Soon after,
Leo, stationed far off in the Grand Line, ended his call with James, a satisfied smile crossing his face. He couldn't help but praise them inwardly, thinking, "James and his team are surprisingly effective!"
Even Leo hadn't foreseen the possibility of leveraging the Revolutionary Army to strike against the Kingdom of Goa, thereby fostering a stronger bond between Luffy and his partner, Froakie. This tactic was something he hadn't considered earlier, likely due to his limited interaction with the Revolutionary Army. After all, some of the best ideas come from unexpected sparks of inspiration.
Now, Leo eagerly anticipated the Revolutionary Army's offensive on the Kingdom of Goa. Unlike many others, he was well aware that the Kingdom of Goa was the hometown of the Revolutionary Army's leader, Dragon, and its second-in-command, Sabo. While Sabo was still suffering from amnesia, Leo wondered if encountering Luffy might restore his lost memories.
As for the 50% discount James had promised, it wasn't just an incentive—it was a form of support for the Revolutionary Army. Based on Leo's knowledge of their capabilities, if they truly intended to take control of the Kingdom of Goa, it wouldn't require six months. By mobilizing their full strength and adopting an aggressive strategy, they could seize the entire kingdom in under a week.
The real challenge, however, would come after they had secured the kingdom. Once that happened, the Navy of the East Blue Sea and the might of the World Government would loom over the Revolutionary Army like the sword of Damocles.
Leo's offer of a 50% discount was designed to aid them in this endeavor.
"When the Revolutionary Army faces off against the Navy, I'll have another lucrative opportunity!"
The thought brought a sly grin to Leo's face. His aim was to bolster certain factions to challenge the dominant World Government, thereby creating more trading opportunities. After all, faction systems are a crucial part of any game!
At this moment, the Revolutionary Army, which had suddenly come into Leo's focus, could play a vital role. Compared to the unpredictable and internally conflicted pirate faction, the Revolutionary Army would undoubtedly attract more players.
Whether through limited-time 50% discounts or by opposing the World Government's unjust rule, many traders would be drawn to join the Revolutionary Army faction. By then, the Revolutionary Army might truly be able to contend with the World Government!
A grand spectacle was about to unfold in the East Blue Sea!
"The world is becoming more and more fascinating!" Leo mused.
In a flash, Leo teleported from another dimension to the head of Wailord, hovering a thousand meters above sea level. Gazing at the vast continent ahead, the excitement on his face only grew.
"Speaking of which, I didn't expect to accumulate points so quickly." He mused. "If things go smoothly in Alabasta, it might be a good idea to establish a Pokémon Center here as well~"
The thought of setting up a Pokémon Center in a desert-filled land like Alabasta sparked his curiosity.
However, Leo, who was a perfectionist when it came to appearances, pondered, "But with Alabasta being a desert, what kind of design should the Pokémon Center have?"
"Well, I'll assess the situation in the country first before deciding!" He concluded.
As a gust of sea breeze mingled with yellow sand swept by, Leo's figure quietly vanished, carried away by the wind's sound.
The enormous Wailord gradually sank to the ocean's depths, moving stealthily to avoid alarming passing ships.
———
Meanwhile, inside the palace of Alabasta:
As a descendant of the twenty kings who had united to overthrow the "Great Kingdom," Nefertari Cobra sat at his desk, carefully reviewing a memorial. The study, intended solely for reviewing memorials, was unquestionably vast.
The room's decor, with its gold-trimmed, simplistic desk, and walls of bisected off-white marble, was carved with exquisite patterns and textures, exuding an aura of elegance. In the room's center stood a small round table with luxurious red suede chairs on either side, laden with a variety of luscious fruits.
The study's ornate decor spoke volumes about Alabasta's rich cultural heritage.
However, Cobra's focus wasn't on the room's opulence; his face bore a worried expression as he read the memorial, lips pursed in contemplation.
"Strange, why has this year's drought arrived so early? Could this be another year of drought?" The king, who cared deeply for his people, sighed in distress.
"Just to be safe, we must prepare in advance. We'll need to mobilize some water resources from Yuba and transport them to the east."
With this thought, he picked up the quill beside him and began to write. Although this decision might be unfair to the oasis of Yuba, it was necessary to ensure that no one would die of thirst this year.
But just as Cobra was grieving for his troubled nation, a strange voice suddenly filled the room.
"It's futile."
"Even if you move water resources from Yuba, it won't solve Alabasta's drought problem."
"After all, the root cause lies in the sky."
"Who's there?!"
Startled, Cobra's quill faltered, leaving a jagged line across the paper. He looked up in alarm, only to see, across from him...
Sitting casually beside the round table where he usually rested was a young man with an extraordinary aura, leisurely eating the fruit from the table.
Seeing Leo appear so suddenly, Cobra instinctively reached for the den-den mushi in his pocket, ready to call for his guards. The reason for this man's silent intrusion into his study didn't matter anymore—saving his life did!
But just as Cobra's hand moved toward his pocket, a powerful, mysterious force halted him, as though a giant hand gripped his arm, rendering him immobile.
Leo smiled softly, continuing to enjoy the fruit as he stood up.
"There's no need to be alarmed, Your Majesty Cobra," Leo said gently. "I'm here to help you."
The calm tone of Leo's voice seemed to carry a strange magic, immediately dispelling Cobra's panic and soothing his nerves.
Yet, despite the newfound calm, Cobra's wariness only grew. He knew his emotions had been manipulated by the stranger before him, but he managed to maintain his composure, asking calmly:
"Who are you?"
"Me?"
Leo took another bite of the fruit, which tasted like a delightful blend of watermelon and pineapple. Surprisingly, the desert-grown fruit was far more delicious than any Leo had tasted in the East Blue Sea.
After finishing the fruit, Leo reached out, grabbed a newspaper that had been lying beneath the desk, and tapped on the headline.
"What a shame. You've gathered so much information about me, yet you didn't recognize me."
"King Cobra, I'm a bit disappointed in you."
Leo's piercing gaze bore into Cobra as a mysterious, powerful aura swelled behind him, making Leo appear almost godlike. Cobra felt a cold sweat bead on his forehead. Just as reality and illusion began to blur, Leo broke into a laugh, shifting his tone:
"Just kidding~"
With a more serious demeanor, Leo continued:
"I'm sure you've heard rumors about me..."
"As you're thinking right now, I am the Dimensional Merchant from the Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce."
"I've heard you're in some trouble, so I'm here to make a deal."
"A deal?"
Cobra looked puzzled.
Leo, however, stepped forward, his smile growing warmer.
"Yes, a deal!"
"A deal..."
"A deal that can turn all of Alabasta's barren land into a flourishing oasis!"