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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 154: The Plan
Boom, boom, boom, boom.
At six in the morning, just as dawn broke, a series of loud explosions echoed through the forest. The surrounding trees trembled, their leaves rustling, and several large craters appeared on the ground.
"This ground is too soft."
Xiaqiu looked at the pits in the earth with a somewhat helpless expression.
With each kick of his leg, even if he shortened the distance and increased the frequency, his immense strength still created a crater.
With three legs striking down at once, the ground bore three craters.
He was currently training his power application, focusing solely on using all three legs to exert force at once. After several attempts, the pits in the ground grew larger and larger.
"However, I can feel the feedback from the force."
Under his stomping, Xiaqiu sensed a reaction force. Due to the short distance and high frequency, this force could be effectively accumulated.
This level of force was a quarter of what he used when sprinting at full speed and a fifth of what he exerted during a full jump. However, the speed of his actions was much faster—only two and a half times that of a single action, approximately once every 0.1 seconds.
This speed was somewhat slow; it didn't meet the description of "shear." Shear involved stomping on the ground more than ten times in an instant, with that instant lasting only 0.06 seconds. In other words, he needed to reduce his single-action time to one-third.
During this process, energy loss was significant; however, when propelling his body forward, he only needed to exert force once.
As his frequency increased, the energy loss per action would grow larger, but so would the accumulated energy.
Currently, the distance between my legs is about fifteen meters. When I run at full speed, I can reach thirty meters per second, and my maximum jump is also around thirty meters.
If I can manage to step ten times or more in an instant, I would be able to accumulate immense power, allowing me to unleash even greater speed.
If I could learn the technique of "Shave," I could advance fifty to eighty meters in one go, which is roughly my body length.
As my body strengthens, the distance will continue to increase, and achieving faster speeds is not out of reach.
However, there are significant challenges; my current strength does not allow for this.
My stepping frequency is once every 0.1 seconds, and improving that has already proven quite difficult. With training, I might shorten it a bit, but getting it down to 0.06 seconds seems impossible.
This limitation stems from the strength of my body; at least my leg power needs to double.
But even after increasing leg strength, will the accumulated explosive power be sufficient to propel my massive frame forward? Will I be able to achieve satisfactory speeds?
Thus, my physical strength must continue to be enhanced; otherwise, the foundational requirements for "Shave" cannot be met.
Yet before addressing this matter, there is something important to do.
"Are you ready?"
At eight o'clock, Xiaqiu found Bola, and Vivi was also on the island, eager to see Xiaqiu's specific plans.
Bola said, "Four ships, enough supplies for warmth, twenty guards, and five doctors. Elken and Heckler are waiting on Third Island."
"President, you prepared doctors?" Vivi asked in surprise.
Xiaqiu said, "That's right, they need a doctor, and after Wapol left, he took the doctor with him. I believe Drum Kingdom will need a doctor for a while."
At least Wapol would take two months to return, and during that time, Drum Kingdom would require medical assistance.
Providing a doctor would help implement his plans more effectively.
Vivi nodded and said, "But there are too few guards. Only twenty people?"
"That's enough," Xiaqiu replied. "They won't be needed for combat. The guards I've selected have been carefully trained and are involved in managing some peripheral industries. Some of them have been specifically trained for the bodyguard profession and do not engage in killing. As for combat, we only need high-level strength."
Bola, Heckler, and Elken were already sufficient.
The soldiers of Drum Kingdom were few to begin with, and due to geographical constraints, they couldn't maintain a large army.
With the royal guards taken away, only a handful of soldiers remained. Even if Wapol brought his subordinates, they would be no match.
For instance, Wapol's two main subordinates, Jace and Kromalimong, together were no match for Chopper and were easily defeated.
Chopper and Usopp had to fight hard against the original r4 and Christmas before achieving victory.
The strength of these two subordinates was such that Bola, Heckler, and Elken could defeat them without using their Devil Fruit abilities; the difference in physical capabilities was simply too great.
Even combined with Wapol, Elken alone, possessing the Bomb-Bomb Fruit, could handle the situation.
Now, the only concern for Drum Kingdom was Chopper and Dalton, but leaving that to Heckler would pose no problem.
The three individuals he sent were Heckler, who possessed exceptional single-target combat strength; Elken, skilled in area attacks; and Bola, who was unafraid of ambushes and could lead.
That was sufficient.
Xiaqiu looked at Bola and said, "Do you remember the identity I arranged for you?"
"Of course."
Bola replied with a smile, "My name is Bola Johnson, from the Grand Line's Volcano Kingdom. However, due to a volcanic eruption, my kingdom was destroyed. I left the Grand Line with the hope of rebuilding my nation, targeting Drum Kingdom. I bring a substantial amount of money, I have doctors with me, and I promise to lead this country to greatness. But if anyone tries to stop me, I will destroy them."
"I see."
Vivi suddenly understood. As a deposed king, claiming Drum Kingdom made sense, especially given the chaos and lack of leadership there. This identity provided a reasonable motive.
Otherwise, if he approached as a pirate or from another organization, it would only provoke subconscious resistance, making acceptance impossible from the outset.
Next, he needed the ability to control the nation, which could be divided into two aspects.
The first was military power—a strong military presence would intimidate the people into abandoning their resistance and help solidify his regime. Most importantly, it would reassure them that even if Wapol returned, they could defend their territory.
The second was benefits—promising prosperity and hope would allow the people to see a future worth believing in. In a situation where they couldn't resist, these promises would become leverage for their submission.
Moreover, compared to Wapol's rule, they would likely refrain from large-scale rebellion for the time being.
As long as he could make this country stronger over time and improve the people's lives, his claim to the throne would become increasingly secure.
"Bola, I leave this matter in your hands. Make sure you handle it well," Xiaqiu said while looking at Bola.
"I understand."
Bola's expression was somewhat agitated; she naturally knew the significance of this identity. The fallen Queen of a nation, once she seized control of this country, she would become its King.
In this land, she would hold the most esteemed position, even if she faced constraints from Xiaqiu, it would be of no concern.
"So you must also bear the consequences."
Xiaqiu said, "If you succeed, you will be the King. If you fail, you'll have to return in disgrace."
Xiaqiu did not believe that Bola could accomplish this because her perspective was limited and her adaptability was weak. She excelled at following orders, but when it came to executing tasks—especially stealing a nation—there was a significant chance of failure.
However, in reality, the only person around her who could perfectly execute her plans was Vivi.
Others would struggle to achieve perfection.
But unfortunately, Vivi could not intervene and had to rely on Bola.
"Don't worry, I will complete the mission."
Bola declared confidently.
Xiaqiu replied, "But remember, try not to kill anyone, and after becoming King, do not act recklessly for your own gain."
"Rest assured."
Bola smiled and said, "Once I become King, how could I possibly harm my own country?"
"I hope so."
Xiaqiu said coldly, "Otherwise, I will send Vivi to the island to personally kill you."
"I understand." Bola's expression became serious.
Vivi did not deny it; if Bola truly did that, she wouldn't mind taking action herself.
"Remember the name I gave you."
Xiaqiu continued, "Dalton, the former captain of the guard, and the most trusted person by the people. Make sure he becomes your ally. After defeating him, invite him to assist you in governing the country, let him take on important responsibilities, and even teach him how to manage the affairs of the nation."
"I'll remember," Bola replied immediately.
"Then let's set off."
Xiaqiu said gently, "This matter is entirely your responsibility. I won't interfere with your actions. If you need anything, contact Cecilia."
"I will complete the mission."
Bola eagerly took a few subordinates and left the island via submarine.
"President, aren't you going?" Vivi asked curiously as she looked at Xiaqiu.
Xiaqiu replied, "My presence there would only jeopardize the mission."
After the increase in her Bounty Notice, it was estimated that not many people were unaware of her presence. Going there would only attract the Navy's pursuit.
"Are you not planning to follow? And just leave everything to Bola without interfering with her actions?" Vivi asked.
"But to be honest, Bola's capabilities are limited. I don't think she can handle it alone. What if she fails..."
"Failure is just failure; we won't lose anything," Xiaqiu replied nonchalantly.
Xiaqiu was indifferent to the success or failure of the mission, which was why a simpler and more direct plan was used. The outcome would be either success or failure.
If successful, she would gain a country that could serve as a strong support for the Ideal Country Project, enhancing the cohesion of Baroque Works. Its unique environment could also serve as a special operational base.
However, the material rewards wouldn't be substantial, and too many resources would need to be invested. At the very least, Bola would have to be stationed there, and one of Heckler or Elken would also need to stay behind.
Currently, Xiaqiu valued the industries and high-end forces under Baroque Works the most. As for those ordinary assassins and Bounty Hunters, she had been controlling their transformation all along. The newly trained individuals were starting to directly engage in various industries, separating them from Baroque Works.
Now, Xiaqiu's income no longer relied on Bounty Hunters hunting pirates for treasure or assassins executing missions.
Xiaqiu had also stopped assassination missions; while Bounty Hunters could still be maintained, their value was not significant. If a country could mark an end to the Ideal Country Project, that would also yield good results.
In other words, having this country could bring some benefits, but without it, there wouldn't be any significant losses.
Vivi helplessly asked, "What about after success? Who will govern this country? We can't let Bola do it, can we?"
"Isn't Dalton available?"
"That guard captain can govern this country well," Xiaqiu said.
Vivi, curious, asked, "What about the interests of Baroque Works? He won't act according to your wishes."
"It's in your hands," Xiaqiu replied with a smile.
"Me?" Vivi asked, confused. "You know my identity; I can't step forward."
"Once the Drum Kingdom elects a new king, you can step forward," Xiaqiu explained. "You will represent Alabasta and collaborate with the Drum Kingdom. My people will accompany you, and Heckler will handle the negotiations. Your arrival can also be counted as Bola's achievement."
"That works," Vivi said after careful consideration. It wouldn't affect her much, but it could open a new avenue for Alabasta.
The friendship between the two countries was certainly better than their previous hostility.
"Now let me ask you one last question," Xiaqiu suddenly said, his expression turning serious.
Vivi looked at Xiaqiu and curiously asked, "What question does the president have?"
Xiaqiu gazed at her and asked, "If Bola leaves, would you be willing to join Baroque Works as Vice President?"
"Vice President?"
Vivi smiled and said, "This position is actually quite appealing to me. You are wanted and cannot show your face; the power of a Vice President is immense. As long as I don't go against your wishes, I could control the entire organization to get things done, and you wouldn't interfere, right?"
"Of course."
Xiaqiu nodded. "I can give you a lot of power."
"But I'd rather not. As a princess of a nation, I cannot be exposed in the open. Once I am completely tied to Baroque Works, I will be bound to the organization for better or worse." Vivi shook her head, looking at Xiaqiu. "It's better to be partners, especially since the president plans to separate Baroque Works."
"Then let's leave it at that."
Xiaqiu felt a bit regretful; he wanted Vivi to be fully tied to Baroque Works so they could face challenges together. This would reduce risks and increase strength.
He could gradually separate Baroque Works from its operations, keeping the organization and its assets apart to avoid being implicated.
However, Vivi had keenly sensed this intention, and it seemed that this idea would not come to fruition.
If Bola truly took control of Drum Kingdom, then Cecilia would have to become r0, allowing Elken to rise to r4.
Once Cecilia mastered Six Styles, her strength would increase significantly, surpassing all other members and ranking just below him—sufficient for the role of r0.
For the other members, he would only teach them parts of Six Styles and slow down their progress, extending it over two to three years.
During this time, he would also try to help her master Armament Haki.
Cecilia could grow alongside him; her administrative skills were quite weak, but in terms of combat talent, she was far superior to Bola.
"I should head back."
Vivi looked at Xiaqiu and said.
"There’s one more thing."
Xiaqiu continued, "But don’t forget about Blackbeard's Pirate Crew; you must keep track of their movements. Not only that, but you need to spread the word about Blackbeard's Pirate Crew attacking Drum Kingdom and his intention to become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Additionally, while investigating them, make sure your people are nearby, especially around Drum Kingdom, to watch for anyone looking into Blackbeard's Pirate Crew. Pay special attention to one person named Ace, who is the second division captain of Whitebeard's Pirate Crew."
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