One Piece: Revenge of the Slaves

Alistair first explained political systems in detail. He then described the role of currency within political systems. He then shifted to explaining a currency-less credit system and finally, Skypeia's unique suitability for such a system, based on its isolation and lack of foreign trade. Because Skypeia is isolated and has no foreign trade, they don't need currency. And because their population is small, they can experiment with this labor-credit system. Because they were high-ranking officials, Alistair could speak frankly.

"We will build a city that exists only in fairy tales on Skyipea."

Alistair looked around, his gaze unwavering. "This is our ultimate goal, our future direction. It might be impossible for the whole world, but Skypiea is small, has a small population, and is not heavily reliant on the outside world, so it's achievable."

"We will ensure everyone has food and clothing, advanced technology, peace and prosperity, care for the elderly and the young. What families cannot do, the state will do for them."

"We will be a paternalistic state. Ordinary families are our children; their problems are our problems; solving them is our responsibility and mission."

"But as a paternal figure, we must also correct and punish their wrongdoings."

Alistair's words left everyone trembling. No one had ever proposed such an idea. But he did; he spoke of it. Not just in the One Piece world, but in his previous world, most governments were, in theory, shepherd governments: We are the shepherds; they are the sheep; they are lost, so we guide them, and I am the one who leads you. As livestock, whether I shear you, skin you, or slaughter you for meat, is entirely appropriate.

This world's governments are even more straightforward: everything belongs to the king. Your possessions are the king's; you are the king's; the king doesn't take everything only for long-term gain, not because he's unwilling.

Almost everyone in the world accepts this practice and ideology. Although no one has summarized it, no one understands how illogical it is—due to insufficient education.

Most intellectuals struggle to understand how this world works. Those, like Ohara, who can study history are few and far between. Most commoners struggle to survive under the constant threat of pirates. The thinkers in the pirate world are the pirates themselves, who don't have to worry about their safety and roam the seas freely.

Of course, there are also elite members of various countries, such as the few before Alistair.

Mihar is a teacher from the West Blue; Masked Deuce was once a nobleman (his current name is an alias); Van Augur is the son of an East Blue merchant; Lafitte was a West Blue law enforcement officer.

They are the superstructure, or at least the middle class, the elite; are they opposed to those who have nothing? No, it is precisely they who have the perseverance to make changes, because they possess both knowledge and perseverance, but lack the means of production. They are the people who desperately need change in this world.

Or like Lafitte and Van Augur, who are extremely dissatisfied with the status quo and seek to improve their own class; or like Deuce and Mihar, who are desperate for change due to their disillusionment with reality.

Their ultimate goals and outcomes are the same. When Alistair provided them with answers and a new path, they readily agreed.

Frankly, the Sky Islanders had no motivation for change. But Alistair's description was too beautiful, and with the entire island under his control, the four representatives agreed. They were still somewhat afraid that Alistair might unleash Enel on them without warning. After all, Enel is currently unrestrained; if Alistair and his crew leave, they would essentially be leaving the entire island to Enel. Who would be able to stop Enel then?

Alistair and Enel were well aware of each other's thoughts, but Enel didn't quite understand Alistair's plans, though he found Alistair interesting, and his policies intriguing. This piqued Enel's interest and curiosity. How far could Alistair go?

"Next, I need to announce some appointments."

Alistair's expression turned serious, shifting from casual conversation to business; everyone immediately understood that Alistair was about to discuss important matters.

"Gan Fall, you will be the Minister of Education." Alistair pointed to Gan Fall.

"Your job will be to select children under sixteen, dividing them into three groups based on age (five-year intervals), and providing different levels of education. I will provide the textbooks. But you must first select intelligent adults from across Skypiea, including the Shandorians, for intensive study before they can educate the children."

Gan Fall nodded; Alistair made it clear that educating children wasn't his responsibility; selecting intelligent teachers was.

This is quite strange, because the top talents are in scientific research, contributing to human progress—they also lead a group of second-tier talents, while another group of second-tier talents go into business and politics; third-tier talents become managers; fourth-tier talents become salespeople; only those who cannot find a way out become teachers…

Those who teach are often not the top talents; how can you cultivate top intellectuals and scientists? The result is that only those with exceptional talent excel, while the average level of the general population remains the same.

What truly raises the knowledge and understanding of the people is a developed media—more and more rumors, emotional incitement; in other countries, this would pass, and rumors are just rumors. But in a stricter country, every rumor is followed by a refutation; otherwise, the news media will suffer. After believing so many rumors, even the most foolish people know to think carefully and wait when they see news… As a result, public intelligence increases. Top talents also have teaching responsibilities—those seeking promotions must teach university students enough classes.

Alistair wants to change this from the very beginning.