Teacher Kai's Support, CP0's Arrival

With Fukurokuju's knowledge, it was difficult for Ian to explain what changing production methods meant.

Farming was a dead end, especially the small-scale peasant economy of the feudal era with its "men plow, women weave" system.

To truly increase the nation's wealth, industry had to be developed.

And the foundation of industry, besides technology, was workers.

Especially in the early stages of industrialization, labor was the most crucial factor.

In his previous life, Britain had carried out a vigorous enclosure movement, precisely to drive peasants off the land and into factories, making them the driving force behind industrial upgrading.

This was exactly what Ian intended to do now.

However, while providing labor, there was still one more thing to do.

Ian went to find Teacher Kai.

"You're here at the perfect time,"

Teacher Kai was unusually sober today, but his words made Ian's lips twitch slightly. "It's been a few days since I last taught you all, hasn't it?"

Didn't you just beat us up after defeating Oden?

Ian grumbled inwardly.

But for now, it was time to discuss important matters.

"Teacher Kai, I need your support."

"My support?"

Teacher Kai frowned. "What do you intend to do, kid?"

Ian truthfully relayed the two orders he had just issued to Teacher Kai.

Kaido burst into laughter upon hearing this. "Aren't you doing a great job, kid? That's right! This country doesn't need samurai or farmers, it's enough to build it into my factories and mines."

"I don't think that's enough, Teacher Kai,"

Ian said.

"Hm?"

The man, who had been laughing moments ago, frowned.

"People are the most important resource,"

Ian said. "If we let things slide, Wano Country will be depopulated in just a few years, and then no factory will be able to operate."

"So, what are you trying to say, kid?"

"I hope that both the factories and mines will reduce their workload to a level that ordinary people can bear, and that wages will be paid to the workers in the factories and mines."

Ian continued, "It doesn't have to be much, just enough to support the workers and their families."

"Hmph, reduce the workload? And make me use profits to subsidize those scum?"

Teacher Kai snorted. "What foolishness are you spouting, kid! They just need to work in the factories like slaves."

"Teacher Kai,"

Ian argued persistently, "even slaves, if their survival isn't guaranteed, they won't work diligently."

"I'll make them give their all with my swords and guns."

"Maybe for a day, or two, but what about a year, or two? They already have nothing. If they can't even survive, how can you threaten them? If the people do not fear death, how can you make them fear it? Moreover, in such a situation, how will they reproduce? Who will work for us in ten or twenty years?"

Teacher Kai frowned slightly.

"At the very least, let them see hope for survival,"

Ian said. "If the workload isn't enough, you can hire more workers. Just pay them wages, and let them solve the other problems themselves."

"People in dire straits will never let go if they see even a glimmer of hope, and wages are that glimmer of hope."

People without hope fear nothing, but office workers are different.

"You brat!"

Teacher Kai looked at Ian with a surprised expression.

He could actually feel a passion from this kid!

What a strange thing to witness!

"And, Teacher Kai,"

Ian said earnestly, "you said that the affairs of this country are entrusted to me."

"I also said that the most important thing for you is to become stronger," Teacher Kai retorted coldly.

"I won't abandon becoming stronger,"

Ian replied, "I just believe that doing this will make the Beasts Pirates even stronger."

This kid was actually getting tough with him now?

"Interesting. Then do as you please."

Teacher Kai chuckled and said indifferently, "But I'll say it again, as long as it doesn't affect the Weapon Factory's business, if you can't do it, don't blame me for being impolite!"

"I also hope Uncle Queen can help,"

Ian grinned and pushed his luck, "Help improve the Weapon Factory's technology, reduce pollution, and develop some agricultural machinery. We need to move a large number of farmers into the factories, but agricultural production can't lag behind. We can only use machinery to replace manual labor."

The agricultural population will decrease, but agricultural output cannot.

Otherwise, Wano Country still won't be able to feed itself.

"You brat, ugh-ho-ho-ho!"

Teacher Kai laughed instead of getting angry.

This was the first time he had seen Ian look so serious about something other than getting stronger.

It even surprised Kaido.

"Go find Queen yourself."

"Teacher Kai, I respect you!"

Ian was satisfied.

"But before that,"

Teacher Kai stood up, his gaze unfriendly, "Let me see your recent progress!"

It's only been a few days, how much progress could he have made?

However, Teacher Kai was being so accommodating, he couldn't fall short.

"I'll go find Yamato."

Yeah, good brother, we'll face hardship together.

After being thoroughly thrashed again, to the point where he was too exhausted to even use his abilities, Ian, bruised and swollen, went to find Queen.

After explaining his intentions.

"Huh?"

Uncle Queen's face trembled with rage, "You little brat, you really know how to cause trouble for me! Where would I find the time to research these bizarre things for you!"

"This is Teacher Kai's idea."

Ian emphasized his authority, then added softly, "Uncle Queen, and don't you think that compared to destruction, creation and construction are more fulfilling?"

"What nonsense are you spouting?"

Uncle Queen glared at him without politeness, "Go tell that big-headed Vegapunk that! I'm not interested!"

"Oh?"

Ian feigned surprise, "Uncle Queen, are you saying only Vegapunk can do this, but you can't? But we can't find Vegapunk, so we'll have to ask Teacher Kai to find Vinsmoke Judge? Uncle Queen, didn't you say you worked on research together? Can you contact him?"

"Huh? Vegapunk? Judge?"

Uncle Queen's entire body trembled, he shot up angrily, "You dare to say that! Fine! You just wait! I'll show you what a world-class scientist is!"

Ian's lips curled.

As everyone knew, all the top scientists in the world harbored grudges against Vegapunk, a mix of jealousy and admiration, willing to do anything to surpass him.

And Uncle Queen was still obsessed with Vinsmoke Judge.

In short, the objective was perfectly achieved.

"However,"

Uncle Queen suddenly turned back, looking at Ian with surprise, "Has something changed about you, kid?"

Was this kid always this proactive?

The next day.

Noon.

Ian stood on the balcony of the top floor of the Tenshukaku, looking down at the plaza below.

A temporary platform had been set up in the plaza outside the Tenshukaku, and on it, a bound man knelt.

It was Shimotsuki Yasuie.

Today was his public execution.

Most of the previous Shoguns and Daimyos of Wano Country were already dead, leaving only him.

There was no use in keeping him, and besides, this guy still had considerable prestige among the samurai of Wano Country.

So, it was best to execute him.

"Your Majesty!"

Just then, the paper door opened, and Fukurokuju entered respectfully, "The person has arrived."

Ian didn't turn his head, "Let them in."

"Yes."

Fukurokuju bent over and turned, shouting towards the door, "Your Majesty bids you to enter."

Outside the door, three men in white suits, white cloaks, and masks slowly walked in.

Ian finally turned around, "Welcome to Wano Country, envoys of the World Government, CP0."

The three CP0 members were also sizing up Ian.

The one in the lead, wearing a goat mask, bowed slightly to Ian, "It is a pleasure to meet you, His Majesty Ian."

He's still just a child.

He really has that Kaido fellow's style.

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