One Piece: Groudon the Beasts

Chapter 258 Economic Warfare!
Holy Land, Marie Gioia.

"Is the Hoenn government going to engage in diplomacy with Alabasta?"

The Five Elders arrived at the Hall of Power.

In the morning, news came from Alabasta that Hoenn's Grand Marshal, Goode, had arrived in Alabasta and was there to establish diplomatic relations.

This confused them.

Diplomacy is secondary; what they care about is the underlying purpose.

"report!"

The messenger arrived at the Hall of Power.

"Just now, the Hoenn government sent us diplomatic documents."

"Bring it!"

The five elders coldly opened the document.

There are two items.

Firstly, it demands that the World Government publicly recognize the legitimacy of the Hoenn Government and sign a non-aggression peace treaty.

Secondly, it demands that the World Government and the Hoenn Government engage in free trade and refrain from interfering with the diplomatic activities of member states and the Hoenn Government.

The first one is fraught with danger and could damage the World Government's prestige; the second one is even worse, as it would mean that the member states' parliaments have been infiltrated by the Hoenn government.

However, there are supplementary contents in the document.

[If the above terms are not agreed to, the Hoenn government will not recognize the legitimacy of the World Government and will consider all activities of the World Government to be illegal, including but not limited to the World Government's trading ships and transport ships.]

"Bastard!"

The Five Elders were furious.

Threat, naked threat.

Clearly, if they do not agree to the Hoenn government's demands, the Hoenn government will retaliate against them.

The key is that the other party truly has the strength to challenge us!
Even if they send out a large number of troops, it will be difficult to defend against them completely, and this will greatly increase transportation costs.

If it really escalates into a situation where both sides resort to underhanded tactics to attack each other's logistics, the World Government would clearly be the one who suffers more.

Financial God of War Nasujuro Sei, holding the First Generation Kitetsu, said with a gloomy face: "I understand, that guy wants to wage an economic war against us!"

"Economic war?"

The other four frowned.

Nassou Sei explained in a cold voice.

"It's not just us; the Hoenn government also needs to avoid war. They are limited in size, and if they want to develop, they can only do so through other means. Foreign trade is their strategy!"

"They want to seize the market and acquire more wealth and resources through trade. Simply put, this is a bloodless war!"

"I see."

The crowd's gazes turned solemn.

"Are there any countermeasures?"

"Have."

Nasujiro drew a blade, its gleam reflecting off his glasses: "We can use the same methods to invade the Hoenn government's territory."

"We can compete with the Hoenn government for the market with even lower prices until the Hoenn government can't hold on and its economy is severely damaged!"

"Furthermore, we can impose high tariffs on goods sold by the Hoenn government to make them uncompetitive."

In terms of size, the World Government is ten times the size of the Hoenn Government. In an economic war, there is no reason for them to lose!

Even if it results in mutual destruction, it is acceptable.

"How's it going with the candidates for general?"

"Two people are suitable!"

Two photos were placed on the table.

The World Government is in such a passive position mainly because it has not yet recovered from the losses of the Marineford War, especially the vacant Admiral positions.

"These two are named Araki and Issho. They both possess monstrous strength. We should consider promoting them to the rank of general!"

"Seconded!"

The arrival of a powerful figure as an admiral will inevitably have some impact on the morale of the navy, but the current situation does not allow them to consider these factors.

"Send someone to Alabasta!"

"Seconded!"

Alabasta needs at least one high-ranking general as a deterrent to keep an eye on the royal family and the Hoenn government from getting too close.

Alabasta, the port of rapeseed flowers.

The residents were buzzing with discussion. "Hey, did you hear? The Groudon Company is recruiting construction workers, supposedly to rebuild Aruba!"

"How is the treatment?"

"Meals and accommodation are provided, you only need to work ten hours a day, including a one-hour lunch break, the minimum wage is 10 Berries per month, and there are extra bonuses for overtime!"

Wow! That's great!

Many residents were very interested.

Given the current situation in various cities, most people don't earn that much money each month, let alone with room and board included!
The working hours aren't too long either.

Moreover, due to the impact of the war, many workers were unemployed, and it was quite difficult to find a formal job, at least enough to feed their families.

"I want to sign up!"

"go together!"

Residents flocked to the registration point, and residents from other cities also rushed to the rapeseed flower port after hearing the news.

Port coast.

Groudon's engineering vessel has arrived; this time, only management personnel have come, and workers will be recruited locally.

This serves two purposes: first, to provide jobs for the locals and reduce their resistance; and second, to force Kobra to agree to Goode's conditions.

The land hasn't been sold to him yet.

"Get on the bus first, buy the ticket later."

Goode looked at the crowded registration area.

As an evil party, forced buying and selling is a fine tradition.

If Cobra refuses diplomacy, these workers who are waiting to support their families will probably spit on him to death.

A wise and benevolent ruler who loves his people like his own children will surely not disappoint them!
Not long after, the blue-haired girl with the black duck quietly approached Goode, asking with expectant eyes.

Are you Mr. Goode?

"Ok?"

Goode looked at the girl.

It looks familiar.

Bell, who was secretly monitoring Goode, saw the blue-haired girl and rushed out anxiously, shouting, "Princess Vivi, what are you doing here!"

"Uncle Bell, I just wanted to see Mr. Goode."

Vivi responded calmly, no longer showing the panic she used to feel when she was caught doing something wrong; she now exuded the aura of a princess.

Bell stood there, stunned.

Princess Vivi seems to have grown up!

Goode looked at Vivi.

No wonder she looked familiar, it's Weiwei.

"Your Highness, what brings you here?"

You can just call me Weiwei!

Vivi faced Goode, looking rather reserved yet somewhat excited, and took out a newspaper from her pocket.

"Mr. Goode, I'd like to know if what's written in the newspapers is all true?"

"This is."

Goode looked at the newspaper.

It was the period when the Hoenn government was announced.

"Yeah, it's true."

"Amazing!"

Vivi's eyes sparkled as she looked at Goode as if she were seeing an idol, without a trace of pretense.

Like a little fangirl.

Vivi held up the newspaper and pointed to the column on human rights and democracy: "Mr. Goode, I've wanted to meet you for a long time. Could you please tell me more about Hoenn's philosophy?"

"can."

Goode nodded, both amused and exasperated.

So that's why. As the heir to Alabasta, he should indeed pay attention to political and social issues.

Perhaps this girl will become a more outstanding king than her father.

(End of this chapter)