One Piece: Wielder of the Void

Chapter 219: 219. Joining? Not Joining?



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Anos took a sip of water and leaned directly on the back of the sofa. Then he glanced at it, smiled, and continued, "The World Government doesn't want to be attacked from both sides, so what it can do is very simple. After all, we belong to the state. In addition, the Tru Empire is mainly based on business, and they will definitely find a way to get us to join the World Government as a member nation."

"But this group of people will not ignore the overall strength of our country and may even let us go when we face a war between Yonko pirate ships in the future."

"So in the next phase, the World Government's CP personnel who come here will definitely invite us to join the World Government and agree to our requests."

"You just mentioned the World Government, but what about the Marines?" Fujitora asked.

"Marines!! As for them, there may be things that interest you in the future, so let me give it a try. However, I will need to trouble you, General Fujitora, to negotiate with these CP personnel next. Got it!" Anos said.

"Then what is His Majesty's attitude toward joining the World Government?"

Fujitora paused for a moment, then opened his mouth and asked directly.

"Join? Why not join? It's just that some topics need to be discussed in advance. When negotiating, we need two things. First, the Tru Empire must become a first-level member of the World Government and will not accept any supply of heavenly tribute while enjoying the ability for ships flying the flag of the Tru Empire to pass directly through the Red Line without any hindrance."

"Second, the personnel of the Tru Empire must have the right to prioritize recruiting Marines under special circumstances at sea."

"Third, the World Government must provide technology to allow free passage through windless zones for our fleets."

"If they agree to these three simple requirements, we don't mind joining the World Government. As for what else you, General Fujitora, might want, you can consider that later. But these three points are our bottom line!"

Anos suddenly turned serious and spoke with authority.

In truth, what he really wanted was to be able to cross the Red Line. This would bring immense convenience to the Tru Empire. At the very least, it would cut down travel time from the South Blue to the New World by at least a month.

Moreover, the danger level would be significantly reduced. Currently, to conduct business, they almost exclusively travel through Fish-Man Island. The costs and risks of such routes were simply too high.

As for the technology of Sea-Prism Stone, the Tru Empire had long mastered it. They were merely using this negotiation as a façade.

If they suddenly revealed this technology later, it could lead to suspicion from the World Government.

The matter of recruiting Marines anytime and anywhere under special conditions was more symbolic than anything. It wouldn't cost them much but could serve as an important bargaining chip.

Fujitora sat quietly, listening to these demands. Each one represented an absolute affront to the World Government.

In his decades of life, wandering through almost every corner of the pirate world, Fujitora had observed that even the Kingdom of Alabasta faced severe restrictions when seeking to pass through the Red Line.

In some cases, even minor disagreements could result in outright denial of passage.

However, if the Tru Empire were to propose these conditions, it was truly possible that the World Government might directly agree.

Fujitora did not oppose the proposals made by Anos. He merely smiled slightly and said, "Then this matter will be left to me. What happens next depends on the World Government's attitude!"

"We don't need to join the World Government. It doesn't make much difference to us whether we join or not. Now that the country has this strength, they should be the ones anxious, not us."

Anos said confidently. Although the Tru Empire's strength was not directly proportional to that of the World Government or the Marines, one undeniable fact remained: there were countless forces worldwide that actively resisted the World Government.

Especially in the New World, where the Yonko pirate crews thrived, alongside the Revolutionary Army operating in the shadows.

Compared to them, the Tru Empire's approach was already one of restraint and diplomacy.

"Does His Majesty have any other arrangements in mind?" Fujitora asked.

"There are no special arrangements. If the World Government agrees to our requests, they must announce it publicly through the World Economic News. We want these agreements to be transparent and binding. Their World Government and Marines must have no involvement in Tru Empire's affairs."

Anos said firmly.

"Understood!" Fujitora replied as he stood up. Just as he was about to leave, he turned and added, "I'll ensure this matter is handled properly."

With that, Fujitora exited the room where the discussion had taken place.

Even after leaving, his expression remained serious. After all, the individuals he had to face this time were not ordinary bureaucrats. Fujitora could sense their strength.

Despite holding the rank of General, he understood that there were still many people in this world whose power far exceeded his own.

Anos sat in deep thought. He was well aware of the challenges ahead, and he had already prepared contingency plans.

The masked figures who had arrived in the Tru Empire were undoubtedly members of the World Government's Cipher Pol.

Their attire alone indicated their allegiance, and their strength was likely considerable.

However, as long as the visitors refrained from crossing certain boundaries, the Tru Empire was willing to negotiate peacefully. Survival and stability were priorities for both sides.

After all, the Tru Empire's demands were far from unreasonable. If the World Government and Marines sought to maintain control over the South Blue and the wider seas, accommodating these requests would not be difficult.

Anos was confident that the World Government would eventually agree to these terms.

Stabilizing the Tru Empire and avoiding unnecessary conflict was a small price to pay compared to the benefits.

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