67. The Most Powerful Force, The Most Useful Person

In the chat group, everyone felt like things in the Goa Kingdom were back to how they used to be.

Back when I was in the Goa Kingdom, I'd do some investigating first before making any moves.

Then, things in the Goa Kingdom started changing rapidly until it completely transformed.

Now, in the troubled Lubuni Kingdom, after being held back for over a month, Roja finally began a big revolutionary process.

Four hundred fighters snuck into the coal mines, and Crow worked hard to organize unions in the steel plant.

Fujitora and Mori exchanged ideas in a secret underground.

Roja started making big changes in the port city with the help of hidden microphones.

Now that everything's set, Roja can finally go all out.

After watching the events unfold, almost everyone agrees that once Roja gets going, all the problems will disappear.

This young leader has truly achieved many amazing things.

Lindbergh: Things are heating up. It's really happening.

Ivankov: The revolutionary army will triumph, the flame of revolution will burn down everything, and the Lubny Kingdom will finally be free.

Crow: Mr. Roja, lead us to victory.

Bellobetti: The unprepared World Government is facing Mr. Roja head-on. I can already see the outcome of this revolution.

Dragon: A small spark can ignite a huge fire. The world government's oppression will only lead to stronger resistance from the people.

The revolutionary army is now completely different from how they were when they first appeared in the chat room. Now, they seem to be following Roja's lead as if from another world.

In the chat room, they're dominating, while the World Government and Marines are losing ground.

Even many honest Marines are starting to question themselves as they see the progress of Roja's revolution firsthand.

Everyone is keeping an eye on Roja's moves.

They're observing how he's strategically turning the dire situation in the Lubuni Kingdom to his advantage, step by step.

[While the union movement in Coal and Iron City gains momentum, Roja is currently at the hotel, assigning tasks to Naguri and Koshiro.]

[They'll oversee the actions of the remaining four hundred revolutionary army soldiers.]

[There are 27 to 100 troops and five merchant ships in each of the four-port cities, respectively. Over the past few nights, Fujitora has replaced the grain in these ships with coal.]

[Four merchant ships loaded with coal are now waiting at the port.]

"Mr Naguri, Mr Koshiro, your mission is to lead the fleet to Balkimoa," Roja said. "From what I know, Balkimoa is a cold island with high demand for coal as energy."

"This time, your sole objective is to recruit people."

"Recruit?" Koshiro and Naguri were puzzled.

"Yes, recruit," Roja declared firmly. "I'll provide you with twenty shiploads of coal. I don't want money or materials. I want people—scientists, engineers, and top talents from Balkimoa. Bring back as many as you can."

"Tell them, if twenty ships aren't enough, offer thirty, forty, even a hundred ships. I don't care about the cost."

"When you return, I expect to see a top research team of over 100 people from Balkimoa."

"Remember, no matter the cost," Roja emphasized.

In today's world, talent is crucial, and Balkimoa's people are among the finest minds. Roja can't have enough of them.

The world government might not appreciate these talents, but Roja values them immensely. Technology is a vital asset, even in a world where individuals can overpower armies.

"In the coming decades, we'll witness the rise of science and technology. In the next hundred years, they'll dominate the world," Roja remarked with profound insight.

"You don't need to worry about the cost. The coal from the Lubuni Kingdom is practically limitless for us in the short term, and we can use as much as we need without giving any money to the Lubuni Royal Family or the World Government. It's their loss," Roja remarked.

"One of Roja's remarkable qualities is his generosity and determination. Once he sets a goal, he never backs down from it," it was noted.

"Understood," Naguri and Koshiro nodded, fully committing to the task.

Roja trusted them completely. They were undoubtedly strong, smart, and experienced.

Soon, twenty merchant ships filled with coal departed from the four-port cities, bound for Balkimoa.

Balkimoa was distant, and it would likely take twenty days to a month before they returned, but Roja eagerly awaited their homecoming.

Roja dispatched Senor and Bellobetti to accompany Naguri and the others.

Roja understood Senor's condition well. It was better for him to be out and about. Perhaps he'd find enlightenment when encountering important people or events.

As for Betty, Roja believed in her potential. She needed education and refinement, which would be more beneficial than staying idle in Lubuni Kingdom.

"Okay, it's almost time for us to take action, Dragon," Roja smiled at Fujitora.

"Mr. Fujitora, you'll have a busy time ahead," Roja apologized.

Fujitora was now one of the most dedicated and hardworking individuals in the revolutionary army, making Roja feel a bit guilty at times.

"It's alright, Roja. I'm happy to be of use. This year has been fulfilling and joyful for me," Fujitora said with a simple smile. "I'm honoured to contribute to such a noble cause, much better than witnessing the world's decline."

"Let's work harder, just like we did at the Uncertain Terminal, and achieve something great again," Roja's voice was filled with passion.

"Muke, please arrange for more food supplies. We'll likely spend some time at sea," Roja instructed a revolutionary soldier at the port.

With Fujitora back and only eleven or twelve days left before the agreed time with Vegapunk, Roja was preparing to venture into the Calm Belt to find a suitable island.

"Yes, Mr. Roja," came the response.

The night before Roja's departure, Crow contacted him.

Late at night, Roja, accompanied by Fujitora, traversed Mori's passage to the underground cave in Coal Iron City.

Upon arrival, over a hundred people were already gathered.

These were workers whom Crow trusted, serving as the backbone of the trade union's development.

Unlike the nascent labour union movement in the coal mining area, Crow had been working in the steel plant for over 20 days, achieving remarkable progress.

These hundred-plus individuals represented the current labour union representatives.

"Excuse me, Mr. Roja," Crow approached sheepishly. "We've organized several speeches, but the results weren't great."

"They're a rough bunch. Though they can read, they haven't read much," Crow explained, feeling a bit embarrassed. When Roja previously discussed union formation, he emphasized the need for evolving strategies.

"Nothing to worry about, Crow. Your voice needs to carry further. I'll bring you a loudspeaker next time," Roja reassured him.

"You'll lead many oppressed people like the workers of Lubuni Kingdom in the future. Speaking softly won't cut it," Roja advised seriously.

Roja wasn't mocking Crow's voice but offering genuine advice.

Over time, Roja noticed Crow's sensitivity to his voice, almost to the point that it became a problem. Roja believed it was essential to address rather than ignore such flaws.

"I understand, Mr. Roja," Crow nodded, clenching and releasing his fist.

Normally, criticism about this shortcoming would trigger anger, but Crow took Roja's suggestion to heart.

During his days developing the trade union, Crow delved deeper into the book "Revolutionary Thought Guidance Collection."

The more he understood its contents, the greater his respect for Roja grew.

Crow had been rebellious since childhood, respecting few, but he held Roja in genuine reverence.

After speaking with Crow, Roja proceeded to shake hands with each worker representative.

Curiously, they observed this man, as unruly as a crow, yet held in high regard.

They were a bit bewildered. Was this youthful-looking man the same person who had impressed Crow and authored the collection of revolutionary ideological guidance?

Their confusion persisted until Roja stood before them.

Clearing his throat, Roja began his speech to the worker representatives.

"Before we begin, I'd like to pose a question: Who are the most useful and valuable people in the world?" Roja smiled, scanning the audience of worker representatives. "Any guesses?"

The representatives glanced at each other, uncertain.

Roja gestured for silence and continued with a smile.

"I heard some lively discussions earlier. Some mentioned the royal family, nobility, and Celestial Dragons. They hold supreme power and can influence world affairs. But I beg to differ."

"The most valuable people are those who work," Roja asserted.

"Some might scoff at this idea, viewing workers as humble and lowly. But consider this: our food is grown by farmers, not Celestial Dragons or nobles. Our clothes are stitched by tailors, not aristocrats."

"Our homes are constructed by carpenters and masons, our ships by shipwrights, our coal mined by miners, and our iron smelted by workers in steel plants."

"We rely on workers—farmers, craftsmen, sailors, labourers—for our daily needs and transport. Without them, we'd lack the basics of survival."

"In essence, workers are the foundation of society. Without them, civilization would crumble. That's why I say we workers are the most valuable."

Roja's words resonated deeply with the audience.

Roja's voice brimmed with passion. After his speech, the underground cave, which could hold over a hundred people, fell silent.

Then, thunderous applause erupted from below, lasting a long while.

With concise and straightforward words, Roja deeply impressed upon the workers the importance of their role.

As Roja gazed at the workers below, he noticed a change in their eyes. This was precisely what he aimed for—to instill in them the realization that workers are neither humble nor inferior, but rather noble and indispensable.

"If you want revolution, you must first awaken the Vice Admiral in your own heart," it was said.

"A person who is mentally broken can never stand up."

Despite appearing more decent than those at the Uncertain Terminal Station, mentally, the 853 workers in the steel plant were no better off. Long-term oppression had taken its toll, dwarfing their spirits.

Roja aimed to use his simple speech to underscore the importance of workers, challenging the notion of nobility versus humility.

"This world may stratify people into different tiers, but in spirit and character, we strive for equality, even with the heavens," it was emphasized.

"Okay!" shouted a worker, his palms reddened from applause.

Simple and plain words held profound power, penetrating deep into their hearts. This was the strength of Roja's speeches.

In the chat room, viewers felt as if they were workers in that underground cave, experiencing an unprecedented sense of empowerment from Roja's words.

Bellobetti expressed profound admiration for Roja's ability to grasp the world and tap into the human spirit with simple words.

Monkey D. Dragon, a seasoned speaker, acknowledged that Roja's brief speech eclipsed the combined impact of countless speeches delivered over the years.

The power of this brief speech surpasses what anyone in the chat room could have imagined.

In this moment, countless people across the globe toil silently at the bottom rung of society—carpenters, tailors, shipwrights, farmers, blacksmiths, low-ranking Marines, and laboring porters.

These individuals, deemed as ants, untouchables, or mere livestock by the nobles, gaze up at the colossal screens in the sky.

As they watch the impassioned young man on the screen, his fervent words echo in their ears.

Their eyes, akin to those of the workers depicted, begin to ignite with something, and their spirits gradually rise from their knees.

Though the process may be gradual, it has commenced.

They represent the silent majority in this world, but when they muster the courage to raise their voices, even the haughty Celestial Dragons tremble in fear.

The true liberation of the people lies primarily in the liberation of their spirits.

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