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Winter Island, Snow Country.
Snow-capped, with endless snow peaks.
In the extremely distant, shrouded in mist, the entire town seemed to be enveloped in a haze.
Snow Country is of medium size, about half the size of Wano Country.
Due to perennial blizzards and harsh environment, there are over 30,000 residents living on this island, with about one-third being young adults.
The kingdom's army totals two thousand people.
Kaido nodded slightly as he looked at the internal information of the kingdom presented by Henry XI; he was aware of Winter Island's situation.
In his previous life, Winter Island was one of his many islands, primarily responsible for mining resources, which were then transported by cargo ships to nearby deserted islands to be smelted into weapons and sold in the Underworld.
He remembered that after he became a Four Emperors, the one guarding Winter Island was called something like Scratchmen… Well, the opponent was too weak, so Kaido didn't remember.
Kaido glanced at the trembling Henry XI and sneered, "Winter Island is rich in resources, Henry XI. I want you to have the young adults on the island mine minerals in batches each month, with the Kingdom's Army supervising. If they complete the mining quota on time, they will naturally be given food, but if they dare to feign compliance or slack off, ha ha ha, you should know the consequences, right?"
What if Henry XI didn't comply?
Although he was inexperienced in worldly affairs and had gradually withdrawn from politics, he still knew the identity of the man before him.
A great pirate with a bounty of over 700 million Berries!!
Henry XI immediately called his two sons and assigned the task to them: one was responsible for mobilizing young adults and doing motivational work, while the other was to contact the Kingdom's Army and find capable and experienced soldiers to supervise.
Henry XI knew that Kaido intended to heavily exploit the minerals for dumping, profit, and to strengthen his forces, but he was concerned about Kaido's dumping channels and methods.
However, this concern was quickly and completely dispelled!
"Kaido! It's just as you said, there's a deserted island not far from Winter Island, perfect for building a factory. The indigenous people there are only a few dozen, living in poverty, and I've already subdued them; they're willing to join us!"
Wald's joyful laughter could be heard from afar. As he walked in, everyone's eyes fell on him.
"Cut down trees to build ships, clear the shipping lanes, and sink any unfamiliar vessels nearby!" Kaido's tone was full of confidence and dismissiveness.
He uncorked his flask and gulped down several mouthfuls, his Adam's apple bobbing with each swallow.
Wald patted his chest and guaranteed, "Don't worry. Also, my brother Binjack has already contacted weapon dumpers in the Underworld. They'll send people to meet with us in about five days."
Kaido's eyes lit up. After spending these past few months with Wald and his group, he had a preliminary understanding of the Wald faction; each person had their own unique characteristics.
Binjack had extraordinary talent in intelligence.
Speaking of which, in his previous life, Kaido never had his own intelligence organization and was always a step behind in information.
Later, he recruited Scratchmen Apoo, which somewhat filled the intelligence gap.
The battle on Onigashima ended in defeat; presumably, Apoo also lost… "I'll leave the negotiations to you, Wald. I only have one request: we must not suffer any losses."
"You'll be satisfied."
Wald said in a booming voice.
After Wald gained power, his personality became much more arrogant and flamboyant than before, and he acted very ostentatiously.
Now that they had a base and a weapons factory under construction, all they needed was to find a dumper, and then they would have a steady income to cultivate an endless stream of power for him.
Everything was starting to get on track, and everything was moving faster than in his previous life.
"Whether you are Joy Boy or Straw Hat! In this life, I will completely destroy you!!"
Kaido's forehead was covered in dark, ominous lines.
He thought of the ruined Onigashima plan, of Yamato's betrayal and defection, of Kozuki Oden's triumphant and relieved look before his death…!!
Kaido stood up. His figure was tall and muscular, casting a large shadow over Henry XI, who slumped to the ground, trembling.
'It's time to train! Living another life, my strength will only grow stronger!! Roger, Whitebeard, Oden, Red Hair, Straw Hat… are you ready?!'
Kaido thought to himself, then said to Wald, "Henry XI will handle the island's political affairs; for everything else, I'll rely on you, Wald."
Wald nodded.
Kaido hoisted his kanabo, transformed into a Azure Dragon, and flew out of the royal city on auspicious clouds.
His speed was extremely fast; the heavy snow hitting him did not hinder Kaido's speed in the slightest.
The tall buildings of the town below rapidly receded, and the cold wind howled in his ears… At the same time Kaido settled on Winter Island, a world-shaking event occurred overseas: the MADS research team, funded by Du Feld, officially announced its members.
They were Vegapunk, Caesar Clown, Vinsmoke Judge, Queen, and Buckingham Stussy.
Five of the world's top scientists gathered, experts in various fields, to collaboratively research and advance the world.
Its name was — Peace Research Institute.
In fact, the Peace Research Institute's research direction was very broad. Vegapunk primarily focused on manufacturing to promote human progress and improve people's lives.
The others, however, had ulterior motives, advocating for Du Feld to fund the purchase of slaves through the Underworld or the capture of various races to study their body structures and develop weapons of mass destruction.
This was destined to be an extremely expensive major project, but Feld was pleased to see it succeed, for no other reason than he had abundant money.
Moreover, Vegapunk, with his vast knowledge, had applied for several invention patents in a very short time, earning Feld a fortune.
It quickly became a topic of discussion for many.
The Marine and the World Government also began to take notice of the Peace Research Institute.
"Peace Research Institute?"
Wald looked at the newspaper in his hand, his eyes flickering: "An illegal team organized by the five smartest people in the world? It sounds interesting."
At this moment, Gairam walked in: "Captain, the representative from the Underworld arms dealer is here."
"They're here?"
Wald's eyes lit up. He slapped the newspaper onto the table and stood up with a clang.
Binjack, sitting on his shoulder, said with some concern, "From what I know, most of the Underworld's arms are dumped worldwide through the Ibis Family's well-developed shipping. The ones coming this time are the Ibis brothers, Fuluo and Umit."
Wald said nonchalantly, "Never heard of them. Brother, you're smarter than me; you handle the pricing. Kaido's meaning is that we shouldn't suffer any losses."
"I understand."
Binjack looked serious.
Soon, they met the two representatives of the Ibis Family in the reception room.
"This remote place is our partner this time?"
Fuluo looked disdainful and somewhat displeased as he surveyed the Snow Country's palace architecture.
Poor, truly poor.
Umit, however, had a completely different opinion: "We are here for profit, brother. According to my investigation, Snow Country is extremely rich in mineral resources, providing raw materials for smelting various weapons. Perhaps this will be our biggest partner this year."
"This is supposed to be our biggest partner?" Fuluo shook his head.
While the two were speaking, Wald walked in from outside the door, smiling, "Gentlemen, I'm glad you've traveled so far to Winter Island. Shall we dine first, or shall we go see the goods?"