Chapter 67: 67. Changes

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari Free giveaway, just paste the link: https://www.patreon.com/CosmicKaminari/redeem/8B540 ---------- After more than half a year away, Alex's return to Wanokuni brought a sense of fulfillment that made the long journey worthwhile. That night, Alex, made an unannounced return to the capital, pulling Toki along with him. Toki, who had finally managed to put past conflicts to rest, allowed Alex to lead him forward with a mix of lingering resentment and shy acceptance. Together, they shared a reunion that, in many ways, was deeper and richer than any previous encounter, savoring the warmth of familiar 'taste' and the rekindling of memories after months apart. By the following afternoon, Alex set to work organizing the various alliances and structures within Wanokuni in his role as Shogun. His first move was to formally integrate Amazon Lily as a "special zone" within Wanokuni, enhancing the nation's strength with their formidable warriors. Amazon Lily would retain its autonomy but gain the benefits enjoyed by the rest of Wanokuni, including resources, education, and medical aid. Alex even used his Devil Fruit abilities to create a road that linked the island of the Kuja to Wanokuni. This new passage allowed for swift mobilization of the Kuja warriors, should they be needed, while facilitating the exchange of volunteers and resources with the rest of Wanokuni. Amazon Lily would remain an enclave off-limits to men, however; a fortified gate stood at the road's entrance, rising and falling to restrict access as needed. Gloriosa, wary of male intrusions in a land full of women, upheld these protections for added security. Recently, though, Alex had heard that curiosity about Wanokuni was stirring within Amazon Lily. Many Kuja citizens were eager to experience life beyond their island, sparking interest in travel arrangements to Wanokuni. This new cultural exchange had become a topic of excitement in the capital, especially given that it didn't conflict with the Kuja's core laws. The former Kuja Pirates, in particular, saw no issue in exploring this expanded kingdom, especially as it posed no threat to their homeland. In Alex's view, the inner workings of Amazon Lily were best left to their own discretion. Once arrangements for Amazon Lily were in place, Alex turned his attention to his trusted allies and retainers. This included Laffitte, whose powers made him invaluable; Perona, with her Ghost-Ghost Fruit abilities; and the young Kuina and Zoro, whose potential with the sword could hardly be overstated. Robin, with her keen intellect, was entrusted with managing resources and intelligence operations. Meanwhile, Nami was set to become an adept navigator, and Alex anticipated that both she and Robin would soon rise as invaluable figures within his council. Each of these individuals was given quarters within the Shogun's mansion, undergoing training to become high-ranking officials or court advisors. Even the future Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock, was included in these plans. For now, Hancock would remain on Amazon Lily under Gloriosa's tutelage, journeying to Wanokuni to visit Alex periodically. Alex also arranged for Shimotsuki Koshiro to establish a dojo in the Flower Capital, where Koshiro could train new samurai and nurture Wanokuni's warrior spirit. While the dojo was still under construction, Koshiro used the time to visit other esteemed swordsmen in the land, hoping to finally break through the barriers in his own swordsmanship. In this way, Alex steadily laid the foundation for a new era in Wanokuni, each alliance and arrangement adding strength and unity to the kingdom's future. Alex, now firmly in control, is using Hogback and his extensive knowledge along with Drum Island's advanced medical technology to establish a specialized medical team across Wanokuni, marking the beginning of a robust healthcare initiative for the nation. This effort mirrors the formation of the scientific divisions, combining traditional medicine with modern methods to revolutionize Wanokuni's medical care. Meanwhile, Alex also restructured the research institute, continuing their work in SAD development while expanding into weaponry, machinery, and integrating Wanokuni's traditional craftsmanship. This fusion aims to produce uniquely powerful weapons and equipment that are both effective and culturally resonant, enhancing Wanokuni's military strength. Committed to knowledge dissemination, Alex plans to select skilled lecturers to regularly share their expertise, helping drive cultural and technological progress. He is also importing specialized facilities, tools, and knowledge from overseas, enriching Wanokuni's intellectual landscape. Alex is determined to prevent Wanokuni from becoming a country that only relies on brute force; instead, he aims for balanced development that could eventually extend its influence across the entire sea. During Alex's first days back managing Wanokuni's affairs, the World Government in Mariejois convened urgently to discuss the growing influence of the "New Flying Admiral". Seated in the highest council chamber, one of the Five Elders spoke gravely, his expression stern as he revealed, "According to intel from Morgans, that man seems to have assumed control of Wanokuni without our knowledge. Both Amazon Lily and the Punk Hazard research facilities are now linked to that nation..." With a slap of frustration, he laid out the letter bearing CP agents' findings on the table. This report, derived from Morgans' intel and compiled by the CP agency, pointed to Alex's increasing influence. Tracking his Float-Float Fruit abilities proved challenging, but reports from Punk Hazard and the eyewitness accounts of Morgans' news agents confirmed that Alex had indeed returned to Wanokuni. Morgans, having grasped the explosive nature of the story, chose not to publish it immediately. Instead, the World Government bought his silence for the time being, spending handsomely to prevent an uncontrolled release of the information. The other Four Elders reviewed the report, each gleaning the essentials in moments. "Wanokuni..." muttered the blonde Elder. "That explains why Kaido's pirate crew has been active outside the usual territories in the New World. We knew Kaido shared control of Wanokuni with Kurozumi. Our agents have observed Kaido's role in the dark world's weapons trade for years." "What's the next move?" asked the Elder in the bonnet, glancing sharply at his peers. The data was undeniable—Alex had wrested control of Wanokuni from Kaido, proving himself a power on par with the monsters of the sea. With Wanokuni's armed forces and Alex's fleet strengthened by the Float-Float Fruit, he now possessed a force as formidable as the legendary Golden Lion Shiki's flying fleet once was. It appeared that the specter of a new "Golden Lion" was looming on the horizon, a figure capable of shaking the very foundations of the sea.