Pirate: If you are immortal, I will first fill up the overlord color.

Chapter 446: Forty Years of Empire

Monkey D. Cap.

Legendary naval hero.

His life course has already become a legend in the world.

He was also the mentor of Xia Le, the founding emperor of the People's Republic of China, and taught many famous contemporary generals and officials.

But no matter how glorious your life is, it will eventually come to an end.

On this day, the whole country was silent.

Xia Le wore black clothes with paper flowers on his chest and attended the funeral to bid farewell to Garp.

He stood in the front row, next to Kuzan, the current emperor of the empire.

Both of them had heavy expressions and were silent.

Behind them, Xia Ming and Xia Yue were already in tears. Garp was also the grandfather who taught them how to grow up and had been with them since childhood.

The host looked solemn in the front and told about Karp's life in a low tone.

Drago and Luffy stood on one side. Over the years, both of them had changed a lot.

The departure of their loved ones made them look a little tired today. They stood there quietly, wondering what they were thinking.

Luffy, who was once cheerful and lively, looked extremely serious that day.

Behind him stood Zoro, Sanji, Nami and others, all comforting him softly.

Xia Le did not turn around, but he could still clearly feel the sad feelings in the hearts of the people around him.

"The teacher has finally passed away."

"No disease, no disaster."

"Birth, old age, illness, and death are things that mortals must experience, and no one can escape them."

Kuzan sighed softly.

"It's joy and mourning!"

Xia Le nodded.

There was some sadness in his heart, and the death of someone close to him naturally made him feel more deeply, and also made the loneliness in his heart even stronger.

From then on, no older person cared about him in this world.

In their lifetime, most people just want to be a child who is cared for. They will not wake up until their parents and relatives pass away.

It turns out that relatives will leave, parents will leave, and eventually I will grow up and face the world alone.

Xia Le stood there in a daze for a long time.

The people around him left in twos and threes, and he was recalling the series of events from the moment he first met each other to the subsequent events.

Under Garp's guidance, he stood by his side without hesitation when he was Marie Joa, and when he assumed the position of marshal, he retired and led the SWROD team away.

Unconsciously, Xia Le burst into tears.

The death of a loved one is not a sudden downpour, but a silent drizzle that moistens everything. Over a long period of time, on a deserted night, it will invade your bone marrow and mind, making you sad. Inexplicable.

"I didn't expect that this guy Garp would leave one step ahead of me!"

The old soldier said with a sigh while leaning on a cane.

He didn't seem to be feeling much sadness and had a smile on his face as he spoke.

"It's Marshal of the Warring States Period!"

Someone around said in shock and quickly got out of the way.

By this era, the status of the Warring States Period was naturally extremely high and highly respected. Undoubtedly, it was when he recognized the Admiral that he laid the foundation for Xia Le to change the world situation.

Xia Le turned his head and his emotions calmed down slightly.

"I'll be leaving soon."

Sengoku said with a chuckle.

"Thank you, Xia Le, for letting us old men live a peaceful life for a long time."

Xia Le shook his head and sighed.

"There is nothing to be sad about. As time goes by, both we and you will leave this world one day."

"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust!"

"At my age, what else can I not see clearly?"

Warring States said with a smile.

"Yes, everyone will leave, and no one will be left behind."

"Garp doesn't want his funeral to look so heavy."

He also said with a smile.

The two people's words made the atmosphere much more relaxed. Gradually, laughter came out.

Xia Le let out a long breath and calmed down.

His eyes were a little complicated.

Because maybe this is just the beginning.

Sure enough, after this.

Sengoku left after four months, and Crane left after six months.

Three companions who had been together since their youth passed away one after another, and they walked together.

After that, Zefa brought flowers and wine to the three of them.

Two months later, the teacher of many today's generals also passed away in style.

At this point, Xia Le's previous generation of navy, the veterans of the old era, are almost gone.

And the world has entered a new era.

The generals during the Chaillot period began to retire on a large scale, and it was time to recuperate.

New young generals came to power, and the world began a new cycle.

Another year passed.

Xia Le sat at home and sighed softly when he heard the news that Cyborg Kong had passed away in Impel Down City Prison.

On this day, he sat in the yard of his home and was lost in thought for a long time.

During his lunch break, he woke up with a start.

Suddenly, I remembered something.

That was a sentence that suddenly appeared in his mind and ears when he succeeded as Admiral of the Navy.

"Wealth, fame, power, strength, these things that you have worked so hard to get, are you willing to give them up?"

"Then, start a new life that belongs to you?"

Even after decades apart, these words still seem to be very clear in Xia Le's mind.

He was very sure that this was a pop-up window from the system, a choice targeted at him.

At that time, he chose to give up.

Then, the next time, it never appeared.

"If it comes up again."

"What choice would I make?"

Xia Le murmured.

As time goes by, everyone who was once close to him will leave, and he will become alone.

Although the world is still prosperous and his reputation as the founding emperor is endless, he is still lonely.

At this moment, he actually looked forward to that choice appearing again.

Maybe this time, he will think about that question carefully.

"But I still have one thing to do."

Xia Le murmured.

Although a long time had passed in the new empire, he still had not forgotten that the man named Im might still be hiding somewhere.

Over the years, the Imperial Intelligence Organization has searched almost every place in the world, but there is still no news.

"where are you?"

"Im!"

Xia Le will never relax when it comes to the leader behind the World Government.

If that choice arises again, he will make a decision after dealing with the other party.

Time continues to pass.

In the blink of an eye, the empire has ushered in thirty years.

This year, Kuzan announced his abdication, and the empire was taken over by a new man.

By this time, the empire will have its third emperor.

Xia Le had already retired, and in the quiet courtyard there was only the sound of Xia Ming's careful analysis.

"Could it be Admiral Smoker?"

"Or where are the two ministers Baki and Rosinandi?"

"In short, the new emperor will be selected from their generation."

After setting his dream to be the Great Emperor, this son is obviously very concerned about political events.

Xia Le closed his eyes slightly, not paying attention to these things.

In his opinion, after he retired, he was out of touch with the kingdom. The political changes and the appointment and dismissal of officials have nothing to do with him.

As a result, he often sighs with emotion.

Even a world-beating figure can only have an impact on world history for an era.

Of course, he never wanted to manage the world forever.

That's so tiring.

Half a year later, the new emperor took office. The selection was beyond everyone's expectations and also surprised Xia Le.

"Kirby?"

"What an unexpected choice."

Xia Le said with emotion.

"Actually, it's not unexpected. It's just that Minister Kebi has kept a low profile over the years and has never revealed it."

Xia Ming said.

"But I actually know very well that Minister Kebi has been working crazy hard over the years. His contribution is a hundred times, a thousand times more than that of others!"

"Now, his strength is already very strong!"

Hearing this, Xia Le nodded.

He has always recognized this junior brother's efforts.

The two were chatting when there were footsteps at the door.

Xia Le looked up and saw a figure stepping in at the courtyard gate.

Wearing a white military uniform, a righteous cloak on the back, and a navy hat on his head, his face is very mature, and he looks very imposing in his movements.

"Your Majesty Kebi!"

Xia Ming's eyes widened, he quickly stood up and bent down to salute.

"No need to be polite, I'm here to meet my senior brother!"

Kirby smiled and waved his hands.

Xia Ming breathed a sigh of relief and then stepped away.

The Kebi in front of him is no longer the former, but the supreme emperor of the current empire. Unlike his father, he naturally needs to be respected.

"Why do you have time to come to my place?"

Xia Le glanced at the other party and said casually.

"I've been busy lately, and I haven't come to see my senior brother for a long time."

Kebi said cautiously.

Even though decades had passed since the two met, and he had become the emperor of this huge empire, he still felt nervous and awe from the bottom of his heart after seeing the other person.

"Have a heart."

"Take care of this country and do what you have to do."

Xia Le said with a chuckle.

"We, the older generation, step back to clear the way for you, the younger generation."

"The empire has a foundation, but that doesn't mean you have nothing to do."

"You must know that it is easy to conquer a country, but it is difficult to defend it. You must balance the interests of all classes."

Hearing this, Kebi's expression became solemn.

"The empire has been in existence for thirty years, which is not too long, but it is not too short either. New conflicts have arisen in many internal departments and interest groups."

"This matter is indeed difficult to handle."

Xia Le's expression remained unchanged, he had already expected it.

There will be such a trend in any country. When those with vested interests enjoy the taste of power, they will not be willing to let it go.

As a result, classes began to emerge, and the country became rigid, stagnant, and gradually turned into a pool of stagnant water. Those at the bottom cannot be promoted to higher levels and can only accept exploitation.

"Senior brother, I have nothing to guide you!"

"It can only be said that ideological and moral cultivation must be done well, and the rule of law must be stricter."

“The interests of civilians must be taken care of. This is the original intention of our founding.”

"Since the word justice is engraved on the cloak on the back, then go and do it as well as you can!"

Xia Le said lightly.

Kirby nodded heavily.

As a result, his generation of emperors strengthened ideological and moral education and made the rule of law stricter.

No one expected that Kebi, who was cowardly in the early days, would turn out to be very resourceful after taking office, and dealt with many corrupt officials on a large scale.

Of course, none of this has anything to do with Xia Le.

Time continues to pass.

In the blink of an eye, the empire has been forty years.

Xia Le's courtyard became very quiet, with only the gray-haired Hancock accompanying him.

"After all these years, you are still as young as you were then."

"But I am already senile."

Hancock said shakily.

After all, she is now in her seventies.

The children are all married, and Xia Le has become a grandfather.

"In my eyes, you are still as young and beautiful as when we met you."

Xia Le said with a smile, reaching out to touch the other person's wrinkled face.

"I don't know how long I can stay with you."

Hancock sighed.

Xia Le was silent.

"Vegapunk has new technology there."

After hesitating for a moment, he spoke out.

Hancock chuckled and said, "I don't want to become an android."

Xia Le sighed softly and said nothing more.

Because even artificial humans may not live as long as him.

It has been nearly sixty years since he came to this world, and his physical fitness and appearance have always remained at the level of a twenty-year-old.

In other words, he is always at the top.

Time seemed to have lost any effect on him, leaving no trace on his body.

"I hope to see our son on the throne of God before I die!"

"He looks so much like you."

Hancock said.

"He's outstanding and promising."

Xia Le said.

"Aren't you willing to help him?"

Hancock said.

She knew very well that as Xia Le, as long as she was willing to say a word, there would be almost no suspense about the position of the next emperor.

"With his ability, he can do it."

"Besides, I don't think our son would be willing for me to really reach out."

Xia Le said aloud.

"I know very well that he wants to achieve this dream, and he also has some plans to prove himself in front of us."

After hearing this, Hancock also gave up his plan to continue to persuade Xia Le.

Obviously, she also knows her son's character.

In the blink of an eye, another two years have passed.

Kebi announced his abdication, and a new imperial election began.

Xia Le's son, Xia Ming, was among them.

But the selection of the empire king will obviously not show any mercy because of Xia Ming's identity.

At this time, Xia Ming's position was Minister of Science and Defense, holding the position of general, and he had outstanding strength.

Xia Le was sitting in the yard, not worried about his son. He looked very calm, but Hancock looked very nervous.

Because she knew very well that this day would be the most important day for her son.

It can be said that Xia Ming has been striving for today for decades.

There was an old maple tree planted in the courtyard. The autumn wind blew and the yellow leaves fluttered, spiraling down from the sky and landing right at Xia Le's feet.

He slowly raised his head, his eyes shrinking in an instant.

"More than forty years!"

"You finally showed up again."

Muttering in his mouth, Xia Le slowly stood up.

"What are you going to do?"

Hancock was stunned and asked hurriedly.

"Solve the problems left over from the previous era."

Xia Le said in a deep voice.

At the same time, in the palace of Ameen.

Xia Ming climbed the steps step by step and accepted the succession ceremony of the new emperor.

"Let's welcome the new emperor of Fredham Kingdom!"

And below, a figure covered in clothes slowly raised his head, revealing blood-red eyes.

"It's been more than forty years?"

(End of this chapter)