Chapter 52: Transformation Of The Goa Kingdom
As soon as Roja spoke, Ge Meng and the others felt uneasy for a moment.
They never expected that Roja and the others would eventually depart. Despite not being in the best situation at the terminal, now is the moment for a general improvement.
"Alright, it's not a matter of life and death," Roja reassured with a smile, gesturing for them to relax.
Then, in a calm tone, he continued, "After studying ideology and being part of the revolution for over half a year, you should have your own grasp of the world's situation."
"Depending only on the Goa Kingdom's rebellious strength won't topple the World Government, not even the whole East Blue combined."
"To bring down the world government, we need to bring people from all over the world together. When sparks from every corner ignite a big fire, even the Celestial Dragons ruling the government will be as vulnerable as the Goya nobles are now—easily overthrown."
Roja smiled and remarked, "The revolution can't count on just me or you. It hinges on people worldwide."
"Actually, Dragon and I were meant to depart from the very start. We'll scatter the seeds of revolution along our journey until the day the fire is fully ablaze."
"Gormon, Jimmy, Saro, and all the comrades, the revolution isn't complete yet, and everyone still needs to put in effort. East Blue is relying on you." Roja took a step forward, exchanging handshakes and hugs with each comrade.
"I will, Teacher Roja," Ge Meng declared, tightly clenching his fists, bowing his head, and holding back tears.
As the first person in the Goa Kingdom to follow Roja, his emotions were undoubtedly profound.
"Roja's kindness, I reckon he'll carry it with him forever. It rescued him from a confused existence, transforming him from a low-level gangster into a revolutionary cadre today."
"Alright, Ge Meng, it's not a matter of life or death. We're just in different locations, chasing a common goal, and we'll get a chance to reunite in the future."
Roja gazed at Gomon, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
Even though I've made up my mind to depart, I'm not in a rush for the next few days.
During these last days, Roja and Gomon had a crucial discussion.
There were many decisions to make during this discussion.
Firstly, they needed to establish an economic system with public ownership at its core. The land and factories acquired by ousting the Goa nobles would be utilized for the national economy, and they would be responsible for advancing infrastructure development in the Goa Kingdom.
Additionally, villages beyond the Korber Mountains would adopt a collective economy.
Simultaneously, there's a push to actively boost the overseas trade of the Goa Kingdom, including ventures across the seas.
They aim to encourage commercial growth and advance science and technology.
Efforts will be made to transform the Kerber Mountains, enhancing connectivity between the royal capital and villages beyond the mountains.
The second point involves planning and transforming the royal capital. This includes dismantling the high town and palace walls, demolishing extravagant structures, and converting the area into administrative offices.
Reforming the border town involves taking a firm stance against the key figures within the gangster community. Additionally, there will be efforts to provide ideological education and instigate reforms among the border town gangsters.
The third point is to define the future revolutionary direction for the Kingdom of Goa.
Given the circumstances in East Blue and the might of the World Government, the Kingdom of Goa won't engage in armed uprisings to overthrow other nations after the Goya incident. Instead, the focus will be on disseminating ideas, remaining covert when possible, and fostering development.
Avoid desperate confrontations with the World Government; opt for a symbolic king and thrive discreetly within the shadows of the world government.
However, it's crucial to always uphold the dictatorship of the proletariat.
The chosen nominal king is Gomon, the initial recruit. Having spent ten days living with Roja at the terminal and gradually contributing to the camp's establishment, he's deemed worthy of the role.
"I'll start with some tough words, Gomon," Roja spoke as he prepared to leave.
"Don't forget who you were six months ago, recall the revolutionary journey, hold on to the principles you've learned, and don't stray," Roja emphasized with a serious tone.
"I don't wish for a day when you become the target of a revolution."
"I'll remember your teachings, Mr. Roja," Gomon responded, his eyes resolute and clear.
"So, farewell, everyone," Roja waved his goodbyes.
"Among the voluntarily departing Revolutionary Army fighters, those skilled in sailing were chosen. Roja and Fujitora set sail by boat."
In contrast to their solitary arrival, they left with thousands more comrades.
Similar to the unfolding era of the Goa Kingdom's revolutionary cause, Roja and the others were on the brink of a new journey.
"So, you always talked about retiring at the terminal. Why are you here?" Roja shifted his gaze away from the Goa Kingdom, focusing on a thin, elderly man huddled by the mast, smoking a pipe.
"Initially, Roja planned to retain Naguri in the Kingdom of Goa. Firstly, due to his advancing age, and secondly, this was his hometown."
"Moreover, Naguri possessed considerable strength. He held the position of captain for the cross-sea caravan that Roja left in the Kingdom of Goa. His prowess was sufficient to safeguard the team across the lengthy journey, ensuring the delivery of goods to North Blue."
"Roja had been in touch with the cross-sea caravan, the same one they used to travel from South Blue to East Blue."
"South Blue offers abundant food, and North Blue boasts advanced technology. This marks the developmental route Roja devised for the Kingdom of Goa, leveraging technology to enhance productivity."
"Hey, after much pondering, I realized I haven't hit the age of complete retirement yet. It's better to stick with Roja. Plus, other sea regions aren't as peaceful as East Blue. I can serve as a bodyguard and guide," Naguri said with a pipe in his mouth, smiling.
"Follow and follow," Roja replied, gazing at the grinning Naguri without saying anything more.
"Nagle is spot on. The next destination is indeed not that peaceful. With Nagle's formidable combat skills, his assistance will be invaluable."
"Where are we headed next, Mr. Roja?" inquired a comrade from the Revolutionary Army. "Straight to the Upside Down Mountain?"
"Not in a rush, are we?" Roja pulled out a fairly detailed sea chart obtained from the Goa nobles, containing thorough records of the sea areas surrounding the Kingdom of Goa.
After studying the map, Roja pointed to an island close to the Kingdom of Goa and remarked, "Let's head here first."
Not long after, the merchant ship docked at the Shields Town port.
Roja wasn't a stranger to this place. During the months when the terminal camp was getting established, both Roja and Fujitora had visited Shields Town, though their exploration hadn't been extensive.
This marked Roja's second visit. Before departing East Blue, he had a particular notion he wanted to confirm.
Shields Town belonged to the Korco Kingdom and was also a member of the World Government. However, despite this affiliation, the proximity between Shields Town and the Korco Kingdom wasn't overly close.
The past relationship between the two might even be more distant than the connection between the Goa Kingdom and the villages beyond the Kerber Mountains.
Shields Town isn't a small place, and it hosts a Marine branch base, albeit with a modest number of soldiers—just over a hundred. They maintain a harmonious relationship with the town's residents.
Roja and his group spent about two days here. During this time, Roja serendipitously encountered a young and spirited Marine brimming with a sense of justice.
His name is Mengka, an eighteen-year-old filled with energy.
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