https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-750-Seizing-Control-of-the-Seven-Warlords-of-the-Sea/13539121/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-752-Justice-as-an-Idealistic-Act/13539123/
Chapter 751: What Reputation Does Old Man Have?!
Chapter 751: What Reputation Does Old Man Have?!
Dressrosa.
The nation still bore its title as the "Land of Love, Toys, and Passion", its structures unchanged. Living toys still roamed the streets, and shops continued selling machine-crafted toys for tourists to choose from.
It seemed like the same country, with nothing having changed.
If there was any change at all, it lay in the residents. Besides their joy, there was now a touch of grimness and weariness in their appearances.
Dressrosa's male population had dwindled significantly, leaving the streets oddly desolate.
Ever since King David ascended the throne, this transformation occurred. Men were conscripted into the military, becoming soldiers who launched conquests!
The shortage of men stemmed from many having gone to war across three fronts!
At the palace balcony overlooking the city, King David stood in royal attire, leaning on the railing with an expressionless gaze.
"My dear",
Viola approached gracefully, speaking, "The countries of Bocce and Dobby have surrendered—they’ve now been incorporated into our territory."
"Excellent."
David nodded, his voice flat. "Recruit the surrendered individuals as soldiers. Continue the conquest."
"David."
Viola hesitated but ultimately pressed, "Our supplies are running low. Additionally, our campaign in the Laya Kingdom has hit a stalemate."
"Low supplies? Don't we have plenty of toys? Shouldn't their production suffice for the soldiers?" David frowned.
Sugar had been recruited by David.
Though Kuro managed to capture her, David contacted the World Government before their departure to secure Sugar’s release.
This was largely due to Charloss the Holy’s influence. During negotiations, unexpected news reached David—his mention of being a close friend of "Lord" surprisingly carried weight with the World Nobles and World Government. Leveraging this connection, he secured Sugar’s release.
After all, Sugar had no bounty. While her ability was formidable, the World Government—given its scale—dismissed such unusual powers as insignificant.
Thanks to Sugar, David rapidly conquered islands and nations, transforming resistors into toys and erasing them from public memory.
Though this unsettled Cyrus and Rebecca, David remained indifferent. His sole focus was fulfilling Lord’s long-held wish.
Sugar’s ability proved remarkably useful. These toys relieved production pressure caused by war, preventing Dressrosa from falling into weapon-manufacturing shortages.
"That’s not it", Viola pressed her lips. "Our soldiers fighting on three fronts are exhausted. While basic supplies are manageable, we’re running out of money."
Laya Kingdom has bogged us down too much. If we can’t consolidate our forces now, we’ll be drained to death."
Dressrosa’s string of victories stemmed not just from Sugar’s ability, but also David’s policies. Unlike Donquixote Doflamingo, he didn’t enslave conquered nations. Treaties ensured no difference in treatment between Dressrosa citizens and those from annexed territories—all were his people.
Paradoxically, this generosity drained finances.
David’s conquests were strategic. He deliberately targeted small, impoverished islands first to swiftly integrate them into Dressrosa as new citizens.
David knew Dressrosa alone couldn’t sustain endless wars. Thus, in this campaign, he targeted three nations: Bocce and Dobby (small, poor nations), and the wealthy Laya Kingdom. Unexpectedly, they’d already hit a stalemate in Laya.
Though Dressrosa inherited Donquixote Doflamingo’s vast reserves, continuous warfare had depleted those foundations.
"Laya Kingdom..."
David furrowed his brow, pulling out a personal map—a comprehensive sea chart stretching from Dressrosa to beyond the G-3 Branch Jurisdictional Waters. Islands were marked as small dots, most colored green. Three remaining dots connected directly to G-3’s jurisdiction.
He tapped the chart with his pen, coloring two dots green. The last remained within G-3’s waters—the final target: Laya Kingdom.
"The final piece of territory."
David’s voice darkened. "Laya should be wealthy but sparsely populated. Why the stalemate? No matter—I’ll lead this campaign myself. The World Meeting approaches, and before then, I must secure Dressrosa’s territorial foundation."
Territories seized before the World Meeting were nearly impossible to reclaim afterward.
But waiting until after the World Meeting meant a four-year delay—too much uncertainty.
"For Lord’s ideal..."
David lifted his gaze to the sky, clenching his fist. "I will never falter!"
...
Some time later, at the G-3 Branch.
The Golden Lion had already arrived at G-3, while Lucius Kro stayed briefly before departing aboard a warship.
The branch headquarters now stood utterly quiet.
"Finally got rid of those nuisances. The pirates threatening me are dealt with, and our forces have pushed beyond G-3’s vicinity. No one dares challenge me anymore."
In his office, Kuro exhaled in relief. Recent events had stressed him immensely, but now he could relax.
Lighting a cigar, he leaned back comfortably in his chair, addressing Lida who sat munching snacks on the sofa. "Have Ju Geng prepare a feast to celebrate."
"Okay", Lida obediently nodded.
"Invite all the subordinates too. Old Man’s in a good mood. By the way, where are Kas and Wilbur? I didn’t see them when I returned earlier", Kuro asked.
Normally, they’d greet him immediately upon his return. After so long, they still hadn’t appeared.
Even if they were on patrol, the duration seemed excessive.
But no incident reports had come in either—if there were trouble, someone would’ve reported.
"Weren’t they here?" Lida blinked in confusion.
"Guess I’m wasting my breath asking you", Kuro rolled his eyes, bellowing, "Klah! Klah!!"
The door burst open moments later. Klah rushed in, panting and adjusting his glasses. "Kuro sir, you called?"
He’d sprinted upon hearing the summons.
"Where are Kas and Wilbur?"
"They went to the Laya Kingdom to handle some business."
"Laya Kingdom?"
Kuro mused, "What connection does our Navy have with any kingdom?"
"Kuro sir, the Laya Kingdom borders our G-3 jurisdiction—it falls under our authority", Klah explained.
"But that’s maritime territory. We don’t interfere in internal kingdom affairs. Are there pirates nearby?" Kuro pressed.
"Not exactly. They say the Laya Kingdom faces invasion. Their king couldn’t hold out, so he appealed to us. Since it’s within our jurisdiction, Kas and Wilbur decided to investigate and identify the enemy", Klah adjusted his glasses.
"A non-member state? Normally we shouldn’t intervene without orders from above", Kuro muttered.
"That’s what I thought initially. I contacted Kas to confirm, but he insisted on checking personally. He said not to tarnish your reputation by ignoring our jurisdiction", Klah added, adjusting his glasses.
"What reputation does Old Man have?!" Kuro rolled his eyes, then reconsidered, "Fine—let him figure out what’s going on before returning."
(End of Chapter)
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