"We can't let them continue to grow unchecked. At this rate of development, Totto Land might become the second Great Kingdom." Saint Marcus Mars stroked his long beard, a hint of apprehension in his eyes.
"Easier said than done. The Marines can't spare any more forces. They're already at full strength just dealing with Rocks. Provoking Totto Land, which can easily destroy islands, is an unwise move by any measure," Saint Topman Warcury said with a cold snort.
"Are we just going to let them keep growing? We should at least cause them some trouble. We can't let them develop so peacefully," Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro said, his eyes filled with killing intent.
Ju Peter sneered in disdain, "Cause trouble? Who can cause trouble for Totto Land now?"
"I even suspect that Milim possesses power as great as Rocks."
"Don't forget, Rocks once broke into That Person's residence."
Venus snorted coldly, "That incident was our failure, but the main blame lies with that useless Marine Admiral who couldn't even stop Rocks."
Mercury suddenly spoke up, "Alright, stop arguing."
"Arguing like this won't lead to any result. Why don't we leave the decision on this matter to Lord Imu?"
"No!" The other four Elders objected in unison.
"If we trouble Lord Imu over such a trivial matter, then what is the point of our existence as the Five Elders?"
"Exactly. We should avoid notifying Lord Imu about this if possible. We've already failed in our duty because of Rocks meeting Lord Imu."
"If we bother Lord Imu again over such a small thing, we might all be punished."
After a long discussion, they still couldn't reach a conclusion.
They could only stick to the original plan and raise the bounties for everyone in Totto Land severalfold!
...
Totto Land continued to prosper and develop. It also occupied several surrounding uninhabited deserted islands, expanding its territory.
And among these islands, they found some surprises. On one island, there was an iron mine.
Besides that, the biggest event was Milim and Linlin's birthday in a few days. This was the first time Milim and Linlin would celebrate their birthday since Totto Land was founded.
It was also when they both turned 20. Since they were born on the same day, their birthdays were naturally on the same day.
Totto Land was very lively today. The entire country was celebrating Linlin and Milim's birthday. All the chefs in the country were working hard to make a gigantic birthday cake.
The Kuja pirate ship, representing Amazon Lily, was also docked at Totto Land's port.
After only a few months apart, Gloriosa and Shakky met again.
Upon seeing each other, a bright smile appeared on Gloriosa's face.
Shakky's beautiful face now had dark circles under her eyes, a clear sign that she was still getting used to her duties as the new Empress.
Shakky ignored Gloriosa and walked up to Milim. "Happy birthday, Milim! This is your birthday present from me." As she spoke, Shakky took out a gift box from behind her back.
Milim expertly took the gift box; she had lost count of how many she had received today.
"Shakky, you look exhausted from work. You've even picked up smoking," Milim said with a playful grin, a cigarette dangling from her lips.
Shakky said with some emotion, "I can't help it. Bearing the future of a country is stressful."
"Looks like you'll become an excellent queen, just like Linlin!" Milim praised Shakky with a smile.
"I wouldn't dare dream of such a thing. But at least I won't be the kind of queen who abandons her people for love," Shakky said, giving Gloriosa a pointed look.
The smile on Gloriosa's face didn't change. "You can't be so sure. Maybe one day you'll make the same choice."
"Did you foresee something?" Shakky frowned.
Gloriosa shook her head. "No, I just believe in the destiny of us Kuja Empresses."
"Forget it!" Seeing that Gloriosa was unwilling to say more, Shakky stopped asking and turned to Milim. "Milim, aren't you going back inside? Who are we waiting for out here?"
"A group of pirates. They said they were in the neighborhood and wanted to join the fun," Milim replied with a nod.
"Oh!" Shakky looked at Milim, puzzled. "What pirates are so important that you would wait for them?"
"It's... Oh, look, they're here." Just as Milim was about to answer, she saw a ship gradually appear on the horizon.
"The Oro Jackson. Gol D. Roger!" Seeing the approaching ship, Shakky immediately recognized the arriving pirates.
As the Oro Jackson got closer and finally docked at Totto Land's port, a group of burly men jumped off.
"Yo, Milim! I saw you right away!" Roger said as his first words after jumping down. Then he turned and saw Shakky standing to the side.
Hearts immediately appeared in his eyes. He moved at an unimaginable speed, arriving in front of Shakky, dropping to one knee, and taking her hand.
"May I ask for the name of this beautiful lady?"
"I have completely fallen in love with you."
"Hehe," Shakky chuckled, covering her mouth. "My name is Shakky. And as for falling in love with me... you'd better forget it." She said, pulling her hand away.
"Shakky, what a beautiful name!" Hearing Shakky's pleasant voice, Roger was completely entranced. The rest of his crew were also staring at Shakky, unable to move. Only Rayleigh remained perfectly calm, holding his composure.
This made Shakky glance at Rayleigh with some surprise. She was well aware of her charm; very few men could resist it.
But this man seemed different.
Gloriosa stood to the side, a strange smile gradually forming on her face.
"Wow!" Milim's eyes widened as she looked at Roger. She never thought the Pirate King would be like this.
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