Time flew by, and three months had passed in the blink of an eye. During this period, which was neither too long nor too short but sufficient for many changes to occur, the situation in the New World remained relatively stable. Golden Lion Shiki continued to expand his sphere of influence, while the Roger Pirates and the naval hero Garp persisted in their prolonged chase across the vast seas.
In stark contrast to the calm outside, Wano Country, isolated from the world, underwent earth-shaking transformations within these three short months. To consolidate his rule over Wano, Kaidou implemented a series of drastic reforms, drawing from his memories and experiences of a past life.
These policies covered crucial areas such as agriculture, commerce, education, and the military, aiming to fundamentally improve the people's livelihood and strengthen the nation's power. In agriculture, he not only introduced advanced farming techniques but also improved traditional irrigation systems. In commerce, he dismantled the existing monopoly system and established a fairer market order. In education, he promoted a nationwide literacy program, setting up simple schools in every village. These measures spread like a spring breeze, reaching every corner of Wano.
Of course, these reforms also reflected Kaidou's personal preferences. For instance, Kaidou did not appreciate Wano's traditional cultural and architectural styles, so the reforms subtly diluted the original cultural characteristics of Wano. Although these changes were not immediately obvious in the short term, in another decade or so, those familiar with Wano would find the country completely transformed.
Meanwhile, Kaidou ordered Queen to lead a research team in developing various convenience devices. From agricultural machinery that improved efficiency to household appliances that enhanced the quality of life, from improved textile tools to new lighting equipment, these inventions emerged one after another like bamboo shoots after a spring rain.
As a result, the standard of living for Wano's citizens significantly improved. Smiling vendors began to appear on the streets, cheerful conversations could be heard among farmers in the fields, and the calls of hawkers echoed through the markets. The entire country radiated unprecedented vitality and energy.
However, no reform could avoid stepping on the toes of vested interests.
The Daimyo across Wano and their subordinate Samurai families became the biggest losers in this transformation. Not only did they lose their original privileged status, but they also had to face the rise and challenges of emerging classes.
The redistribution of interests inevitably sparked resistance. During these three months, four rebellions of varying scales broke out across Wano. However, due to a lack of top-tier combat power, each rebellion was swiftly and decisively suppressed by executives like King, Bullet, and Queen before it could even attract Kaidou's attention.
These suppression actions not only demonstrated the formidable strength of the Beasts Pirates but also made many observers recognize the reality of the situation.
The number of prisoners at Udon Quarry had surged dramatically, making Gecko Moria, who was in charge of guarding them, increasingly busy. He had now become one of Kaidou's most effective labor managers.
"Queen," Kaidou sat on the ornately decorated throne in the shogun's main hall, his fingers rhythmically tapping the armrests with crisp sounds. "Find a way to prevent sunlight from reaching Udon Quarry. This will allow Moria to utilize his Shadow-Shadow Fruit ability to make the prisoners mine Sea Stone day and night. The current arrangement of only having those zombies work at night is far too inefficient."
"Understood, Boss Kaidou." Queen adjusted his signature sunglasses and nodded confidently. As the chief scientist of the Beasts Pirates, he was accustomed to Kaidou's seemingly fantastical demands. "I can install an adjustable sun-shielding system above the quarry, combined with special reflective materials. That should achieve the effect you want."
Just then, a dazzling flash of electricity crackled through the air, and nine-year-old Enel instantly materialized opposite Queen. This boy who had eaten the Rumble-Rumble Fruit was already demonstrating remarkable potential, his distinctive earlobes swaying slightly with his movements, his face bearing an expression of maturity beyond his years.
"What's the situation?" Kaidou turned his gaze to the youth he held in considerable regard, his voice carrying a note of anticipation.
"Heh heh," Enel waved his notebook triumphantly, the pages rustling noisily. "Those nobles have confessed. According to their testimony, they were instigated by Denjiro, and combined with their recent financial losses, they decided to take the risk."
"Denjiro?" Kaidou narrowed his eyes slightly, a dangerous glint flashing in his red pupils. "I hadn't expected it to be him. Have you located his hideout?"
Enel shook his head, a trace of regret appearing on his face. "I got the location of their meeting point from them, but when I arrived, the place was already deserted. That guy is much more cunning than we imagined."
"It seems there are still many people in Wano Country who fail to recognize the reality of the situation." Kaidou's voice grew low and dangerous, the temperature in the hall seeming to drop several degrees. He slowly rose to his feet, his towering figure casting an enormous shadow in the candlelight. "But it doesn't matter. Time will make them understand that resistance is futile."
Queen suddenly interjected, his voice tinged with concern. "Boss Kaidou, could Denjiro be trying to contact Kawamatsu, Nekomamushi, and Inuarashi? Although those three have submitted on the surface, who knows what they're really thinking."
"No need to worry," Kaidou revealed a confident smile, his sharp fangs glinting coldly in the light. "I trust Bullet can guard Oni Island properly. If Denjiro dares to infiltrate, he'll likely be eliminated by Bullet immediately. Besides, after this period of 'education,' I believe those three have become loyal members of the Beasts Pirates."
Queen nodded thoughtfully, clearly agreeing with Kaidou's judgment. Suddenly remembering something, he pulled out a document from his coat: "By the way, Boss Kaidou, you previously instructed me to start selling Sea Stone through the underground world. The World Government has now caught wind of it—they contacted me through my underground connections just this morning."
"Oh?!" Kaidou's eyes gleamed with sharp interest upon hearing this. "They've finally taken the bait."
Kidou had long anticipated that once Sea Stone—such a crucial strategic resource—began circulating in the underground market, the World Government would quickly come knocking. After all, the World Government maintained significant influence in the underworld; even the recently prominent Pleasure District was established with their covert support.
This was exactly the outcome Kaidou wanted. He needed to establish contact with the World Government because they possessed far too many valuable assets: embargoed equipment, precious Devil Fruits—all strategic resources urgently needed by the Beasts Pirates.
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