo Lan had divided the first level into four separate zones, with gravity levels ranging from 2x to 5x.
Marines could choose the zone that best suited their training needs.
"Alright! Head to the third floor and pick a room."
"Same rules as before—just tell me what gravity level you want, and I'll set it up!"
In the next instant, the group rushed upstairs to claim their favorite rooms.
Viola, on the other hand, stood frozen in place.
She couldn't help but wonder—
What kind of place... had she ended up in?!
---
Currently at chapter 405 on Ko-Fi
https:// ko-fi.com/sami27