Chapter 1100 - 652: Flies and Warriors (Part 2)
"Of course."
Next to him, Hawkins picked up a piece of biscuit, and after finding a lucky coin in it, nodded with satisfaction. He took a sip of tea before saying:
"Strategically, we will eventually achieve victory, but it will take too long. I must admit, that woman named Sivier has an exceptional talent for command. Ah, the sea... Masterful individuals are truly numerous."
"I also admire her."
Urouge nodded: "To think that she single-handedly mobilized all the available forces of the Kingdom. Even the ordinary folks have united because of her presence. This is unlike any kingdom we’ve encountered before."
Previously, whether an area was an unclaimed island settlement or an established island city, the nobles and commoners were always segregated. As long as we eliminated the nobles, the uninformed commoners would naturally embrace our rule.
In their eyes, whoever rules is the same. Even though Sage claims he is not a noble but a landlord, to ordinary people, he is just one noble replacing another. Plus, this noble does treat them well, improving their living standards, naturally solidifying Sage’s rule.
But the premise is that they must be ruled for things to improve.
This method hardly works in unconquered areas. First, it’s a waste of time; second, it prevents the nobles from benefiting.
In Hyrule, even if they overtook the Royal City, it was useless. They knew many opposition forces still lurked in the surroundings, but they couldn’t clear them out. These clever folks commit no offenses against the commoners. They even distribute supplies to them while discussing Hyrule’s hardships.
Especially that woman named Sivier, now hailed as the Hyrule Saintess. As someone born from the common people, she stands as a vivid example in front of the Hyrule folks, offering them an intimate belief. And when such a belief doesn’t mistreat them, these Pirates naturally fail to gain support from ordinary people.
Complete destruction leads to utter failure.
If not destroyed, we’re stuck here, and that’s not in line with Moriah’s vision.
Now, after all this, they’ve even provoked their leader to come.
"Having talent is good; from the moment I heard her name, I thought Sage might need her."
But since she’s here, let’s proceed with recruiting her. This can further enhance the strength of the Disaster Pirates, especially with an all-out war about to begin.
Moriah laughed sinisterly: "An ordinary person, perhaps an Ability User, but surely not strong. It’s remarkable that, with just one ’Seven Stars’ level individual, she can play tricks on us, forcing us to prepare for prolonged consumption here. A very talented person, quite suitable for us."
"Provided she is willing to surrender."
Hawkins set down his teacup, brought out the Tarot Cards to divine, and said: "But according to the probability, unless it triggers internal chaos as I mentioned, otherwise, the odds of the opponent surrendering are very slim. Even Sage, coming this time, might face setbacks."
"Then let there be destruction. Too much time has been wasted, and it cannot affect our grand plan."
Moriah nonchalantly decided the fate of this island: "Slaughter everyone with no hesitation, just don’t hinder our path. It’s just a pity for such a large population."
The current population statistics of the territories haven’t been updated yet, but it won’t increase substantially. After all, the sea is mostly vast but sparsely populated. As for places like Hyrule, with a population exceeding that of Wano Country, they’re an extreme rarity.
Once conquered, it could bring significant internal demand for Sage.
Currently, raw materials exceed the population. Some areas haven’t been ordered to commence extraction yet.
In this regard, they initially found it odd.
Goods, when extracted extensively like they have, and allowing merchants free investment and factory establishment, would generally lead to market saturation due to excessive goods, spawning a series of problems.
In the West Sea, a reasonably prosperous trading area, incidents like this aren’t uncommon, but under Sage, there are no issues.
With strong governance, he dictates the direction, and goods are cheap but not overly abundant. Merchants can invest freely but cannot monopolize. The only true monopoly is by Sage himself.
And the industries in which merchants participate don’t touch the core and have indicators.
The quotas are abundant but tightly controlled.
They emphasize that every task should match the number of people involved, with surplus capacity converted entirely to foreign trade, aiding their governance’s stability.
However, many resources remain untapped, owing to insufficient manpower.
If not imperative, they do not wish to annihilate this place.
"Let’s go; Sage is almost here."
Moriah finished his hot cocoa, stood up, and led Hawkins and Urouge out of the tent to the coast, facing the sea.
Crash!
Before long, a sudden thunder echoed in the sky above the sea, clouds darkened, and torrential rain and fierce winds dominated.
Amidst the storm, the silhouette of a pitch-black giant ship appeared. As the vessel approached, the storm lashed the coast, soaking everyone’s clothes and faces.