Chapter 23: Closed And Open

"Hmm?" Fujitora seemed puzzled. Did he overlook something? Clearly, everyone heard the entire conversation, so why was he not catching onto something?

In that instant, everyone in the chat room shared the same confusion as Fujitora.

Luffy: Get what I mean?

Garp: That's what happens when you don't study, Luffy.

Shiki: Garp, it seems like you've got a grasp on it. Spill the beans.

Garp (picking his nose): Why is the old man clarifying things to a pirate like you?

Roger: It's like acting like you get it when you're clueless.

This isn't the usual chatter in the chat room.

At this point, Sengoku wears a serious expression on his face.

He pondered, what had Roja unearthed from the captain's words? 

Could these words truly hold the significant advantage needed to overthrow the World Government?

Peter Saint: Strange, incomprehensible, absurd.

While the Five Elders were somewhat disconcerted, they instinctively dismissed it.

Satan: The World Government has governed for 800 years, and you think it can be toppled by a captain? Absurd.

In contrast to the Marine World Government, Long appears to have caught onto that moment of enlightenment.

Regardless, he's on the path of revolution himself. After decades of searching, he still has a faint sense of revolution, though it remains somewhat obscure as if veiled by a layer of translucent paper.

"What's the advantage?" Fujitora inquired humbly.

Unlike their initial interactions, Fujitora no longer regards Roja as an eight-year-old child after spending considerable time together.

His bravery, distinctive disposition, and understanding and insights into the world lead Fujitora to sense that the other person is much stronger than himself.

"Closed and open," Roja explained with a smile.

"Even the business folks are aware that the Red Line could undergo transformation by merging the mechanical prowess of Balakimoa and the craftsmanship of the Seven Capitals of Water. So, why doesn't the World Government permit it?"

"Because they fear connection, communication, and integration of the world."

"This world may appear to consist of various loosely governed kingdoms, but in reality, it still operates under a feudal system."

"The World Government grants territories to the kings, and every kingdom must provide resources and follow orders each year."

"It may sound elaborate, but what they call 'franchise' is more like enfeoffment. On the surface, the king brings his kingdom to join, but once joined, the World Government exerts significant control."

"When a country aligns with the World Government, its land isn't strictly its own anymore. The World Government obtains taxation rights through Tiantianjin, and the kingdom must adhere to the laws set by the World Government."

"If you seriously break the law, you'll be obliterated. If you can't afford the celestial gold, you won't be shielded. The kingdom has no authority to decline the celestial gold."

"The foundation of upholding this state of affairs lies in the formidable strength of the World Government. It possesses the capability to obliterate multiple countries simultaneously and the prowess to contend with dozens of nations."

"To maintain the supreme power of the World Government, it is imperative to ensure absolute dominance over the forces in the present world."

"What the World Government must accomplish is stifling the progress of the external world, siphoning exceptional talents and technologies through the talent drain effect, and simultaneously maintaining a closed system. This allows the World Government to establish a monopoly and impose constraints on outstanding technologies and talents."

"Thanks to the Red Line and Calm Belt, they've managed this effectively, preventing the construction of a passage that easily crosses the Red Line."

"This is because it implies that communication between the world and even the Grand Line becomes more accessible."

"Just envision this: East Blue is wealthy but not technologically advanced, and North Blue is advanced but lacks resources. If a more convenient trade route is established, North Blue gains access to East Blue's resources, and East Blue gains North Blue's advanced technology."

"Likewise, what about South Blue and West Blue? As the world progresses rapidly, and countries can easily fend off pirates."

"Do they still need to align with the World Government and pay a substantial sum annually? They could even forge another alliance to rival the World Government."

"At that point, will the World Government still be able to sustain its current control over the world?"

Roja conveyed a lot in one go, and his eyes grew increasingly vibrant.

"Isolation signifies backwardness, and backwardness implies weakness. Weakness requires control and exploitation by stronger entities. This is the purpose of the World Government and the method to uphold its rule for centuries."

"The revolutionary army's greatest strength lies in its openness. We promote openness, free from the hindrance of landlord classes like kings and nobles, allowing us to wield our subjective initiative freely."

"With our own territory and advanced technology, we can swiftly disseminate it to all regions, outpacing the closed World Government in development speed."

"Our progressive nature will outshine the regressive royal feudal system."

"Openness versus closure, and in this battle, openness prevails. This stands as one of the unavoidable triumphs of our revolution."

Roja remarked while jotting down in the notebook.

"I will release a book later, emphasizing the inevitable success of the revolution."

"Fujitora, there's one crucial thing to remember. Instilling confidence in the people about the revolutionary army is paramount."

"Despite our current weakness compared to the World Government, I want everyone, upon reading this book, to grasp that the revolutionary army will undoubtedly emerge victorious."

"This is a victory of openness."

"Roja, you're truly remarkable."

After hearing all of Roja's words, Fujitora couldn't help but sigh emotionally.

"Sometimes I ponder if you're a gift from heaven to the common people of this world. You're a divinely bestowed leader. It seems like you know and see everything."

"You're truly a monster, but for the World Government, for me, for the civilians and slaves in this world, I firmly believe that you must be the dawn."

Fujitora's words left Roja momentarily stunned, and then he couldn't help but shiver.

"Fujitora, your words are so flattering that they gave me goosebumps."

Are Fujitora's words embarrassing? To some extent, yes.

Yet, they also echo the sentiments of most people in the chat room at the moment.