Holy Land, Mary Geoise.
"The Hoenn Government intends to establish diplomacy with Alabasta?"
The Five Elders gathered in the Hall of Power.
That morning, news had arrived from Alabasta—Gurd, the Supreme Commander of Hoenn, had arrived in the country to initiate diplomatic relations.
This left them deeply puzzled.
The diplomatic gesture itself was secondary; what concerned them was the underlying motive.
"Report!"
A messenger hurried into the hall.
"Moments ago, the Hoenn Government delivered an official diplomatic document."
"Bring it here!"
The Five Elders coldly unfolded the document.
It contained two demands:
First: The World Government must publicly acknowledge the legitimacy of the Hoenn Government and sign a non-aggression peace treaty.
Second: The World Government must engage in free trade with the Hoenn Government and refrain from interfering in the diplomatic activities between member nations and Hoenn.
The first demand concealed a deadly trap—it would undermine the World Government's authority. The second was even worse, as it would allow Hoenn to infiltrate member nations.
But the document included an additional clause:
[Should the above terms be rejected, the Hoenn Government will not recognize the legitimacy of the World Government and will deem all its activities illegal, including but not limited to trade and transport vessels.]
"Outrageous!"
The Five Elders were livid.
This was a blatant threat.
Clearly, if they refused Hoenn's demands, the Hoenn Government would retaliate.
And the worst part? Hoenn had the strength to back it up.
Even if the World Government deployed more forces, it would be impossible to defend against all possible attacks, and the cost of logistics would skyrocket.
If this escalated into a shadow war of sabotaging each other's supply lines, the World Government stood to lose far more.
Saint Nusjuro, the Warrior God of Finance, gripped the First Generation Ghost Cutter, his expression dark. "I see now. That man intends to wage an economic war against us!"
"Economic war?"
The other four frowned.
Saint Nusjuro explained coldly,
"Just like us, the Hoenn Government wants to avoid open conflict. Their scale is limited, so their only path to growth is through other means—foreign trade is their strategy!"
"They plan to seize markets, wealth, and resources through commerce. In short, this is a bloodless war!"
"I see."
The others grew solemn.
"Is there a way to counter this?"
"Yes."
Saint Nusjuro drew his blade slightly, the gleaming steel reflecting off his glasses. "We can use the same tactics to infiltrate Hoenn's territory."
"We can also undercut their prices to dominate the market until their economy collapses!"
"Furthermore, we can impose heavy tariffs on Hoenn's goods, rendering them uncompetitive."
In terms of sheer scale, the World Government was ten times larger than Hoenn. In an economic war, there was no way they could lose.
Even mutual destruction was an acceptable outcome.
"What about the candidates for Admiral?"
"Two individuals possess the necessary strength!"
Two photos were placed on the table.
The World Government's current vulnerability stemmed from its inability to recover from the losses of the Summit War—especially the vacant Admiral positions.
"These two men, Aramaki and Issho, possess monstrous strength. We can consider promoting them directly to Admiral!"
"Agreed!"
The sudden appointment of a powerful outsider as Admiral was bound to affect naval morale, but the current situation left no room for such considerations.
"Send someone to Alabasta!"
"Seconded!"
At the very least, an Admiral's presence was needed in Alabasta as deterrence, to monitor the royal family's overly close ties with the Hoenn Government.
Alabasta, Port of Nanohana.
The townsfolk buzzed with conversation.
"Hey, have you heard? Groudon Company is recruiting construction workers to rebuild Alubarna!"
"What are the benefits?"
"Free meals and lodging! Only ten hours of work per day, including a one-hour lunch break. Minimum wage is 100,000 Berries per month, with overtime bonuses!"
"Whoa! That's amazing!"
Many residents were tempted.
Given the state of cities nowadays, most people couldn't earn that much monthly—let alone with free room and board!
The working hours weren't excessive either.
With the war's impact leaving many unemployed, securing steady work was rare—at least it would put food on the table.
"I'm signing up!"
"Let's go together!"
Crowds swarmed the registration site, with people from other cities rushing to Nanohana Port upon hearing the news.
At the port's coastline.
Groudon Company's engineering ships arrived, carrying only management staff this time—workers would be hired locally.
This served two purposes: providing jobs to locals to ease resentment, and pressuring Cobra to accept Gurd's terms.
The land hadn't been sold to him yet.
"Board first, pay later."
Gurd watched the packed registration area.
As villains, coercion was a time-honored tradition.
If Cobra refused diplomacy, these workers desperate to feed their families might drown him in protests.
Surely a benevolent ruler who loved his people wouldn't disappoint them!
Before long, a blue-haired girl with a black duck stealthily approached Gurd, eyes shining with anticipation.
"Are you Mr. Gurd?"
"Hmm?"
Gurd studied her.
She looked familiar.
Bell, who'd been secretly surveilling Gurd, rushed out in alarm, scolding, "Princess Vivi! What are you doing here?"
"Uncle Bell, I just wanted to meet Mr. Gurd."
Vivi answered calmly, none of her old guilt at being caught misbehaving—she now carried herself with royal poise.
Bell froze.
Princess Vivi... had grown up!
Gurd turned to Vivi.
No wonder she seemed familiar.
"What brings you here, Your Highness?"
"Please, just call me Vivi!"
She faced Gurd with nervous excitement, pulling out a newspaper from her robe.
"Mr. Gurd, is everything in this paper true?"
"This is..."
Gurd recognized it—the issue announcing the Hoenn Government's establishment.
"Yes, it's true."
"Incredible!"
Vivi's eyes sparkled, gazing at Gurd like an idol with pure admiration.
A true fangirl.
Pointing at the human rights and democracy column, she pleaded, "Mr. Gurd, I've longed to meet you! Could you explain Hoenn's ideals in detail?"
"Of course."
Gurd nodded, amused.
So that's the reason. As the heir of Alabasta, it's only natural to be concerned about political and civil affairs.
Perhaps this girl will become an even greater ruler than her father.
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