Instead of immediately seeking out the target, Aramaki, the Wang Shi conducted a normal state visit and exchange with the Taya Kingdom.
Both sides were very friendly, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.
Even King Qizhi VI was surprised that Wang Shi Toshi, the infamous King of Exile, was so easy to talk to.
He still thought Wang Shi was a domineering emperor who believed that those who obeyed him would prosper and those who defied him would perish.
But now it seems that's not the case.
This is also a good thing for the Taya Kingdom.
That evening, the Taya Kingdom held a grand noble party to entertain the Wang Shi entourage.
Almost all the prominent nobles in the entire Kingdom of Taya were fortunate enough to attend this grand banquet and witness the majesty of the imperial emperor.
One by one, noble ladies dressed in their finest attire wanted to make an appearance before the Wang Shi and hoped to gain Wang Shi favor.
Even if she were merely a concubine of the Wang Shi, she would be more noble than the queens of some ordinary Affiliated Nation.
In this world, Affiliated Nation are considered superior to non- Affiliated Nation and possess higher human rights standards.
The fifty countries that can participate in the Reverie are the best among the nearly two hundred Affiliated Nation, making them more powerful and having more say.
Now, the Goa Empire has defeated the Germa Kingdom, the Overlord of the North Blue.
This Overlord of the East Blue is undoubtedly one of the top nations among the fifty countries at the Reverie.
It can even influence the agenda of Reverie and vote on the policies implemented by the World Government.
After all, Wang Shi had won over the major Affiliated Nation of the East Blue, as well as Dressrosa, and even the Affiliated Nation Wang Shi was going to visit next...
With so many votes, Wang Shi's influence could indeed affect the final outcome of world issues.
In the eyes of these noble ladies, Wang Shi may become a person of esteem second only to the Celestial Dragons, the Celestial Dragons people.
···
However, Wang Shi had little interest in paying attention to these noblewomen. Even the Grand Duke's Shinagawa, who had dressed up meticulously and wanted to make a name for herself, did not attract Wang Shi's attention.
Shinagawa, who was exceptionally beautiful tonight, attracted the frenzied praise and flattery of Prince Qizhi and some sons of dukes and marquises, keeping her so busy that she had no time to approach the ultimate target, the Wang Shi.
After King Qizhi VI and Wang Shi entered the palace to discuss state affairs, they disappeared from sight.
This infuriated Shinagawa, but she had no choice but to deal with Prince Qizhi and his group.
···
"King Qizhi, in addition to establishing deeper exchanges with your country, I would also like to meet a friend of mine from the past."
After discussing normal state affairs, Wang Shi revealed his true colors by requesting a meeting with Aramaki.
"Aramaki? I vaguely remember him. I've heard Grand Duke Harada and the Guard Commander mention him. He's quite capable. Is he your friend?"
King Qizhi VI was somewhat surprised; he didn't seem to care much about the affairs of a high-ranking police officer.
After all, in his eyes, Aramaki was just an "unknown" police officer, not very famous, and had never been featured in the World Economic News.
It doesn't even compare to the names of those "great pirates" in the South Blue.
King Qizhi VI and the Wang Shi were unaware of was that most of the merits made by the Aramaki had been divided up by the nobles and officers, becoming their own dazzling achievements, and were reported to the king's desk.
Aramaki had been working his way up in the capital of Taya for so many years, and at 37 years old, he was still just a high-ranking police officer, not even a general, let alone a noble title.
After all, the pirates and criminals in the South Blue have only so much strength; their limit is also Aramaki's 'limit'.
All those nobles and officers knew was that Aramaki could defeat any invading pirates.
In their eyes, Aramaki's strength was roughly on par with the 'Great Pirate' with the highest bounty in the South Blue.
No one knows the full extent of Aramaki's strength.
Even Aramaki, who had never left the South Blue, was not quite sure what level his strength had reached.
In short, Aramaki thought those pirates were all weaklings, and none of them could fight.
Perhaps only World Government spies and secret agents have a rough idea of Aramaki's strength, which is at least that of an elite Vice Admiral.
After rescuing Aramaki and having him participate in the World Military Draft, the World Government finally discovered that this unknown guy was actually a true monster capable of defeating Momousagi Gion, and Chaton Tokikake.
The Five Elders made an exception and promoted Aramaki to Marine Admiral.
As for Momousagi Gion and Chaton Tokikake, these two elite lieutenant Vice Admiral with impeccable credentials, they could only become candidates for Admiral.
···
"Yes, I'd like to meet him."
Wang Shi smiled faintly. He really hadn't expected that this King Taya wouldn't recognize Aramaki.
They're literally sitting on a gold mine without even realizing it.
"Let me ask for you, please wait a moment."
King Qizhi VI immediately summoned an official and inquired about the matter of the Aramaki.
As a result, Wang Shi King Qizhi VI only now learned that his "friend" Aramaki had been imprisoned.
The charge was that she had offended the daughter of Duke Harada.
Prince Qizhi has already severely punished Aramaki.
This person has been missing from the capital of Taya for nearly a month.
"..."
After listening to the official's report, King Qizhi VI looked at the Wang Shi with embarrassment, somewhat frightened.
He was genuinely afraid that the Wang Shi would use this friend as a pretext to launch a war against the Taya Kingdom.
After all, when Wang Shi attacked the six kingdoms of the East Blue, the reasons were even more outrageous. Pirate infestations and naval corruption could all be used as reasons for starting a war.
The most terrifying thing is that King Qizhi VI is now so close to the Wang Shi, and he is extremely afraid that the Wang Shi, who was just having a friendly exchange, will suddenly take action and exile him.
Then, the King Qizhi VI will be left with no one to turn to for help.
"Ah... this..."
Wang Shi King Qizhi VI looked at the king, who exuded a terrifying aura, cold sweat instantly broke out on his forehead.
Wang Shi looked at King Taya and revealed a dangerous smile, a faint Conqueror's Haki emanating from him.
I feel like I've found a good opportunity to make trouble and threaten you.
"Your Wang Shi, let's talk this out. I'll have your friend released immediately..."
King Qizhi VI shouted it out instantly, at the fastest speed he had ever spoken.
The tense atmosphere made his breathing heavy.
"..."
"Haha, King Qizhi, don't be nervous."
Wang Shi stared at Qi Zhi, then suddenly burst into laughter, abruptly ending the tense atmosphere.
"I am a principled and peace-loving emperor, and I have never liked fighting and killing."
"Since Aramaki has committed a crime in your country, then let's follow your country's laws. I'll pay to ransom him."
Is one billion Belly enough?
Wang Shi spoke with a smile, his expression very warm, like a gentle little sun.
At this point, Wang Shi knew that everything was within his grasp.
However, in order to make Aramaki even more grateful to himself.
Wang Shi decided to pay a high price to redeem Aramaki, so that Aramaki would owe him an even greater debt of gratitude.
The same applies to Yixiao on Twin Snake Island in the West Blue; raise the ransom a bit higher so that Yixiao can repay an even greater favor.
It's all about using a thousand gold coins to buy a horse's bones.
Once they join, use the power, status, titles, fame, ideals, and dreams they desire to win their hearts and make them loyal.
"No need, no need to pay a fine. His Wang Shi can just take him away."
King Qizhi VI quickly spoke up. How could he dare to accept money from this living devil? He was just a high-ranking police officer with some ability. Wang Shi wanted to take him away, so be it.
"If I say one billion, then it's one billion. I, Wang Shi, am a man who values morality and the law above all else."
Wang Shi smiled at King Qizhi VI, his tone filled with unquestionable certainty; he simply hoped that Aramaki would be more grateful to him.
However, Wang Shi also hoped that King Qizhi VI would be more sensible and include more thoughtful gifts in the return gifts from state visits.