Amidst the constant conflicts and rampant evils plaguing the world, terrifying news spread across the seas, filling people's hearts with fear and unease.
Yet in these turbulent times, a single photograph of tree planting rapidly circulated worldwide, warming hearts like a clear stream!
[Three Parties Unite, Abandoning War!]
[The Peace Tree!]
[Creating a Harmonious and Bright Future Together!]
[A Small Step for Peace, A Giant Leap for World Civilization!]
Gurd, Supreme Commander of the Hoenn Government; Cobra, King of the superpower Alabasta; and Aramaki, Admiral of the Marine Headquarters.
These three figures, representing three major powers, worked together with radiant smiles as they planted a young sapling into the soil.
Harmony, warmth, and goodwill!
The photograph of their collaboration was hailed by multiple media outlets as the "Painting of the Century," while the planted tree was named the "Peace Tree," symbolizing the yearning for peace!
The news article concluded with one final line:
[Lay down your weapons—let's plant trees together!]
Marine Headquarters.
"Huh? Are we calling a truce?"
The lower-ranking Marines, unaware of the higher-ups' scheming intentions, saw the newspaper headlines and immediately assumed the war with the Hoenn Government was ending.
"Fantastic!"
"Long live peace!"
"Uwaaah, I was so scared of the war!"
The Marines cheered with joy.
War meant death. The Summit War had claimed half the Marine forces, and witnessing their comrades vanish had instilled deep fear in them.
Anti-war sentiments had been brewing for a while!
Now, seeing the newspaper reports—how an Admiral had shaken hands with the enemy leader and planted the "Peace Tree" together—every Marine breathed a massive sigh of relief.
Anti-war sentiment had reached its peak!
Meanwhile, in the waters of Alabasta.
On a Marine battleship.
Aramaki held the newspaper, utterly dumbfounded.
Oh no.
"Pururu pururu pururu—!"
The Den Den Mushi atop the mast rang out.
A lieutenant answered the call and turned to Aramaki.
"Admiral Ryokugyu, it's Headquarters calling!"
"Hang up! Now!"
Aramaki's face paled.
He didn't need to guess—this was definitely a reprimand.
He had completely messed things up!
"ARAMAKI!!!"
The Den Den Mushi roared in fury.
Aramaki bit his fingers, teeth chattering.
It was Sakazuki's voice!
This was exactly what he feared most!
Not only had he failed to prevent Alabasta's diplomatic ties with the Hoenn Government, but he had somehow ended up as a peace ambassador.
He'd been tricked!
That bastard was too underhanded!
Damn it, how was he supposed to explain this to the Five Elders and Sakazuki?!
Swallowing hard, Aramaki picked up the Den Den Mushi.
"S-Sakazuki, old buddy?"
"YOU DAMN FOOL!!! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU'VE DONE?!!"
The Den Den Mushi's eyes burned with rage—Sakazuki was beyond furious.
Admirals were the Marines' strongest combatants, their power and status representing the entire force. There was no way to explain this away now.
The die was cast!
If even an Admiral went back on his word—planting a tree one moment and sabotaging peace the next—what credibility would the Marines have left?
Moreover, the entire Headquarters was celebrating this event. As Fleet Admiral, Sakazuki couldn't ignore the sentiments of his men.
Aramaki covered his ears, holding the Den Den Mushi as far away as possible.
Utterly cowed.
"Sorry, there was an accident! That Gurd is too sneaky—I fell right into his trap!"
"..."
A long silence followed.
Then, the Den Den Mushi spoke in a low, ominous tone.
"Didn't I warn you not to provoke him?"
"bows profusely I'M SO SORRY!!!"
Finally, the call ended.
Aramaki let out a sigh of relief and plopped down onto the ground.
But the matter wasn't over yet.
"Admiral Ryokugyu, a ship is approaching!"
"It's not a Pirate Ship!"
"It's the Iberian Peace Committee!"
Before Aramaki could react, the ship docked beside the warship, and a large group of Peace Committee members boarded.
"Mr. Aramaki, in recognition of your contributions to world peace, we are honored to award you the Iberian Peace Medal!"
A wreath and medal were draped around Aramaki's neck.
"Click! Click, click, click!"
Aramaki numbly shook hands and posed for photos with them.
Having completed their mission, the Iberian Peace Committee left satisfied.
In recent years, the situation had grown increasingly chaotic, making it difficult to award the Iberian Peace Medal. Now, they had finally found a suitable candidate.
Among the three, Gurd was of Pirate origin and thus unfit for the medal. Of the remaining two, the newly appointed Admiral representing justice was the more appropriate choice for this honor.
What excellent publicity!
"Admiral Ryokugyu!"
The marines looked at Aramaki, raising their arms in unison to cover their eyes as tears of emotion streamed down their faces.
"We apologize for misunderstanding you!"
"When you left alone earlier, we thought you were going to violate the ban and fight the Earth Calamity. We all resented you for it!"
"To think you yearned for peace so deeply!"
"Admiral Ryokugyu, it's truly wonderful that you became an Admiral!"
Huh???
Aramaki stood dumbfounded in the wind.
How the hell did this happen?!
Hey, he was no peace envoy!
Seeing his subordinates moved to tears, he swallowed all his words, his mind completely blank.
[Ryokugyu has stopped thinking.]
Meanwhile, in Alabasta.
"Keh keh keh keh~~"
Gurd chuckled continuously as he read the newspaper.
Morgans truly lived up to his reputation, always capturing every hot topic accurately.
With this, the world's winds would shift. As long as he didn't stir up trouble, if the World Government actively opposed them, it would undoubtedly be seen as opposing peace.
Public opinion would side with him.
Shifting the war to the shadows—economic and military competition—was the best approach for both sides.
"Public opinion is such a useful tool," Gurd mused.
He wanted to establish a media newspaper too, but the backward environment limited him. He couldn't distribute papers as quickly as Morgans did with his News Birds.
The Nation of Labor had its Labor Daily, but its reach was confined within the nation. Selling beyond its borders made the news too outdated.
Timeliness was the most crucial factor in this industry.
Morgans became a media mogul primarily because of his News Birds. No other media could compete with him.
Still, a newspaper had to be established. Even if the effect was poor, it was better than nothing—especially for future nations establishing diplomatic ties with them.
"Time to head back."
Gurd returned to the Groudon Ship.
From here on, Gudora Company could handle Alabasta's affairs without his direct supervision.
"Chikara, arrange envoys to all member nations. Deliver diplomatic documents and promote the Aluba Trade Port, inviting their representatives to visit."
"Yes, Lord Gurd."
This newspaper had sent the wrong signal to the World Government's member nations. Even if only a third of them showed interest, the trade volume would still be massive.
He wasn't just selling goods—he was also buying raw materials in bulk. For nations struggling to process their own resources, this would be a godsend.
Many countries have exhausted their resources, even resorting to war, in their desperate attempts to pay the Celestial Tribute, reaching the point of complete depletion.
He is saving these member nations!
"Don't forget to inform the member nations that land can be used as trade capital!"
"Understood!"
(End of Chapter)