Chapter 291: News of the Heavenly Tribute
Technology represented an extraordinarily powerful force, especially in Rhodes's eyes as someone from another world.
If they could research and develop devastating weapons comparable to ancient legends, even the Marines would pose no threat.
Of course, that remained somewhat unrealistic, but the visible potential of technological advancement was still worth anticipating.
For instance, the Marines' Pacifista units—nearly every one possessed combat capabilities rivaling a Rear Admiral, and their laser weapons posed genuine threats to most powerful individuals.
"If only Giggs could develop some kind of revolutionary technology like an electromagnetic railgun."
Rhodes pondered briefly, then couldn't help but chuckle. His expectations were running too high.
Not every scientist possessed Vegapunk's terrifying genius.
However, a significantly more powerful cannon would still be worth pursuing.
"Perhaps I could acquire the formula for Buggy Balls. I wonder where Buggy the Clown is now."
Rhodes's thoughts wandered, but suddenly he heard rapid footsteps approaching. Robin entered carrying a stack of documents, her expression all business.
Perhaps due to her heavy workload, Robin wore black-rimmed glasses and a fitted business suit, her cool and striking features particularly captivating.
Ignoring Rhodes's appraising gaze, Robin maintained her composure and reported,
"News just arrived from the Kano Country in West Blue: the World Government's fleet transporting Heavenly Tribute will arrive at Kano Country in three stops..."
"Heavenly Tribute?!"
Rhodes's eyes brightened slightly as he snapped out of his musings about Robin's continued development.
Heavenly Tribute—the tribute paid by World Government member nations to the Celestial Dragons, equivalent to enormous tax revenue.
Without question, countless treasures lay within those shipments.
Since relations had already deteriorated beyond repair, a major confrontation with the Marines was inevitable. Rhodes didn't mind redistributing some wealth in the process.
If he could obtain powerful Devil Fruits, it might create some formidable combatants.
With this in mind, Rhodes reached his decision.
Over half a year had passed since Rhodes left Kano Country.
Although Kano Country's military forces had suffered heavy losses after losing their leader, Don Chinjao, Rhodes's reputation provided sufficient deterrent that no one dared invade.
Other nations had made concessions on various matters.
However...
Later, when Rhodes officially became an enemy of the World Government, Kano Country's situation grew precarious.
While the World Government, mindful of appearances, wouldn't directly retaliate against Kano Country, other nations no longer extended them the same courtesy.
No matter how powerful Rhodes became, even if he truly ascended to Yonko status, he couldn't possibly control all of West Blue.
The World Government would never permit it.
At the Royal Palace,
Sai was practicing her swordsmanship. She'd become a proper swordswoman, her technique refined and carrying traces of killing intent—clear evidence she'd seen real combat.
Three people stood silently observing.
"We cannot delay any longer. The gold mine on Norin Island involves too much profit; we cannot claim it now,"
Finance Minister Geiz said softly, sounding somewhat exhausted.
Without sufficient military strength, no amount of brilliant strategy mattered.
"This is outrageous! We discovered the gold mine on Norin Island first; it belongs to us!"
Overwhelmed with anger, Hera's chest heaved dramatically, creating impressive waves rivaling even Hancock's legendary figure.
Gates sighed helplessly. The others had cooperated previously not because of Kano Country's strength, but because Rhodes was powerful enough.
"If we yield this time, what about next time? And the time after that?"
Euphemia sighed softly. She'd served as queen for some time now and had grown familiar with political maneuvering.
Currently, other nations were testing Kano Country's boundaries. Once they yielded the first time, countless demands would follow. Other countries would descend like hungry wolves, extracting every last drop of value from Kano Country.
Just then, a commotion arose from behind, followed by a clear voice:
"It's simple. Marry me, form an alliance with the August family, and everything will be resolved."
The speaker was a blond man, handsome and smiling confidently.
Euphemia remained expressionless, ignoring him entirely, instead looking at the sinister middle-aged man who'd followed.
"Mr. August, is this a coup?"
Hera asked warily, positioning herself closer to Euphemia.
This middle-aged man was extremely powerful—even the former leader, Don Chinjao, had been merely his equal. He was a major figure in West Blue's underworld.
Hera was already preparing to call for reinforcements.
The Revolutionary Army had been operating in Kano Country for quite some time and still maintained some combat presence there.
"You may interpret it that way,"
August said calmly, yet with natural domineering presence, clearly unconcerned about Euphemia and the others' attitudes.
In truth, from his perspective, granting Euphemia three days to consider was already generous. If he didn't want to acquire Kano Country so easily, he wouldn't have bothered with negotiations.
Having lost their leader, Don Chinjao, and with Rhodes absent, Kano Country appeared to others as a prime target.
"No..."
Euphemia began to speak when August interrupted her, his tone chilling:
"A mere woman who's spent countless nights with Rhodes—we're doing you a favor by offering a marriage alliance."
"You should reconsider your words."
His tone was domineering, making everyone deeply uncomfortable.
But his overwhelming power prevented Hera and the others from acting.
"Even if I reconsider... my answer remains unchanged."
Euphemia's expression remained remarkably calm, her tone indifferent.
She understood that tactful words now might buy time for reinforcements to arrive and force August's retreat, but she refused.
Especially after August mentioned that person's name...
Hera couldn't help but sneer:
"You dare say that here? Go say it in the New World if you've got the courage!"
"Hmm?"
August snorted coldly and threw a casual punch through the air.
Bang!
He was a physical combat master at the level of a great pirate, and even a casual ranged strike sent Hera staggering backward.
The entire area fell silent.
The guards all stared at August with horrified eyes.
Hera was no weakling, yet she'd been injured by this newcomer's casual blow.
"I'll allow you to reconsider one final time."
After repelling Hera and demonstrating his strength, August looked at Euphemia with a half-smile.
Euphemia remained fearless and stated, word by word:
"Even if you ask ten thousand times, my answer is still... impossible!"
Geiz, standing nearby, felt both amused and exasperated. He hadn't expected the usually delicate Euphemia to display such stubborn resolve.
August sneered, about to continue speaking, when suddenly his expression changed dramatically, and he abruptly looked toward the palace wall nearby.
There, a white-clad figure had appeared without him noticing.
Had it not been for a slight fluctuation in the figure's aura when Euphemia spoke, August would never have detected his presence.
This person stood there as though merged with heaven and earth itself, revealing not the slightest trace of his existence.
"..."
August felt the newcomer looked somewhat familiar but couldn't immediately place him. He couldn't help but demand, "Who are you?!"
"A dead man has no right to speak with me."
(End of Chapter)
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