Peach Blossom Spring had yet to establish a firm foothold on Longquan Island, and construction was in full swing when the keenest "feelers" of Guo Jia's intelligence network picked up an unusual development. According to informants stationed at several major ports and messages Gan Ning had secretly relayed, a medium-sized reconnaissance ship with a clean, functional design, flying the World Government's flag, had quietly entered the West Blue. Analysis of its course suggested it was heading toward the Flower Country and its surrounding waters-the very region where Peach Blossom Spring now operated.
Marine Headquarters had finally sent investigators.
The news put Peach Blossom Spring's core members on edge again, just as the signing of the peace treaty and the completion of their base had allowed them to relax a little. Direct contact with the Marines, a force directly under the World Government, was fundamentally different in nature and risk from dealing with the Flower Country's local navy or pirate crews.
The core members of Longwei City, still under construction, gathered once more in the council hall. The atmosphere was solemn.
"A reconnaissance ship from Marine Headquarters... It seems word of our gathering of 'Mythical Zoans' has finally drawn Marineford's attention." Guo Jia toyed with the bamboo intelligence slips in his hand, a trace of gravity in his languid voice.
Guan Yu narrowed his Phoenix Eyes slightly and stroked his beard. "The Marines are the World Government's claws and fangs. They uphold so-called 'absolute justice,' but in truth, most are lapdogs of the Celestial Dragons. Their fighting strength is nothing like that of the Flower Country's navy or pirates. Their officers are powerful, their equipment excellent, and their organization rigorous. Whether their arrival brings fortune or disaster remains unknown."
Zhang Fei's round eyes widened. "Who gives a damn! If the Marines come, we'll fight them too! It'll give me a chance to see which is tougher-their 'Six Powers' or my fists!"
Zhao Yun analyzed the situation calmly. "The Marines have sent only a reconnaissance ship, not a fleet. They intend to assess our strength, not launch an immediate war. But their attitude will greatly affect Peach Blossom Spring's future circumstances. If they classify us as an 'utterly evil force' or a 'major threat,' we may face a large-scale extermination campaign."
Huang Zhong spoke with seasoned caution. "Our new base has only just been established. We should not clash directly with the Marines. We must respond carefully and determine their intentions."
Liu Bei looked worried. "If the Marines pressure the Flower Country's court into turning against us, the peace treaty may become a worthless scrap of paper. We must plan ahead."
Chen Yu sat upright in the seat of honor, his gaze sweeping over the others as he said gravely, "Brothers, your concerns strike at the heart of the matter. The Marines' arrival is both a crisis and an opportunity. If we handle it well, we may stabilize the situation, or even... secure some degree of 'tacit acceptance' or a 'wait-and-see' stance."
He looked at Guo Jia. "Fengxiao, how do you think we should deal with this Marine reconnaissance ship?"
Guo Jia straightened, a calculating gleam in his eyes. "The Marines have established procedures. Their first objective is to assess the threat level. We must convey two key points to them:
"First, Peach Blossom Spring is neither a pirate crew nor a band of rebels. We have a base of operations-Longquan Island; governance-Liu Bei's administration; a platform-protecting the innocent, resisting tyranny, and bringing peace to the people; and legal standing-the Flower Country's recognition. We are not indiscriminate killers. This time, we must let them 'happen' to see the order on our island and the peaceful lives of its people.
"Second, Peach Blossom Spring has enough strength to defend itself, and even to give them pause. We must display our 'Mythical Zoan' abilities in particular to a measured degree, without provoking them so far that they consider us an 'uncontrolled threat' that must be eliminated immediately."
He paused before continuing, "Our specific strategy can be divided into three steps:
"First, 'a relaxed exterior, tight security within, and close surveillance.' General Zhao Yun should send fast boats to monitor the Marine reconnaissance ship from a distance and keep track of its position, while avoiding direct conflict. We should strengthen security on the island, but maintain normal work and daily life on the surface. Show them 'order,' not 'war preparations.'
"Second, 'limited contact and guided observation.' If Marine personnel attempt to land or make contact, Brother Liu Bei or General Zhao Yun can receive them courteously, openly show them the results of our construction, explain our ideals-resisting tyranny, bringing peace to the people, surviving and developing-and emphasize our 'peace treaty' with the Flower Country. As for our abilities, we can acknowledge possessing special powers-Devil Fruits-but remain vague about the specific origins and potential of their 'Mythical Zoan' nature, stressing their use for 'self-defense' and 'construction.'
"Third, 'hold something in reserve against contingencies.' Generals Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Huang Zhong should lead elite troops into concealed standby positions. If the Marines harbor ill intentions and attempt to force their way into our core areas or attack, we must display our strength with decisive force and make them retreat in the face of difficulty. My lord should remain at the center of command and avoid acting directly unless necessary, preserving an air of mystery and deterrence."
Chen Yu nodded in approval. "Fengxiao's plan is exactly what I had in mind. Blend the hidden with the visible, and firmness with flexibility. We will proceed accordingly. Zhao Yun, your elite naval troops will handle surveillance. Liu Bei, if the Marines make contact, you will lead our response. Be neither servile nor overbearing. Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Huang Zhong, make preparations in secret. Fengxiao will coordinate everything."
"Understood!" the generals answered in a thunderous chorus.
Over the next few days, Longquan Island remained peaceful on the surface, but beneath it, everyone was on edge. The fast boats Zhao Yun dispatched prowled the distant waters like ghosts, constantly tracking the Marine reconnaissance ship's movements. The island's defenses quietly shifted to combat readiness, yet the streets and markets remained unchanged, and the people continued their work amid bustling construction.
Sure enough, three days later, the Marine reconnaissance ship appeared in the waters off Longquan Island. It flew no battle flag and made no attempt to conceal itself, openly cruising along the perimeter in what was clearly a reconnaissance operation. Through telescopes, those aboard carefully observed Longquan Island's harbor, fortifications, and internal activities.
Before long, a Marine boat was lowered, carrying several men who looked like officers toward Longquan Island's main harbor. Their leader was a composed man wearing a Marine Justice Coat and holding the rank of rear admiral, with keen eyes and a tightly contained presence. Several field officers and technical personnel carrying specialized instruments followed him.
Upon receiving the report, Liu Bei straightened his clothes and headwear, then personally went to the docks with Zhao Yun and a few attendants to greet them. As planned, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Huang Zhong concealed themselves near the harbor, suppressing their auras. Chen Yu and Guo Jia watched from afar atop a high point in Longwei City.
"I am Liu Bei, administrator of Longquan Island under the Flower Country's General Who Pacifies the Seas. Greetings, Marine officers." Liu Bei cupped his hands in salute, his manner calm and unhurried.
The Marine rear admiral returned the salute. His gaze swept over the orderly harbor and the city taking shape in the distance, and a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. "Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral Strawberry. I am under orders to patrol the West Blue. I heard a sizable force had recently gathered here, so I came to investigate. Mr. Liu, this does not appear to be an official establishment of the Flower Country?"
Liu Bei smiled. "You are perceptive, Rear Admiral Strawberry. This is an autonomous territory allocated to Peach Blossom Spring by special permission of His Majesty of the Flower Country. Our leader, General Chen Yu, was granted the title 'General Who Pacifies the Seas' by the Flower Country. We cultivate the land and settle the people here, safeguarding the territory and protecting shipping." He deftly presented their autonomous territory as a "special grant" and invoked the Flower Country's authority.
Strawberry neither agreed nor disagreed, continuing, "According to our information, your force clashed with the Bloodsail Fleet and defeated it. You possess considerable strength. May I ask who makes up your force, where your weapons and equipment come from, and why you have gathered here?"
Liu Bei answered frankly, "Most of our people are displaced civilians who could no longer endure tyranny and sought a place to settle and make a living. Most of our equipment was seized from pirates or obtained through trade with the Flower Country. We gathered here only to survive in troubled times and preserve peace in this region. We fought the Blood Sail Fleet because they plundered merchants and travelers and preyed on the people. We had no choice."
Just then, Strawberry's keen gaze passed over Zhao Yun beside Liu Bei.
Zhao Yun stood tall and straight, his presence steady and restrained, but Strawberry's instincts as a powerful fighter detected a hidden sharpness, like a keen sword resting in its sheath. He grew slightly wary. This man was no ordinary figure.
"And who is this?" Strawberry fixed his gaze on Zhao Yun.
Zhao Yun cupped his fist, neither servile nor overbearing. "Zhao Yun of Peach Blossom Spring."
"You have an extraordinary presence, General Zhao," Strawberry said meaningfully. "It seems your force truly harbors formidable talents. Defeating the Bloodsail Fleet head-on is not something ordinary refugees could accomplish. What sort of man is your leader, General Chen Yu?" He did not directly ask about their abilities, but his words were full of probing curiosity.
Liu Bei took up the conversation. "Our general is benevolent, loves the people, and possesses exceptional martial courage. That is how he has won their allegiance. We brothers have indeed had a few fortuitous encounters and gained some modest abilities, but only to defend ourselves and build our home. We would not dare use them to commit wrongdoing." He pointed to the irrigation facilities under construction and the fields being reclaimed. "The people on this island now live and work in peace, all thanks to those powers."
Strawberry looked around. Most of what he saw were civilians working and soldiers patrolling, without the chaos and brutality of pirates, and his brow furrowed slightly. His mission was to assess the threat. This "Peach Blossom Spring" before him was orderly, with governance and a platform, entirely unlike ordinary pirates or rebel forces. Though powerful, it had so far shown no obvious "anti-World Government" tendencies.
"Mr. Liu, I understand your force's ideals." Strawberry considered for a moment. "However, those who possess great power must be all the more careful to keep to their proper bounds. The World Government maintains order on the seas. I hope your force conducts itself wisely and does not cross the line." His words were a warning, but also carried a hint of willingness to wait and see.
"Thank you for the reminder, Rear Admiral. Everyone in Peach Blossom Spring seeks only to live and work in peace, and we wish to maintain friendly relations with all parties," Liu Bei replied calmly.
Strawberry asked several more questions, all of which Liu Bei answered without leaving an opening. In the end, the Marine rear admiral made no excessive demands, such as entering Longwei City. After recording the relevant information, he led his party back to the reconnaissance ship.
Watching the Marine boat recede, Liu Bei and Zhao Yun exchanged a glance and breathed a sigh of relief. They had passed this first hurdle.
Up in Longwei City, Guo Jia smiled at Chen Yu. "My lord, it seems Rear Admiral Strawberry is a sensible man. Our 'performance' has achieved some initial success. The Marines should not mark us as a priority for elimination in the short term. Their surveillance, however, will probably continue."
Chen Yu's gaze was deep. "Only a temporary calm. The real tests still lie ahead. Pass down the order: do not let your guard down. Accelerate development!"
The Marine reconnaissance ship's visit sounded like an alarm, giving everyone in Peach Blossom Spring a clearer understanding of the complexity of their circumstances. They had temporarily kept the Marines in check and won precious time to develop, but the storms on the seas ahead would only grow fiercer. The true tempest was quietly gathering.
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