Arc 3Hua Country’s Rise

Chen Yu strengthened Hua Country, secured recognition at the Reverie, and faced growing opposition from the World Government and neighboring states. After returning home, he expanded shipbuilding, internal reforms, and intelligence work while preparing for further conflict.

  • Chen Yu met Aokiji and the Marines, then directed campaigns that unified Flower Country and secured Hua Country’s borders.
  • Chen Yu forged awakened weapons, defeated the Tidal Ripper pirates, and brought the Two Treasures Navy and Happo Navy under his command.
  • Chen Yu declared Hua Country a kingdom, took the throne, and organized its armies and fleets as the Five Elders plotted to infiltrate and divide it.
  • Chen Yu led Hua Country’s delegation to the Reverie, rejected Marine control, gained formal recognition, and established a preliminary understanding with Belo Betty.
  • After returning to West Blue, Chen Yu’s forces defeated Ilisia’s attack, while Guo Jia exposed World Government agents and negotiated a treaty with Ilisia.
  • Chen Yu launched the Soaring Dragon shipbuilding plan and appointed Xun Yu to lead quiet reforms and a secret intelligence bureau.
  • Xun Yu introduced Standard Characters of Hua and dispatched clerks to enforce their use in Cangyun Commandery despite resistance from local elders.
Chapters 51–75 Vol. 1 Read

Ch. 51Undercurrents in the West Blue, Sharpening Swords for the Right Moment

Chen Yu accepted Marine Admiral Aokiji Kuzan’s invitation to Tequila Wolf while Hua Country faced rebellions and pirate raids across the West Blue. After Huang Zhong and Gan Ning secured the western frontier and southeastern sea routes, Chen Yu and Guo Jia sailed to meet the Marines as Hua Country’s forces prepared for further threats.

  • Guo Jia presented the Marines’ invitation to Chen Yu, who decided to meet Aokiji and assigned his generals to defend Hua Country while he traveled with Guo Jia.
  • After the commander of Wolf Mountain Fort rebelled and allied with the Bone-Crusher Pirates, Huang Zhong and Huang Xu seized the fort, rescued the envoy, and captured the ringleaders.
  • Gan Ning defeated the Sea Eagle Pirates after using the currents to expose their concealed ships and dragging their captain from the air.
  • Chen Yu and Guo Jia finalized their plans and departed aboard the Chang'an for Tequila Wolf.
  • Guan Yu guarded Chang'an, Zhang Fei patrolled the borders, Liu Bei oversaw domestic affairs, and Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, and Gan Ning held their assigned positions.

Ch. 52Meeting Aokiji at Longtan, Haki Shakes the Marines

Chen Yu and Guo Jia met Admiral Aokiji at Tequila Wolf, where Guo Jia countered Marine questioning and Chen Yu demonstrated overwhelming Conqueror’s Haki. After Aokiji reported them to the Five Elders, Chen Yu ordered Hua Country to accelerate its preparations, leaving it under heightened World Government surveillance.

  • Chen Yu and Guo Jia arrived at Tequila Wolf and met Aokiji and the Marines for talks about Hua Country’s expansion and its members’ abilities.
  • Guo Jia deflected the Marine vice admiral’s questions and challenged the Marines’ failure to control pirate-ravaged areas of the West Blue.
  • Aokiji questioned Chen Yu about the abilities of his generals and associates, but Chen Yu acknowledged their powers without revealing their origins or exact types.
  • At the training ground, Guo Jia disrupted Vice Admiral Strawberry’s attack with Uxie’s Power, and Chen Yu’s Conqueror’s Haki knocked dozens of Marine officers unconscious.
  • Guo Jia warned Chen Yu that the display would attract the World Government’s attention, and Chen Yu ordered Hua Country to strengthen its internal affairs, army, and defenses.
  • Aokiji reported Chen Yu’s Conqueror’s Haki potential and Guo Jia’s mental powers to the Five Elders, who ordered continued surveillance without rash action.

Ch. 53War fires lit the four frontiers, mighty generals steadied the realm

Chen Yu ordered Hua Country to pacify Flower Country on four fronts, and his generals swiftly defeated the remaining resistance. With Flower Country unified, reports of Cipher Pol activity and a Beasts Pirates fleet left Hua Country preparing for greater threats.

  • Chen Yu assigned Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, and Gan Ning to campaigns across the east, north, west, and rear while Liu Bei and Guo Jia managed domestic affairs and strategy.
  • Guan Yu and Gan Ning defeated Xiahou Jie's forces at Haizhou, captured more than ten cities, and trapped Xiahou Jie at Donghai City.
  • Zhang Fei shattered Nurhamo's cavalry at Blackwind Pass, killed Nurhamo, and forced the northern tribes to surrender.
  • Zhao Yun captured Xiliang City, killed Han De and his four sons, and helped pacify the western frontier; Huang Zhong and Gan Ning secured the rear.
  • By late summer, Liu Bei reported that Flower Country had been unified and its new policies were taking hold, while Guo Jia warned that Cipher Pol and a Beasts Pirates fleet were active nearby.
  • Chen Yu ordered Hua Country's forces to recover, rebuild, and prepare for the external threats gathering around the West Blue.

Ch. 54The child of destiny

After unifying Flower Country, Chen Yu visited thirteen-year-old Monkey D. Luffy in Foosha Village and secretly used creation energy to support his future growth. He left Luffy to pursue his dream, curious about the role he would play in the changing world.

  • Chen Yu opened a gate from Zichen Hall in Chang'an to Foosha Village and watched Luffy train against a boulder.
  • Chen Yu warned Luffy that pursuing freedom would mean facing powerful enemies and serious dangers, but Luffy said he was not afraid.
  • Chen Yu subtly improved Luffy's potential and placed a faint protective mark on him.
  • Chen Yu told Luffy to gain the strength to protect his freedom, then vanished without revealing his identity.
  • Luffy returned to training, determined to become stronger and fulfill his dream.

Ch. 55Heavenly treasures, divine weapons first forged

Chen Yu and his ministers organized a search for rare materials and forged the first divine weapon blanks for him and his generals. The blanks still needed to be nurtured through Haki and battle, while Hua Country’s rising strength drew a deeper shadow over the West Blue.

  • Chen Yu ordered Guo Jia and Liu Bei to find extraordinary materials for divine weapons and described his plan to forge a sword named Tai'a.
  • Prospecting teams found meteoric iron, ten-thousand-year cold iron, earth-core flame marrow, and lightning-struck wood, while Guo Jia recruited the master smith Mr. Ouye.
  • Chen Yu used Arceus's Power to unite the meteoric iron and cold iron in the Divine Weapons Pavilion’s furnace, and Mr. Ouye forged the sword blank and the generals’ weapon blanks.
  • Chen Yu named his sword blank Tai'a, and Mr. Ouye explained that the weapons needed Haki and bloodshed in battle to awaken.

Ch. 56Divine Weapons Forged, the Tides Attack

Chen Yu completed the T'ai A Sword’s Spirit Awakening as Hua Country prepared for an invasion by the Tidal Ripper pirates. Guan Yu led the coastal defense and fought Captain Jacks on the beach, where the battle remained unresolved.

  • Chen Yu awakened the T'ai A Sword with his essence blood and Arceus's Power, while Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, and Gan Ning awakened their own weapons.
  • After the Tidal Ripper pirates approached Hua Country’s eastern coast, Chen Yu appointed Guan Yu Eastern Border Commander and placed Gan Ning’s navy and Zhao Yun’s cavalry under his command.
  • Gan Ning’s Brocade Sail Battalion clashed with the pirates at sea, suffered losses, and retreated to lure them toward the prepared beach defenses.
  • Guan Yu met Jacks’s landing force with five thousand elite troops, while Zhao Yun and the White Horse Volunteers waited to attack the flank.
  • Guan Yu deflected Baroque’s water attack and Carl’s sniper shot, then wounded Jacks and cut through the pirates with the Green Dragon Crescent Blade.
  • Zhao Yun attacked Baroque as Gan Ning counterattacked from the sea, while Guan Yu continued fighting Jacks amid the chaos on the beach.

Ch. 57The Mosasaurus Wept Blood, the Azure Dragon Severed the Sea

Guan Yu killed the Tidal Ripper Pirates' captain Jacks and Hua Country decisively defeated the invading force, establishing its military prestige. Chen Yu ordered Liu Bei and Guo Jia to strengthen internal affairs and intelligence as powerful factions began watching Hua Country.

  • Guo Jia directed Zhao Yun to break through the pirates' left flank while Gan Ning's Brocade Sail Battalion harried their fleet.
  • Guan Yu used the awakened Green Dragon Crescent Blade to defeat Jacks's Abyssal Strangulation and sever his head.
  • Zhao Yun captured Leno, Gan Ning and his fighters captured Baroque, and Huang Zhong forced Carl to surrender as the pirates' morale collapsed.
  • Guan Yu ordered Jacks's head displayed at Donghai City's gate and the other prisoners escorted to Chang'an.
  • News of Hua Country's victory spread across the West Blue and reached the World Government, making hostile factions wary.
  • Chen Yu praised Guan Yu's victory and instructed Liu Bei to maintain internal affairs and Guo Jia to expand the intelligence network.

Ch. 58Deep roots, stirring undercurrents

After defeating the Tidal Ripper pirates, Hua Country focused on consolidating its territory by expanding industry, education, and intelligence operations. As its new institutions began strengthening the country, the Five Elders ordered increased surveillance and covert pressure, leaving Liu Bei and Guo Jia wary of a growing threat.

  • Chen Yu accepted Liu Bei and Guo Jia’s plans for internal governance, industry, talent cultivation, and intelligence expansion.
  • Guo Jia oversaw the new Directorate of Works, where Mo Heng led weapons production and warship development.
  • Liu Bei established the Academy of Natural Philosophy and the Military Academy, where Zhao Yun and Hua Country’s generals trained new recruits.
  • The Five Elders ordered Cipher Pol Aigis Zero to intensify surveillance of Hua Country, directed the Marine Science Unit to study the Tidal Ripper wreckage, and allowed information about Hua Country to reach West Blue powers.
  • Liu Bei told Guo Jia that border friction and covert interference were increasing, and Guo Jia warned that Hua Country could face stronger enemies than the Tidal Ripper pirates.

Ch. 59Sniping wings pierce the sky, destinies intertwine

Chen Yu awakened Huang Xu’s Decidueye power and trained him in its precise, concealed sniping techniques. Huang Xu vowed to use his new abilities to protect Hua Country and left to tell his father the news.

  • Chen Yu summoned Huang Xu to the Observatory and explained that he would grant him a new path beyond his father Huang Zhong’s command of time.
  • Chen Yu infused Huang Xu with Decidueye’s power, transforming his appearance and awakening his ability to sense and track his surroundings.
  • Huang Xu demonstrated Spirit Shackle Arrow, Leaf Storm, and a Shadow Sneak counter during Chen Yu’s tests.
  • Chen Yu showed Huang Xu how his new perception could spot distant threats and charged him with becoming Hua Country’s sharpest eye and deadliest arrow.
  • Huang Xu promised to serve as the empire’s shield and spear, and Chen Yu sent him to tell Huang Zhong the news.

Ch. 60The navies pledge allegiance, heroes gather

Chen Yu brought the Two Treasures Navy and Happo Navy under Hua Country’s control as the World Government’s pressure grew. After Chen Yu restored Chinjao’s drill head, the navies pledged their service, leaving Hua Country stronger and ready to face the coming crisis.

  • Guo Jia warned Chen Yu that Cipher Pol Aigis Zero was active in the West Blue, and Chen Yu decided to bring the remaining Flower Country forces under Hua Country’s control.
  • Chen Yu and his generals visited the Two Treasures Navy, where Guan Yu defeated Qi Ming in a brief clash and Qi Ming agreed to submit while retaining the navy’s organization.
  • Chen Yu provoked Chinjao with Garp’s message, and Zhang Fei fought him until the old Happo Navy Pillar recovered his spirits and accepted Chen Yu’s offer.
  • At a military parade in Chang’an, Chen Yu used Arceus’s Power to restore Chinjao’s drill head, prompting Chinjao and Qi Ming to pledge themselves and their navies to Hua Country.

Ch. 61Rhino Armor Reforged, the Drill's Edge Honed Again

Chen Yu gave Chinjao a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, restoring his vigor and strengthening him as Hua Country prepared for war with the World Government. After Chinjao proved his new power in a spar with Zhang Fei, Chen Yu prepared to begin the next stage of his plan.

  • Chen Yu gave Chinjao the Mythical Zoan Rhinoceros Rhinoceros Fruit, Rhyperior Form, and Chinjao gained powerful armor and greater strength.
  • Chen Yu told Chinjao that the World Government’s fleet had assembled in the Calm Belt and asked the Happo Navy to serve as the vanguard in a coming war.
  • Chen Yu promised to find Devil Fruits for Sai and Abu if Chinjao and the Happo Navy rendered great service.
  • Chinjao fought Zhang Fei at the training ground, combining Rhyperior’s power with Hasshoken in a fierce spar.
  • Guo Jia reported that Chinjao had stabilized at admiral candidate level and that the Happo Navy had completed its reorganization, and Chen Yu said it was time to begin the next stage of the plan.

Ch. 62With the storm approaching, hone the blade and forge the soul

As the World Government increased its scrutiny of Hua Country, Chen Yu ordered the nation to strengthen security and continue developing without showing fear. Aokiji approached Tequila Wolf with Cipher Pol Aigis Zero agents shadowing him, setting the stage for a dangerous confrontation.

  • Guo Jia reported that Marine patrols and Cipher Pol agents were probing Hua Country, and that Marine Admiral Aokiji would tour the West Blue.
  • Chen Yu ordered tighter internal security while directing Hua Country’s military, schools, and workshops to continue their work as usual.
  • Hua Country’s craftsmen developed stronger Seastone plating and a new wound remedy while its generals trained students and troops.
  • Guan Yu sent Gan Ning to defeat the Blood Sail Pirates, and Gan Ning captured their captain, Eric.
  • Guo Jia reported that Aokiji was traveling toward Tequila Wolf by bicycle over frozen sea, with Cipher Pol Aigis Zero agents following him.
  • Chen Yu ordered Hua Country to proceed with its plans and await Aokiji and his hidden companions in Chang’an.

Ch. 63Where Ice and Fire Meet, Hidden Tides Strike the Shore

Admiral Kuzan visited Chang'an with two Cipher Pol Aigis Zero agents to assess Hua Country, while Chen Yu and Guo Jia guarded its secrets and demonstrated its strength. Kuzan left without uncovering its hidden methods, and Guo Jia warned that Mary Geoise would likely respond with covert pressure.

  • Chen Yu ordered Chang'an's defenses tightened before Kuzan arrived, assigning Liu Bei to maintain order and reassure the people.
  • Kuzan entered Chang'an under Chen Yu's escort and questioned him about Hua Country's powerful generals and their Devil Fruit abilities; Chen Yu defended the country's independence and principles.
  • Cipher Pol Aigis Zero agents failed to penetrate Chang'an's guarded institutions, while Chen Yu intercepted Kuzan near the Divine Arms Pavilion and sent him back to his guest residence.
  • At the Military Academy, Zhao Yun calmly redirected a dangerous burst of force during a cadet duel, impressing Kuzan with Hua Country's martial strength.
  • Kuzan departed after his visit, and Guo Jia warned Chen Yu that Mary Geoise might use economic, diplomatic, and proxy measures against Hua Country.

Ch. 64Establishing a kingdom, all rivers flowing to the sea

Chen Yu accepted the ministers’ plea, founded Hua Country, and was crowned its king before establishing its government and reorganizing its navy. As the World Government and other powers turned their attention toward the new kingdom, Chen Yu ordered work on a new generation of capital warships.

  • Guo Jia and the ministers urged Chen Yu to take the throne, and Chen Yu declared Hua the country’s name, Dawn’s Light its era, and Chang'an its capital.
  • Chen Yu was crowned King of Hua and appointed Liu Bei Chancellor, Guo Jia Army Adviser Sacrificer, and military leaders to command the Five Armies.
  • Chen Yu combined the former Two Treasures Navy, Happo Navy, and Gan Ning’s Brocade Sail Battalion into three fleets, appointing Gan Ning, Qi Ming, and Sai to lead them.
  • The Five Elders discussed Hua Country’s rise and agreed to invite its representatives to the Reverie while pursuing infiltration and efforts to sow discord.
  • Liu Bei and Guo Jia advised Chen Yu to strengthen Hua Country without appearing expansionist, and Chen Yu ordered the Directorate of Works and Academy of Natural Philosophy to develop capital warships.

Ch. 65Setting sail beneath the stars, bound for Mary Geoise

Chen Yu accepted the World Government’s invitation to attend the Reverie at Mary Geoise and led a delegation aboard the Chang'an. After a calm voyage, the ship reached waters where a storm gathered and its battle alarm sounded.

  • Guo Jia presented the Reverie invitation, and Chen Yu decided Hua Country would attend openly while preparing for the risks.
  • Guo Jia gathered intelligence, Liu Bei arranged the state letter and gifts, and Chen Yu selected Guo Jia, Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, and the Black Armor Guard for the delegation.
  • Chen Yu and his companions said farewell to Liu Bei and the other officials and citizens before setting sail from Chang'an Port.
  • During the voyage, Chen Yu studied intelligence with Guo Jia, Guan Yu trained the guards, and Zhao Yun watched the surrounding waters.
  • The Chang'an entered waters beneath gathering storm clouds, and a warning from the lookout set off the battle alarm.

Ch. 66Surging Undercurrents, a First Show of Strength

As Hua Country’s fleet sailed toward Mary Geoise, an unknown force ambushed the Chang'an with three fast ships and a submersible. Chen Yu, Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, and the Black Armor Guard crushed the attack, and the Chang'an continued toward the Reverie as Guo Jia suspected the assailants were a West Blue country’s covert unit.

  • Chen Yu ordered the Chang'an to raise the Black Bird Flag and prepare to engage after Zhao Yun and the lookout spotted three unflagged ships and a submersible approaching.
  • Chen Yu disrupted the attackers with Conqueror's Haki, and Guan Yu disabled the three surface ships with Sky-Splitting · Wind Slash.
  • Zhao Yun pierced the submersible’s hull with his spear, forcing it to sink, while the Black Armor Guard subdued the attackers aboard the damaged ships.
  • Guo Jia examined the wreckage and concluded the professional attackers were likely a covert unit from a West Blue country testing Hua Country’s strength before the Reverie.
  • Chen Yu ordered Guo Jia to interrogate the prisoners and directed the fleet to avoid the storm’s center and continue toward the Red Line.

Ch. 67Beneath Pangaea Castle, Hidden Currents Collide

Chen Yu and the Hua Country delegation arrived in Mary Geoise for the Reverie and faced surveillance and hostility from the World Government and rival nations. After Guo Jia foiled a Cipher Pol Aigis Zero infiltrator, Chen Yu ordered the delegation to conserve its strength for the coming summit.

  • Chen Yu's delegation reached Mary Geoise, where Spandam welcomed them and escorted them to the Guest Reception Lodge in Pangaea Castle.
  • Guo Jia sensed Cipher Pol Aigis Zero agents monitoring the lodge and warned Chen Yu that other nations' representatives were also present and some were hostile.
  • Shuenda Ridos of the Ilisia Kingdom insulted Chen Yu and Hua Country, but Chen Yu answered calmly and left him without a response.
  • Over the following two days, visiting delegations tried to provoke or assess Hua Country, while Chen Yu, Guo Jia, Guan Yu, and Zhao Yun remained composed.
  • A Cipher Pol Aigis Zero infiltrator attempted to attack Chen Yu but Guo Jia exposed the intruder, who escaped after striking an illusion.
  • Guo Jia reported the failed intrusion to Chen Yu, who ordered the delegation to rest and prepare for the Reverie in three days.

Ch. 68The Reverie: Storm Clouds Gather

Chen Yu represented Hua Country at the Reverie, resisting the Five Elders’ demands and winning formal recognition while building support among other nations. His West Blue Free Trade Zone proposal failed, but he returned home determined to continue the contest as the Five Elders began to regard Hua Country as a serious threat.

  • Chen Yu led Hua Country’s delegation into the Reverie and rejected the Five Elders’ demand that Hua Country disband its army and accept Navy control.
  • Guo Jia countered the Five Elders’ accusations and warned that their demands could destabilize West Blue, prompting them to grant Hua Country the status Flower Country had held.
  • Belo Betty approached Chen Yu on behalf of the Revolutionary Army, and the two sides reached a preliminary understanding on intelligence sharing and mutual support.
  • After Revolutionary Army attacks across the Four Blues forced an adjournment, Chen Yu ordered Liu Bei to enact the second contingency plan and prepared to advance a West Blue Free Trade Zone.
  • Chen Yu’s free trade proposal was blocked by the Five Elders and a five-nation alliance, but Hua Country returned with formal recognition and an initial foothold.

Ch. 69Undercurrents on the homeward voyage, a new game about to begin

On the voyage home from Mary Geoise, Chen Yu’s party survived a Cipher Pol Sea Ghost attack near the Florian Triangle while Hua Country faced pirate probes and rising tensions with the Ilisia Kingdom. The Chang'an emerged from the fog with home in sight, and Chen Yu prepared to deal with the troubles awaiting him in West Blue.

  • Chen Yu ordered the Chang'an to skirt the Florian Triangle, where the crew encountered abnormal fog and magnetic interference.
  • Cipher Pol’s Sea Ghosts attacked the Chang'an, but Guan Yu and Zhao Yun fought them while Guo Jia exposed their hiding places; the attackers were killed or captured.
  • Chen Yu examined the assassins’ equipment, judged the attack a probe by the Five Elders, and ordered the ship to leave the area quickly.
  • In Chang'an, Liu Bei received reports of pirate activity near North Sea City and a clash with the Ilisia Kingdom’s navy, then ordered stronger patrols without initiating a major conflict.
  • The Chang'an broke through the fog and sighted home, while Chen Yu and Guo Jia discussed the unrest awaiting them in West Blue.

Ch. 70Turbulent waves in the West Blue, dragons roaring and tigers howling

Chen Yu ordered Hua Country’s forces to repel Ilisia’s alliance and defend the nation’s borders. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei swiftly routed the allied fleet, forcing Shuenda Lucas to agree to negotiations, while Chen Yu recognized that the wider struggle in the West Blue had only begun.

  • Liu Bei told Chen Yu that Ilisia, Blackstone, and Wind Chime had gathered troops against Hua Country, with the World Government tacitly backing the attack.
  • Chen Yu appointed Guan Yu to lead the eastern expedition and assigned Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, Gan Ning, Chinjao, Guo Jia, and Liu Bei to military and defensive roles.
  • Shuenda Billup ordered Ilisia’s vanguard to attack Hua Country’s fleet, and Guan Yu and Zhang Fei used their immense power to break the enemy formation.
  • Guan Yu defeated Shuenda Billup and spared the flagship, prompting the general to surrender as Blackstone and Wind Chime fled.
  • Guan Yu sent Shuenda Billup to Shuenda Lucas with Chen Yu’s warning and an offer to negotiate, and Shuenda Lucas agreed to talks.
  • Chen Yu received news of the victory and understood that the conflict over the West Blue was not over.

Ch. 71The Soaring Dragon Emerges, Murder in the Night

Chen Yu inspected Hua Country’s warship program as the World Government and other powers took notice of its new technology. After Cipher Pol Aigis Zero agents attacked the shipyard, Chen Yu ordered security strengthened and the Soaring Dragon Plan accelerated.

  • Chen Yu inspected Dock One, where Mo Heng reported progress on Zhenyuan, Chasing the Wind, and Breaking the Waves, while Guo Jia warned that materials were running low and spies were watching the harbor.
  • The Five Elders ordered Cipher Pol Aigis Zero’s Dark Blade team to investigate Hua Country, while Doflamingo considered alerting Kaido to the country’s Mythical Zoans.
  • Gui infiltrated the shipyard’s materials warehouse, but Guo Jia, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and Huang Zhong helped capture him as Ren escaped.
  • Gui killed himself during interrogation, and Guo Jia identified him as a Cipher Pol Aigis Zero agent, confirming the World Government’s involvement.
  • Chen Yu ordered stronger security at the Shipbuilding Bureau and the Academy of Natural Philosophy and commanded that the Soaring Dragon Plan be accelerated.

Ch. 72A dragon soared across the Four Blues, a new voyage began

After defeating Ilisia, Chen Yu set terms for peace and strengthened Hua Country’s influence across the West Blue while preparing for pressure from the World Government and rival nations. The treaty was signed, but Chen Yu and Guo Jia knew new challenges still lay ahead.

  • Liu Bei reported that Ilisia had sent an envoy seeking peace, and Chen Yu demanded the cession of three islands, compensation, trade access, and a treaty with Hua Country and its allies.
  • Guo Jia warned Chen Yu that the World Government had ordered Cipher Pol Aigis Zero to infiltrate Hua Country and that Vice Admiral Onigumo had been sent to Tequila Wolf.
  • Guo Jia revealed that five West Blue nations were negotiating a conservative alliance, then proposed using trade and political divisions to weaken it and inviting the Marines to cooperate against pirates.
  • Chen Yu approved Guo Jia’s plan and ordered Gan Ning to increase naval patrols and respond to unidentified ships near Hua Country’s core waters.
  • The West Blue Nonaggression and Trade Cooperation Treaty was signed, and Chen Yu and Guo Jia reflected on Hua Country’s growing influence and the dangers ahead.

Ch. 73Forging Ships and Armor, the Foundation for the Dragon's Rise

Chen Yu launched the top-secret Soaring Dragon Plan to build advanced warships and strengthen Hua Country’s naval forces. As experimental ships took shape, the Five Elders escalated espionage and interference, and Chen Yu ordered greater vigilance against threats.

  • Chen Yu approved the Royal Shipbuilding Bureau, placing Guo Jia in charge of planning and Mo Heng in charge of engineering while Liu Bei coordinated the resources for the Soaring Dragon Plan.
  • Mo Heng and teams at the Academy of Natural Philosophy tested turbine propulsion, stronger alloys, Seastone plating, and new weapons as the shipyard laid the keels of Chasing the Wind, Breaking the Waves, and Zhenyuan.
  • Guo Jia coordinated naval warfare training as Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, and Gan Ning drilled their forces in shipboard combat, landings, marksmanship, and fleet maneuvers.
  • The Five Elders ordered Cipher Pol Aigis Eight to intensify infiltration and sabotage, while the Marines and Underworld arms dealers worked to obstruct Hua Country’s growth.
  • Months later, Mo Heng reported progress on Zhenyuan’s engine and materials, while Chen Yu warned Guo Jia that their neighbors had noticed the plan and ordered the generals to guard Hua Country’s borders.

Ch. 74A king's counselor pledges his loyalty, hidden currents hone the edge

Chen Yu secretly empowered Xun Yu and placed him in charge of domestic administration while Guo Jia organized counterespionage, as Hua Country prepared for mounting threats. The kingdom’s reforms advanced quietly, leaving its leaders to conceal their strength and deepen their foundations before their enemies could discern their plans.

  • Guo Jia and Liu Bei warned Chen Yu that World Government spies were probing Hua Country and that its leaders’ Mythical Zoan powers risked exposure.
  • Xun Yu pledged his loyalty, proposed quiet domestic reforms and a secret Jing'an Bureau, and Chen Yu entrusted him with administration while assigning Guo Jia to coordinate the bureau.
  • Chen Yu secretly bestowed Calyrex's Power on Xun Yu and ordered him to present his abilities as those of a Paramecia Devil Fruit.
  • Xun Yu introduced measures to standardize official documents and weights, improve taxation, and promote farming and sericulture, strengthening Hua Country’s foundations.
  • Chen Yu ordered Liu Bei to counter Saint Poplar’s blockade and called for a swift strike against the Blood Anchor Pirates, while Guo Jia monitored spies and began internal screening.
  • Chen Yu and Xun Yu agreed to conceal their plans and use the growing external pressures to strengthen Hua Country before its enemies noticed.

Ch. 75Unifying script and wheel tracks, laying the foundation; hidden currents hone the blade (I)

Xun Yu launched Hua Country’s unified-script reform from Wenyuan Pavilion, ordering officials to adopt the three thousand Standard Characters of Hua. He rejected a frontier governor’s request to delay the change and sent clerks to enforce it in Cangyun Commandery.

  • Xun Yu oversaw Wenyuan Pavilion as the central hub for the unified-script policy and summoned more than a hundred clerks from across the country.
  • Xun Yu introduced Standard Characters of Hua and ordered their use in official documents, registers, laws, and school primers, with examinations within three months and standardized government writing within a year.
  • The governor of Cangyun Commandery reported that local elders resisted replacing traditional forms and asked for a delay or longer transition.
  • Xun Yu ruled that official documents must follow the standard and dispatched his response by express courier.
  • Young clerks trained at the Military Academy left Chang'an with new books and orders to assist with implementation in Cangyun Commandery.
Arc 3 of 17