Chapter 1215: Steal the World!
Chapter 1215: Steal the World!
Meeting.
Kuzan was familiar with this. Back in the Navy, there were meetings every so often.
But meetings like this one—secretive, with even the organization's leader playing a role in deception—this was his first.
"Allow me to elaborate."
Wilbur stood up, speaking clearly, "Wano Country doesn't receive specific newspapers, but you've all seen the news by now. Kuromr. has ended the Four Emperors Era. Additionally, I must clarify: through our Plan 1, Kuromr. has secured the position of Wano Country's Shogun. His current trip to Headquarters to attend meetings is precisely to give us room to act. Before his return, we will ensure Kuromr.'s position in Wano Country is unshakable."
Kuzan listened thoughtfully, nodding slightly.
He had no questions about why Kuro didn't handle this himself—Kuro had already made his stance clear.
Kuzan knew Kuro was hiding. He'd hinted at the meaning of that tattoo, and Kuro had clearly understood it but feigned ignorance.
So, delegating Wano Country's affairs was the same strategy. By going to Headquarters, Kuro could distance himself from the situation, ensuring the World Government couldn't trace Wano Country's changes back to him.
Too cautious.
"As for Wano Country's governance", Wilbur continued, "regarding the remaining pirates and samurai, we propose a lenient approach. Usopp Ura will serve as a prison, managing these groups in batches to assess whether they can be integrated into our cause."
Kas nodded, "Those of us present in Wano Country will handle this. We'll evaluate their suitability for joining our movement. This transformation will take time. Any objections?"
"None. However, since we've reached this point, should we dispatch forces to patrol Wano Country's surrounding areas under the guise of pirates, securing Kaido's territory to protect Wano Country?" David proposed.
Pirate.
Kuzan paused, narrowing his eyes.
As expected, those pirates appearing near Dressrosa in the New World were under their control.
Earlier, Kuzan had been puzzled. He'd traveled many regions, noticing a strange pattern: the governance in pirate-controlled areas mirrored Dressrosa's system, nothing like typical pirate rule.
Now it made sense—they weren't ordinary pirates.
The third step of the Straw Hat Principles?
Kuzan mused inwardly.
He remembered the third step: establishing unified laws, reducing civilian taxes, and standardizing healthcare and education. This surpassed the living standards of most kingdoms under the World Government, attracting many strong-willed individuals.
Yes, Kuzan admitted, civilians lived far better with most oppressive taxes lifted.
This made him question the World Government's necessity.
Without them, people could thrive.
What was the World Government's purpose then?
Military force? Yet Dressrosa and its allies still provided protection, safeguarding civilians in the chaotic New World.
Living standards? Dressrosa refined its system, adopting the best from conquered regions while discarding the dross, blending them with its own institutions. The result was a near-paradise for civilians.
Compared to the World Government's fragmented, unevenly developed islands, the difference was stark.
"Acceptable."
Klah interrupted Kuzan's thoughts, nodding, "Acceptable to deploy pirates. But I just learned—you've been harboring pirates all along?"
"Not harboring", David replied, "merely aligning with those who share our philosophy of justice."
"Then..."
Wilbur continued, "We now control the New World's central position. We can use this as a base to broadcast our signal globally. We've reached the third step of the Straw Hat Principles and are transitioning to the fourth. However, this transition won't be perfect yet—we must proceed cautiously."
"Seconded. Then I'll proceed."
Luo Wei's Transponder Snail chimed, "I can't wait any longer, David. Send some forces to me—I want to conquer the Flower Country."
"Operation time? No problem, but Dressrosa's army can't be used—it's too conspicuous. I'll dispatch Justice Corps pirates. Can Wano Country wait? Let's prioritize the Flower Country first." David asked.
Wilbur considered, "No issue. Wano Country isn't urgent. The New World is still chaotic—too risky to intervene excessively."
David's Transponder Snail nodded again, "What about the North Blue Four Nations? The four kings have united. I propose intervening there now. I'll send the Vinsmokes back to North Blue to assist in their campaigns."
"Trustworthy?" Wilbur frowned, "They were just subdued. Gajeel still needs supervision."
"Send their children. They're reliable." David said.
Wilbur turned to Kas.
Kas pondered, then nodded, "Acceptable. The Vinsmoke Family isn't inherently evil—they lacked emotion. Under my leadership, they've changed."
Vinsmoke?
Kuzan was stunned again.
This was the first he'd heard that the North Blue family had been conquered by Dressrosa—and now they were trusted?
He glanced at Kas, suddenly realizing: This man possessed a strength that could sway hearts. Not an ability, but a force of will. Rumor had it his former Navy unit was stolen from Vinsmoke—clones' infection ability, cyborgs' acceptance.
Yet...
The Navy's strength, Wano Country's power, Dressrosa's might, West Blue's forces, North Blue's units, combined with Vinsmoke's technology and mass-producible soldiers...
Plus the pirate-controlled territories Kuzan had encountered, mirroring Dressrosa's system...
This was already immense power.
"Ah..."
Kuzan finally raised his hand, asking, "I'm curious—why do you need me? You're already this strong, even surpassing the Revolutionary Army. Why not proceed alone? With your strength, conquering the New World should be feasible."
"I'll answer that."
Kas turned to Kuzan, his voice resonating, "Kuromr. isn't ready yet. He hasn't revealed his plans, so there must be a reason. That's point one. Point two: we never claim to have enough strength. We need every ounce of power—every force that believes in our cause, that shares our vision of justice! Our goal is grand—it requires everyone's belief and effort. If only we acted alone, this cause would never succeed. Kuzan, your joining us is excellent news!"
"Exactly!"
Wilbur clenched his fist, "Justice Manifesto, Page 1, Section 9: Kuromr. said, 'Never underestimate people.' This means the Grand Line is built by people—human strength cannot be overlooked. From strong warriors like you to every civilian in the Grand Line, they're all we must win over!"
"Organize the people, let them understand true justice, and they'll act justly of their own will. Mobilize the masses, dragging enemies into the ocean of people's will, into the tide of justice. When everyone embraces this justice..."
Wilbur stood, electrified, "We will create the most beautiful world! For that ultimate goal—fight, comrades!!!"
"Oooh!!!"
David's Transponder Snail and Kas roared passionately, their eyes blazing.
Klah shifted uncomfortably—he followed Kuromr. for personal reasons.
Luo Wei's Transponder Snail remained silent.
As for Kuzan...
His gaze blurred, recalling the final words of the Straw Hat Principles: No more exploitation, no more war, children free from orphanage fears, elders free from abandonment, youth free to choose their paths, all races peacefully integrated.
He lowered his head, a smile tugging at his lips, shaking his head with a quiet chuckle.
A world like this—he liked it too.
Idealistic, isn't it?
Sometimes, ideals are captivating, aren't they?
Kuro called this tattoo a theft gang?
Hmph.
Yes... what they were stealing... was the entire world!
(End of Chapter)
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