As Kahn ventured into the Grand Line, he set his sights on three key countries.
First among them was the Kingdom of Dressrosa, located in the New World, which held treasures that Kahn desired.
Then, there was Amazon Lily, the powerful Haki nation located in the Calm Belt. Similar to Wanokuni, this country's formidable warriors could bolster the ranks of the "Cross Family."
But the third country Kahn had his eyes on wasn't the "Tontatta Kingdom" located within Dressrosa.
The dwarves were one of the reasons Kahn considered Dressrosa as a potential base. The other treasure was Viola, who had eaten the Paramecia Dark-Dark Fruit.
However, the third country that Kahn aimed to target was Wanokuni, another powerful Haki nation like Amazon Lily.
Yes, Wanokuni, a treasure land coveted by the world for centuries, was Kahn's third target.
If not for its natural defences, Wanokuni would have been conquered long ago, even with its legendary swordsmen and samurai.
For hundreds of years, this country remained isolated, refusing to trade with the outside world, preserving its wealth and resources.
Even after twenty years of being exploited by Kaido, Wanokuni had not been entirely drained.
In this timeline, because Kaido failed to secure Doflamingo's support and lost Quinn, a key weapon inventor who was killed by Sonia, his ability to exploit Wanokuni was severely diminished.
As a result, Wanokuni remains a land of untapped riches, the fabled "Country of Gold."
If Kahn can conquer Wanokuni, the minerals that are now only available at exorbitant prices on the black market due to Morlay Island being mined dry will become an endless supply.
Additionally, he would gain control of the world's largest source of seastone.
Once Kahn monopolizes the production of top-quality weapons, both hot and cold, as well as seastone—crucial for research and sold even to the World Government—his influence and power will reach unprecedented levels.
At that point, Kahn could easily arrange a meeting with Vegapunk, extract the scientist's knowledge, and seize the research materials on the Pacifistas.
Of course...
Kahn's interest in Wanokuni's resources was only a secondary reason for preparing for an all-out war with Kaido.
The main reason lay in what Kahn revealed to Hancock and her sisters.
He wanted to seize the Ancient Weapon!
The reason why Luffy is considered the "Son of Destiny" and a key figure in the chaotic times isn't solely because he ate the Paramecia Gum-Gum Fruit. It's also because his father is Monkey D. Dragon, his mentor is Shanks, and his grandfather is Monkey D. Garp.
These three individuals aren't just some of the world's most powerful figures; they also represent the pinnacle of three major forces.
When Luffy eventually reaches the same level of power and becomes one of the world's strongest, these three forces will stand in his support.
Additionally, the various allies Luffy makes throughout his journey will follow him as the "liberation fighters."
Just like Naruto Uzumaki in the world of Hokage, who was backed by the entire ninja world, Luffy, too, will be supported by the world as he battles the ultimate evil.
The "Son of Destiny" defeats the final villain, representing the entire world, transforming from a mere dragon slayer into a true hero.
This was true for Naruto Uzumaki, for Ichigo Kurosaki, and it will undoubtedly be true for Luffy as well.
The reason protagonists like Luffy, often referred to as "migrant workers" in their worlds, can change the world is twofold. First, their bloodline and talent must be able to reach, or even surpass, the highest levels of power in their world. Second, they only need to focus on increasing their strength because others have already paved the way for them in other areas.
Shanks and Monkey D. Dragon are the key figures who have paved the way for Luffy.
As future major supporters of the "Son of Destiny," they will undoubtedly rise in power and influence before Luffy sets out on his journey. Becoming dominant forces in the world is almost guaranteed for them.
Kahn, on the other hand, has a certain chance of breaking through the world's power ceiling and becoming a force on a different level entirely. However, until he achieves this breakthrough, no matter how strong he becomes, he will only be slightly ahead of the other top powers.
In a one-on-one fight, Kahn might come out on top against another overlord. But in a one-on-two situation, he would likely be at a disadvantage.
To ensure that he can maintain his position and influence during the chaotic times twelve years later, Kahn has two strategies.
The first is to break through the world's power ceiling and become a powerhouse of a different dimension, much like the Six Paths-level beings in the Hokage world who can easily overpower multiple super Kage-level opponents.
The second is to acquire a trump card, as the World Government has, which allows them to remain unshaken even when faced with multiple powerful adversaries in the New World.
The World Government's trump card is believed to be the mysterious weapon of Imu a secret weapon capable of destroying entire islands with ease.
This secret weapon is likely Uranus, one of the three Ancient Weapons, or something of equal power.
What is certain is that the three Ancient Weapons, named after gods, are entities that can significantly impact the world's balance of power.
Therefore, if Kahn can control one of these ancient weapons, it will grant him the power to maintain his dominance even in troubled times.
Kahn knows the location of two of the three ancient weapons.
One is Shirahoshi, who is four years old this year and is the Ancient Weapon "Poseidon."
The second is the Ancient Weapon "Pluton," hidden in Wanokuni.
Kahn has no intention of letting these two Ancient Weapons slip from his grasp.
Once he solidifies his position as one of the New World's overlords, with power and influence comparable to Whitebeard, Kahn plans to personally visit Fish-Man Island to secure Poseidon.
But for now, Kahn's target is Kaido, whose arm has been severed and who is still in recovery.
After concealing his knowledge about the Ancient Weapons and explaining the reasons for the upcoming war to Hancock and her sisters, Kahn made his next move.
The following day, Kahn entrusted Kuina and Perona to Robin for training. He then took Mary and Monet, left the "Grandine New World," and returned to the underground base on Amazon Lily.
Next, Kahn transferred all 2,500 weakened Pacifistas, still in their infancy and housed in training pods, to Mary's castle. He then began creating a new batch of replica soldiers.
By the time Kahn returns from his journey to Wanokuni, the second batch of replicas should be ready.
This way, by the time Gekko Moria finishes recruiting and makes his way to the New World from the first half of the Grand Line, the number of members in Kahn's "Cross Legion" should exceed 10,000.
These 10,000 soldiers, equipped with laser and weaponry devices, possessing strong physiques and fearlessness in the face of death, will form a formidable low-end combat force.
Combined with the mid-range combat power of Amazon Lily's warriors and the high-end power of Hancock and her allies, the "Cross Family" will have the strength to challenge any force, except perhaps the World Government and Marine Headquarters.
At that point, the "Cross Family" will no longer be a nominal overlord but a true powerhouse.
After securing the first batch of young replica soldiers in the castle, Kahn took Monet and Mary and set sail on the Grandigne, heading straight for Wanokuni.
A few days later, the three of them quietly entered the Golden Kingdom, disguised in traditional Wanokuni kimonos as they had before.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion