Chapter 40: 40. Planning To Go To Sea

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- Alex, who had already left the office, had no idea of the profound impact his writings had on Toki. While he wasn't an expert in politics, his training and knowledge of history had given him a sense of key strategies, particularly ones that could benefit a secluded country like Wanokuni. With Alex's authorization, Toki, now serving as the chief manager, took charge of implementing these policies. After coordinating with the daimyo and other influential figures, the new "poverty alleviation" measures were rolled out nationwide, sparking widespread discussion. "Did you see the announcement? Shogun Alex is shifting focus to the townships, reducing the amount of crops they're required to hand over each year. And there's talk of new incentives, too!" "Yeah, I'm already planning to head back to Ringo from the Flower Capital. It's been so long since I was home." "Oh, now you want to go back!" With the promise of benefits and new opportunities, people started considering returning to their hometowns. The concentration of resources and labor in the Flower Capital began to spread more evenly across Wanokuni, just as Alex had envisioned. Then, Alex revealed a show of "divine power" to his people by relocating several small overseas islands near the Udon region, using them as a new hub for shipbuilding and weapon production. This expansion not only allowed for external trade but also invigorated Wanokuni's own industries, from agriculture to livestock rearing. In just two months, the effects of the poverty alleviation policy became evident. Rural areas flourished, especially in agriculture. With an increased workforce, long-abandoned land was cultivated again, and grain production began to soar. Within those first two months, projected harvests nearly matched half of Wanokuni's previous annual yield, and the upward trend showed no signs of slowing. By the third month, Shogun's castle issued a new announcement on talent training initiatives, sparking another wave of excitement across the nation. After the recent trend of people returning home, there was now a rush toward martial arts, ninja training, and swordsmanship schools. With new warriors and artisans emerging, Wanokuni's future fighting force was growing stronger and more prepared. In the fifth month, just as the year 1505 of the Sea Circle Calendar approached, Alex made an intriguing discovery during a visit to northern cemetery—a Devil Fruit. He surmised it to be the Human-Human Fruit Model Onyudo, a rare fruit he remembered being connected to the fox companion of Shimotsuki Ushimaru. Recognizing Wanokuni's unique connection to Devil Fruits, Alex decided to address the superstitions surrounding them. Historically seen as witchcraft, Devil Fruits were misunderstood by many of Wanokuni's citizens. Through schools and public announcements, Alex began educating the population, explaining the true nature of these mysterious fruits. At the same time, Alex implemented a new system, calling on people across Wanokuni to report and turn in any strange fruits they found. These fruits would be brought to the Shogun, with a promise of generous rewards in return. By March 1505 in the Sea Circle Calendar, most of Wanokuni had gained a basic understanding of Devil Fruits, and in that time, Alex had even received three Devil Fruits handed in by the people. However, without a Devil Fruit Encyclopedia to identify them, their abilities remained a mystery to him. This lack of information—and the limitations of Wanokuni's isolation—stirred within Alex a growing desire to set sail. As soon as Yamato heard of Alex's plan, she immediately begged to join him on his journey. Even Black Maria, though more reserved, couldn't hide the sparkle of excitement in her eyes. Alex intended to bring them both, not only to broaden their horizons but to help them grow as his future allies. And so, they waited until the Fire Festival, the grandest celebration in Wanokuni. That night, the entire nation—from commoners to noble samurai—immersed itself in festivities. Over the past six months, Alex's reforms had brought significant economic improvements across Wanokuni, and the effects were especially visible tonight. Though the Flower Capital remained the most vibrant, other townships, too, celebrated with newfound prosperity. The streets of the Flower Capital glowed with lanterns, laughter, and music, the city alive with a festive spirit. From his place atop the castle tower, Alex looked down, holding a cup of sake as he watched the festivities below. Amid the crowd, he could make out Yamato, Maria, and Hiyori laughing together, enjoying the evening. With the spread of knowledge about Devil Fruits, the people of Wanokuni had also begun to learn about other races in the world. This had helped lessen some old prejudices, evident now in the way Yamato, Maria, and others mingled freely. Alex turned to Toki, standing beside him. "After tonight, I'll leave you in charge of Wanokuni's affairs for a while, Toki." She raised an eyebrow. "Running away from your duties already, Shogun?" Alex shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I'm only taking Yamato and Maria because they'll be valuable to my work abroad. This is a business trip, not a pleasure cruise. Besides, Hiyori is better off here for now. She's still young, and as a princess, it'll be good for her to stay and connect with Wanokuni." Toki studied him thoughtfully. "You really do plan everything out, don't you?" Though her words held a note of teasing, her expression softened into a smile. In the glow of the lanterns, her gentle features and the strands of blue hair that framed her face seemed to possess a serene beauty. On a sudden impulse, Alex tossed aside his sake cup and, with a light leap aided by his Float-Float Fruit powers, landed smoothly on the ground, reaching out to pull Toki into his arms. Startled, she didn't resist at first. But as his face drew closer, a flush crept across her cheeks. "A-Alex?!" "Remember what I just said when we met: I'm a person who always pursues my goals and will work hard to achieve them." Something about his words struck a chord. Toki recalled the day they'd first met, the bitter anger she'd felt, the sense of coercion. But as she stood here now, embraced in his arms, those memories felt strangely distant, the emotions softened over time. In these past six months, Alex had not only led Wanokuni toward a new era but had shown her a deeper, more caring side—both toward her and toward Hiyori. His vision, intellect, and unwavering dedication to his goals had won her admiration, almost against her will. She didn't know which feelings were genuine, which were born from circumstance. But one thing was certain: her resentment from that first meeting had long since faded, replaced by a newfound respect and trust. In just half a year, Alex had become an indelible part of her life.