Boom, boom, boom, boom.
At six in the morning, just as dawn was breaking, loud noises echoed through the forest. The surrounding trees trembled, leaves rustled, and several large craters appeared on the ground.
"This ground isn't very sturdy."
Xia Qiu looked at the dirt craters at his feet with a hint of helplessness.
Even when he shortened the distance and increased the frequency of his kicks, a small pit would still form under his immense strength.
When all three of his legs struck at once, the ground would develop three pits.
He was currently training his method of applying force, using all three legs to exert force at once. After a few training sessions, the craters on the ground grew larger.
"But I can feel the feedback force."
Xia Qiu could feel a reactive force when he stomped down. Because the distance was short and the frequency was high, this force could be effectively accumulated.
This force was one-quarter of the force used when running at full speed, and one-fifth of the force used when jumping at full speed. However, the frequency and speed of the movement were much faster, only one twenty-fifth, approximately 0.1 seconds per strike.
This speed was a bit slow and didn't match the description of Soru. Soru involved stomping the ground more than ten times in an instant, and that instant was 0.36 seconds. In other words, his single strike time had to be reduced to one-third.
During this process, the energy accumulation had a significant loss, but the loss in propelling the body forward only required one instance.
As his frequency increased, the energy loss per strike would decrease, and the accumulated energy would increase.
The current distance between his legs was about fifteen meters. At full running speed, he could cover thirty meters per second, and at full jumping speed, about thirty meters.
If he could stomp more than ten times in an instant, he could accumulate immense power and thus achieve higher speeds.
If he could learn Soru, he could advance fifty to eighty meters in one go, which was about his body length.
And the distance would continuously increase with the strengthening of his body, making even faster speeds not impossible.
However, there was a significant problem: his strength was not sufficient for this.
His current stomping frequency of 0.1 seconds per strike was already difficult to improve. With training, he could shorten it a bit, but reducing it to 0.036 seconds was impossible.
This was due to his physical strength; at least the strength in his legs was not enough, requiring at least a doubling.
But after increasing his leg strength, could the explosive power generated by the accumulation provide enough propulsion for his massive body? Could it achieve satisfactory speed?
Therefore, his physical strength must be further enhanced, otherwise, the basic conditions for Soru could not be met.
But before dealing with that, there were more important matters to attend to.
"Are you ready?"
At eight o'clock, Xia Qiu found Zala, and Vivi was also on the island, wanting to see Xia Qiu's specific plan.
Zala said, "Four ships, sufficient cold-weather supplies, twenty guards, and five doctors. Alken and Heckle are waiting on Island Three."
"President, you prepared doctors?" Vivi asked in surprise.
Xia Qiu replied, "That's right. They need doctors, and after Wapol left, he took the doctors with him. I believe the Drum Kingdom will be in need of doctors for a while."
At least it would take Wapol two months to return, and before then, the Drum Kingdom would need doctors.
Providing doctors would allow his plan to be implemented more smoothly.
Vivi nodded and said, "But the guards are too few. Only twenty people are going?"
"That's enough."
Xia Qiu explained, "They won't be needed for combat. The guards I selected are those I've carefully cultivated. They manage some peripheral businesses, and some are trained specifically for bodyguard services, not engaging in killing. As for combat, only high-end strength is needed."
Zala, Heckle, and Alken alone were sufficient.
The Drum Kingdom's soldiers were already few in number, and due to the geographical environment, they couldn't possess a large army.
The Royal Guards were taken away, leaving very few soldiers, but even if Wapol brought his subordinates, they would be no match.
For example, Wapol's two top subordinates, Jace and Cromalimon, were no match for Chopper even when combined, and were easily defeated.
Chopper and Usopp, on the other hand, only achieved victory after a fierce battle with the original Mr. 4 and Mr. Christmas.
The strength of these two subordinates could be overcome by Zala, Heckle, and Alken without even using their Devil Fruit abilities; the difference in physical fitness was too vast.
Even if you combined the strength of those two and added Wapol, Alken, who possessed the Bomb-Bomb Fruit, could handle them alone.
The only ones the Drum Kingdom needed to be wary of now were Chopper and Dalton, and assigning them to Heckle would be no problem.
The three people he sent were Heckle, who had extremely strong individual combat power; Alken, who excelled at group attacks; and Zala, who was fearless of sneak attacks and could lead.
It was enough.
Xia Qiu looked at Zala and asked, "Do you remember the identity I arranged for you?"
"Of course."
Zala smiled and said, "My name is Zala Johnson, from the Volcano Kingdom on the Grand Line. However, the kingdom was destroyed by a volcanic eruption, and I left the Grand Line, hoping to rebuild my nation. The location I've chosen is the Drum Kingdom. I've brought a large sum of money, I've brought doctors, and I promise to lead this country to greatness. But if anyone tries to stop me, I will destroy them."
"So that's how it is."
Vivi suddenly understood. By assuming the identity of a displaced monarch, she could seize control of the Drum Kingdom. In the Drum Kingdom's current state of leadership vacuum and chaos, this identity provided a rational motive.
Otherwise, if she had approached them as pirates or from another organization, it would have created a subconscious resistance, and they would not have accepted her from the start.
Next, she would need the ability to control the country, which could be divided into two aspects.
First, there's military might. A powerful display of force can deter resistance and stabilize one's rule. Most importantly, it tells the people that even if Wapol returns, their land can still be defended.
Second, there are benefits. By promising them advantages and hope, the people will see a future. When they can't resist, these promises become bargaining chips for them to convince themselves.
Combined with the contrast to Wapol's rule, they won't engage in large-scale resistance for now.
As long as this country can grow stronger over time and its people's lives improve, the throne will become increasingly secure.
"Bora, I'm entrusting this to you. You need to do a good job," Xia Qiu said to Bora.
"I understand."
Bora's expression was somewhat excited. She naturally understood the significance of this role. As the queen of a fallen kingdom, she would become the ruler after seizing the country.
In this country, she would be the most distinguished person, and even being under Xia Qiu's control would be acceptable.
"Therefore, you will also bear the consequences."
Xia Qiu stated, "If you succeed, you will be the Queen. If you fail, you'll just have to come back in disgrace."
Xia Qiu didn't believe Bora could succeed because her overall strategic thinking was poor, and her ability to adapt to changing situations was weak. She was good at following orders, but asking her to take charge of something, especially seizing control of a country, carried a certain risk of failure.
However, in reality, among those around him, only Vivi could perfectly execute his plans.
Others found it difficult to achieve perfection.
But alas, Vivi couldn't act, so Bora had to be sent.
"Don't worry, I will definitely complete the mission," Bora declared confidently.
Xia Qiu said, "But remember, try not to kill anyone, and especially don't act recklessly or seek personal gain after becoming Queen."
"Don't worry," Bora replied with a smile. "Now that I'm the Queen, why would I harm my own country?"
"I hope so," Xia Qiu said coldly. "Otherwise, I'll have Vivi go to the island and kill you herself."
"I understand," Bora said, her expression becoming serious.
Vivi didn't deny it. If Bora truly acted that way, she wouldn't hesitate to intervene.
"Remember the name I told you," Xia Qiu added. "Dalton, the former captain of the guard and the person most trusted by the people. You must make him your ally. After defeating him, invite him to help you govern the country, assign him important duties, and even entrust him with the responsibility of managing the nation."
"I'll remember," Bora said immediately.
"Then depart," Xia Qiu said gently. "This matter is entirely your responsibility, and I won't interfere with your actions. Contact Cecilia if you need anything."
"I will complete the mission," Bora said, eagerly leading a few subordinates and leaving the island by submarine.
"President, aren't you going?" Vivi asked Xia Qiu curiously.
Xia Qiu replied, "My appearance there would only cause the mission to fail."
After his bounty increased, it was likely that not many people didn't know him. Arriving there would attract the attention of the Marines.
"Then aren't you going to follow up? And you're giving Bora full authority without interfering with her actions?" Vivi asked. "But honestly, Bora's ability to handle affairs is limited. I don't think she can do it alone. What if she fails..."
"If she fails, she fails. We won't lose anything," Xia Qiu said nonchalantly.
Xia Qiu wasn't particularly concerned about the success or failure of the mission, which was why he had chosen a relatively simple and direct plan.
The outcome would either be success or failure.
If successful, he would gain a country. This country could become a strong support for the Utopia plan, enhancing the cohesion of the entire Baroque Works. Its unique environment could serve as a special mobile base.
However, the material returns wouldn't be substantial, and it would require significant investment of manpower and resources. At the very least, Bora would need to be stationed there, and either Heckle or Alken would have to remain.
Currently, Xia Qiu's greatest focus for Baroque Works was its subsidiaries and elite forces. As for the ordinary assassins and bounty hunters, he had been consistently guiding their transition. New recruits were already directly involved in various industries, separating these businesses from Baroque Works.
Xia Qiu's current income no longer depended on bounty hunters killing pirates for treasure or assassins carrying out missions.
He had also stopped accepting assassination missions. Bounty hunting could continue, but its value wasn't significant. If a country could serve as the final piece for the Utopia plan, then the outcome would be satisfactory.
In other words, there were benefits to gaining this country, but its absence wouldn't result in any major losses.
Vivi asked helplessly, "And what about after success? Who will govern this country? We can't let Bora do it, can we?"
"Isn't there Dalton?" Xia Qiu responded. "That captain of the guard can govern this country well."
Vivi asked curiously, "What about Baroque Works' interests? He won't act according to your wishes."
"They're with you."
Xia Qiu smiled and said.
"Me?"
Vivi asked in confusion, "You know who I am, I can't show myself."
"Once the Drum Kingdom chooses a new King, you can come forward," Xia Qiu said. "You will represent Alabasta in cooperation with the Drum Kingdom. My people will accompany you, and Heckle will be responsible for the liaison. Your arrival can also be considered one of Zala's achievements."
"Okay."
Vivi thought about it carefully. It wouldn't affect her much, and it could open up a new route for Alabasta.
The friendship between two countries was always better than their past hostility.
"Then I have one last question for you," Xia Qiu suddenly said, his expression turning serious.
Vivi looked at Xia Qiu, curiously asking, "What question does the President have?"
Xia Qiu looked at her and asked, "If Zala leaves, would you be willing to join Baroque Works and serve as Vice President?"
"Vice President?"
Vivi smiled and said, "This position is actually very attractive to me. Since you are wanted and cannot show yourself, the Vice President has too much power. As long as it doesn't go against your wishes, I think I can control the entire organization to do things, and you wouldn't do anything about it, right?"
"Of course," Xia Qiu nodded. "I can give you a lot of power."
"But I'll pass. As a princess, I can't be exposed publicly. Once I'm completely tied to Baroque Works, I'll have to advance and retreat with the organization forever," Vivi shook her head and said, looking at Xia Qiu. "It's better to be partners, especially since the President also plans to separate Baroque Works."
"Then let it be so."
Xia Qiu felt a little regretful. He wanted Vivi to be completely tied to Baroque Works, to advance and retreat together, which would reduce risks and increase strength.
He could then slowly separate Baroque Works, dividing the industries from the organization to avoid being implicated.
But Vivi had keenly noticed this, and it seemed this idea wouldn't be realized.
If Zala truly controlled the Drum Kingdom, then Cecilia would have to become Mr. 0, and Alken would have to be promoted to Mr. 4.
After Cecilia mastered the Six Powers, her strength would increase significantly, definitely surpassing all other members, second only to himself, enough to serve as Mr. 0.
For the other members, he would only teach them some of the Six Powers and slow down the pace, extending it to two to three years.
During this process, he would try to help them master Armament Haki.
It could be said that Cecilia could grow with him. Her ability to handle affairs was extremely weak, but in terms of combat talent, she was much better than Zala.
"I should be going back," Vivi said to Xia Qiu.
"There's one more thing," Xia Qiu said. "Don't forget about the Blackbeard Pirates. You must keep track of their movements. Not only that, but you must spread the information about the Blackbeard Pirates attacking the Drum Kingdom and his desire to become a Shichibukai. Furthermore, while investigating them, have your people pay attention to whether anyone is investigating the Blackbeard Pirates around them, especially near the Drum Kingdom, and focus on searching for one person. His name is Ace, the second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates."
-----------
Translation by: randomtranslator.com
Read 2500+ original & fanfic translations and Translate for Free at: randomtranslator.com