Chapter 422: As If in Heaven
Chapter 422: As If in Heaven
"Nico Robin?" Sage asked, taken aback. "What brings her here?"
"Business," Hawkins replied. "She arrived five days ago, accompanied by a young girl. No need to investigate; she revealed her identity herself."
He glanced around and whispered to Sage and Lily, who had followed him, "Revolutionary Army."
Sage raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Interesting. They want to do business with me. Alright, let's arrange a meeting and discuss it over a meal."
Leading the way, he started walking towards the palace.
Lily, on the other hand, paused to wave at Akin, who had just disembarked from the ship behind them. She instructed, "Cover that Historical Monument with a black cloth and send it to the Treasure Treasury. Make sure no one sees it."
After all, this was something they had obtained with great difficulty, and it couldn't be allowed to fall into the hands of someone like Robin, who, despite her origins in Ohara, was by no means illiterate.
The Four Emperors' credentials were not for just anyone to see.
At that moment, a woman with orange hair, wearing a dress and stockings, high heels, and protective goggles, strolled through the streets of Storm City.
She held an ice cream cone, licking it as she walked, her expression one of pure satisfaction.
Carla, a Revolutionary Army executive and temporary instructor of Fishman Karate, had been in the city for five days. Except for the first day when she was under surveillance, she had been free to roam the city.
Given the Revolutionary Army's focus on gathering local intelligence, she wouldn't pass up the opportunity to gather information here.
They had heard that the Disaster Pirate Fleet excelled in trade, especially in weapons and warships, and apparently also in food, all of which the Revolutionary Army lacked.
Carla had come not only for trade but also to gather information for future preparations.
She wanted to see for herself what life was like under the rule of a pirate, as most pirates had already taught them a lesson.
Few dared to venture into the territories of the Four Emperors, and the Revolutionary Army wouldn't provoke enemies unnecessarily, especially while on their path to confront the Celestial Dragons.
However, they had heard rumors.
Under Big Mom's rule, the people lived the best lives, but this came at the cost of their own lifespans.
The worst, they say, was under Kaido's rule, but no one had been able to reach Wano Country to confirm this.
Currently, the most accessible intelligence was on the Disaster Pirate Fleet, as they didn't restrict anyone from entering their territory.
Although the Four Emperors weren't their current target, gathering information beforehand was a prudent move.
But upon arrival, Carla sensed something amiss.
On the way here, Robin had told her about her brother, and although Carla didn't know much, she could confirm that he was a pirate who didn't sweat the small stuff, lived life boldly, and didn't hide his desires and greed. He embodied the most typical pirate of the current era, neither traditional nor innovative.
Carla had expected that the people's lives might be bearable, at least not so bad that they would be appalled by the sight.
But upon arriving, many things exceeded Carla's expectations.
It wasn't just bearable; it was far too good!
"Old man, how are you doing?" Carla asked a random elderly man pushing a cart filled with exquisite handicrafts.
The old man stared at her in surprise, his gaze peculiar, but he didn't respond.
"I'm a journalist," Carla explained, taking out a pen and paper and assuming the role of an interviewer. "I heard that Storm City is the most prosperous city in the world, so I came to interview its residents."
This was a routine she had used many times; by posing as a journalist, someone would always volunteer information.
Indeed, the old man's eyes lit up, and he parked his cart, his face beaming with pride and confidence. "You're a journalist? Then you must record this properly. You're right; Storm City is the most prosperous city in this vast sea, in this entire world!"
"Whether it's the Seven Seas Capital or Mariejoa, they can't compare to our Storm City! In my opinion, the Pirate King is wasting his talent as a pirate. I heard the World Government has an empty throne; why not invite our Pirate King to take that seat? He's the one who deserves it!"
A string of praises poured from the old man's mouth, and his previously tired body straightened up involuntarily, filled with pride and confidence.
Even though he was just a merchant, he spoke of the 'greatest city', the 'ultimate trading hub', and the 'golden metropolis' with such pride, as if he had a stake in their grandeur.
"Don't let my tired appearance fool you. I make money with every job I take on. This year, I'll earn over three million belli, reaching the fifth tax bracket and contributing to the Lord's cause!" The old man boasted, brimming with confidence and anticipation for the future.
"I don't aim for the island of Ohara; it's too expensive. But I have my sights set on other islands. There's this clay island I've got my eye on. I'll buy a plot of land there, build a grand estate, take on a few apprentices to pass on my craft, and live a life of leisure!"
"You, young lady, are quite the looker. Why not quit journalism and join the Lord's palace as a maid or a dancer? My daughter would've been there already if she met the standards. But it's your choice; you can make money doing other things too. Just stay here..."
The old man flashed a toothy grin, his white teeth shining with optimism. "There's always hope!"
Kerra had heard these words before, but they still struck a chord within her.
She didn't know why, but she had heard these words countless times, and each time, the answers were more or less the same. And each time, the outcome reassured her that life here was good.
Not a single citizen was superfluous, and none were left behind, from the bustling Storm City to the surrounding suburbs; everyone had a role to play.
It wasn't that they weren't tired; Kerra observed this beyond their verbal exchanges. She witnessed the factories in the outskirts, and though she couldn't enter, she could see the workers' conditions as they left.
She had also sneaked up to the doors of houses late at night, listening intently to their conversations.
Some were indeed weary, and some complained about the heavy workload, wishing for lighter tasks. Then, some did switch jobs the very next day, without any hindrance.
Kerra even heard of individuals who had been home for months, living off their savings, only to venture out in search of work when the money ran dry.
There were all sorts of people—diligent, lazy, complainers, and those discontent with their situations—but none were suffering.
What did it mean to suffer? Kerra knew this all too well.
She had witnessed nations on the brink of collapse, people who couldn't afford a meal due to oppressive tax rates. In the affiliated nations, the Sky Gold tax burdened some to the point of losing their citizenship, becoming outcasts.
Even in unaffiliated nations, tyrants ruled, imposing heavy taxes in hopes of joining the affiliated nations or to satisfy the greed of the upper-class nobility.
That kind of suffering meant going hungry and having no future.
But the suffering here was different; it was about hard work, earning money, and having hope.
Everyone had hope, rising above the mere struggle for survival, planning for their future lives.
Kerra loved seeing this and hearing their stories, never tiring of them, no matter how many times she heard them.
This was an entirely new way of life, one Kerra had never encountered before.
It was like a heavenly dream. Could trade alone bring about such prosperity?
Or was it because they didn't pay the Sky Gold tax? Kerra had many questions, and she wanted to ask Norton Sag directly.
If pirates could achieve this, why couldn't the Revolutionary Army do the same?
Could someone like him join their ranks?
"Oh! The Black Ship has arrived! The Lord is back!"
The chatty old man suddenly stopped mid-sentence, his eyes fixed on the massive black ship that had appeared at the port. He abandoned his cart and dashed forward with a swift stride.
"Hey! Your cart!"
Kerra snapped out of her daze and instinctively grabbed the cart, following the elderly man.
(End of Chapter)
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