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In the end, just as Alex intended, Black Maria was smoothly brought back to the castle, where she would be nurtured as a future combat asset.
With Hiyori now among them, there were three children of the same age around, though Hiyori wasn't exactly a part of the combat-focused group. Nevertheless, Alex found his thoughts drifting, particularly toward the notable figures he remembered from the future in the original story.
This idea took root even more strongly as he assessed the combat strength of Wanokuni's warriors.
Wanokuni's overall power was impressive. Its samurai were generally proficient in both Armament and Observation Haki, with some standouts—like Hyogoro and Shimotsuki Ushimaru—already mastering Emission-level Haki. This mastery was a key reason why Wanokuni maintained its independence from the World Government, holding its reputation as a formidable nation in the New World.
However, Alex wasn't simply interested in solid combat prowess; he needed someone who could surpass expectations, someone to emerge as a unique figure of strength among his close retainers. Yet finding such a person was proving difficult.
Currently, the strongest warriors in Wanokuni were indeed Hyogoro and Ushimaru. But with one considering retirement and the other holding a prestigious family title, neither could become Alex's loyal retainer.
Kaidō and Orochi had secretly suppressed many of the local warriors, limiting their growth, and Alex's standards were high. Even the Nine Red Scabbards—who were among the most powerful of Wanokuni's samurai—didn't quite meet the level Alex was envisioning.
So, when faced with limited options, Alex decided to focus on potential.
His knowledge of the original story gave him a unique advantage; he knew exactly which figures would rise to prominence in the coming era. And as children now, this was the perfect time to nurture their loyalty.
Of course, Alex wasn't only looking overseas. He intended to foster strength and loyalty within Wanokuni itself. For example, he had plans to hold competitions every few years, where the top three warriors would receive official positions and rewards from the shogunate. This would not only identify rising talent but also bind these warriors to him through opportunity and honor.
As these plans crystallized in his mind, Alex began to draft the competition's details, writing his ideas down on paper.
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A few days later, in Flower Capital, Shogun's Room…
"Ugh…"
As Toki entered, she was met with the sight of Alex slumped in his chair, looking uncharacteristically exhausted.
"If the people outside saw their 'omnipotent' shogun like this, they'd be shocked," she teased with a grin.
Alex let out a small chuckle. "Hey, even the shogun is just a human at the end of the day."
After a pause, he asked, "So, how are those three little ones getting along?"
"They've already become friends," Toki replied with a smile. "Children of the same age have a way of connecting quickly. It seems Maria and Hiyori even have a shared goal—though it might be because of this that your music director has been so swamped lately!"
Toki laughed softly, her natural warmth extending easily to the children under Alex's care.
Alex raised an eyebrow and smirked. "No wonder Emily has been so scarce around here."
Toki rolled her eyes and asked, "So, what's had you looking like this all afternoon?"
"It's all resolved," Alex replied, stretching. "But using the brain nonstop is exhausting."
Noticing the stack of papers in front of him, Toki's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Can I take a look?"
Alex sat up, suddenly serious. "Of course, you can. Actually, you should see this—these are things the manager needs to understand."
"Huh? Manager? No, no, forget it!" Toki stammered, waving her hands in protest.
She'd learned from Alex's recent announcements that the shogun manager's role was a significant one, directly accountable to him and overseeing numerous key responsibilities. It wasn't a lack of confidence, but the thought of holding a position with more direct access to Alex than even the Oniwabanshu felt overwhelming.
But Alex wasn't about to give her a choice. "No, it's decided. For now, this role belongs to you." He handed her the papers and, with a steady gaze, continued, "Take a close look through this material. I'll make arrangements to have someone support you with any connections you'll need."
With that, he turned and left, the door closing behind him with a resounding *bang*.
"...Really..."
Sighing at his quick exit, Toki sat down in the conference chair and unfolded the papers he'd given her. Immediately, the titles on each document caught her eye.
- "Economic Development Roadmap: Targeted Poverty Alleviation for Rural Growth"
- "Recruitment and Curriculum Overhaul: Expanding Education and Promoting Social Sciences"
- "Open Knowledge Policy: Introducing Overseas Goods and Reducing Isolationist Tendencies"
- "Personnel Training: Feasibility of a Mechanized Military Academy"
- …
Page after page detailed the ambitious plans Alex had devised over the past few days.
Though some of the terminology was unfamiliar, the underlying ideas resonated with her deeply. Just reading the first section on poverty alleviation stirred a profound respect for Alex's vision.
The Flower Capital, while beautiful and fertile, had long drawn people from every corner of Wanokuni, all striving to find success in its thriving economy. This had its downsides, too: the influx of labor drove up prices and drained smaller towns of able workers, hindering Wanokuni's overall growth.
But Alex's approach was groundbreaking. Through targeted poverty alleviation and carefully designed policies, he intended to help each township develop its own industries, allowing them to thrive independently and sustain Wanokuni's future prosperity. Such concepts—particularly "sustainability"—were new to Toki, yet undeniably wise.
The more she read, the more captivated she became. Knowledge cultivation, economic opening, all of it painted a bright picture. Despite her years of travel, with the extensive journeys overseas, had not yielded insights as progressive as those in Alex's plans.
'Alex was truly born to be the Shogun of Wanokuni,' she thought, feeling a surge of admiration.
With him at the helm, Wanokuni would undoubtedly move toward a future brighter than any she could have imagined. And without a moment's hesitation, Toki felt a renewed resolve—to stay by Alex's side and witness firsthand the realization of this incredible vision for her homeland.