Several days passed, and the Hoenn Daily quietly began circulation in the North Blue. Though the efficiency was somewhat slow, it was fortunately limited to the North Blue.
[Lubni Kingdom Sold at High Price!]
[Royal Family and Nobles Depart the North Blue!]
When royalty and nobility sought to leave, their final act of betrayal was merely to squeeze out one last profit. Even if the price wasn't entirely satisfactory, the Lubni Royal Family was overjoyed.
After all, 10 billion was no small sum.
The newspaper featured a photo of the royal family shaking hands with Hoenn's envoy, and the ships carrying the royals and nobles safely departed the North Blue under the escort of Hoenn Battleships.
This stirred thoughts among other royal families.
With pirates running rampant and the Marines' main forces withdrawn from the North Blue, the branch Marines could barely protect themselves, let alone safeguard the royals.
Add to that the World Government's negligence and the Hoenn Government's intimidation, and they felt utterly insecure!
Moreover, with the year's end approaching, the new Celestial Tribute was due. Yet, at least half of the member nations hadn't gathered the required amount, driving their citizens to the brink of madness.
The overall situation was deteriorating—there was no helping it.
With the Lubni Kingdom setting a precedent, other nations naturally followed suit. As long as they had money, they could rebuild their fortunes in other seas.
Holy Land, the Hall of Power.
The Five Elders reviewed the morning's reports.
"The Lubni Kingdom has defected."
"A small hole left unfixed will eventually become a gaping one."
"It's too late now."
"Take a look at this—intelligence from Spandam regarding the pricing of Groudon Company's goods."
"They possess the cheapest labor and resources."
"We have no competitive edge at all!"
The Five Elders flipped through the reports, the atmosphere thick with tension.
The North Blue had become the Hoenn Government's backyard. Without military backing, the World Government couldn't intervene, and it was only a matter of time before the Hoenn Government swallowed up the North Blue's member nations.
Lubni was simply the first to kneel.
The situation at Aluba Trade Port was equally grim.
Hoenn's product prices, at equal quality, were generally half the market rate—far beyond their expectations, to the point of disbelief.
Maintaining the World Government's operations required vast funds, and trade was an indispensable part of that. If external market forces disrupted it, the World Government's economy could collapse entirely.
As for the Celestial Tribute, that was the private wealth of the Celestial Dragons—absolutely not to be redistributed to the lower mortals.
The group turned to Saint Nusjuro.
"Patience, fellow Stars."
Saint Nusjuro remained unshaken.
"I did underestimate Hoenn and was inadequately prepared, but no matter. I've devised the perfect countermeasure!"
Given Hoenn's pricing, a price war was unwinnable. Attempting to curb them with tariffs had also proven ineffective.
The kings of member nations weren't aligned with them—especially Cobra, who had repeatedly rejected his tariff policies.
This infuriated him, but more than anything, he felt powerless. Among the royal families, the Nefertari lineage was the sole exception. Moreover, Hoenn's current trade partners were member nations, not the World Government.
But he had a plan.
Saint Nusjuro pointed at the map.
"Fellow Stars, look here!"
"Reverse Mountain?"
"Exactly!"
"Reverse Mountain is the sole entrance to the Grand Line. The Hoenn Government relies on it to connect the four seas, enabling close trade with each!"
"As long as we set up toll gates at Reverse Mountain, we can impose high import and export tariffs like the Golden Route, increasing the trade costs between Hoenn and other nations!"
The eyes of the Five Elders gradually lit up.
Brilliant!
This way, even if the World Government does nothing, they'll still amass vast sums of money while simultaneously stifling Hoenn's development.
"What about the member nations?"
"They have no right to bargain!"
Saint Nusjuro's gaze turned icy.
"Those fence-sitters deserve a lesson. And the Lubni Royal Family must not be spared either!"
In the past, the Lubni Royal Family's decisions wouldn't have been an issue—draining one country dry before moving on to the next.
Just like the Amber Lead Mines of Flevance.
But now, with the Hoenn Government posing a serious threat to the World Government, the Lubni Royal Family's betrayal enraged him!
They had to make an example of them!
The billions of Berries in assets would perfectly cover the expenses of the World Military Draft while sending a clear message to the member nations about the consequences of betrayal.
Hoenn Headquarters.
Gurd scanned the news headlines, which detailed recent developments in the New World.
The most active Pirate lately had been Katakuri, who had consecutively defeated numerous strong fighters and was actively hunting more.
Many of those fighters were escaped prisoners from Impel Down.
The Golden Lion was recruiting subordinates, seemingly aiming to rebuild his former glory. Several factions already regarded him as one of the Four Emperors.
Though aged, his reputation remained formidable.
There was also a self-proclaimed "Whitebeard Jr." targeting the captains under Whitebeard's command, with several already falling victim to his terrifying strength.
In short, the Pirates were in chaos.
Once the trade war with the World Government concluded, he'd have to return to the New World to restore order.
The turmoil there was disrupting his business. Ulti and other Beasts executives had practically become bodyguards for the Groudon Company, escorting cargo ships.
Speed entered the office.
"Lord Gurd, the Kingdom of Notis has agreed to our acquisition."
"Good."
Gurd's spirits lifted.
This was the third nation to sell out!
Moreover, Notis was one of the wealthiest member nations in the North Blue, several times stronger than Lubni—a true major power.
Seeing no outsiders around, Speed sprawled on the sofa with a stretch. She'd been handling the acquisitions lately.
The woman complained, "Gurd, why go through all this trouble? Why not just occupy those countries directly?"
"We're a legitimate government now, not Pirates. We must act with proper justification and uphold the banner of righteousness. No stains allowed."
Gurd patiently explained.
Of course, he wanted to seize them by force, but that would cost him public support. Aokiji had joined him precisely for the sake of "righteousness."
In simple terms, it was about winning the people's hearts.
Even if they had to do something shady, they'd leave it to professionals like Lucci—and keep it under wraps.
"Oh, and we've received word from Aruba Port."
Speed sipped her tea. "The World Government has sent a construction team to Reverse Mountain. Seems they're planning to build something there."
"Build something?!"
Gurd's eyes gleamed.
Finally, they've made a move!
The World Government's inaction had unnerved him—like an empty fort strategy.
There was only one possible purpose for construction at Reverse Mountain: a toll station. This had to be their solution to the trade crisis.
But doing this would undoubtedly offend all the beneficiaries—the World Government is going against "righteousness"!
However, given the World Government's deterrence, even if member nations have grievances, they wouldn't dare speak out. The only variable is the Hoenn Government.
The justification for war is now in place.
An opportunity to shake the World Government's "justice" must not be missed—credibility crumbles bit by bit like this.
And this time, he holds the moral high ground!
Got home too late today and only managed two chapters. Taking a leave.
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