The founding of a nation in the Naruto World had taken longer, but that was only in the initial stage.
Now, in a world with the same Civilization Rank as his own, having seized so many resources and such overwhelming strength, if even establishing a Realm Gate Projection were to take longer, it would be unreasonable.
Taking a step toward the Palace Hall, Qin Yi quickly disappeared inside.
An hour later, Qin Yi lifted his head from the desk.
"So, that means… right now we've already taken control of one-quarter of the first half of the Grand Line!"
Below, one of the ministers of Qin's Nation bowed respectfully and replied: "Yes, Your Majesty. Of the western seas within the first half of the Grand Line, half have already completely submitted to the majesty of Qin's Nation."
"And just recently, our army has already been dispatched to garrison those territories."
A thoughtful light flickered in Qin Yi's eyes. Probing with his mind, he indeed sensed that his Power of Kingship had once again grown considerably stronger.
In fact, this immense Kingly Power was already faintly surpassing what he had wielded back in the Naruto World. In the Hokage's world, he had only claimed the lands of the Land of Water. But here, he had already brought countless nations under his banner.
"Then, within another two months, to completely claim half of the first half of the Grand Line should not be a problem." Qin Yi nodded, speaking indifferently.
"There will definitely be no problem, Your Majesty. Crocodile is a man with great ambition."
The minister flattered him.
Qin Yi nodded slightly. On the external front, Qin's Nation's armies could be said to be waging wars on all sides, expanding everywhere. Only under such circumstances could they guarantee seizing such vast territory in the shortest time.
One-quarter of the Grand Line, this was by no means a small area.
With a wave of his hand, Qin Yi dismissed the ministers, then sat upon his throne, his eyes narrowing slightly.
During this period, his Kingly Strength had been growing at an astonishing pace. Now, it had surpassed all past levels and reached its peak. With Kingly Strength, he could accomplish countless intricate tasks. Moreover, he faintly sensed that with just another step, or a few more steps, the innate Skills of a King would once again awaken within him, granting even greater power.
Indeed, every new King's Skill he had gained in the past carried immense significance.
Whether it was King's Plundering or the Eye of the King, both were incomparably vital Skills. The more he experienced them, the more Qin Yi came to understand just how terrifyingly powerful a King's abilities were in this world.
As his Kingly Strength increased and as his Civilization Rank ascended, the King's Skills he mastered would inevitably continue to evolve.
But ever since mastering the King's Way, he had not obtained any new information about King's Skills. Now, however, this faint premonition stirred joy within him, filling him with urgency to expand his dominion even further.
What's more, as Qin's World remained connected to the Pirate World, he could faintly sense that his Civilization Rank was beginning to loosen.
"So that means… the expansion here in the Pirate World can also influence changes in my Civilization Rank! In that case, the awakening of King's Skills must be deeply tied to the ascension of Civilization Rank."
His eyes glimmered as Qin Yi gradually understood.
Only through his own progress, the increase of Kingly Strength, the advancement of Qin's World's civilization, would the latent King's Skills within his very blood awaken for him to command.
The initial Skills were already incomparably powerful, yet they were only the starting point of a King.
"The next Skill… what will it be, I wonder? I faintly sense it will be connected to the very instincts of Kings themselves."
Anticipation itched at Qin Yi's heart.
Just then, a soldier strode swiftly into the hall.
"Your Majesty, Marines have been sighted in the nearby seas!" The soldier's face was grave as he spoke quickly.
Qin Yi's eyes immediately narrowed. After a moment's thought, he murmured: "How interesting. The Marines, who have been holding back all this time, have chosen to make a move now?"
"How many are there?"
"Only one warship was spotted, but it disappeared quickly afterward. It seems they've submerged beneath the sea!" The soldier replied.
"Is that so?" Qin Yi pondered for a moment, then slowly rose to his feet.
"No matter what, let's go take a look!"
The sudden deployment of the Marines stirred Qin Yi's curiosity. What exactly were they planning to do? At the same time, deep beneath the sea near the Rapeseed Port, a coated warship was silently gliding forward.
"Madara is right above us. Will he notice?" Akainu hesitated but still asked the question aloud.
That cold and indifferent man possessed terrifying perception. Those strange eyes of his seemed able to see through everything, and Akainu's heart held a deep unease.
"Don't worry, Akainu. Vice-Admiral Sanders' ability can completely block any probing. There won't be a problem." Sengoku said in a deep voice.
The Marines had conducted detailed research on the experts within Qin's Nation, including those at the colonel level. It had taken them a long time to prepare all this, precisely to ensure that this operation would be flawless.
"That's good." Akainu nodded and fell silent.
Looking further down the warship from where Sengoku and Akainu stood, one could see figure after figure. If others were to witness this scene, their jaws would surely drop in shock.
Garp was picking his nose carelessly, leaning against the mast with a relaxed posture. Kizaru sat with his eyes closed, resting as if nothing mattered. Vice-Admiral Tsuru wore a grave expression. And aside from them were over a dozen other powerful Marine officers of the general rank.
It could be said that nearly one-third of the Marine high command was gathered here!
Though the squad was small in number, their combined strength was enough to rival a Yonkō crew. This was a formidable lineup indeed!
"How much longer until we reach the location you scouted?" Sengoku asked again.
"One and a half hours." The Marine vice-admiral steering the ship replied.
"One and a half hours…" Sengoku narrowed his eyes, then turned to address the others.
"Everyone, prepare yourselves."
The Marine high command all nodded solemnly, their eyes full of determination.
Rescuing Aokiji was of immense importance to every Marine. This mission had to succeed; failure was not an option. Otherwise, it would deal a heavy blow to Marine morale, prestige, and confidence.
Time passed slowly as the vice-admiral carefully steered the warship onward.
Finally, an hour and a half later, before Sengoku and the others appeared a massive, slowly rotating sphere of water, swirling with endless currents, twisting into a gigantic vortex.
"We're here!"
"This is the place!"
The Marine leaders aboard the warship widened their eyes in shock.
Especially Akainu, his feelings upon seeing the water sphere were complicated. Compared to the moon that Madara had once lifted him toward, this watery planet was even larger. From it extended countless black, chain-like lines, intricate and deep, making the entire structure look both majestic and unfathomable.
"It's practically a water planet!"
At such close range, the sight left everyone shaken. Witnessing it with their own eyes gave the vice-admirals a much clearer understanding of the legendary King-Usurper's strength.
"Huuh…"
Letting out a heavy breath, Sengoku's gaze hardened.
"Move quickly. Break open this water sphere and rescue Aokiji. Our time is short!"
Meanwhile, at Rapeseed Port, Qin Yi's figure had already appeared.
"Marines."
"Where will you be, I wonder?"
Looking off into the distance at the orderly rows of warships and the mighty Marine army, Qin Yi muttered softly.
(End of Chapter)
You can read ahead up to 15 chapters on my Patreon https://www.patreon.com/darkshadow6395