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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter One Hundred Fifty-Three: Transformation
On the deserted island, Xiaqiu looked at Vivi not far away and asked with concern, "How is your injury?"
"I'm doing okay," Vivi replied. "After the bandaging, I've already recovered a lot."
"About what you told me three days ago," Xiaqiu nodded and suddenly said, "You mean Blackbeard's Pirate Crew attacked Drum Kingdom and drove King Valpo out of the country?"
Vivi affirmed, "You told me to keep an eye on Blackbeard's Pirate Crew. I've already arranged for someone to investigate."
"Heart Point," Xiaqiu cautioned, "don't let them discover our whereabouts."
Currently, Blackbeard's Pirate Crew consisted of five members, all of whom were formidable. If they were discovered, it would pose a significant trouble for Baroque Works.
"Don't worry. They have no intention of hiding their identities at all; wherever they go, they cause a ruckus. It's quite easy to track them."
Vivi paused for a moment before continuing, "Moreover, the people I sent out are unaware of my connection to Alabasta, and those who contact them are loyal subordinates of Alabasta."
Xiaqiu nodded. Blackbeard had just left Whitebeard's Pirate Crew. His determination to leave likely stemmed from acquiring the Dark-Dark Fruit. He had been lurking for so many years in search of this fruit.
After leaving, he gathered his companions to make a name for himself, driven by great ambition.
He was still in the accumulation phase, aiming to promote his name while hoping to find opportunities to attain a higher position.
However, Crocodile died a year and a half earlier than in the original story and there was a new Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Blackbeard could not attempt to gain the government's favor by capturing Luffy, the one who caused chaos in Water Seven, to obtain a position among the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Of course, he eventually captured Ace and presented him before the World Government, securing his place as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
So, how Blackbeard planned to rise to power remained unknown.
"There's one more thing."
Xiaqiu turned to Vivi and asked, "You told me that the situation in Drum Kingdom is chaotic."
"That's right."
Vivi nodded and said, "Wapol has left with his guards and some soldiers. The entire Drum Kingdom is quite chaotic now; the citizens are still observing, and they desperately need a leader."
Xiaqiu asked, "So you want us, Baroque Works, to get involved? To take control of the entire country?"
"I didn't..."
Vivi was about to deny it when she saw Xiaqiu staring at her. She shook her head and chuckled, "I do have that thought."
"Why?"
Xiaqiu asked in confusion, "Why do you want us to interfere in someone else's country? That's not like you. Or is it that your childhood experience of being bullied by Wapol while following King Kobra to the World Government Conference has left you with resentment towards him?"
"How did you know?"
Vivi was somewhat surprised by Xiaqiu's words.
"I naturally have my ways of knowing," Xiaqiu replied lightly, then added, "Answer my question."
"Of course, that's not the reason."
Vivi said, "I just feel that the citizens of this country are somewhat pitiful."
Xiaqiu nodded and said, "That's your perspective."
Vivi continued, "Because Drum Kingdom is relatively close to Alabasta, and due to my youth, after establishing the intelligence department, I sent agents into Drum Kingdom first. I learned that Wapol took all the doctors from the country, executed those who did not serve him, imposed harsh taxes, and left the entire nation in despair. The people dare not fall ill, their income is meager, and they can only barely survive."
"But Wapol has already left; perhaps they can elect a suitable king?" Xiaqiu suggested.
"It's difficult. Wapol may very well return. Once he does, the entire country will revert to its former state."
Vivi added, "Moreover, Wapol took many things: treasure, doctors—there's only one doctor left practicing in Drum Kingdom. Lastly, whether the king elected by this country can lead it to prosperity or reverse the current dire situation is uncertain. Do they even have the ability to lead the people to wealth?"
Upon hearing this, Xiaqiu nodded.
Vivi's speculation was not unfounded; Wapol would indeed return to Drum Kingdom two months later when Luffy arrived, attempting to reclaim his throne.
If it weren't for Luffy's help, this country would have plunged back into darkness. In this timeline, without Nami, it was uncertain whether Luffy could reach the Grand Line or even navigate that route.
Of course, this concern was not what Vivi was worried about regarding Drum Kingdom.
She primarily believed that the Drum Kingdom might not be able to find a suitable leader, nor could it reverse the current situation.
Xiaqiu looked at Vivi and curiously asked, "But why do you want to interfere in someone else's internal affairs? Especially in such a forceful manner?"
"As long as the outcome is good, that's enough," Vivi replied softly.
The original Vivi was more idealistic; she hoped for the people to live in peace and happiness, wishing that everyone could lead a joyful life, and she wanted to achieve this in a way that satisfied everyone.
However, with her collaboration with Xiaqiu and the information she gathered from the intelligence department, she now realized that this was far too difficult.
Xiaqiu smiled and said, "Then why choose us? Baroque Works is not much better than Wapol."
"You are far more evil than Wapol," Vivi suddenly stated. "You kill, plunder, and disregard human life; you are much worse than Wapol."
"Is that so?" Xiaqiu replied.
"But you are a very good partner."
Vivi continued, "I have always believed that in exchanges of interests, there are four main methods. The first is plunder, taking everything from the other party and overextending their potential to satisfy one's own desires. The second is exploitation, squeezing the value from the target while only providing them with the means to survive. The third is trade, where both parties give and receive what they want. The fourth is investment, where one contributes a portion and waits for returns; this investment can help the other party grow, and during this process, their growth brings significant benefits while one also grows and gains greater profits."
"Wapol represents the first method—taking away doctors and imposing high taxes, leading the entire nation towards destruction." At this point, Vivi looked at Xiaqiu and said, "The second method is still vile; the third and fourth each have their advantages. The fourth method offers greater benefits to the other party but clearly comes with higher risks. You are like a combination of these two methods. For example, your collaboration with Alabasta to establish casinos and invest in various industries injected massive amounts of capital. Even if the profits you gained could not compensate for your investments within a year, everything you did improved social infrastructure and attracted a large population. This population drove the development of the entire city, which brought rich business opportunities and raised the living standards of the people. Improved social facilities attracted even more people. You then utilized this growing population to increase casino revenues and gain shares. Meanwhile, your investments in industries within the city—such as real estate you purchased, shops you opened, nightclubs you established, and bodyguard services you provided—brought you continuous income. Your partners benefited from a prosperous city; within two years, its fiscal revenue surpassed all other cities. It can be anticipated that Ailuma City will become even more prosperous in the future. In terms of gains, we benefit far more than you do; without these investments, your income would shrink by at least tenfold."
Hearing Vivi's words, Xiaqiu nodded with a smile. After agreeing to help Vivi establish Ailuma City, he not only invested in casinos but also secretly purchased land, built buildings, and ventured into various industries.
As Ailuma City became increasingly prosperous, Baroque Works' income grew significantly as well.
Vivi continued, "And there's the establishment of an intelligence organization. You used my identity, provided funding and personnel to help create a powerful intelligence network that is nominally under my name, but you concealed your true strength until the organization was established, forcing me to comply with your wishes. This allowed you to reap the greatest benefits. Yet, you adhered to the agreed terms without overstepping, ensuring the stability of our cooperation. This organization is now shared between us, and so far, it has been greatly beneficial for Alabasta and for you as well. It can be considered mutually beneficial. Here, it seems we have both cooperation and mutual benefit. Additionally, I work for you while you enhance my strength."
Vivi added, "As long as we reach an agreement, you have never violated it. In our collaboration, your Partner will gain tremendous profits."
Xiaqiu snorted coldly and said, "I just want to harvest a bit more."
Overfishing is not as wise as sustainable practices; only a fool would engage in such short-sighted actions.
Vivi replied, "So I hope you can control Drum Kingdom in the same way. I believe you can do better than Valpo."
"The value of Drum Kingdom is quite low; it's a Winter Island with extremely harsh conditions."
Xiaqiu spoke slowly. In the Grand Line, there are Spring Island, Summer Island, Autumn Island, and Winter Island—each island experiences four distinct seasons that vary greatly.
To navigate through the Grand Line means to circle the globe and experience all sixteen seasons.
However, regardless of circumstances, Winter Island remains the place with the most severe climate.
Vivi smiled and said, "But I believe you can do it."
"You really trust me."
Xiaqiu shook his head and said, "A country has some value to it, but I have a question: what does Alabasta intend to do in this process?"
"Nothing at all."
"On the surface, neither the country nor I can get involved in Drum Kingdom. If we do, it would lead to a serious diplomatic crisis. Behind the scenes, Alabasta won't have any thoughts about it either. Sending you to Drum Kingdom is just my idea, so I don't intend to seek anything. However, I can mobilize all the intelligence personnel."
"Then let's proceed according to my plan."
"I've already arranged it; we will set out in two days."
"Good."
Vivi hesitated for a moment and asked, "Can you tell me your plan?"
"You'll find out in two days," Xiaqiu replied lightly.
"Then I'll come back here in two days. Excuse me for now," Vivi said as she slightly bowed and turned to leave.
After she left, Xiaqiu moved aside, intending to continue training when a voice interrupted, "So your organization is called Baroque Works, and it's not just Princess Vivi involved; the entire Alabasta Kingdom is cooperating with you. Alabasta has betrayed the World Government."
"The reason they are cooperating with Baroque Works is due to my threats and the benefits they expect to gain in the future. Throughout this cooperation, they have received far too many advantages. A country that has been parched for a year has regained its rainfall; a deserted city has been revitalized; people's incomes have increased, and the lives of the citizens are getting better."
Xiaqiu slowly continued, "If you consider this a betrayal, then what about the country that the World Government and the Seven Warlords of the Sea covet? What about the country that Wapol rules with tyranny?"
With those words, Xiaqiu walked off into the distance, leaving Lucci alone with a gloomy expression.
...
In East Blue, Syrup Village, Marcel stood bare-chested, swinging his Broad Sword as sweat glistened on his strong muscles.
"Nine hundred ninety-nine, one thousand."
Marcel finished his thousand sword swings and stepped aside to pick up a massive dumbbell for training.
"It's time to eat."
A voice came from inside the house. Marcel nodded, walked over to the well to fetch some water, took a quick bath, changed into clean clothes, and returned to the house. He first went to the bedroom, gazing lovingly at the baby sleeping soundly in the cradle.
"It's time to eat. What are you doing?"
Nokigao appeared in the doorway, looking at Marcel with annoyance. "Mother and the siblings are already in the dining room."
"I'm coming right now."
Marcel immediately followed his wife to the dining room, where the food was already served. Besides his mother, there was a younger brother and two sisters sitting by the table.
Their houses were very close, connected by an opening. Since Nokigao needed to take care of the child, Marcel's mother often came over to cook, and his sisters would help out as well.
"Brother, when are you going out to sea?" Marcel's younger brother asked curiously.
Marcel replied, "Tomorrow at eleven in the morning."
"You're leaving so soon? You could at least help Nokigao with some chores and take care of the baby," Marcel's mother Kaya said disapprovingly.
"I only trained for a little while," Marcel scratched his head and looked apologetically at Nokigao. "I'm sorry; I'll make sure to find some time."
"Don't worry about it."
Nokigao waved his hand dismissively. "You're too clumsy to be of any help."
"Yeah."
Marcel nodded awkwardly.
Kaya gently said, "Marcel, why are you so determined to practice swordsmanship? Do you really plan to fight pirates?"
"I want to protect the Merchant Ship from being plundered by pirates and keep the crew safe," Marcel replied softly.
"Just you alone? How could you possibly deal with pirates? A single fist can't match an opponent; can you take on a Pirate Crew?"
Kaya looked at Marcel and continued, "You are the captain of a ship. Fighting pirates will only provoke their wrath. Other Merchant Ship captains don’t engage in battles like you do. As long as you report it, the Merchant Association won’t hold you accountable for your losses. So why fight every time? Now that you have Evanth, don’t take unnecessary risks. Think not just of yourself but also of your family. Do you know how heartbroken they are every time you get hurt?"
"You’re right."
Hearing this, Marcel lowered his head in shame. "I'll be more careful."
"But next time, he will do it again."
Nokigao turned to Marcel and said, "Because he’s not just trying to stop the pirates; he craves battle. Am I wrong?"
"Nokigao?"
Marcel looked at his wife.
"So it turns out that every time you came to find me, you fought with Ace for such a long time. I couldn't help but feel jealous of him."
Nokigao replied, "And after Nami took Ace out to sea, you lost your opponent and temporarily put down your sword. But when you saw Nami and Ace's Bounty Notice, when you saw what they were doing, you became very excited and secretly picked up your long sword to train. After that, you started fighting pirates, getting beaten up all over, but you also captured many pirates. You heard from other Merchant Ship captains that you gathered quite a few skilled fighters and even made a name for yourself at sea. Although you were trying to stop the pirates, deep down, you just wanted to fight and seek adventure. Come on, you must be quite envious of Nami and the others, right?"
"I don't envy them at all."
Marcel shook his head, his gaze becoming resolute as he reached out to hold Nokigao's hand. "I won't fight pirates anymore."
"Really?"
Nokigao sighed, withdrawing her hand from Marcel's grasp and picking up her chopsticks to eat.
Marcel lowered his head, picked up his chopsticks, and began to eat rice heartily.
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