Inside the conference room, 10 individuals had gathered, and they were surprised to see each other.
All 10 were recipients of the Outstanding Youth title in this tournament. This led them to believe that today's meeting concerned matters related to the Outstanding Youth.
However, as the meeting time approached, they realized something was amiss.
"It seems it's just the ten of us," Ranzuki spoke, observing the other 9 individuals. He inwardly analyzed their shared characteristics, pondering the reason for their assembly.
Numerous possibilities flashed through his mind, but he dismissed them all.
"If you can't figure it out, then stop thinking about it. We'll find out soon enough," Kei Yuki, seated beside Ranzuki, interjected.
Ranzuki nodded in agreement, suppressing his doubts and waiting quietly like the others.
Shortly after, Hui appeared.
"Sage!"
The 10 individuals immediately rose and bowed, their eyes filled with unconcealed admiration.
"Please, be seated," Hui gestured, waiting for them to sit before speaking.
"I've summoned you today to discuss a matter of great importance."
Hui went straight to the point, clearly stating the meeting's purpose.
Upon hearing this, the 10 individuals straightened up, their expressions turning serious.
Any matter deemed important by Hui was undoubtedly significant.
"You're all aware of the Otsutsuki Clan, correct?" Hui began, his tone even.
They were either high-ranking officials from various regions or elite shinobi with access to information beyond the reach of ordinary people.
Naturally, they were privy to knowledge about the Otsutsuki Clan.
"With the world unified, war has ceased. This is a positive development, but for individuals with immense potential like yourselves, it presents certain drawbacks.
"A world completely at peace hinders your growth, depriving you of necessary trials. You lack the pressure and a platform to foster your strength."
Hui's words silenced the 10 individuals.
They were all under 30 years old, with an average age of 23. This generation had grown up amidst peace.
Ever since they could comprehend the world, the 15-year truce had been in effect.
After those 15 years, the only life-or-death experience they had encountered was the recent great unification war.
However, that war had ended swiftly, lacking the characteristics of a true war.
So, compared to Hui's generation, Minato's generation was akin to flowers raised in a greenhouse.
"But you shouldn't remain in this greenhouse. Because you face powerful enemies in the future, many powerful enemies.
"The Otsutsuki Clan could attack at any moment. The cosmos teems with unknown life forms, any of which could pose a threat to our civilization.
"We don't know the extent of our enemies' strength. All we can do is strengthen ourselves."
Hui paused before continuing: "This Outstanding Youth Tournament had an ulterior motive: to select suitable candidates.
"And you are those candidates.
"Now, there exists a place where you can further your growth.
"However, this place is distant and dangerous, posing a risk to your lives.
"Moreover, this journey may last for three to five years.
"Therefore, I seek your opinion. Are you willing to travel to a distant place for years on end for your training?"
Hui concluded, without revealing the specifics of the One Piece world to the 10 individuals.
Upon hearing Hui's words, they reacted with silence, excitement, and hesitation.
However, they quickly made their decisions.
"I'm willing to go," Minato spoke first. It was unexpected, as he had a girlfriend who wasn't present.
"I'm also willing to go," Ranzuki followed. He too had attachments, but in his opinion serving his village was paramount, and the only way for him to continue doing that would be by becoming stronger.
"I'll go too!" Kei Yuki, Tetsu, Kurama Byaku, Uchiha Ming, Sarutobi Hoshi, Gekko Han, Senju Rei, and Yoru declared in unison.
Their decision was unanimous and they were determined.
Being selected among the top 30 Outstanding Youths in the world demonstrated their suitability. They had no reason to refuse.
"Excellent. Since you've made your decision, prepare yourselves. You have one month. In one month, gather in this conference room.
"By the way, this is the informatio on that place. You can review them beforehand."
Hui smiled faintly, handing them the materials before departing.
After Hui left, each of the 10 individuals took a copy of the information on the one piece world and left the conference room.
They had matters to attend to, both professional and personal.
After all, this journey could last three to five years.
They might even never return.
Time passed swiftly, and a month quickly went by.
One month later, they gathered once more.
This time, they carried items they deemed essential, carefully chosen based on the information they had received.
After reviewing the information on the One Piece world, they understood the place was quite dangerous.
Simultaneously, they recognized its potential for immense growth.
Such a place filled them with anticipation.
"Since you're prepared, let's depart."
Mochizuki Hui spoke, then began setting up the Teleportation Array.
Soon, the Teleportation Array was complete.
He channeled energy into it, enough to transport everyone present.
Hui intended to go as well, hoping to acquire more Devil Fruits for research purposes.
The distance between the two worlds was quite immense.
Even with Hui manning the teleportation, the journey would take considerable time.
…
One Piece World, on a nameless island in the Calm Belt.
The Teleportation Array Hui had set up emitted a brilliant light. In a flash, Hui and the others appeared.
"This is where your training will take place. You're all aware of your missions, I presume?"
Hui addressed the 10 individuals, capturing their attention.
"Yes," they responded in unison. Their missions were detailed in the materials; they understood their objectives in this world.
Minato and Senju Rei were to establish the "Revolutionary Army," liberating the people of this world and overthrowing the World Government.
Ranzuki and Kei Yuki were to form a pirate crew, aiming to dominate the seas.
Uchiha Ming and Kurama Byaku were to infiltrate the World Government as spies.
Tetsu was to become a master swordsman and a powerful bounty hunter.
Yoru, Sarutobi Hoshi, and Han were to join the Marines, striving to become future admirals or vice admirals.
These were their individual long-term missions.
The reason for the three-to-five-year timeframe was that Hui planned to send more individuals to assist them in the coming years.
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