After the long war, Lind was undoubtedly the strongest of all the powers currently controlling the West Blue.
He essentially controlled forty percent of its territory and forces, and in terms of revenue alone, his share was as high as fifty percent.
Of the rest, the Flower Country held thirty percent, outside powers such as Totto Land and Elbaf held twenty percent, and the Marines and the remaining local powers held ten percent.
Lind was already quite satisfied with this. He had to take things one bite at a time; taking too big a step could tear his balls.
After finishing his campaign against the remaining local powers in the West Blue, Lind stopped expanding and consolidated his forces, securing his existing gains while preparing for the God Valley Incident.
"Yes, Captain. I'll assemble the troops right away."
"Only high-level combatants? No problem. Exactly how strong do they need to be? On par with a Marine Headquarters colonel?"
"All right, Boss. Five hundred is no problem. I'll assemble the troops right away!"
On Oran Island, Lind received another call from Rocks. This time, the decisive battle really was coming.
It looked as though Rocks planned to lead his elite forces in a direct surprise attack on God Valley. There was no telling how this battle would turn out.
Lind sighed. Although he had long anticipated this day and made ample preparations, he still felt somewhat unsettled when it actually arrived.
"Allison, Liana, don't come along for this battle. Stay on Oran Island and keep Aio and Aileen safe!"
Lind looked at the two children sleeping soundly in the room and spoke dotingly.
They were Lind's second son and eldest daughter. They had inherited the looks of Lind, Allison, and Liana, and were both very cute. Lind adored them.
With the