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Holy Land, Mary Geoise
"Is the Hoenn Government going to establish diplomatic relations with Alabasta?"
The Five Elders arrived at the Power Hall.
In the morning, news arrived from Alabasta that Hoenn Supreme Commander Daichi had arrived in Alabasta and intended to establish diplomatic relations.
This puzzled them greatly.
Diplomacy was secondary. What concerned them was the underlying motive.
"Report!"
A messenger arrived at the Power Hall.
"Just now, the Hoenn Government sent over the diplomatic document."
"Bring it!"
The Five Elders, with grim faces, opened the document.
It contained two main points.
First: It demanded that the World Government publicly acknowledge the legitimacy of the Hoenn Government and sign a non-aggression and peace treaty.
Second: It demanded that the World Government engage in free trade with the Hoenn Government and not interfere with the diplomatic activities of its member nations with the Hoenn Government.
The first point held a hidden danger, as it would affect the World Government's reputation, and the second point was even worse, implying that member nations would be influenced by the Hoenn Government.
However, there was additional content in the document.
"If the above terms are not agreed upon, the Hoenn Government will not recognize the legitimacy of the World Government and will consider all activities of the World Government as illegal, including but not limited to the World Government's trade and transport ships."
"Bastards!"
The Five Elders were furious.
A threat, a naked threat.
It was clear that if they did not agree to the Hoenn Government's demands, the Hoenn Government would retaliate against them.
The crucial point was that the other party truly had the strength to challenge them!
Even if they sent more troops, it would be difficult to defend everything, and it would greatly increase transportation costs.
If it truly devolved into mutual dirty tricks, striking at each other's logistics, the World Government would clearly be the more disadvantaged party.
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, holding the Sandai Kitetsu, said with a gloomy expression, "I understand. That fellow wants to wage an economic war against us!"
"Economic war?"
The other four frowned.
Saint Nusjuro explained coldly.
"It's not just us. The Hoenn Government also needs to avoid war. Their scale is limited, and to develop, they can only do so through other means. Foreign trade is their strategy!"
"They want to seize markets through trade, acquiring more wealth and resources. Simply put, this is a bloodless war!"
"So that's it."
Everyone's gaze became serious.
"Are there any countermeasures?"
"Yes."
Saint Nusjuro drew a section of his blade, and the bright sword light reflected in his glasses. "We can use the same methods to invade the Hoenn Government's territory."
"We can also compete with the Hoenn Government in the market at lower prices until the Hoenn Government can no longer sustain itself and its economy is severely damaged!"
"Also, for goods sold by the Hoenn Government, we can impose high tariffs to make their products uncompetitive."
Compared to its size, the World Government is ten times that of the Hoenn Government. In an economic war, there's no reason to lose!
Even a mutually destructive outcome would be acceptable.
"How are the Admiral candidates doing?"
"Two people are suitable in terms of strength!"
Two photos were placed on the table.
The biggest reason for the World Government's passive state was that it hadn't recovered from the losses of the Summit War, especially the vacant Admiral positions.
"These two, named Aramaki and Issho, both possess incredible strength. We can consider promoting them exceptionally to the rank of Admiral!"
"Agreed!"
Having strong individuals parachuted into Admiral positions would inevitably affect the Marines' morale, but the current situation did not allow them to consider such matters.
"Send one person to Alabasta!"
"Agreed!"
At least one Admiral should be sent to Alabasta to act as a deterrent and supervise the royal family from becoming too close to the Hoenn Government.
Alabasta, Yuba
Residents were discussing animatedly.
"Hey, did you hear? Groudon Company is recruiting construction workers, supposedly to rebuild Erumalu!"
"What are the benefits like?"
"Food and lodging provided, only ten hours of work per day, including one hour for lunch break, minimum wage of 100,000 Berry per month, plus extra bonuses for overtime!"
"Hiss! That good!"
Many residents were greatly tempted.
Given the current conditions in various cities, most people couldn't earn this much money per month, let alone with food and lodging included!
The working hours weren't too long either.
Moreover, due to the war, many laborers were unemployed, so finding a formal job was quite difficult. At the very least, it would allow their families to eat their fill.
"I'm going to sign up!"
"Let's go, together!"
Residents surged toward the registration point. Residents from other cities, hearing the news, also rushed to Yuba Flower Port.
Port Coast
Groudon Company's engineering ship arrived. This time, only management personnel came. Workers were to be recruited locally.
This served two purposes: first, to provide job opportunities for locals and reduce their resistance, and second, to force Cobra to agree to Daichi's terms.
The land hadn't been sold to him yet.
"Get on the bus first, then buy the ticket."
Daichi looked at the crowded registration area.
As a villain, strong-arming and forced buying were excellent traditions.
If Cobra refused diplomacy, these workers, waiting to feed their families, would probably drown Cobra in their anger.
A wise ruler who loves his people surely wouldn't disappoint his subjects!
Not long after, a blue-haired girl with a black duck secretly approached Daichi, asking with eager eyes.
"Are you Mr. Daichi?"
"Hmm?"
Daichi looked at the girl.
She looked a bit familiar.
Pell, who was secretly monitoring Daichi, saw the blue-haired girl and rushed out anxiously, scolding, "Princess Vivi, why are you here?!"
"Uncle Pell, I just wanted to meet Mr. Daichi."
Vivi responded calmly, without the panic she used to show when caught doing something mischievous. She now had the presence of a princess.
Pell froze in place.
Princess Vivi, she seems to have grown up!
Daichi looked at Vivi.
No wonder she looked familiar. It was Vivi.
"Princess, why are you looking for me?"
"You can just call me Vivi!"
Vivi faced Daichi, appearing quite reserved yet somewhat excited, and pulled out a newspaper from her clothes.
"Mr. Daichi, I want to know if what's written in the newspaper is true?"
"This is..."
Daichi looked at the newspaper.
It was the issue announcing the establishment of the Hoenn Government.
"Yes, it's true."
"Amazing!"
Vivi's eyes sparkled, and she looked at Daichi as if she had met her idol, without a hint of falsehood.
Like a fan meeting her hero.
Vivi held up the newspaper, pointing to the column on human rights and democracy. "Mr. Daichi, I've wanted to meet you for a long time. Could you please tell me more about the Hoenn Government's philosophy?"
"Of course."
Daichi nodded, a wry smile on his face.
So that's what it was about. As the heir to Alabasta, she should indeed be concerned with political and livelihood issues.
Perhaps this girl will become a more outstanding ruler than her father.