Transformation

On the deserted island, Xia Qiu looked at Vivi not far away and asked with concern, "How are your injuries?"

Vivi replied, "After it was bandaged, it has recovered a lot."

"The main reason I called you here is about what you told me three days ago."

Xia Qiu nodded, then suddenly said, "You said the Blackbeard Pirates attacked Drum Kingdom and drove King Walpol out of the country?"

"That's right."

Vivi nodded and said, "The club president told me to keep a close eye on the Blackbeard Pirates, and I've already arranged for someone to investigate."

"This matter is very important."

Xia Qiu cautioned, "Be careful, don't let them discover our presence."

The Blackbeard Pirates now have five members, all of whom are quite strong. If they are discovered, it will be a significant problem for Baroque Works.

"Don't worry. They have no intention of hiding their identities now, and they cause a ruckus wherever they go. It's very easy to investigate them."

Vivi paused for a moment, then said, "Moreover, the people I sent out were unaware of my existence or that of Alabasta, and the people who contacted them were all loyal subordinates of Alabasta."

Xia Qiu nodded. Blackbeard had just left the Whitebeard Pirates. He was determined to leave, and it was highly likely that he had obtained the Dark-Dark Fruit. He had been lying low for so many years in search of this fruit.

After leaving, he gathered his companions with the intention of making a name for himself, driven by immense ambition.

He is currently in the accumulation phase, trying to make his name known, while hoping to find an opportunity to obtain a higher position.

However, Crocodile died a year and a half earlier than in the original story, and a new Shichibukai was formed.

Blackbeard couldn't have tried to capture Luffy, the culprit who caused the chaos in Water 7, to surrender to the World Government and gain the title of Shichibukai. Of course, he eventually captured Ace, handed Ace over to the World Government, and thus obtained the title of Shichibukai.

So, it remains to be seen what method Blackbeard plans to use to rise to power.

"There's one more thing."

Xia Qiu turned to look at Vivi and asked, "Tell me, the situation in the Drum Kingdom is chaotic."

"That's right."

Vivi nodded and said, "Wapol left with his guards and some soldiers. The entire Drum Kingdom is in a state of chaos right now, and the people are still observing. They urgently need a leader."

Xia Qiu asked, "So you want our Baroque Works to get involved? To control the entire country?"

"I didn't..."

Vivi was about to deny it when she saw Xia Qiu staring at her. She shook her head and chuckled, "I do have that idea."

"Why?"

Xia Qiu asked, puzzled, "Why do you want us to interfere in other people's countries? This isn't your personality. Or is it because you were bullied by Wapol when you accompanied King Cobra to the World Government Conference when you were young, that you developed hatred for him?"

How did you know?

Vivi asked in surprise after hearing Xia Qiu's words.

"I naturally have ways of knowing," Xia Qiu said softly, then added, "Answer my question."

"Of course not for that reason."

Vivi said, "I just feel that the people of this country are somewhat pitiful."

Xia Qiu nodded and said, "Tell me your thoughts."

Vivi said, "Because the Drum Kingdom is relatively close to Alabasta, and because of what happened when I was young, after I established the intelligence department, the first country I sent my intelligence agents to infiltrate was the Drum Kingdom. I learned that Wapol took away all the country's doctors, executed those who did not serve him, and imposed harsh taxes, making the entire country miserable. People dared not get sick, had meager incomes, and could barely survive."

Xia Qiu said, "But Wapol has left. Perhaps they can choose a suitable king?"

"It's difficult. First of all, Wapol might not go back, and once he does, the whole country will be back to how it was before."

Vivi said, "Secondly, Wapol took many things with him: treasure, doctors. Only one doctor remains practicing in the entire Drum Kingdom. Finally, can the king chosen by this country lead it to prosperity, reverse its current dire situation, or even lead its people to wealth?"

Hearing this, Xia Qiu nodded.

Vivi's guess was correct. Two months later, when Wapol Luffy, Wapol returned to the Drum Kingdom and attempted to reclaim the country.

Without Luffy's help, this country would have plunged back into darkness. And in this version of history, without Nami, it's uncertain whether Luffy would have reached the Grand Line, or even if he would have made it that way at all.

Of course, this reason is not because Vivi is worried about the Drum Kingdom's ideas.

Her main concern is that the Drum Kingdom may not be able to find a suitable leader, nor may it be able to reverse the current situation.

Xia Qiu looked at Vivi and asked curiously, "But why do you interfere in other people's internal affairs? Especially with such forceful interference."

"As long as the result is good, that's enough," Vivi said softly.

The original Vivi was quite idealistic, hoping that people could live in peace and prosperity, that everyone could live a happy life, and that this could be achieved in a way that would satisfy everyone.

However, with her collaboration with Xia Qiu and the access to information from the intelligence department, she now finds it too difficult.

Xia Qiu laughed and said, "Then why choose us? Baroque Works, how much better are they Wapol?"

"You are far more evil Wapol," Vivi suddenly said. "You kill, plunder, and disregard human life; you are far worse than Wapol."

Xia Qiu said, "Really?"

"But you are a very good partner."

Vivi continued, "I've always believed there are four main types of transactions. The first is plunder, which involves taking everything from the other party, overdrawing their potential, and exploiting them to gain profit. The second is exploitation, which involves squeezing the value out of the target, leaving them only with the ability to survive. The third is cooperation, where both parties give and receive what they want. The fourth is investment, where one party contributes a portion and waits for returns. This investment helps the other party, and in the process, the other party's growth brings huge benefits, while one party grows along with them and gains even greater profits."

"Walpol is the first type. He took away the doctor, imposed high taxes, and left the entire nation barely surviving." At this point, Vivi looked at Xia Qiu and said, "The second type is still terrible, and it's the method I rejected. But the third and fourth methods each have their advantages, and the fourth one offers greater benefits and is more advantageous to the other party, but the risks are obviously greater. Baroque Works ' style of operation is like a combination of these two. For example, you cooperate with Alabasta, build casinos, invest in various industries, inject a large amount of capital, and even the profits you get cannot cover your investment within a year. But everything you do improves social infrastructure, attracts a large population, and the population drives the entire city." Development, urban development, has brought abundant business opportunities, improved people's living standards, and the establishment of more comprehensive social facilities, thus attracting more people. You, in turn, utilize this increased population to boost casino revenue and earn a share. Meanwhile, your investments in the city—such as the real estate you purchased, the shops you opened, the nightclubs you opened, and the bodyguard services you provided—all generate a steady stream of income. Your partners, on the other hand, have gained a prosperous city; within two years, its fiscal revenue has surpassed that of all other cities. It's foreseeable that Aru-Ma City will become even more prosperous in the future. In terms of gains, we far outweigh yours, but without these investments, your income would be at least ten times less.

Hearing Vivi's words, Xia Qiu smiled and nodded. After agreeing to help Vivi build the Aru-Ma City, he not only invested in casinos, but also secretly bought land, developed buildings, and ventured into various industries.

As the Aru-Ma City prospered, the Baroque Works's income increased.

Vivi continued, "And then there's the establishment of the intelligence organization. You used my identity to provide funding and personnel to build a powerful intelligence organization, nominally belonging to me. However, you concealed your strength until after the organization was established, when you revealed it, forcing me to obey you, which ultimately brought you the greatest benefit. Yet, you adhered to the agreement, not overstepping a single step, thus ensuring the stability of the cooperation. This organization is now shared by us, and so far, it has been very useful to Alabasta and has been of great help to you. It can be considered mutually beneficial. From this perspective, we have both cooperation and mutual benefit. In addition, I work for you, and you increase my strength."

Vivi added, "As long as an agreement is reached, you have never broken it. And in your cooperation, your partners will reap huge benefits."

Xia Qiu snorted and said, "I just want to gain more."

It's better to let the water flow slowly and steadily than to drain the pond to catch all the fish; killing the goose that lays the golden eggs is something only a fool would do.

Vivi said, "So I hope you can use the same method to control the Drum Kingdom. I think you'll at least do a better job than Walpol."

"The Drum Kingdom is of little value; it's a Winter Island with extremely harsh weather."

Xia Qiu slowly said, "In the Grand Line, there are four types of islands: Spring Island, Summer Island, Autumn Island, and Winter Island. Each island has four Xia Qiu, and each one is different."

To traverse the Grand Line, which is to circle the Earth, one would need to experience all sixteen seasons.

But no matter what, Winter Island is the place with the worst weather.

Vivi smiled and said, "But I think you can do it."

"You really trust me."

Xia Qiu shook his head and said, "Every country has some value, but I have a question: what does Alabasta intend to do in this process?"

"Can't do anything."

Vivi said, "On the surface, neither the nation nor I can get involved in the Drum Kingdom. If it happens, it will be a serious diplomatic crisis. Secretly, Alabasta won't have any designs on it either. Sending you to the Drum Kingdom is just my idea, so I don't intend to seek anything from you. However, I can mobilize all the intelligence personnel."

"Then let's proceed according to my plan."

Xia Qiu said, "I have already made the arrangements, and we will set off in two days."

"Good."

Vivi hesitated for a moment, then said, "Could you tell me about your plan?"

"We'll know in two days," Xia Qiu said softly.

"Then I'll come back here in two days. Goodbye, Mr. 0." Vivi bowed slightly and turned to leave.

After she left, Xia Qiu walked to the side, intending to continue training, but a voice rang out, "So your organization is called Baroque Works, and not only is Princess Vivi involved, but the entire Alabasta Kingdom is cooperating with you. Alabasta has betrayed the World Government."

"They cooperated with Baroque Works because of my threats and the benefits they would gain in the future. In the process of cooperating, they benefited far too much. A country that had been dry for a year received rain again, an abandoned city was revitalized, people's incomes increased, and people's lives got better and better."

Xia Qiu slowly said, "If you think this is a betrayal, then what about the Alabasta Kingdom, which was created by the Shichibukai World Government to kill so many people with drought in an attempt to control it? And what about the country that was subjected to tyranny by Wapol? Did their loyalty make their country better?"

After saying those words, Xia Qiu walked away into the distance, leaving Lucci sitting there alone with a gloomy expression.

On the East China Sea Silvan Island, Marcel, shirtless, brandished his broadsword, his muscular physique glistening with sweat.

"Nine hundred and ninety-nine, one thousand."

After completing a thousand sword swings, Marcel walked to the side and picked up a huge dumbbell to train again.

"It's time to eat."

A voice came from inside the house. Marcel nodded, went to the well, drew water, took a bath, changed into clean clothes, and returned to the house. He went to the bedroom first and looked lovingly at the baby sleeping soundly in the cradle.

"Dinner's ready. What are you doing?"

Nojiko by the door frame, looked at Marcel, and said irritably, "Mother and my younger siblings are all in the dining room."

"I'll go right away."

Marcel immediately followed his wife to the restaurant, where the food had already been served. Besides his mother, there was a younger brother and two younger sisters, all sitting by the side of the boat.

Their houses were very close together, connected by a wall. Because Nojiko take care of the children, Marcel's mother often came here to cook, and her two younger sisters would also help out.

"Brother, when are we going out to sea?" Marcel's younger brother asked curiously.

Marcel said, "Tomorrow at 11 a. m.

"Going out to sea so soon, and you don't even know how to help Nojiko with the housework or take care of the kids," Marcel's mother, Kaya, said irritably.

"I only train when I have some free time." Marcel scratched his head and looked apologetically at Nojiko. "I'm sorry, I'll make time for it."

"Fine."

Nojiko dismissively and said, "You're too clumsy to be of any help."

"Um."

Marcel nodded somewhat awkwardly.

Kaya said softly, "Marcel, why are you so determined to practice swordsmanship? And why do you intend to fight pirates?"

"I must protect the merchant ships from pirates and the crew from harm," Marcel said in a low voice.

"How could you possibly deal with pirates all by yourself? Two fists can't beat an opponent, how could you possibly defeat an entire pirate crew?"

Kaya looked at Marcel and said, "You're the captain of this ship. Fighting pirates will only provoke their wrath. What other merchant ship captains fight pirates like you? As long as you report it, the merchants won't hold you accountable for your losses, so why fight every time? Now that you have Little Evant, don't do unnecessary things. If you don't think about yourself, think about your family. Do you know how heartbroken your family is every time you get injured?"

You're right.

Upon hearing this, Marcel lowered his head in shame. "I will be more careful."

"But he'll do it again next time."

Nojiko speaking, she looked at Marcel and said, "Because he's not just trying to stop the pirates, he simply yearns for battle. Am I right?"

"Nojiko?"

Marcel looked at his wife.

"So Hachi was here. Every time you came to see me, you fought with Hachi for so long. I was quite jealous of him."

Nojiko said, "After Nami Hachi sail, you had no rivals and temporarily put down your sword. But when you saw Nami and Hachi's wanted posters and what they did, you were very excited and secretly picked up your sword again to train. Then you started fighting pirates, getting badly injured, but you also captured many pirates. And I heard from other merchant ship captains that you gathered many skilled fighters and even made a name for yourself at sea. Although you said it was to stop the pirates, you just wanted to fight and have an adventure. Come to think of it, you must have envied Nami and the others, right?"

"I don't envy them at all."

Marcel shook his head, his eyes hardening, and reached out to grasp Nojiko's hand, saying, "I will never fight pirates again."

"Yeah?"

Nojiko sighed, pulled her hand away from Marcel's, picked up her chopsticks, and started eating.

Marcel lowered his head, picked up his chopsticks, and began to shovel large mouthfuls of rice into his mouth.