Agreeing to Join, Master Bodhidharma Was Right

"So what is the price?"

King Riku asked hopefully.

"The price is that you need to provide me with military funding, as well as a portion of your membership fees." Luo Wen paused for a moment, then continued, "The percentage for each country, depending on its size, will not exceed 50% of its total tax revenue."

"Only 50%!?"

King Riku was taken aback.

Military spending and membership fees are both perfectly reasonable expenditures; people can't work for free.

This 50% figure, at most, surprised him.

It's important to understand that even in normal countries, military spending around 30% of their GDP is insufficient to deter larger pirate groups.

The current asylum in Luo Wen only requires a 50% tax rate, which is incredibly generous.

In comparison, the Heavenly Tribute was nothing short of robbery.

"Up to 50%, and for countries lacking the financial capacity, labor or other resources can be used as substitutes."

Luo Wen expressed his innermost thoughts.

Everyone has their own unique talents; with so many jobs available, there's bound to be one that suits us.

"Lord Luo Wen is truly kind and benevolent."

King Riku gave a thumbs-up and praised him highly.

The World Government wants the Heavenly Tribute, and not a single penny less.

As for using labor to earn Heavenly Tribute, don't even think about it.

Those who cannot pay the Heavenly Tribute are slaves; what are they to offer as payment?

No, no.

Luo Wen waved his hands modestly.

If this had happened in my previous life, it would have been criticized as military colonization.

However, in the world of One Piece, it would be considered a truly benevolent policy.

In my great pirate world, there are unique national circumstances!

Are there any other conditions?

King Riku asked.

"Countries that join the Illuminati must abide by the Basic Law of the Society. This Basic Law aims to maintain basic stability in each country. It can also be amended, revised, or supplemented by member states after discussion."

Luo Wen said frankly.

This is the foundation for ensuring stability; we can't let those kings mess things up and end up losing all their money.

As he spoke, he handed a draft of the Basic Law to King Riku.

"Do not slaughter the people indiscriminately, do not levy excessive taxes, do not launch attacks on other countries, and do not greedily demand without restraint..."

"I see, that makes sense."

After reading it, King Riku expressed his understanding.

These basic laws are indeed quite basic. Any normal king would subconsciously abide by them.

"So, will Dressrosa join?"

Luo Wen the invitation with a smile.

I believe that after his explanation, King Riku will be sensible enough to agree.

If you don't agree, he won't go back to you later.

"Lord Luo Wen, on behalf of Dressrosa, I join your Illuminati!"

King Riku looked at Luo Wen and said solemnly.

"Welcome to the Illuminati! Congratulations to Dressrosa on becoming the first member of the Illuminati."

Luo Wen flashed a bright smile and shook hands warmly with King Riku.

King Riku was also very pleased.

His daughter married Luo Wen, and Dressrosa became the first Affiliated Nation, which is of great significance.

As long as Luo Wen remains standing, Dressrosa will practically be an invincible force.

"By the way, Luo Wen, how do you deal with those countries that are unwilling to join the Illuminati?"

King Riku asked curiously.

It's important to understand that while Luo Wen's conditions are good, not everyone can accept them.

At the very least, those few basic laws are enough to make some tyrants unable to tolerate them.

"Those countries that are unwilling to join?"

"If reasoning doesn't work, I also know a little bit of martial arts."

Luo Wen clenched his fist; he wasn't a pushover.

A Buddhist master once said: If a road is impassable, open it with your fists!

Luo Wen felt that what this master named Bodhidharma said made a lot of sense.

He's here to be the King of the World, not to play house.

Since you're not obedient, then find someone else who is.

"Ah, this~"

King Riku broke out in a cold sweat, thankful that he had agreed quickly.

The man before me, Luo Wen, has a very good reputation and has saved many people and many countries.

But his nickname "Godslayer" wasn't given for nothing. Countless pirates have died at his hands, and he showed no mercy to Celestial Dragons, not to mention the rest.

"Alright, enough of that. Let me tell you about the advantages of our Illuminati."

"It is a beacon guiding a new era, and will remain the world's enduring supreme authority. With it, the world will prosper and be stable, and everything will flourish..."

Luo Wen began his missionary work when he faced King Riku.

"Mmm."

King Riku listened, he became engrossed in the beautiful descriptions of Luo Wen, nodding repeatedly.

"Hmph."

A smile appeared on Luo Wen's lips.

His description, while not entirely true, is about 80% accurate.

The Illuminati, with its administrative structure, and the Neo Marines, with its military force, are two parallel organizations. They do not interfere with each other and are each responsible to Luo Wen.

Its core principle is the separation of military and political power.

Nations that join the Illuminati are only responsible for paying Beli. They have the right to propose amendments to the basic laws governing their members, but they have no right to mobilize the Neo Marines.

The Neo Marines, under Luo Wen's leadership, only provides protection to nations that have joined the Illuminati.

This was a plan that Luo Wen derived by referencing the autonomy of the various states in the Ugly Kingdom and the centralization of military power.

As long as he is the top leader, the system will not fall apart.

Because he is an immortal Heroic Spirit Body, and possesses the power to suppress everything, he can prevent the Celestial Dragons from being created at the source.

At least, it won't be a failed decision before he rots away.

So, will I rot?

Luo Wen asked himself this question, and the answer he got was no.

His core demand from the Illuminati was Beli, and he wanted an organization to acquire Beli smoothly and efficiently to satisfy the bottomless demands of the Role-Playing System.

The accompanying requirement is to become the King of the World and shape it into what he desires, or at least make it more pleasing to the eye.

As for Luo Wen's other ambitions, such as enjoying life or becoming a harem king, he can achieve these things on his own without needing the Illuminati or the Neo Marines to help him, so there is no question of corruption.

He will become the ultimate producer of the entire pirate world, with all wealth flowing into his pockets.

When this prolific producer's only desire is a pile of Beli, the pirate world will probably become a better place.

In other words, the Illuminati future, just as he said.

The Illuminati, which currently has only one member country, still needs time to grow.

"This won't take too long."

Luo Wen silently told himself.

This goal will be achieved within two years.