In the midsummer of Sea Circle Calendar 1517, following the destruction of the Tidal Ripper pirates and the death of their captain, "Shore Butcher" Jacks, in battle on the shores of the East Blue, Hua Country's brand-new war chariot finally entered a relatively calm yet crucial stretch after its stormlike expansion and battles to establish its might. The advance of powerful external enemies had been checked for the moment, buying a precious chance to catch its breath.
Yet whether it was Chen Yu and Guo Jia devising strategies within Zichen Hall in Chang'an, or Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and the others traveling from place to place, they all understood the surging currents concealed beneath this calm sea. Consolidating their gains, securing their foundations, and strengthening the country to meet the challenges certain to come from the World Government and the wider seas had become the overriding priority.
Inside Zichen Hall, the ice chests gave off wisps of cool air, yet could not dispel the gravity and urgency that filled the room. On the enormous map of the entire West Blue, the color representing Hua Country's actual territory already covered most of the former Flower Country, a considerable expanse. Chen Yu's gaze, however, did not linger on the territory they had gained. Instead, he looked intently beyond it, toward the wider ocean marked with numerous powerful factions and unknown dangers.
"Guan Yu's achievement in the eastern campaign lay not merely in slaying generals and capturing banners, but in displaying Hua Country's formidable military might, so that petty villains everywhere dare not look the East Blue in the eye." Chen Yu spoke slowly, his voice steady. Arceus's aura of dominion over order and creation flowed naturally from him, settling the assembled ministers' minds and focusing their attention. "Yet military might can inspire