"And who might this be?" General Cai E asked, turning his penetrating gaze toward Gustave after completing his warm greeting with Zhang Zhiwei.
The Protector General had noticed the young western man the moment he'd entered—there was something about Gustave's bearing that commanded attention, a quiet confidence that spoke of considerable experience despite his relatively youthful appearance. In truth, Gustave had lost track of his age after years in the One Piece world, though he estimated himself to be somewhere in the late twenties. The comfortable life and enhanced recovery abilities granted by his Devil Fruit had preserved his appearance remarkably well, especially compared to Colonel Lu, whose years of military campaigning had aged him beyond his actual twenty-something years.
Age had become increasingly irrelevant to Gustave anyway. With his strength approaching the pinnacle of the One Piece world's power structure, the Moral Lord would soon begin teaching him true cultivation techniques—and immortal cultivation operated on timescales that made human years seem like heartbeats.
"General Cai E," Gustave said, stepping forward to offer a respectful handshake before Zhang Zhiwei could make formal introductions, "please, simply call me Gustave. I'm a close friend of Taoist Tiantong."
"Master Gustave, you honor me with such praise," Cai E replied warmly. "Though I must say, the National Protection War's legacy weighs heavily on my conscience these days."
His expression grew more solemn as he continued. "While we succeeded in opposing Marshal Yuan Shikai's imperial ambitions—and yes, his death did follow our condemnation—the aftermath has been... troubling. The country has fractured into competing provinces, warlords multiply like weeds, and common people suffer under the chaos we helped unleash."
The general's shoulders seemed to bear an invisible weight. "Some nights, I cannot help but question whether the path we chose was truly righteous."
"When Marshal Yuan committed his treachery against the republic, was rising against him not the only honorable choice? The current chaos stems not from your principled stand, but from the ambitions of petty warlords who care nothing for the people's welfare!" Gustave said.
Cai E's eyes brightened at this spirited defense. "I didn't expect to find someone who shares my ideals so completely, Master Gustave."
"The current situation is indeed lamentable," Gustave agreed more quietly. "But that makes principled leadership all the more precious."
They exchanged knowing smiles—the recognition between men who understood the burden of trying to do right in an imperfect world.
"If I may ask," Gustave said curiously, "what brings General Cai E to Renjia Town? Given that this remains Marshal Lu's nominal territory, your presence here seems... diplomatically bold."
The general chuckled at the tactful phrasing. "Two purposes bring me here, actually. First, to visit old friends—Taoist Tiantong and Master Ren have become valued advisors in our efforts to build something better than the current chaos."
"And second," his expression grew more serious, "I'm here to collect some very important passengers."
"Someone significant enough to warrant the Protector General's personal attention?" Gustave raised an eyebrow with interest.
"Master Gustave has heard about our European recruitment initiative, I assume?" Cai E asked, glancing at Zhang Zhiwei for confirmation.
"Taoist Tiantong mentioned it, yes."
Cai E nodded approvingly. "Germany's defeat and the economic chaos following the war created unprecedented opportunities. While Britain and France bleed their former enemy white, we've been able to recruit remarkable talent at a fraction of normal costs—scientists, engineers, technical military instructors, industrial specialists."
The tent fell silent as the implications sank in. This was nation-building on a scale rarely attempted in Chinese history.
"The military instructors will naturally join our expanded Military Academy," Cai E continued, "but the scientists represent something even more ambitious. I plan to establish Eastern Land University, modeled on the best Western institutions, alongside an Eastern Land Academy of Sciences. These scholars will form the foundation of both."
Gustave studied the general's face carefully. "Such sensitive information, General—aren't you concerned I might prove... indiscreet?"
Cai E's smile was confident and untroubled. "I've learned to trust my instincts about people, Master Gustave. They've served me well so far."
"Your instincts appear to be excellent," Gustave replied with genuine admiration.
All four men shared a laugh at this exchange, the tension in the command tent dissipating into something warmer and more collegial.
Colonel Lu, who had been listening intently, chose this moment to lean forward. "General Cai E has an eye for exceptional talent, and Master Gustave clearly possesses remarkable abilities. Perhaps you might consider joining our cause? Someone of your skills could help end this chaotic era and bring peace to our suffering people."
Gustave's expression grew apologetic but firm. "Colonel Lu, I'm honored by the suggestion, but I fear my nature is too... restless for such commitment. I cannot serve Taoist Tiantong's dedication to your noble cause."
Lu appeared ready to press the matter, but Cai E raised a subtle hand to forestall further recruitment attempts.
"However," Gustave continued diplomatically, "General Cai E's vision for your country future is truly inspiring. When circumstances permit, I would be honored to contribute whatever assistance I can provide."
The general's satisfaction was evident. "Your support, in whatever form it takes, will be most welcome, Master Gustave."
"While I cannot commit to permanent service," Gustave said with growing interest, "I would very much like to hear more about your strategic plans. Perhaps I might offer some useful perspectives?"
"Colonel Lu," Cai E said quietly.
Lu immediately stood and stepped outside, instructing the guards to expand their perimeter before returning to his seat.
Gustave raised his hand, and a faint shimmer surrounded the four men—barely visible, like heat distortion on a summer day. "This electromagnetic field will ensure our conversation remains completely private, General."
"Remarkable," Cai E murmured, studying the barely perceptible barrier. "Your Taoist arts are truly extraordinary, Master Gustave."
"A modest talent," Gustave deflected politely. "Please, continue with your plans."
For the next hour, General Cai E outlined his comprehensive vision for modernizing southwestern China. His economic strategy emphasized leveraging their proximity to French Indochina for improved trade routes, building extensive railway and road networks to connect the three southwestern provinces, and actively courting industrial investment through favorable policies and infrastructure support.
"Industrial capacity remains our greatest challenge," he explained, gesturing at maps marked with proposed factory locations. "While our captured European equipment allows us to arm a hundred thousand troops, that's merely the beginning. Taoist Tiantong has convinced me that mechanization represents the future of warfare—but we're still moving primarily on foot, with railways as our fastest transport option. True mechanized forces require an industrial base we're only beginning to develop."
His educational vision was equally ambitious: recruiting students from across the three provinces and controlled territories, establishing comprehensive primary and secondary school systems, then channeling the most capable graduates into either military service through the expanded Academy or civilian leadership through Eastern Land University.
"Agriculture presents unique opportunities as well," Cai E continued enthusiastically. "Unlike northern China's single harvest season, our climate permits multiple crops annually. Properly managed, we could become a food surplus region capable of supporting much larger populations and industrial workforces."
The scope of his planning impressed Gustave considerably. This wasn't mere warlord ambition—it was genuine nation-building on a comprehensive scale.
"These plans represent everything I've been able to conceptualize so far," Cai E concluded. "What thoughts do they inspire, Master Gustave?"
Gustave was quiet for a long moment, processing the complexity of what he'd heard. "General, what you've described touches so many interconnected systems that I'll need time to consider the implications properly. Might I provide written recommendations tomorrow?"
"Of course—thoughtful analysis takes time."
"But there's one suggestion I can offer immediately," Gustave continued with a slight smile.
"Please, share it."
"Your educational recruitment strategy may be too conservative, General. Rather than limiting yourselves to regions under your direct influence, why not extend invitations nationwide? Your reputation alone would draw talented students from across the country—even from areas currently controlled by rival factions."
Cai E's laugh was delighted and surprised. "Most advisors counsel the opposite approach—they consider my current plans too radical already! I never expected to meet someone even more ambitious than myself!"
"General, you consistently underestimate your own reputation and moral authority," Gustave replied earnestly. "Why not embrace that advantage fully?"
"Then I'll follow your counsel," Cai E declared with renewed enthusiasm. "We'll open enrollment to the entire nation and see what talent emerges. As Emperor Taizong once boasted about attracting the world's scholars—let's discover if we can do the same!"
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