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After all, combat experience is invaluable and cannot simply be gained overnight. For those who truly live by the sword, each battle brings new insights and instincts that cannot be easily matched.
Yet for Anos, this type of mastery remains out of reach, at least for now. He's not reckless enough to venture into the New World to provoke such powerful figures, the time for that will come, but not today.
Settling into his chair, Anos leafed through a thick stack of newspapers, each headline recounting events from the far reaches of the Grand Line.
Nearly half an hour passed in silence as he absorbed each detail, flipping from one story to the next.
When he finally set the papers down, a sigh escaped, and he leaned back into the sofa, eyes distant as he pondered his next steps.
"Everything happening in the New World is still too far beyond me," he thought, feeling the weight of reality settle upon him.
He was ambitious, certainly, but even the most determined ruler must know his limits.
For now, the New World would remain a distant dream a place to reach for only after he'd secured his position here, within the Four Seas.
"To gain a foothold in this world, that is my first step," he murmured, almost as if reminding himself. He couldn't afford any missteps.
The Tru Kingdom was his current domain, his stage, and the foundation upon which he would build his ambitions. Only once it was secure could he look beyond it.
Just as he was deep in thought, Suzu entered the room, her brow furrowed slightly as if uncertain about the message she bore.
"Your Majesty," she began, her voice respectful, "Losta's reply has arrived. She asks if we should start preparing for the fourth phase."
Suzu's hesitation was understandable. As someone not typically involved in the Kingdom's political dealings, she lacked insight into the complexities surrounding such decisions.
The "fourth phase," after all, was more than just a plan; it was a strategy of considerable risk and ambition.
Anos paused, considering her question.
"The fourth phase…," he mused, his gaze turning steely. This was the plan to initiate large-scale exploration and extraction of mineral resources in foreign territories.
While promising immense rewards, the endeavour would demand substantial manpower and resources.
More dauntingly, meddling in other Kingdoms' affairs could ignite tensions or even spark full-blown wars.
He glanced at Suzu, her expression one of slight apprehension as she awaited his answer.
She wasn't accustomed to the weight of these decisions, and she did not need to be. But Anos knew all too well the risks they faced.
"Reply to Losta," he finally instructed, his voice firm. "Tell her to proceed, but caution her to start with the entire South Blue region. We cannot afford to move recklessly."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Suzu replied, her tone reflecting her respect and understanding. With a small bow, she left to relay his message.
For a moment, Anos remained seated, alone in the dimly lit room.
He picked up the newspaper once more, his eyes lingering on an image of the Four Emperors those figures of immense power who ruled over vast territories within the New World.
These were men and women who wielded influence on a scale he could only dream of, and yet they served as both his inspiration and his ultimate challenge.
The road to the New World was long, and this was only the beginning.
The next day dawned crisp and clear, the early morning sunlight filtering through the windows as Anos readied himself for the day.
He was just stepping out of his quarters when he noticed a figure standing by the entrance, his silhouette cast in the soft morning light.
"King Cobra?" Anos called, his voice tinged with surprise. Cobra was an early riser, certainly, but to find him waiting at this hour was unexpected.
Cobra turned, a warm smile breaking across his face.
"Ah, King Anos! I'm here to see you, naturally!" he replied, his voice carrying the lightheartedness that often accompanied their interactions.
"Your Majesty, King Cobra has been waiting for nearly half an hour," Suzu chimed in with a small smile.
Anos looked between the two, a bit taken aback. While he hadn't risen especially early, he also hadn't expected a guest this soon. "King Cobra, why didn't you send word? I could have met you earlier."
Cobra waved the comment aside with a chuckle. "No need for formalities between friends, Anos. But tell me did you read yesterday's newspaper?"
Anos nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, I did. The news was… surprising, to say the least. But given the state of the New World, it's not entirely unexpected. The events there won't affect the first half of the Grand Line for some time, let alone the Four Seas where we are now."
"True," Cobra conceded, nodding thoughtfully.
"But there may still be repercussions, even here. The tides of power are shifting, and those shifts often have wider effects than we first anticipate." He paused, looking at Anos with a gleam of curiosity. "Shall we discuss this over breakfast?"
Anos's curiosity was piqued. "Certainly," he agreed, eager to hear Cobra's perspective on these developments.
Despite Cobra's somewhat informal approach to ruling, his years as king had made him attuned to the subtleties of political change, and Anos knew he had much to learn from his elder peer.
The breakfast spread was modest, with a simple assortment of fresh bread, fruit, and cured meats, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a family meal rather than a formal gathering.
It was a refreshing change, and as they sat down together, the conversation flowed with ease.
At the table sat three people: Cobra, Anos, and Vivi, who observed the two men with quiet interest.
As they began eating, Cobra looked up and, with a serious expression, addressed Anos. "What do you make of what's happening in the New World?"
Anos pondered his answer, then replied, "What is there to say? These events, no matter how significant, are far removed from our lives here in the Four Seas."
"For the Tru Kingdom, the impact will likely be minimal, at least for the foreseeable future. Even if the Marines shift their focus and resources to the New World, the pirates left behind in the Four Seas won't pose an overwhelming threat."
"The real concern, if any, is the possible influx of new pirates driven by ambition or desperation. If unchecked, this could create a surge in piracy across the world."
Cobra nodded slowly. "You're right. But the world itself is at a turning point. Just recently, I received news of an upcoming World Government assembly scheduled for July 1."
"One of the topics on the agenda is a proposal to use pirates to control other pirates."
Anos raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Using pirates to police pirates? That sounds… ambitious. Is this part of their strategy for the Shichibukai/Warlords?"
"Yes," Cobra replied, his tone serious. "It appears to be. While we lack specific details, the implications are troubling. Granting pirates official status and authority is a risky move one that could easily spiral out of control."
Anos leaned back, his expression contemplative. "This idea is absurd on its face. Pirates thrive in chaos; to expect them to bring order is almost laughable."
"Instead, the Shichibukai/Warlords system would only empower a few select pirates, giving them status, resources, and legitimacy. Such sanctioned looting could devastate countless Kingdoms and civilians."
Cobra looked at him intently, his gaze unwavering. "Exactly. But the decision-makers in the World Government appear committed to this course. With only three months until the assembly, it's unlikely that they'll change their minds, no matter the opposition."
Anos nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "So, if this system is inevitable, we must prepare ourselves. Once the Shichibukai is established, the first to suffer will be those in the initial half of the Grand Line."
"The New World, already dominated by the Four Emperors and powerful pirate crews, has little room left for new contenders. These Shichibukai, however, will likely set their sights on the Grand Line's first half as their proving ground."
He spoke with conviction, fully aware of the turbulent times that lay ahead.
Cobra sighed, a hint of weariness in his voice. "It's a dangerous game, one that could destabilize everything we've worked for. But until the World Government assembly, all we can do is prepare and hope for the best."
The conversation shifted to lighter topics as they finished breakfast, but the underlying tension remained.
The world was changing, and both kings knew they had to be ready for whatever lay ahead.
For Anos, it was just the beginning, a small step in a journey that would lead him from the Tru Kingdom to the very heart of the Grand Line.
When they finally parted ways, Anos felt a renewed sense of determination.
He glanced toward the horizon, a slight smile on his lips as he considered the path ahead.
One day, he would reach the New World, and when he did, he would be ready to face whatever awaited him there.
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