In early 1513 of the Sea Circle Calendar, Peach Blossom Spring nearly annihilated "Bone-Crusher" Salas, whose bounty stood at 88 million Beli, and his fleet in the waters of Dragon Tooth Reef through a carefully designed battle to "conceal the edge." The message conveyed by this victory elicited subtle reactions among the upper ranks of the West Blue's major powers-Peach Blossom Spring indeed possessed the strength to defeat a Commodore-level fighter, yet seemed not to have displayed the world-shattering might of the rumored mythical Zoan.
Within the Flower Country's court, the Pro-Cleansing Faction had temporarily fallen silent, but had never given up. After witnessing how troublesome Peach Blossom Spring was, the hardliners led by the Chancellor only grew more determined to bring it fully under their control or destroy it.
They knew well the deep reserves of the Flower Country as a major power in the West Blue. For instance, the reclusive old Pillar of the First Treasures Navy-the Imperial Forest Navy-was a stabilizing presence widely acknowledged to possess the combat strength of a Marine Rear Admiral, a trump card the royal family never played lightly. Meanwhile, Qi Ming, Pillar of the Two Treasures Navy, had perfected his [Iron Defense Fist], and his formidable defense had also touched the threshold of Rear Admiral level. Thus, while outwardly observing the "Peach Blossom Spring-Flower Country Temporary Truce," their covert contest had already risen to a higher level.
Within the Happo Navy, the situation was even more complicated. Its old Pillar, Chinjao, had once been a true legend of the West Blue, his terrifying Hasshoken and powerful Armament Haki giving him strength comparable to a Marine Admiral Candidate. However, in that earth-shaking showdown with the Marine hero Monkey D. Garp years ago, the pointed head he took the greatest pride in had been forcibly smashed inward, and his faith in his martial path had collapsed with it. Now, although his foundation as an Admiral Candidate remained-his immense Haki, physique, and combat experience far surpassed those of ordinary people-having lost his edge, his actual combat strength had fallen to the level of an ordinary Rear Admiral. He often dwelled on the past, his fighting spirit low. This had also directly led to the Happo Navy's decline in standing, while the young Sai, Abu, and the others had talent but struggled to receive its true teachings.
Marine Headquarters maintained its original assessment, listing Peach Blossom Spring as a major regional threat requiring a Headquarters Vice Admiral to handle, while strengthening its surveillance network over the West Blue.
External pressure continued to seep in through more concealed channels. Peach Blossom Spring knew well that the true test might only just have begun. They had to use this precious breathing space to strengthen themselves with everything they had.
In the council hall of Longwei City on Longquan Island, nautical charts lay spread out, and the atmosphere was grave.
"Though Fengxiao's strategy to 'conceal the edge' misled the Marines, it also drew more cunning hunters." Chen Yu's fingertip traced the outline of the Flower Country on the chart. "The court's reserves remain intact. That old monster in the First Treasures Navy and Pillar Qi Ming are no easy opponents. Pillar Chinjao in particular... what a pity. Had his convictions not suffered that blow, he should have been a hero capable of shaking the New World."
Guo Jia toyed with his wine cup, a sharp gleam flashing through his eyes. "You are quite right, my lord. The waters of the Flower Country are unfathomably deep. The First Treasures Navy guards the Royal Capital and will not readily mobilize. Qi Ming's stance is ambiguous; we can try to win him over. As for Chinjao... his shattered convictions and diminished strength might instead become an opportunity for us."
"An opportunity?" Zhang Fei raised his thick brows. "That old man whose head was beaten flat?"
"Precisely." Guo Jia nodded. "If we can help rekindle his fighting spirit, even if he recovers only seventy percent of his former prowess, the friendship of an Admiral Candidate-level fighter and the Happo Navy under his command would be beyond measure. Even if we fail, maintaining good relations would still help keep the court in check. If we can help heal his head injury, he will very likely join us."
Holding the Green Dragon Crescent Blade in his arms, Guan Yu said in a deep voice, "Yet our most pressing task remains increasing our own strength. If we all possessed Admiral-level strength, we would not need to worry about so much."
Everyone nodded silently. Through this battle, they had come to understand more clearly that on this sea, where the strong ruled, top-tier combat strength determined a force's ceiling.
Their strategic direction now grew increasingly clear: deepen their roots, hone their blades, and cast their net-but the standards had risen across the board.
Internal affairs-deepening their roots: Liu Bei would oversee everything, aiming not merely to ensure ample food and clothing, but to establish an efficient administrative system and a pipeline of talent, laying a solid foundation for future expansion.
Military affairs-honing their blades: Guan Yu would take overall command, focusing on strengthening mid-ranking officers' physical combat training and tactical coordination, while also attempting to teach some talented officers to see whether they could learn Haki. The core generals would push toward Admiral level and beyond, developing combinations of abilities from their own Pokémon templates.
As for the training environment, Chen Yu also occasionally used Divine Power to make slight adjustments to the island's environment, allowing his subordinates to conduct combat-oriented training under extreme conditions.
Intelligence and external relations-casting their net: Guo Jia would coordinate, with Zhao Yun assisting. The intelligence network would extend across the West Blue and even into the Grand Line, focusing on infiltrating the Flower Country's court, the First Treasures Navy, Qi Ming's forces, and Chinjao's clan. Winning over Gan Ning was designated the highest priority.
Peach Blossom Spring entered another period of rapid growth. Longwei City grew more prosperous by the day, and its troops looked increasingly imposing.
One day, Guo Jia received a secret letter from Qi Ming. After reading it, a thoughtful look flashed through his eyes, and he reported to Chen Yu:
"My lord, Qi Ming has sent word. The Chancellor has indeed not abandoned his designs, but he has changed his strategy. He no longer seeks to bring powerful pirates here directly. Instead, he is attempting to subject us to a prolonged siege through an economic blockade, inciting surrounding forces to create friction, and pressuring the World Government. At the same time, he is actively courting factions within the Happo Navy dissatisfied with Chinjao's current state, seeking to divide it from within."
Chen Yu's expression remained unchanged at this. "An overt scheme, and all the more troublesome for it. Fengxiao, how should we respond?"
Guo Jia gently waved his feather fan, confident in his calculations. "The Flower Country Chancellor's plan suits my intention to 'conceal the edge' perfectly. An economic blockade? Our Longquan Island is rich in resources, has extensive trade routes, and even boasts exclusive specialties. A blockade will accomplish nothing. Inciting friction? Just the thing to temper our recruits. Leave small-scale conflicts to Zhao Yun and Huang Zhong. That will both hone our lower- and mid-ranking officers and allow us to continue showing the enemy 'Commodore-level' combat strength, lulling them into complacency. As for pressure from the World Government... the Marines' focus is not here at present, so it will be difficult to achieve results in the short term. Instead, this will buy us more time."
His tone shifted, his gaze deepening. "As for the Happo Navy... Chinjao's inner knot cannot be untied in a day. For now, maintaining good relations with Qi Ming and quietly observing developments is the best course. Once the time is ripe, we may find an opportunity to approach Chinjao, but certainly not now. Our immediate priority is to continue deepening our roots and consolidating our foundation, quietly awaiting the rising wind."
Chen Yu nodded approvingly. "You have planned far ahead, Fengxiao. We shall follow this strategy: conceal our edge for now, building our strength for a future breakthrough. Send orders to every division to fulfill their duties strictly. Without my orders, no one is to initiate large-scale conflicts. If small bands harass us, crush them like thunder, but stop at the proper point and do not pursue them far."
"Understood!"
Following the strategic adjustment, Peach Blossom Spring entered a more solid period of "lying low." External pressure became invisible undercurrents, while this newborn fortress quietly gathered strength amid those currents, keeping its edge buried deep within its sheath. Beneath seemingly tranquil waters, the contest on the West Blue's chessboard was quietly moving into a deeper phase. The true storm was still brewing far out at sea.
Before you continue