In the spring of Sea Circle Calendar 1516, the undercurrents beneath the waves of the West Blue had become visible whirlpools. Chen Yu and Guo Jia returned from Marine Headquarters at Tequila Wolf with stunning news, and everyone in Hua Country knew that the brief peace had ended.
Admiral Aokiji's probing and Chen Yu's Haki counterattack were like an invisible declaration of war, announcing Hua Country's formal entry into the contest among the West Blue's greatest powers. External pressure surged, and internal consolidation could not wait. Fully absorbing Flower Country's vast territories, sweeping away every defiant force within its borders, and binding scattered strength into a single force had become Hua Country's only choice for survival and ascendance. After several days of silence, the gears of war thundered into motion with even greater momentum.
Chang'an, Zichen Hall. On the enormous terrain model of Flower Country's entire territory, red flags representing hostile forces still stood glaringly along the eastern coast, in the northern mountains, and at several strategic strongpoints. Chen Yu sat upright on the Nine Dragons Throne, his gaze sweeping the model, his composure carrying unquestionable resolve. Arceus's aura, embracing all things yet governing order like a creator god, flowed naturally around him, focusing the minds of the civil and military officials standing solemnly in the hall.
"If unrest remains within, how can we withstand threats from without? The World Government is already watching for an opening. The remaining enemies within our borders must be eliminated swiftly, leaving no future trouble!" Chen Yu's voice was not loud, but it echoed clearly between every beam and pillar of the hall.
Guo Jia held a slender pointer, his feather fan lightly indicating several critical points on the model, his voice clear and calm. "You see clearly, my lord. The eastern Linhai governorate