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"Fleet Admiral!"
Kuzan stood at the edge of the deck, still somewhat confused by what he had just heard.
The position of Fleet Admiral was completely different from being an Admiral. The entire Marine organization had to obey the Fleet Admiral's commands, and the position carried tremendous authority.
He knew Daichi wanted to recruit him, just like other factions did. But he never expected Daichi to offer him such high status and power.
After all, they were enemies.
If Kuzan were in Daichi's position, he would never give a former strong enemy such an important role. What if that person was actually a Marine spy?
Even if he wasn't a spy, Marines and pirates stood on completely opposite sides. Their values were totally different.
Why did Daichi trust him so much?
Daichi walked over to stand beside Kuzan, looked at the island ahead, and suggested, "That island up there is Labor Country. Want to go take a look?"
"Okay."
Kuzan nodded slightly.
Labor Country was the most famous territory under the Beast Pirates. It started as dozens of scattered, poor islands. In just a few years, it had grown into the New World's largest factory complex, with an overall scale dozens of times bigger than Water 7.
Today, Labor Country's products covered many different industries. They were known for good quality and fair prices, almost controlling the entire New World market. In the high-end market, Labor Country's products could compete well too, especially rare items like famous swords and blades.
Daichi and Kuzan walked through the city streets.
"Daichi-sama is here!"
When the workers saw Daichi, they excitedly came forward to greet him. They showed great respect and didn't want to leave his side.
As news spread, more and more workers put down their tools and rushed over just to see Daichi. Soon the streets were completely packed.
Time had proven everything. After several years of stable life and rapid growth, the workers clearly knew who had made this country successful.
It was Daichi-sama!
Of course, there was also the great "hero" Captain Gaban, but even Captain Gaban held Daichi-sama in tremendous respect. He had publicly expressed his admiration for Daichi many times.
The workers asked excitedly, "Daichi-sama, are you here to watch the forging competition?"
"Forging competition?"
Daichi looked surprised for a moment, then quickly understood.
He had previously told them to create festivals or events that could make the workers' lives more entertaining and boost their creative passion.
Forging blades was something men naturally loved.
Daichi showed an interested expression. "Kuzan, want to go take a look?"
"Ararara, sure."
Kuzan was also very interested.
Central Plaza
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
On the stage built with steel pipes, a muscular master craftsman hammered a blade blank with great force. His entire body was covered in sweat, and his strong muscles gleamed.
Below the stage was a sea of people.
The workers were extremely excited, cheering for the contestants they supported.
The scene felt like a concert.
Daichi looked at the huge crowd of people, almost all of them men. If he tried to squeeze in, he felt like he might come out smelling like engine oil.
"Can't squeeze through. How about the rooftop?"
"Alright."
The two climbed onto a rooftop with a good view.
"Hey, this place is full too!"
"Huh, Daichi-sama?"
"It really is Daichi-sama!"
The rooftop was also packed with workers. When they recognized Daichi, they quickly made space and thoughtfully brought two small stools and beer.
"Thank you."
Surrounded by the enthusiastic crowd of men, Daichi and Kuzan awkwardly took their seats.
Daichi looked toward the competition stage.
Most contestants were workers, but there were also some outsiders. One was dressed in Wano Country clothing, with a flag bearing the character "Ugetsu" beside him.
To improve forging skills, many skilled craftsmen from Wano Country came to Labor Country to teach advanced blade-making techniques to the workers.
With industrial machinery, the workers couldn't produce Great Grade Swords yet, but they could at least mass-produce Skillful Grade Swords.
Daichi picked up a beer and clinked it with Kuzan.
"Kuzan, how do you feel?"
"To be honest, I'm very surprised. If I didn't know this was in the New World, I'd probably think I was in Water 7."
Kuzan answered honestly.
He had visited Water 7 not long ago and felt the enthusiasm of the shipwrights at work. It was exactly the same as the workers in front of him now.
But Water 7 was the world's number one shipyard, with eight hundred years of history. It had experienced great ups and downs. Combined with Mayor Iceberg's excellent management, it had developed such a good working atmosphere.
There were only a few places like Water 7 in the entire world.
And Labor Country, counting from when it was established, was only two or three years old. Plus it was a territory ruled by pirates.
From what he knew, Labor Country was supposed to be a brutal factory where countless workers were being abused by pirates.
Now he somewhat understood why Daichi was so confident. If all the islands controlled by the Beast Pirates were like this...
Kuzan couldn't hold back the questions in his mind.
"How did you do it?"
"It's simple. Kill off the powerful elites who hoard vast amounts of social wealth, then give some of those benefits to ordinary people so they can live without worry and look forward to the future!"
Daichi's eyes turned cold.
The world never lacked resources. Unequal distribution of benefits was the root cause of unrest. The fall of dynasties always came down to this same problem.
The World Government was like this.
The Hoenn Government would be no different.
However, ruling systems would gradually improve with each change of dynasty until they reached the best solution, just like the current Hoenn Government!
He wouldn't be like Straw Hat, who dreamed of creating a world where people could eat their fill, only to end up with new rulers and no real change.
Kuzan fell into deep thought.
He only agreed with part of what Daichi said. The elite class had both good and bad people. They shouldn't all be killed to solve problems.
The point about giving benefits to the people made him realize it was the real key, but he couldn't figure out how to actually share those benefits.
Oh no, he was starting to overthink things!
"Kuzan, don't think so much. When you reach Hoenn Fortress, you'll naturally understand the difference between us and the World Government."
Daichi chuckled.
"I'm thinking about something big!"
"What?"
Kuzan became wary. Looking at Daichi's smile, he felt the other man was full of mischief, and it probably involved him somehow.
Daichi asked with a grin, "Do you want to fight Akainu?"
Yes!
Kuzan answered in his heart.
He had wanted to beat up Sakazuki for a long time!
"I'm considering it."
Daichi finished his beer, his eyes burning with excitement.
"Right now Akainu is the Fleet Admiral, and you will become our Hoenn Government's Fleet Admiral. In the future, you two will fight as Fleet Admirals!"
"How amazing that scene will be!"
"I bet you'll win, and you'll break one of Akainu's legs!"
Kuzan was stunned.
I haven't agreed to join yet!
But...
It does sound quite exciting!
Wait, why do I feel a fire burning inside me!
"Why do you think I'll win?"
"Kuzan, that's only natural!"
Daichi laughed heartily.
"Your strength levels are incredibly close. Victory will only depend on whose conviction is stronger. In this regard, our Hoenn Government's justice is absolutely superior to the corrupt World Government's!"
"Therefore, you will definitely win!"