One Piece:Becoming the King of the World from the Rocks Era

Golden Lion wanted to recruit him, but Li Yuan also wanted to recruit Golden Lion. If they joined forces, Li Yuan would naturally be the leader, with Golden Lion as his second. Li Yuan was generous enough for that arrangement.

"Are you kidding? I'm not settling for second place; I want to be on top, above everyone else!" Golden Lion roared in anger. He had only ever served Rocks, and that was a stain on his pride.

There was no way he would bow to anyone else, not even Li Yuan.

"Hahaha, Golden Lion, as you said, that's impossible, so let's not mention it again."

"However, while we may not join forces, our goals are the same. Our enemies are the Navy and the World Government, so there are areas where we can cooperate."

Li Yuan laughed, acknowledging Golden Lion's attempts at recruitment.

"Jihahaha, you're right. There are indeed areas we can cooperate on," Golden Lion agreed, understanding Li Yuan's point. Their stance against the World Government and Navy aligned them.

The two pirate captains met on an island between their territories, discussing matters unknown to others. What was clear was that no war broke out between their crews.

They left a neutral zone between their territories, allowing smaller pirate crews to occupy the islands and territory.

Marine Headquarters:

"After half a year of war in the New World, two victors have emerged: the Infinity Pirates and the Flying Pirates, each holding 25% of the New World's territory."

"Although the Whitebeard Pirates were victorious, their losses were severe, relying solely on Whitebeard without notable subordinates, unlike the other two major crews."

"The defeated, including Branton, John, Silver Axe, Wang Zhi, and Wald, are fiercely contesting the remaining territories. The New World war continues."

Vice Admiral Tsuru reported, summarizing the intelligence for Fleet Admiral Kong.

"Those damn Golden Lion and Li Yuan could have killed John, Wald, Branton, and Silver Axe, but they didn't!"

"The New World war made the Flying Pirates and Infinity Pirates legendary crews, yet none of the monsters died!"

In anger, Kong slammed his desk, shattering it.

Their plans had failed. Expecting the pirates to destroy each other, instead, the Flying Pirates and Infinity Pirates grew stronger, hinting at domination over the New World.

It was beyond their expectations that pirates like Golden Lion and Li Yuan would spare their rivals.

"The wars between the Flying Pirates, Infinity Pirates, and Whitebeard Pirates have ceased. They're consolidating territories."

"Other pirates continue fighting. Should we take action?" Tsuru inquired.

"I'll ask," Kong decided, understanding the need to consult the Five Elders.

"Why have you contacted us, Kong?" asked Saturn, the Science Defense God, through the Den Den Mushi.

"Lord Saturn, the New World pirates' war results are as follows," Kong summarized, seeking the World Government's guidance.

"At this point, wait until the New World calms down, then send the Navy in."

"Don't let pirates destroy the naval bases already established. If possible, capture some major pirates!"

"And stop asking us about everything. You're the Fleet Admiral, responsible for dealing with pirates. The New World's chaos is due to your Navy's negligence!"

Saturn berated Kong, blaming him despite the plan's failure.

"Yes, Lord Saturn, I understand," Kong replied, accepting the reprimand.

He realized why his predecessor, Fleet Admiral Bluck, had warned him to enjoy being an Admiral. Bluck's constant stress and irritability made sense now.

With five superiors like the Five Elders, it was a wonder if anyone escaped psychological harm.

Wano Country:

"Li Yuan, Luo Wang has begun collaborating with the World Economic News, but we still can't trace any signs of the Celestial Dragons' rituals."

Shakky informed Li Yuan, joining him.

"That's enough for now. Our intelligence network is still weak in the Four Seas. We'll need to plant spies in the Navy," Li Yuan said, waving it off.

Four years had passed since God Valley. Last year, Li Yuan tasked Shakky with investigating, but with no results this year, their network needed improvement.

He hoped to rob the Celestial Dragons again, knowing their wealth was immense.

In the God Valley incident, he only seized a fraction of their treasures, yet the rewards were substantial, proving their vast riches.

"Yes, with our collaboration with the World Economic News, Luo Wang should grow quickly. In three years, we might find the Celestial Dragons' celebration location," Shakky predicted.

"Li Yuan, to mass-produce and sell my medicinal products worldwide, we need several factories. Where should we build them?" Lazuli asked.

Over the years, she developed numerous effective medicines, especially for healing. However, production was slow, insufficient for sale beyond self-use.

She envisioned a factory akin to weapon manufacturing, where raw materials could be processed into medicines.

"Didn't you transform Venus Island into a medicinal cultivation site? Build them there."

"Have Yumaz assist with the construction," Li Yuan suggested after consideration.

He realized the Infinity Pirates lacked scientists, with only Yumaz specializing in materials engineering. Many of Li Yuan's desired projects were outside Yumaz's expertise.

Forcing Yumaz into unfamiliar research would be counterproductive, possibly futile.

Scientific talent was crucial, after all.

"Shakky, keep an eye out for an illegal scientific research group called MADS, founded by the Loan Shark King as a charity organization."

"Investigate discreetly. If you find anything, inform me immediately."

Li Yuan remembered many renowned scientists emerged from this group.

If he could recruit them, the Infinity Pirates would possess unparalleled technological power.

In this world, top combat power undeniably lay with humans, but technology could bolster mid-to-low-level forces.

"Understood, I'll pay close attention," Shakky agreed, recognizing the importance.

"Li Yuan, the gladiatorial arena you wanted is ready for construction. Where should we build it?" Yadina asked, approaching with plans.

When Li Yuan proposed a 500-meter-tall giant-standard arena, Yadina was shocked by the resources required.

The blueprints estimated costs at 100 billion Berries, conservatively. Actual costs might reach 150 to 200 billion Berries.

"Venice Island. It's central to our current territories, large enough, with nearby islands," Li Yuan decided.

Venice Island, once a peripheral island, became central after expansion.

"I understand. I'll arrange construction," Yadina agreed, trusting Li Yuan's insight.

"Another matter: since the Hades appeared, many powers, even in the Four Seas and Grand Line, want ships like it. Should we sell them?" Yadina added.

The Hades stunned the world, a 500-meter steel warship resembling a colossal battleship.

Its steel mass implied advanced shipbuilding. Most importantly, it wasn't wind-powered, suggesting Calm Belt navigation.

Pirates, allied nations, and even the Navy and World Government coveted this technology.

"Tell them the technology isn't mature yet. We'll sell in two years."

"Meanwhile, we'll build steel giants for an Infinity Pirates fleet."

Li Yuan immediately declined public sales. They didn't need ship sales for profit.

"However, we can accept deposits for future orders."

"Make Thomas Island, the largest near Venice, a dockyard island, accepting global orders. It will become the New World's largest shipyard."

Li Yuan stroked his chin, planning.

"That's brilliant!" Yadina exclaimed, kissing Li Yuan. The plan promised great success and profits.

"I have something even better, Yadina. This is the Paramecia Insight Fruit, prepared just for you."

"It enhances intelligence, potentially allowing mind reading, hypnosis, and control."

"It'll assist in your duties and support Shakky's network."

Li Yuan presented the Devil Fruit, explaining its potential.

While ideal for scientists, Li Yuan chose Yadina, managing the Infinity Pirates' affairs. 

With expansion, responsibilities grew. Unlike other crews, Infinity Pirates managed territories like a kingdom, handling governance, finance, and development.

Though Yadina had helpers, major decisions required her oversight.

Since the expansion, Yadina worked tirelessly, sacrificing family time, which pained Li Yuan.

The Insight Fruit would ease her workload, helping her manage effortlessly.

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