Military and Police Selection in the Central Kingdom
After the announcement was made, the initial number of 500,000 applicants did not decrease significantly. Most of the candidates were of prime age, as those too young or too old were ineligible to participate.
Following a rigorous screening process, Caesar ultimately reduced the number to 150,000 selected personnel. This force was divided into:
30,000 soldiers
120,000 members of the police system and garrison defense corps
The Selection Process
The trial itself was straightforward but demanding. Candidates were assessed based on physical fitness, physique, strength, speed, and special skills. From the original 500,000, only those ranking at the top in these attributes were allowed to stay. Those who demonstrated exceptional abilities in combat-related fields, such as swordsmanship, martial arts, or Devil Fruit powers, were given priority selection.
Given the sheer number of participants, the trials spanned several weeks. To ensure fairness, a supplementary trial was introduced, allowing candidates who underperformed due to unforeseen circumstances—such as illness or injury—one last chance to prove themselves.
By April 27, after a full month of rigorous evaluation, the final 150,000 personnel were confirmed.
Nationwide Preparation
While the selection process took place, the Central Kingdom underwent major infrastructural development to support the newly formed military-police system. Barracks, training grounds, and police stations were established, ensuring that once training was complete, the recruits could be deployed effectively.
Caesar also personally oversaw the reformation of government institutions, training former officials to serve as the administrative backbone of the system. These individuals were tasked with instructing new recruits, particularly in law enforcement roles, which required knowledge beyond combat skills.
Unlike the army, the police force required specialized training in various fields, including criminal investigation, crisis response, and civilian conflict resolution. Garrison defense corps focused on securing strategic locations, while the army was designated for external defense and large-scale engagements.
To maximize efficiency, Caesar and Issho (Fujitora) used gravity-based training to fortify the police training grounds. This ensured that recruits not only developed their combat skills but also trained under physically demanding conditions.
The police, garrison corps, and army had distinct roles, but personnel were not locked into one branch permanently. Promising individuals could be transferred to the army based on performance.
Barrett's Elite Military Training
The 30,000 elite soldiers were stationed on a strategically isolated island near the Central Kingdom. This island, artificially reinforced by Caesar's abilities, served as the kingdom's main military training camp.
At the helm of this rigorous training program was Douglas Barrett, known for his extreme combat prowess. He was confident in forging these recruits into an unstoppable military force, believing that their natural potential, combined with his strict regimen, would yield exceptional results.
The training curriculum was a fusion of:
1. Gravity-enhanced endurance drills (designed by Caesar and Issho)
2. Intense combat training (hand-to-hand combat, weapons mastery, and battle simulations)
3. One-on-one sparring sessions with Barrett
4. Tactical and strategic education, incorporating elements from ancient warfare and modern military doctrines
Barrett, a combat fanatic, designed his own training methodology, integrating techniques from Caesar's access to knowledge from the 21st century, including specialized drills inspired by real-world warfare. His meticulous approach ensured that the soldiers progressed at an accelerated rate.
Among the recruits, those with extraordinary potential quickly distinguished themselves, forming the core leadership of the army.
The Central Kingdom's Grand Ambition
Under Caesar's rule, the Central Kingdom was rapidly transforming, unbeknownst to the world. His vision was clear:
To surpass even Elbaf, the land of giants, and establish the most formidable nation in the world within a decade.
To most, such a dream seemed delusional, but Caesar had a distinct advantage—his access to hundreds of Devil Fruits, with a continuous supply at his disposal. This alone ensured that his forces would never be ordinary.
As time passed, the kingdom flourished, growing in power and influence.
A Visit from Hades
Nine months after the establishment of the Central Kingdom's military, a significant visitor arrived at the palace—Hades, a powerful Fishman and one of Caesar's trusted instructors.
Hades had become a key trainer, particularly for his expertise in Fishman Karate, a martial art renowned for its devastating combat applications both on land and at sea.
Many elite fighters in the One Piece world had demonstrated the sheer power of Fishman Karate—notably Jinbe, who had faced off against legendary opponents like Ace and Big Mom's crew. Recognizing its potential, Caesar incorporated Fishman Karate training into both the police and military regimens.
But this time, Hades had come with a personal request.
"Captain, I need your help… I want my people to see the true blue sky and white clouds."
His voice was filled with hope and urgency.
Hades envisioned a future where Fishmen and Merfolk could finally live on land without fear, no longer confined to the depths of the sea due to human prejudice.
He had long dreamed of a place where his kin could walk freely, and now that the Central Kingdom was stable and growing, he believed it was time to act.
Caesar pondered the request. His past actions had already eliminated the slave trade threats to Fishman Island, but true equality was still a distant goal.
"We'll need to wait a little longer," Caesar finally said.
Hades was momentarily puzzled but listened intently.
"There are still preparations to be made," Caesar explained. "We need to create an environment suited for Fishmen."
A key issue was the lack of suitable infrastructure. Merfolk, in particular, required access to aquatic environments, and Fishmen needed protection from hostile factions on the surface.
"I'll head to the Sabaody Archipelago and retrieve some Yarukiman Mangrove saplings," Caesar declared.
Hades' eyes lit up with realization. Sabaody's trees produce a natural resin that forms floating bubbles, an essential element of Fishman Island's ecosystem.
With this, the Central Kingdom could develop specialized zones where Fishmen and Merfolk could thrive, ensuring their safety while integrating them into the nation.
Caesar immediately took to the skies, heading straight for Sabaody Archipelago.
The World Takes Notice
As Caesar descended upon Sabaody, a colossal force erupted, shaking the island.
Towering Yarukiman Mangrove trees, some stretching for kilometers, were effortlessly uprooted and began levitating into the air.
The spectacle sent shockwaves across the island.
Observers quickly recognized the power at play.
In the current world, there were only two figures capable of such an overwhelming display of telekinetic control:
1. Golden Lion Shiki
2. Caesar, the Heavenly King
As the citizens of Sabaody watched in awe and terror, they realized—
The Central Kingdom was no ordinary nation.
And Caesar's ambitions had only just begun.
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