Plan

Boom, boom, boom, boom.

At six o'clock in the morning, just as dawn was breaking, a series of loud noises echoed through the woods. The surrounding trees trembled, the leaves rustled, and several huge craters appeared on the ground.

"The ground here is so loose."

Xia Qiu looked at the pit in the ground, her expression somewhat helpless.

Even if you shorten the distance and increase the frequency of your kick, a small dent will still appear when you kick with your own leg, due to your immense power.

Each time you step out with three legs, three holes appear in the ground.

I'm currently training my power generation method, and so far I'm only using three legs to generate power at a time. After a few training sessions, the pit in the ground is getting bigger and bigger.

"However, I can feel the feedback force."

In Xia Qiu, you can feel a reaction force when you step on it. Because of the short distance and high frequency, this force can be effectively accumulated.

This force is one-quarter of the force used when running at full speed and one-fifth of the force used when jumping at full speed, but the frequency and speed of the movement are much faster, only one-two-and-a-half, about once every 0.1 seconds.

This speed is a bit slow and doesn't meet the description of "shaving". Shaving is to stomp the ground more than ten times in an instant. This instant is 0.36 seconds. In other words, the time of one's single strike must be reduced to one-third.

In this process, the energy accumulation process is relatively large, but the energy loss required to propel the body forward only needs to occur once.

As your frequency increases, the energy loss per burst decreases, and the energy stored increases.

My current leg spacing is about 15 meters, and I can run at full speed for 30 meters per second, and jump at full speed for about 30 meters.

If one can stomp more than ten times in an instant, then one can accumulate extremely strong power and thus unleash even greater speed.

If you can learn to shave, you can move forward about fifty to eighty meters at a time, which is about your own body length.

The distance will continue to increase as one's body strengthens, and going even faster is not impossible.

However, there are also significant problems; we cannot accomplish this on our own.

My pedaling frequency is 0.1 seconds, which is already quite difficult to improve. With training, it can be shortened a little, but it is impossible to shorten it to 0.036 seconds.

This is due to physical limitations; at least the leg strength is insufficient and needs to be at least doubled.

But after increasing leg strength, can the accumulated explosive power propel the massive body forward? Can it achieve a satisfactory speed?

Therefore, physical strength must continue to be strengthened, otherwise the basic conditions for shaving cannot be met.

But before that, there are important things to do.

Are you ready?

Xia Qiu found Zala at eight o'clock, while Vivi was also on the island, wanting to see Xia Qiu's specific plans.

Zala said, "Four ships, enough winter supplies, twenty guards, and five doctors. Alken and Heckle are waiting on Island Three."

"President, have you prepared a doctor?" Vivi asked, somewhat surprised.

Xia Qiu said, "That's right, they need doctors, and Wapol took doctors with him after he left. I think the Drum Kingdom will need doctors for a while."

Wapol will need at least two months to return; before that, the Drum Kingdom needs a doctor.

Providing a doctor would allow one's plans to be implemented more effectively.

Vivi nodded and said, "But there are too few guards. Are we only sending twenty people?"

"That's quite a lot."

Xia Qiu said, "We don't need them for combat. The guards I selected are all carefully trained and run some peripheral industries. Some of them are trained to provide bodyguard services and do not get involved in killing. As for combat, we only need high-end forces."

Zala, Heckle, and Alken are enough.

The Drum Kingdom already had few soldiers, and due to its geographical constraints, it was unable to maintain a large army.

The kingdom's guards were taken away, leaving very few soldiers, but even with Wapol and his men, they were no match for them.

For example, Wapol's two henchmen, Jace and Cromalimon, when combined, were no match for Chopper and were easily defeated.

Chopper and Usopp, on the other hand, only won after a fierce battle with Mr. 4 from the original story and on Christmas Day.

The strength of these two subordinates was such that even without their Devil Fruit abilities, they could be defeated by Bora, Heike, Claire, and Elken; the difference in their physical abilities was simply too great.

Even with Wapol added to their combined strength, Alken, who possesses the Bomb-Bomb Fruit, could easily defeat them all by himself.

The only things Drum Kingdom needs to pay attention to right now are Chopper and Dalton; leaving them to Heckle to handle is no problem.

Of the three people I sent, Heckle is extremely strong in individual combat, Alken is good at group attacks, Zala is not afraid of being ambushed and can be led.

That's enough.

Xia Qiu looked at Zala and said, "Do you remember the identity I arranged for you?"

"Certainly."

Zala smiled and said, "My name is Zala Johnson. I come from the Volcano Kingdom in the Grand Line. However, the kingdom was destroyed by a volcanic eruption, so I left the Grand Line in the hope of rebuilding the country. My destination is the Drum Kingdom. I brought a large sum of money, I brought a doctor, and I promise that I will lead this country to strength. But if anyone tries to stop me, I will destroy them."

"So that's how it is."

Vivi Satori that, as the deposed king, seizing the Drum Kingdom would be a reasonable motive given the Drum Kingdom's leaderless and chaotic state.

Otherwise, if they went there as pirates or members of other organizations, they would only have a subconscious resistance and would not accept it at all.

The next step is to have the ability to control the country, which can be divided into two aspects.

First, there is military force. A strong military deterrent can make the people give up their will to resist and can consolidate one's regime. Most importantly, it tells them that even if Wapol returns, they can defend their homeland.

Secondly, there's the promise of benefits and hope. By offering these, people can see hope and, when they are powerless to resist, these become their bargaining chips to convince themselves.

In contrast to Wapol's rule, they are unlikely to launch a large-scale rebellion for the time being.

As long as the country becomes stronger and the people's lives improve, the throne will become more secure.

"Zala, I'm entrusting this matter to you. You must do a good job," Xia Qiu said, looking at Zala.

"I see."

Zala was somewhat excited. She naturally knew the significance of this identity: the queen of a fallen kingdom, who would become the king after she seized the country.

In this country, she is the most prestigious person, and even if she is controlled by Xia Qiu, it is not a problem.

"So you also have to bear the consequences."

Xia Qiu said, "If you succeed, you will be the king; if you fail, you will have to slink back home."

Xia Qiu didn't think Zala could do it because she had a poor overall perspective and was too weak in adapting to changing circumstances. She was good at executing orders, but when it came to actually doing something, especially stealing a country, there was a certain chance of failure.

But in reality, among those around him, only Vivi could perfectly do this according to his plan.

It's difficult for other people to achieve perfection.

However, Vivi was unable to intervene and had to send Zala instead.

"Don't worry, I will definitely complete the mission."

Zala said with absolute certainty.

Xia Qiu said, "But you must remember to try not to kill anyone, and even more so, after becoming king, you must not act recklessly and seek personal gain."

Don't worry.

Zala laughed and said, "Now that I'm king, how could I possibly attack my own country?"

"I hope so."

Xia Qiu said coldly, "Otherwise, I'll send Vivi to the island to kill you myself."

"I understand," Zala said, her expression composed.

Vivi did not deny it; if Zala really did that, she wouldn't mind taking action.

"Remember the name of the person I told you."

Xia Qiu continued, "Dalton, the former captain of the guard, is also the most trusted man by the people. You must make him your ally. After defeating him, invite him to assist you in governing the country, give him important responsibilities, and you can even teach him the duties of managing the country."

"I've got it," Zala said immediately.

"Then let's set off."

Xia Qiu said softly, "You are fully responsible for this matter. I will not interfere with your actions. If you need anything, contact Cecilia."

"I will complete the mission."

Zala couldn't wait to leave the island with a few of her men, departing by submarine.

"President, aren't you going?"

Vivi looked at Xia Qiu with curiosity.

Xia Qiu said, "My presence there would actually cause the mission to fail."

After raising the bounty on his wanted poster, he estimated that not many people would be unaware of him, and going there would actually attract the navy's encirclement and suppression.

"So you don't plan to go with her? And leave everything to Zala and don't interfere with her actions."

Vivi said, "But to be honest, Zala's abilities are limited. I don't think she can do it well on her own, especially if she fails..."

"Failure is failure, it won't cost us anything," Xia Qiu said nonchalantly.

Xia Qiu didn't care whether the mission succeeded or not, which is why she used a relatively simple and direct plan.

The outcome is simply success or failure.

Success would mean acquiring a nation, which could serve as a powerful support for the Utopia Plan, enhance the cohesion of the entire Baroque Works, and, given its unique environment, serve as a special mobile location.

However, the material rewards will not be much, and too much manpower, resources, and dowry will be poured into it. At least Zala must be sent to guard it, and one of Heckle and Alken must also stay.

Xia Qiu now values Baroque Works' industries and high-end personnel the most. As for the ordinary assassins and bounty hunters, he has been controlling their transformation. The newly trained people have also begun to directly get involved in various industries, separating the industries from Baroque Works.

Xia Qiu's income no longer requires bounty hunters to hunt pirates and steal treasure, or assassins to carry out missions.

Xia Qiu has also stopped assassination missions. Bounty hunters can still be kept around, but their value is not very high. If a country can put a period to the Utopia Plan, then the result will not be bad.

In other words, having this country can bring some benefits, but not having this country doesn't result in much loss.

Vivi asked helplessly, "And then what happens after we succeed? Who will govern this country? We can't let Zala do it, can we?"

"Isn't it Dalton?"

Xia Qiu said, "That guard captain can govern this country well."

Vivi asked curiously, "What about the interests of Baroque Works? They won't do things the way you think they will."

"It's with you."

Xia Qiu said with a smile.

"I?"

Vivi asked, puzzled, "You know my identity, so I have no way to show up."

"Once the Drum Kingdom elects a new king, you can step forward."

Xia Qiu said, "You will be cooperating with the Drum Kingdom as Alabasta's representative. My people will accompany you, and Heckle will be in charge of the liaison. Your arrival can also be considered a political achievement of Zala."

"Can."

After careful consideration, Vivi realized that it wouldn't affect her personally, but it could open up a route for Alabasta.

It's always better for two countries to be friendly than to be hostile to each other.

"Then I'll ask you one last question," Xia Qiu suddenly said, his expression turning serious.

Vivi looked at Xia Qiu and asked curiously, "I wonder what the president's question is?"

Xia Qiu looked at her and asked, "If Zala leaves, would you be willing to join Baroque Works as its Vice President?"

"The Vice President?"

Vivi smiled and said, "This position is actually very attractive to me. You are wanted by the police and cannot show your face. The Vice President has too much power. As long as it doesn't go against your wishes, I would be willing to control the entire gang to do things. You wouldn't do anything about it, would you?"

"Certainly."

Xia Qiu nodded and said, "I can give you a lot of power."

"But I'd better not. As Princess of a country, I can't be exposed in the open. Once I'm completely tied to Baroque Works, I'll be stuck with the organization forever." Vivi shook her head and said, then looked at Xia Qiu and added, "It's better to be partners, especially since the president is planning to separate Baroque Works."

"Then that's settled."

Xia Qiu felt a little regretful. She wanted Vivi to be completely tied to Baroque Works, to advance and retreat together, which would reduce risks and increase strength.

He could also gradually separate the Baroque Works, separating the business from the organization, to avoid being implicated.

However, Vivi keenly sensed this and realized that the idea would not come to fruition.

If Zala really takes control of the Drum Kingdom, then Cecilia can only become MR0, and then Alken can be promoted to MR4.

After Cecilia mastered the Six Powers, her strength increased significantly, definitely surpassing all the other members and second only to herself, making her qualified to serve as Mr. 0.

Other members will only be taught a portion of the Six Powers, and the pace will be slowed down, taking two to three years.

During this process, I will try to help him master Armament Haki.

It can be said that Cecilia can grow up alongside him. Her ability to handle affairs is extremely weak, but in terms of combat talent, she is much better than Zala.

"I should go back now."

Vivi looked at Xia Qiu and said.

"There's one more thing."

Xia Qiu said, "Don't forget about the Blackbeard Pirates. You must keep track of their movements. Not only that, you need to pass on the information about the Blackbeard Pirates' attack on the Drum Kingdom and his desire to become Shichibukai. Also, while you're investigating them, you need to have your people in the surrounding area, especially near the Drum Kingdom, to see if anyone is investigating the Blackbeard Pirates, and focus your search on one person named Ace, who is the second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates."