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Alabasta
Daichi entered the port with his subordinates.
"Achoo! What a strong perfume smell!"
"This port city is famous for its high-quality perfumes. If we can transport them to other sea areas, the price can multiply several times."
The purpose of trade is to exchange extra productivity, helping each other for mutual benefit. The more closed and backward the trade environment, the more incredible the profits generated.
It's like the Silk Road in my homeland.
Daichi smiled at his subordinates.
"You can enjoy yourselves today. Each of you can spend 1 million Berry!"
"Long live Daichi-sama!"
His subordinates cheered excitedly. One million Berry was not a small sum, enough for them to eat, drink, and have fun all day.
"Hehehe, going to a brothel?"
"Count me in!"
The men left arm in arm, and the women also enthusiastically went shopping. The unique customs and traditions on the island were quite appealing.
Royal City, Alubarna
The news of Daichi's arrival quickly reached the palace. A big shot comparable to a Yonko, and the supreme leader of the Hoenn Government, it was hard not to take him seriously.
Cobra, the King, was restless.
He had read the previous newspaper and quite agreed with the Hoenn Government's philosophy, but a single report didn't prove much.
Most of the news related to Daichi was negative!
Also, Crocodile had already deceived them once, and Daichi was a former pirate. It was very difficult for him to trust a pirate again.
The kingdom's two guardians, Pell the Falcon and Chaka the Jackal, reported, "Your Majesty, we have already assembled the elite troops!"
"Good."
Cobra nodded seriously.
No matter what the other party's intention was, it was best to prepare for the worst.
"I will personally go to the port!"
At the same time, Daichi left the port and came to the riverbank a dozen miles to the west. Before him was the mouth of the Santo River, which runs through Alabasta.
It was very wide.
Originally, there was an oasis city named Erumalu on the opposite bank, but due to three consecutive years of drought, Erumalu had been buried by sandstorms.
However, its excellent location and gradually recovering environment ensured that this city would be reborn.
This city was his target.
To draw a comparison, Erumalu is to Alabasta what a major trading city is to his homeland, but due to the overall environment, it was not fully developed even before its destruction.
Alabasta's location is also extremely important. Countries from all sea areas can reach here via Reverse Mountain, making it arguably the best transit hub.
Kikara had set up the tea table and a parasol.
"Daichi-sama, please have some tea."
"Mhm."
Daichi sat down, waiting for his guest.
He hadn't hidden his travel plans, so the kingdom should have received the news long ago, and the kingdom's representative was probably on their way.
Now it was his turn for others to come and meet him.
Half an hour later, clouds of dust rose in the desert.
It was the kingdom's convoy.
"Found him!"
Pell and Chaka quickly spotted Daichi by the riverbank. Seeing Daichi calmly drinking tea with a maid beside him, they were somewhat surprised.
This was too relaxed and carefree.
The King's carriage stopped. Under the tense guard of the two strongest warriors, Cobra walked toward the tea table.
Kikara bowed slightly and pulled out another chair.
"Please sit, King Cobra."
Cobra stopped his subordinates' protests and sat alone on the other side of the tea table, facing the Santo River with Daichi.
At such a distance, it was quite dangerous.
But as King, he could not show fear.
Daichi smiled slightly.
"I didn't expect the King to come personally. It's truly an honor."
"The honor is mine, Mr. Daichi."
Cobra's attitude was very humble, without any of the arrogance expected of a King. "Mr. Daichi, what brings you to Alabasta?"
"I'm here to make friends!"
Daichi put down his teacup and said, "I heard about Alabasta's difficulties. Coincidentally, I have some extra resources here and the ability to help you overcome your troubles, so I came uninvited."
"This..."
Cobra was a bit confused.
Make friends?
Help them overcome difficulties?
Daichi laughed heartily and took out the Hoenn Government's document. "Let's be formal then. I made this special trip primarily to represent the Hoenn Government and formally establish diplomatic relations with Alabasta!"
Now he understood!
Cobra's expression was strange.
If it were other member nations approaching him, he wouldn't be surprised. At the annual Reverie, nations discuss diplomatic matters.
Normally, diplomacy is a good thing.
Both sides can engage in close cooperation, especially economically, and Alabasta is currently in dire need of supplies.
But the Hoenn Government...
The World Government has not recognized the legitimacy of the Hoenn Government!
What if there's a conspiracy?
After thinking for a moment, Cobra shook his head.
"Mr. Daichi, I'm afraid I cannot agree."
"I knew it would be like this."
Daichi laughed heartily and shook his head, asking with interest, "King Cobra, I want to know if you are refusing me from the World Government's standpoint, Alabasta's standpoint, or the people's standpoint?"
"This..."
Cobra was stumped by the question.
He did consider the World Government. After all, Alabasta is a member nation and an enemy of the Hoenn Government.
But from the kingdom's perspective, the situation was somewhat different.
He had to prioritize his people.
"You are the King, you should consider the future of the kingdom!"
Daichi snorted coldly.
"Alabasta has just experienced war and is in ruins, but there are very few countries that can help Alabasta, and those countries would rather see you fall."
"If Alabasta can establish diplomacy and cooperation with us, with the Hoenn Government's massive scale, we can quickly pull you out of your troubles."
"Not only that, Alabasta is now weak and vulnerable, almost being stolen by Crocodile. It no longer looks like a great nation, but by cooperating with us, Alabasta can quickly return to its status as a superpower!"
Confidence!
Cobra was stunned.
He could feel absolute confidence in Daichi's words, and given his identity and status, he could indeed achieve it!
"The World Government won't allow it!"
"No, they will allow it!"
Daichi revealed a dangerous smile.
Of course, the World Government wouldn't allow it. Breaking trade barriers isn't that easy. War is the only way to solve the problem.
Although the Hoenn Government isn't exactly 'poor' now, it has far less baggage than the World Government.
If the table is overturned, no one gets to eat!
"King Cobra, how about we discuss the specific cooperation details first? I've come with utmost sincerity, don't disappoint me."
Cobra remained silent. He could feel the threat in the other party's words. If the goal wasn't achieved, it could very likely escalate into war.
A long while passed.
"Mr. Daichi, why choose Alabasta?"
"Well..."
Daichi examined Cobra.
"Among the Kings of the various member nations, you can barely be considered an enlightened ruler who cares for his people, not as annoying to look at."
"This... Thank you for the compliment."
Cobra gave a wry smile.
"Although I really want to agree to you, I need to inform the World Government about this matter."
"Suit yourself."
Daichi waved his hand dismissively, then pointed to the city ruins on the opposite bank of the river.
"I want that land!"