Before ruling the entire world, one must at least first rule half of it.
And ruling half the world is different from ruling a country. A single country is easier to rule. After all, kingdoms on the sea with large populations are few; the former O'hara Royal City only had two million people.
As long as one has strong military power and a little understanding of people's hearts, it can be well-governed. After all, he's not alone; he has helpers.
But ruling half the world is entirely different.
A powerful country must rely on its strengths. Sage, whether in terms of economic level or his current plans, has not yet reached the point where he can conquer the whole world. He is still in the recruitment phase.
"Sage, why do we need to negotiate with them?"
Lily frowned slightly, "With our strength, we could easily lure and empty out the local populace like we did with those small countries, then develop slowly."
"Doing that would make us enemies of the world. We are here to do business, and it's not yet time for that. Most importantly..."
Sage smiled and said, "I am a man of my word. If I said I wouldn't conflict with the World Government, I won't. All this time, you've seen that in this world, the only ones who keep their promises are me... and the World Government."
Lily paused, thought for a moment, and then nodded, "Indeed."
Although what the World Government does is despicable, some things can actually be seen separately. The Heavenly Celestial Dragons and the World Government are one entity, but in some matters not entirely so.
Setting aside the base and vile nature of the Celestial Dragons, the World Government itself has strategies planned in the shadows. They seem to be better at keeping promises compared to the Pirates.
Kuma's body is currently with Vegapunk, and they've heard some things from him, too.
Regarding Bonney's matter, though there's a hint of threat, the World Government clearly informed about Kuma's human modification. Agreeing or not is up to them.
On dehumanization, the Government and the Pirates are about equal, but the Government is a bit more trustworthy, while Pirates tend to be more principled.
"For joint development, we also need lower-level markets. It's best if we control these markets, but we need to pay those guys. If they don't have money, who will buy our goods?"
Sage said, "Letting them have money to buy is the most suitable choice."
"But... Sage, those nobles won't let their people have money."
"That's why the treaty includes setting up factories. Money, give a little to the Kingdom, and sustain them just fine. The Kings of powerful countries will negotiate terms beneficial to them; otherwise, they can't maintain their status as powerful nations. As for small to medium countries, if they don't follow our ideas, either replace them or clear them out entirely, nominally handing over to cooperating countries, while secretly controlling key industries is enough."
Sage smiled and said, "My plan is flawless."
Relying on the power of the two seas, rapidly infusing O'hara, within three years, O'hara will fully grow.
O'hara will complete the bloody accumulation of primitive capital within three years and dominate half the world.
This isn't exploitation. Under their industrial chain model, wages in the Outer Sea aren't low. Although not as high as domestically, they can surely live a decent life.
As for how this life is achieved, money alone isn't enough. What need is their own produced raw materials, exported and re-imported and then re-exported, expanding demand and market, turning their labor completely into commodities, connecting the world, and supplying needs.
Lily nodded; she didn't think Sage was oppressing. Besides trust, she understood O'hara's organizational structure.
If there's a fruit stand in a place, parasites think of collecting more taxes without caring whether these people can survive, but Sage will.
Because when the fruit seller sells fruit, he will have money. With money, he'll get what he wants, use money to buy meat to improve meals, then the butcher will buy better knives, and the knife seller, with money, will buy better clothes, and the clothing shop owner, with money, will eat some fruit...
Such a cycle, everything will become good.
This has been proven by time and reality.
All problems, besides money, are commodities. And these things can't be done by those who only know indulgence and oppression, only Sage is doing it.
All taxes collected are invested in infrastructure, for better production environment, better buildings; everything is for prosperity.
No matter how extravagant, on this part, Sage is forever strictly adherent, never changing.
"Yes, you will definitely succeed. Our enterprise will thrive, and our ideals..."
With a blue-green gleam in her eyes, Lily, with firm determination, said, "Will definitely be realized!"
"No need to boost ourselves like that."
Sage chuckled, "Often times, a goal is just a goal. Anyone can say it, but doing it is uncertain. No need to set a time, even if my estimate is three years. No matter how late, as long as there is no threat or problem, the goal will be achieved."
"Compared to instant success, this gradual visible change, seeing those magnificent buildings completed that I desire, brings more comfort and a greater sense of achievement..."