In the Augustine Castle of the Gares Kingdom, on the high seas, it has many titles.
Free City-State, because it does not restrict personnel here. Merchants, mercenaries, bounty hunters, folk stars, navy, World Government, and even pirates, as long as you want to come, there is a place for you here.
Sea Pearl, a unique geographical location, a prosperous port city, a hub of commerce and trade, unique on this ocean, can be called the pearl of the sea.
World Desire City, because of its excessive prosperity, leading to increasing prosperity, gradually recognized by the world, no matter who comes here, they wonder if it were theirs how amazing it would be... Likewise, it is coveted by various forces at sea, including the World Government.
But it is too powerful.
As a strong maritime nation, whether it's the king's reputation or military strength, they are very powerful, no one dares to provoke them easily. As a non-adhering country, in the New World, it even has the tendency to be the leader of the surrounding countries.
"In the Chronology of One Piece 1453, the Gares Kingdom fell to internal chaos for the first time because the royal family had no successor. After the death of the last king, the entire kingdom split, but this split did not weaken the Gares Kingdom, instead, it became stronger."
Moriah thought about it and said, "At that time, the sixteen-year-old 'bastard' Charismudini stood out, ending the chaos, and with personal prestige and strength, he reunited Gares. It's been over seventy years now, and his presence has brought Gares to greater heights."
"Dead."
Lily said indifferently, "The latest intelligence reports that the 'Lion King' died of old age. He had no offspring, and the Gares Kingdom has fallen into internal turmoil again... It was just the last peak."
"We chose this place not only for Augustine Castle's unique geographical advantage but also for its abundant resources. The island to the left is mountainous, with rich mineral deposits. The right island is flatland, with very fertile soil, said to be black in color."
"A prosperous city, abundant resources, and large land area perfectly align with the development plan of the Disaster Pirates. Plus, after the king died with no successor, it fell into internal chaos; there's no reason not to vie for it."
Moriah frowned, "But we are pirates, with its peculiarities..."
No matter how it is beautified, a pirate is ultimately a pirate. A country cannot possibly allow pirates to take over, not even Kaido, who ruled Wano Country for so many years, only had the title 'National Guardian Bright King', not 'General'.
Moriah, an aged pirate, understands this truth best. The power of the sea relies on not only strength but also wealth, status, and bloodline.
Especially bloodline, which affects people more deeply than strength does.
Strength instills fear, wealth induces awe, status commands respect, while bloodline naturally earns trust...
Killing is easy; ruling is challenging.
"That's why it's an opportunity."
Lily said, "Gares already has a similar case. That king was a bastard, with no family name. Though he had a bloodline, a bastard's bloodline is not important, thus always criticized. Since there has already been one conquest, a second conquest is also possible."
Lily, as a member of the royal family, knows the influence of bloodline on people.
But it has already been weakened to a certain degree. When Sage informed her of the target, she had already been meticulously sorting and analyzing it.
According to the intelligence from Doflamingo, that old lion once ruled with the status of a bastard with no family name. But bastards are not acknowledged in the Gares Kingdom, even if without offspring.
His success was purely due to him being strong enough, his power big enough that the people of the kingdom acknowledged him.
Sage is also strong enough. Although a pirate taking over is difficult, difficulty and no chance are two different things.
"Alright! Put aside those worries!"
Sage laughed heartily, "I'm a pirate, just go snatch it, this place is destined for me, I'm determined to have it!"
He downed his drink in one gulp and said, "That's the plan, using the Eternal Pose given by Doflamingo, we'll reach Gares Kingdom, rule that place as the territory of our Disaster Pirates, and take my first step as a landlord!"
Having a territory to rule is Sage's dream.
In terms of resources and geography, Gares Kingdom fits Sage's desires.
He doesn't really care about the level of prosperity, as long as the geographical location is good, he is ready to start from scratch, after all, he has robbed so much money for this preparation.
But now that everything aligns, why not take it?
"Whether we can do it or not, that's for later. Right now, our goal... is to act!"
"Hehehehe, since the captain says so, there's no other way."
Moriah laughed sharply, "If we really manage it, you will definitely shock the world, Sage. By then, you will undoubtedly be the Pirate Emperor!"
"I think the odds are slim."
Hawkins couldn't predict it yet as they hadn't truly arrived, but the result was obvious, as he had heard of the World Desire City's reputation.
"But... defying fate isn't too bad either."
"If Sage takes over, we'll become much stronger and accomplish more good deeds." Urouge held his hand up, maintaining his unique creepy smile, "By then, the people we'll impact will be greater."
"Then let's start this plan, hohohoho!" Sage laughed heartily.
Boom!
With his laughter, the thunder outside boomed louder, the white light from the descending lightning illuminated Sage's wanton face and those strange smiles and cold looks on the cadre's faces.
Everyone had confidence in Sage.
This confidence stemmed from victory in every plan executed.
Sage... will not lose!
...
Amidst the mighty winds and waves, a large ship shook violently on the sea surface. Lightning struck, setting the main mast of this three-masted ship on fire, the blaze not extinguishable by the storm.
Under this storm, the giant ship seemed on the verge of capsizing at any moment.
"It's no use! There's no saving us!"
A man knelt in the storm, holding his head and screaming, "The mast is burning, we're done for!"
Despair was evident on the faces of those around him.
"Damn it, why did we encounter such terrible weather!"
A man dressed like a wealthy merchant gritted his teeth, "Riches were right before us, I'm unwilling to accept this!"
In this weather, jumping into a small boat to escape was suicidal. But waiting on the large ship was just waiting for death.
He glanced around in desperation, trying to see if there was any place to take refuge nearby, even if it was just a small island...
"There's a ship, there's a ship!"
The navigator, responsible for steering the course, shouted loudly while holding a telescope, "I see it, at the three o'clock direction there's a giant ship!"
"Really?!"
Everyone's faces lit up with joy, and the wealthy merchant exclaimed, "Change direction, while the ship hasn't sunk, let's rush over, head for that ship!"
As for what kind of ship it was, it didn't matter anymore...
If it was the navy, they could be rescued.
If it was someone else...
If they were allowed to board, then all was well; if not...
Then apologies are in order!
This ship had a thousand people on board!
Seizing a ship would be easy; faced with a maritime disaster, they couldn't care less!