Chapter 28: Kuleva's Research Project and the Nova Gate!

Dr. Gureva has arrived.

Stepping off the cable car was a slender, white-haired woman dressed in a matching set of purplish-blue denim pants and a jacket, with only a thin white T-shirt underneath. A pair of pale yellow sunglasses rested on her forehead.

Overall, she looked nothing like a centenarian of one hundred and seventeen years; instead, she resembled a middle-aged rebel, exuding a heavy air of rogueishness.

"Whew—it's been many years since I've been here."

Gureva looked up at the magnificent snow-white castle before her, a wild, unrestrained smile spreading across her face.

"This way, please. His Majesty the King, Minister Malvani from the World Government, and Vice Admiral Aokiji of the Marine Headquarters are waiting for you inside."

The official from before gestured respectfully toward the castle gates.

"Let's go!"

Along the way, Gureva had already heard a brief explanation regarding the "Medical Development Cooperation Country" and the establishment of the Drum Medical Academy. Otherwise, she wouldn't have bothered coming, even if it were an invitation from the King.

As soon as she stepped into the reception hall, a wave of heat rushed toward her. Although the climate of the Drum Kingdom was cold, the royal family certainly did not skimp on their own comfort.

"Dr. Gureva has arrived!"

King Arnold felt a sense of relief upon his throne. To be honest, he wasn't entirely sure if she would show up; this century-old medic was a special figure in this country.

Gureva walked to a distance of about five meters in front of Minister Malvani.

"Mm, I'm here. You're the Minister of Administration, right? Talk to me about the medical academy. If you fail to satisfy a medic like me, I'll turn around and go buy some booze!"

She was blunt and unapologetic, but Minister Malvani didn't mind. Having held a high position in the World Government for so many years, his patience was well-cultivated.

Furthermore, he didn't particularly want to linger in this cold kingdom, so her straightforward, efficient personality actually suited his temperament quite well.

"It is like this..."

Minister Malvani showed no impatience and once again recounted what he had previously discussed with King Arnold, providing even more detail this time.

After listening, Gureva fell silent. To be honest, she was intrigued.

In her entire life, she had only been obsessed with two things: alcohol and medicine—the latter of which she had dedicated her life to.

Whether it was ancient bacteria or modern new diseases, she could claim to "know a thing or two" about them. In particular, her exquisite surgical skills were unparalleled in the entire Drum medical community. Additionally, she had a habit of collecting various rare drugs, all of which were hidden in a secret base.

Minister Malvani had just said that the medical academy would be the highest-level medical research institute under the World Government—a place responsible for organizing and researching all known and unknown drugs, diseases, and medical techniques in the world.

If it truly could be like that, wouldn't it be paradise for her?

As for creating a promotion system for world doctors, writing textbooks, and handling the troublesome task of examinations, she had little interest in those matters.

Fortunately, she wouldn't be alone at the medical academy.

The first step was to bring in the most excellent doctors within the Drum Kingdom. Those with extremely high medical skills would enter the medical academy directly, while the next tier of doctors would be employed by the World Hospital.

The medical academy and the World Hospital were the core of the "World Government Medical Development Cooperation Country" project.

Any hospital within a member country facing unsolvable, complex diseases could apply for a transfer. Similarly, doctors from other member countries could apply to join the medical academy or the World Hospital.

It was decided that both the medical academy and the World Hospital would be built on a peak in Drum, specifically the one to the left of the main peak where the royal castle was located.

"Well? Are you willing to accept the position of Dean of the Medical Academy?"

Hearing Minister Malvani's solemn inquiry, Gureva did not play coy and readily agreed. "Sounds good. I'll give it a try for a few years!"

"That is good to hear. Once Vice Admiral Aokiji has finished constructing the ice bridge and the stairs, our Administration Department will bring in the building materials and construction personnel!"

Having said that, Minister Malvani waved to someone behind him. An administrative aide, who had been prepared, walked over quickly, holding a file folder in both hands.

"Although the medical academy has not yet begun construction, the 'World Government Medical Development Cooperation Country' project has been in effect since King Arnold signed the treaty. This means you are already the official Dean of the Medical Academy. This is the first research project issued by the World Government to the academy."

He took a report out of the folder and handed it to Gureva. Upon receiving it, she was surprised to find that it was actually a disease report.

It contained detailed case studies of three patients and professional evaluations of the disease, along with high-definition images of the patients' external and internal conditions.

"Platinum Lead..."

Gureva muttered to herself. This was truly the first time she had seen such a disease. It instantly piqued her curiosity, and she became completely immersed in the contents of the report, utterly ignoring her surroundings and the people around her.

Seeing this, Minister Malvani and Kuzan exchanged a knowing, smiling glance.

"By the way, King Arnold, besides this matter, I also hope to take the twenty best doctors from the Drum Kingdom back with me to perform medical work in the Holy Land... Mary Geoise."

"Mary Geoise?!"

"Are the 'Descendants of the Creators' ill?" King Arnold put on an air of great concern.

"No, it is to treat a group of Merfolk and Fish-men. The superiors hope to restore their health as quickly as possible," Minister Malvani said.

"I see. Very well, of course. I will send someone to notify them immediately. I believe many doctors will be interested in Merfolk and Fish-men. Please stay the night, and let me properly host you and Vice Admiral Aokiji!"

***

The Holy Land, Mary Geoise, in the moonlit chamber at the top of Pangea Castle.

As the saying goes, when the leader speaks, the subordinates run themselves ragged. After Imu discussed it with the Five Elders and issued the command, the World Government, the Marine Headquarters, and CP0 began busily scouring the seas.

And what about Imu and the Five Elders?

The latter were still sipping tea and reading newspapers in the Hall of Power, while the former was currently lying on a luxurious gold-and-red bed, staring blankly into space.

It looked like he was daydreaming, but in reality, he was staring at the "Latest Prompt" in his vision.

This prompt had appeared a few days ago, on January 1st—the day of Roger's public execution. The content was very brief: "A new Star Gate awaits opening."

The manual stated that a small Star Gate, three meters high and two meters wide, would appear every year. This meant he now had two small Star Gates—two portals leading to unknown planets!

He was conflicted.

He had only just begun to manage his primary planet; it was still in its infancy. How could he find the energy to interfere with another planet when God knows what might be there? What if there was something terrifyingly powerful on the other side?

Although his strength was among the strongest in this One Piece world, the universe was vast. Since the manual mentioned unknown civilizations, it meant there were surely powerful beings out there—perhaps even stronger than himself.

Caution.

It was better to be cautious. He would wait until this year's World Conference had progressed to a certain stage before deciding, and then he would send a few CP0 agents to scout it out.

In any case, there was no way Imu would be the first to enter. As for taking risks, he would leave that to his subordinates!