One Piece: Wielder of the Void

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How could Fujitora not understand the darkness of this world? He had, after all, blinded himself to avoid witnessing its corruption a sacrifice emblematic of his resolve.

Though he did not entirely agree with the approach Anos had taken, Fujitora had no grounds to oppose it.

When Anos first voiced his intentions, Fujitora had already anticipated the upheaval that would follow.

In South Blue, where the disparity between the rich and poor in neighbouring nations was painfully apparent, the Tru Kingdom stood as a beacon of prosperity and fairness.

Its unmatched standard of living inevitably drew the envious eyes of others.

Yet, a mere word from Anos had triggered widespread civil wars in five neighbouring nations a harsh but inevitable outcome.

This, however, was only the beginning. If more surrounding countries sought to join the Tru Kingdom, what would become of the rest of the South Blue? How far would this ripple effect spread?

"General Fujitora," Anos began, his tone calm yet commanding, "I understand your reservations about these matters. I will explain everything to you personally in due time. However, what we must focus on now is the pressing question of integrating the three nations that have chosen to join the Tru Kingdom. Representatives from all departments are present today. In the next meeting, I expect everyone to propose actionable strategies and solutions."

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing.

"The combined landmass of the Kingdoms of Nubia, Kolha, and Tumei exceeds our current territory, nearly doubling the size of the Tru Kingdom. This unprecedented expansion presents both opportunities and challenges. Our extended maritime borders, for instance, demand immediate attention. General Abona, I trust you will coordinate with the defence forces to address this matter effectively."

"Additionally, the Ministry of Commerce must act swiftly to secure basic provisions for the citizens of these new territories. Allocate enough supplies to sustain them for at least six months. No one should go hungry under our rule."

"The Council of Ministers will oversee the population census. I expect a detailed registry of all citizens. There is no room for negligence in this endeavour."

Turning to Abona, he continued, "You will assess the military forces of these three nations. Determine whether their armies should be disbanded or integrated into our own Police Guard."

"Understood, Your Majesty," the officials responded in unison, standing in deference to their king.

The meeting underscored the monumental task ahead: adapting to a sudden influx of land, resources, and people. With the addition of nearly 20 million citizens, the Tru Kingdom's population had swelled by 50%.

The burden of integrating these territories weighed heavily on everyone present.

Fujitora, silent until now, finally spoke up. "Your Majesty, this old man would like to contribute."

Anos smiled faintly. "General Fujitora, patience. Greater challenges are awaiting us. With three nations now part of the Tru Kingdom, it is only a matter of time before the World Government takes notice. Given our military display two months ago, I expect their envoys to arrive soon. When they do, I will need your wisdom and presence."

Fujitora nodded thoughtfully. "True enough. But who do you think they will send?"

"That remains to be seen," Anos replied. "However, their interference will likely centre around the civil strife in Crimea a conflict in which we played a... discreet role. Although we supplied weapons and advice, not a single Tru soldier stepped foot on their soil. Should the World Government raise objections, they will find no grounds to act."

The tension in the room was palpable. The World Government's inability to directly interfere in sovereign matters provided the Tru Kingdom with a crucial advantage.

But even now, Marine warships from Headquarters were making their way to the South Blue, aiming to assert control.

Meanwhile, within the Tru Kingdom, rapid advancements were underway. Railroad construction and automobile manufacturing projects were accelerating, cementing the nation's reputation as an industrial and economic powerhouse.

This self-sufficiency meant they no longer needed to bow to outside powers. Even the Marines stationed in the South Blue, tasked with monitoring the Tru Kingdom, had been rendered impotent.

The Marines, confined to their island bases, found themselves irrelevant. Tru warships patrolled the South Blue with relentless efficiency, eradicating pirate threats and maintaining order.

The Marines' presence had become purely symbolic, their jurisdiction overshadowed by the Tru Kingdom's growing might.

While elsewhere the Marines might exploit their authority for personal gain, here in the South Blue, they struggled even to sustain themselves.

The Tru Kingdom's dominance left no room for exploitation, and any Marine ship nearing its borders was met with stern warnings.

As the meeting concluded, the room was filled not with celebration, but with a collective sense of duty. The Tru Kingdom's meteoric rise was undeniable, but so too were the responsibilities that came with it.

Anos' vision for the future was clear: a unified South Blue under his rule, unshackled from the influence of the World Government or any other external power.

For now, the pieces were in place. All that remained was to play the game and win.

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