Initially, Gaius had simply intended to help a friend by selling a batch of grain to Cobra at a fair price.
But how could Michion miss this opportunity to venture out?
With the Kingdom of Ishtar possessing such rich grain resources, even someone who didn’t follow the news in his previous life would understand how valuable these resources were.
In gaming terms, this was at least a gold, if not diamond-level start. Coupled with the Navy’s support and training methods, the advantages were overwhelming.
Even a mediocre person transported here could easily become a prosperous king by leveraging his knowledge from his previous life and learning how to govern.
With such an advantage, Michion naturally wouldn’t let it go to waste.
Michion proposed establishing friendly relations with the Kingdom of Alabasta, even forming an alliance to increase their influence and voice in the World Council.
Michion elaborated on the various benefits of diplomatic relations to convince Gaius. With Gaius’s pleased approval, Michion volunteered to serve as the envoy, seizing the chance to set sail and implement his plan.
Gaius informed Alabasta of his heir’s visit via Den Den Mushi, clearly conveying the gesture’s significance.
Why did Gaius initially consider it just an ordinary trade or a favour for a friend until Michion suggested otherwise?
Was it because Gaius wasn’t a wise ruler?
Managing a country to such prosperity already made him an excellent monarch.
It was a matter of perspective. Michion’s foresight came from his previous life’s exposure to news and living in an information-rich era.
Previously, the Kingdom of Ishtar significantly influenced the North Sea. Though neighbouring countries occasionally waged wars for profit, Ishtar held substantial sway in the region.
Gaius’s habitual thinking prevented him from recognising the benefits of establishing diplomatic relations with the distant Kingdom of Alabasta.
Grain could be sold to anyone, and Gaius didn’t value their exotic goods much. Selling to nearby countries increased influence, whereas Alabasta was far, posing logistical challenges and risks of pirate raids.
Additionally, Gaius hadn’t met Cobra frequently enough to develop a close alliance, seeing him only once every four years.
However, Michion’s reminder made Gaius realise the potential benefits. Beyond economic trade, an alliance would amplify their voice in the World Council.
Previously, both stood on the same side, but an official alliance would strengthen their nations and personal bonds.
Though the anime didn’t highlight the World Council’s influence, it was crucial.
Held every four years, the World Council drew global attention, with citizens and media eagerly following its developments.
The council discussions shaped major global policies, and minor disputes could ignite wars.
Ten-year-old Vivi accompanied her father, Cobra, to the World Council in the anime. Wapol’s selfish behavior led to a confrontation with Cobra, and Wapol retaliated by hitting Vivi. To avoid war, Vivi endured the pain until Wapol left, then cried from the hurt.
This incident highlighted the importance of alliances and influence in the World Council. If Wapol dared act arrogantly, two allied kings would intimidate him.
Two allied nations posed a significant deterrent even if Ishtar was in the North Sea.
So, while Michion sought to venture out for his plans, he genuinely valued the alliance and understood its importance.
Michion always recognized political influence; it provided vital protection before he grew stronger.
The principle of “1+1=2” was clear, and having two allied nations backing him held significant power.
This mutual benefit deserved serious attention from both sides.
As Michion set out for the Grand Line…
To the south of the Kingdom of Ishtar lay the mercenary kingdom of Kotal, a land known for chaos. Here, violence, murder, and theft were rampant and constant.
In this country, the weak did arduous, poorly paid work to survive, while the strong earned money through mercenary work.
For the common people, peace was a blessing, but for those relying on war for a living, it wasn’t good news.
Due to the increased pirate activity, countries focused on defence rather than waging wars, leaving Kotal’s mercenaries jobless.
This was intolerable, as the nation and its people thrived on war.
From the king to the mercenaries, war was a way of life. The king led the nation into wars, earning money and resources to sustain Kotal’s chaotic society.
Kotal’s acceptance of any warlike mercenary work was reminiscent of the Vinsmoke family.
Despite its rich iron resources, Kotal used them exclusively for weapon production, selling these to the mercenaries who earned money and resources through their contracts.
This created a highly distorted society where nearly everyone was a mercenary.
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