Delighted at the Prospect of Battle

Money was a good thing.

Without money, they could not build a production line for the "Core Child"; without money, they could not establish manufacturing facilities for the new "Sea Breeze" warships; without money, they likewise could not add meat to the meals of the naval officers and soldiers about to head to the battlefield.

To do a good job, one must first sharpen one's tools.

No warships, no weapons, no troops.

What were they supposed to use to fight pirates—their heads?

Fortunately, the trip to Mary Geoise had brought in a fortune. Otherwise, Long Yi would have had to consider taking the "Maxim" back to Skypiea and finding a way to haul down the gold up there.

The third day after the declaration of war, Zou Fortress, office.

"Report!"

"Come in."

Long Yi was looking down at the report Kalifa had handed him. Before he had even finished the first page, he heard a marine outside the door announcing himself.

Hearing the voice, he did not even raise his head. He merely spoke softly, signaling for the other party to enter.

"Yes!"

The marine from the communications department pushed open the door, respectfully saluted the young man behind the desk, and only after completing all this did he take several quick steps forward and hand over the thick folder in his hands.

"Good work."

The very sight of the folder gave him a headache, but Long Yi still nodded amiably at the communications marine. Picking up the new documents, he began reading them with full concentration, while the marine quietly withdrew from the office with an excited expression.

Rustle. Rustle.

Pages turned as the seconds ticked by. The silver-haired young man's gaze remained fixed on the documents, his expression neither pleased nor displeased.

"Young Master, if you truly do