West Blue, Chang'an City, imperial capital of Hua Country.
Deep within the palace, the imperial study blazed with light. Dressed in casual clothes, Chen Yu stood before a massive nautical chart, his gaze resting on the entrance to the Grand Line, where two conspicuous red dots had recently been marked-Reverse Mountain and Whiskey Peak.
"Your Majesty, an urgent report from Zhou Yu." Guo Jia entered with light steps, his customary languid smile on his face, carrying a Den Den Mushi and several rolls of encrypted documents.
Chen Yu turned, took the documents, and quickly read through them. They detailed Alabasta's incorporation, Princess Vivi's departure westward, Cobra's handover of the bronze casket containing clues to Pluton, and Zhou Yu's detailed plans for Alabasta's future governance.
"Well done." Chen Yu set down the documents, a trace of approval crossing his eyes. "Zhou Yu has excelled in both military and civil affairs on this mission. He has not failed his charge. Alabasta is a strategic hub on the Grand Line. With its people's allegiance and this foundation, an eastward advance is within reach. With Ma Chao stationed there, I have no worries."
He looked at Guo Jia again. "Fengxiao, how are the Wind-Listening Guard's subsequent arrangements in Alabasta progressing?"
Shaking a wine gourd he had produced from somewhere, Guo Jia smiled. "Rest assured, Your Majesty. The remnants of the old nobility have been cleared out, and many of those newly promoted lean toward our country. Following this reconstruction, seventy to eighty percent of public opinion favors the Hua Kingdom. Schools, clinics, and workshops are all being established according to Zhou Yu's plans. Given time, Alabasta will surely become a solid springboard and granary for our eastward advance. However..." He paused. "The World Government's response seems somewhat slow. It is unusual. We have uprooted