In early spring of Sea Circle Calendar 1516, the situation in the West Blue was like a pot of water on the verge of boiling, its surface calm while hot currents surged beneath. Hua Country had established its capital at Chang'an, secured the capital region, subdued the major southern city of Jinling, and implemented benevolent policies. Its national strength grew by the day, along with its prestige. Yet its swift rise was also like a boulder dropped into a tranquil lake. The ripples it stirred inevitably spread into wider waters, drawing the attention, wariness, and even hostility of various powers. The true test was quietly drawing near.
Inside a palace hall in Chang'an, Guo Jia walked slowly toward the throne, holding an encrypted letter with a gold-stamped cover, his expression slightly grave.
"My lord, the West Blue Marine Headquarters has sent an 'official letter.'" His voice was calm, yet the ministers in the hall instantly fell silent. "Its wording appears courteous, expressing 'concern' over Hua Country's 'swift resolution of Flower Country's internal unrest,' but there is a needle hidden beneath that soft exterior." He presented the letter. "It 'invites' us to send representatives to the Tequila Wolf Marine Branch for informal discussions on 'maintaining the safety and stability of West Blue shipping lanes.' It is signed by... Marine Admiral 'Aokiji' Kuzan."
"Aokiji?!" Zhang Fei's fierce eyes widened, his voice booming like a great bell. "The fellow who can freeze the sea? Hmph! A weasel paying a New Year's visit to a chicken-nothing good can come of it! They must be getting restless now that we've grown powerful! Eldest Brother, let me take him on. Let's see if he can freeze my Eight-Foot Serpent Spear as well as the sea!" A scorching fighting spirit reminiscent of Groudon faintly radiated from him.