Dr. Kureha had arrived.
Stepping out of the cable car was a slender, white-haired woman dressed in a purple-blue jeans and jacket ensemble, with only a thin white t-shirt underneath. A small pair of light yellow sunglasses rested on her forehead.
Overall, she didn't look like a 117-year-old woman at all, but rather like a middle-aged rebel, exuding a strong sense of defiance.
"Whew—it's been years since I last came here."
Kureha looked up at the majestic snow-white castle before her, a carefree smile spreading across her face.
"This way, please. His Majesty the King, Minister Malvani from the World Government, and Vice Admiral Aokiji from Marine Headquarters are waiting for you inside."
The official who had greeted her respectfully gestured toward the castle gates.
"Let's go!"
Kureha had already heard a brief overview of the 'Medical Development Cooperation Nation' and the establishment of the Drum Kingdom Medical College during the journey. Otherwise, she wouldn't have bothered coming, even if it was an invitation from the king.
As she stepped into the grand reception hall, a wave of warmth greeted her. Despite the cold climate of the Drum Kingdom, the royal family certainly didn't skimp on their own comfort.
"Dr. Kureha has arrived!"
King Arnold, seated on his throne, felt a wave of relief. Truth be told, he hadn't been entirely sure she would come. This 100-plus-year-old doctor was a unique figure in the kingdom.
Kureha stopped about five meters in front of Minister Malvani.
"Well, I'm here. So, you're the Minister of Administration, right? Let's talk about this medical college. If it doesn't satisfy me, I'll just turn around and go buy some booze!"
She was blunt, but Minister Malvani didn't mind. Having held a high position in the World Government for so many years, he had developed a thick skin. Besides, he wasn't particularly keen on staying in this frigid kingdom for long, so her straightforward, no-nonsense attitude actually suited him just fine.
"Here's the deal…"
Minister Malvani patiently repeated what he had previously discussed with King Arnold, this time in even greater detail.
After listening, Kureha fell silent. Truth be told, she was intrigued.
In her lifetime, she had been obsessed with only two things: drinking and medicine, with the latter consuming most of her life.
Whether it was ancient pathogens or modern diseases, she could confidently say she knew a thing or two. Her surgical skills were unparalleled in the Drum Kingdom's medical community, and she had a habit of collecting rare and obscure medicines, all stored in a secret base.
Minister Malvani had mentioned that the medical college would be the World Government's highest-level medical research institute, a place dedicated to organizing and studying all known and unknown medicines, diseases, and medical techniques.
If that were truly the case, wouldn't it be a paradise for her?
As for creating a ranking system for world doctors, compiling textbooks, and handling examinations—those tedious tasks didn't interest her much.
Fortunately, the medical college wouldn't be run by her alone.
The first step was to bring in the best doctors from the Drum Kingdom. Those with exceptional skills would directly enter the medical college, while the rest would join the World Hospital.
The Medical Academy and World Hospital are the core of the "World Government Medical Development Cooperation Nation" project.
Any hospital within the affiliated nations that encounters unsolvable difficult cases can apply for a transfer. Similarly, doctors from other affiliated nations who wish to join the Medical Academy or World Hospital can also apply.
Both the Medical Academy and World Hospital are decided to be built on a Drum Mountain peak, located to the left of the main peak where the royal castle stands.
"How about it? Are you willing to accept the position of Dean of the Medical Academy?"
Hearing Minister Malvani's solemn inquiry, Dr. Kureha didn't beat around the bush and readily agreed, "Sounds good, I'll give it a try for a few years!"
"That's great. Once Vice Admiral Aokiji builds the ice bridge and steps, our administrative department will bring over the construction materials and workers!"
After saying this, Minister Malvani waved his hand behind him, and a well-prepared administrative assistant quickly walked over, holding a document folder in both hands.
"Although the Medical Academy hasn't started construction yet, the 'World Government Medical Development Cooperation Nation' project has been in effect since King Arnold signed the agreement. This means you are already the official Dean of the Medical Academy. This is the first research project the World Government has assigned to the Medical Academy."
He took out a report from the folder and handed it to Dr. Kureha, who was surprised to find it was a disease report upon receiving it.
The report detailed the cases of three patients and professional evaluations of the disease, along with high-definition images of the patients' external and internal conditions.
"Platinum Lead..."
Dr. Kureha muttered to herself. This was the first time she had encountered such a disease, and it immediately piqued her curiosity. She decisively immersed herself in the report's content, completely ignoring her surroundings and the people around her.
Seeing this, Minister Malvani and Kuzan exchanged a knowing smile.
"By the way, King Arnold, besides this matter, I also hope to take the twenty most outstanding doctors from Drum Kingdom back with me to Holy Land Mary Geoise for medical work."
"Mary Geoise?!"
"Is it the 'Descendants of the Creators' who are ill?" King Arnold put on a very concerned demeanor.
"No, it's to treat a group of mermaids and fishmen. The higher-ups hope to quickly restore their injuries and illnesses," Minister Malvani explained.
"I see. Of course, no problem. I'll send someone to notify them right away. I believe many doctors will be interested in mermaids and fishmen. You stay here tonight, and let me properly host you and Vice Admiral Aokiji!"
Holy Land Mary Geoise, the Chamber of the Moon at the top of Pangea Castle.
As the saying goes, when the leader speaks, the subordinates run their legs off. After Imu and the Five Elders discussed and issued the orders, the World Government, Marine Headquarters, and Cipher Pol began bustling all over the seas.
And what about Imu and the Five Elders? The latter were still in the power hall, drinking tea and reading newspapers, while the former was currently lying on a luxurious gold and red bed, seemingly in a daze.
It looked like a daze, but in reality, he was staring at the 'latest prompt' in his vision.
This hint had appeared a few days ago, on the very day of Roger's public execution, January 1st. The content of the hint was brief, just one sentence: 'A new Stargate awaits to be opened.'
The manual stated that every year, a small Stargate, three meters high and two meters wide, would appear. So now, he had two small Stargates, two portals leading to unknown planets!
He was conflicted. His main planet was just starting to be organized, still in its initial stages. How could he possibly have the energy to meddle with a planet that could have who-knows-what? What if there were particularly terrifying beings there? Although his strength was considered the strongest in this pirate world, the universe was vast. Since the Starmap's description mentioned unknown civilizations, it implied that there were definitely strong beings out there, possibly even stronger than him.
Caution.
It was better to be cautious. At least wait until this year's Levely had progressed to a certain stage before making any moves. Then, he could send a few Cipher Pol agents to investigate.