Chapter 54: East Blue Gambit: A World-Altering Strategy

Roja's room stayed lit until midnight. The next morning, Roja gathered Dragon and Naguri with the article he wrote the day before.

"What's on your mind?" Roja asked.

Fujitora and the others were a bit surprised before recalling what Roja meant.

"Oh, I don't have any ideas," Naguri said, shrugging.

"I can still contribute in a fight, but for brainstorming, I'll leave it to the younger folks," he added.

Naguri's response didn't meet Roja's expectations, and he exchanged a glance with Fujitora.

Fujitora frowned, deep in thought. Roja didn't rush her.

After a while, Fujitora spoke with a hint of uncertainty, "Most of the places we've sailed through consist of villages and towns scattered across islands."

"Did you notice anything?" Roja inquired.

"These villages and towns are usually isolated overseas, and mainstream routes seldom pass through them," Fujitora explained. "As a result, the Marine forces in these areas are typically quite weak."

"Not only that, because they are far from the country they belong to, the nobles of the parent country rarely pay attention to these places. They rarely provide garrison protection or any substantial support beyond tax collection," Fujitora continued, her expression showing a growing realization.

"So, the focus in the entire East Blue is mainly on the parent country, which is the king's capital where the nobles gather," Fujitora explained.

"In the East Blue, there are numerous island countries, similar to the Goa Kingdom. The capitals are large, nobles gather there, and the villages are small, often left vulnerable. That's why there are frequent pirate attacks," she continued.

"In other words, if we capture these scattered island-based villages and towns, we can extend the influence of the revolutionary army across the entire East Blue, right under the watchful eyes of the World Government," Fujitora said excitedly, revealing that she had already chosen her path – the revolutionary path of civilian struggle – over the past six months.

Roja felt a sense of relief, seeing Fujitora's thoughtful insights. While there were nudges along the way, it wasn't easy for Fujitora to independently consider this strategy.

"Now, the challenge is how to capture these places. We need a plan. Even though they are just villages and small towns, any significant actions will surely draw attention," Fujitora pondered.

Roja smiled and added, "Mr. Fujitora, have you heard about the history of the founding of Shiji Village in Seymour?"

"I haven't," Fujitora replied, a bit puzzled by Roja's sudden mention of the village's history. However, she understood that Roja must have a reason for bringing it up.

"Mr. Koshiro shared with me the history of the founding of Shiki Village in Seymour," Roja explained.

"Fifty-five years ago, this was a small, unnamed village under constant threats from bandits and pirates. Mr. Kozaburo, a samurai who escaped from Wanokuni, a secluded country, took a risk and came here," Roja began.

"He brought a group of samurai, taught the villagers sword skills, and helped them fend off bandits and pirates. Kozaburo fell in love with a woman from the village and decided to stay," Roja continued.

"Mr. Kozaburo then founded Shimo Shiki Village, and his Shimotsuki family gained immense respect for their contributions, holding the highest reputation in the village," he added.

"Mr. Smile," Roja turned towards the contemplative Fujitora, smiling as he said, "East Blue lacks continents; it's mostly made up of scattered islands."

"The people here aren't highly connected with the World Government or their parent country. For them, the simplest desire is to lead a stable life without the constant fear of pirate attacks," Roja explained.

"So, they honor whoever helps them fend off pirates. It's a straightforward truth. Yet, even with such a basic wish, the leaders of the World Government and the nobles from their respective countries have failed to fulfill it," Roja remarked with a thoughtful gaze.

Roja continued, "Is it genuinely difficult to resist pirates? We've traveled extensively – are the pirates in East Blue truly formidable?"

"No, with proper training, militia armed with guns can handle most pirates. Why can't a town like Orange Town, boasting richness, repel ordinary pirate invasions?" Roja questioned.

"The only explanation is that some things have decayed over time, and they simply don't care about the lives of these common folk. This is our advantage, an opportunity handed to us by the World Government and the nobles," Roja concluded.

"A single spark can ignite a prairie fire. These neglected islands, villages, and towns plagued by pirate raids are the sparks that will eventually set the entire East Blue ablaze," Roja declared.

"Using the backbone of the revolutionary army, we'll infiltrate these villages and towns in disguise, offer assistance, provide combat training, fend off pirates, gain renown, and gradually spread our ideals," he continued.

"Ultimately, during the crucial moment of revolution, when everyone rallies together, countless sparks will ignite. Villages will encircle towns, towns will surround allied countries, sparking the most comprehensive wave of uprisings. This is how East Blue can emerge victorious," Roja concluded, extending his right hand and clenching his fist firmly, as if grasping the entirety of East Blue in his palm.

As Roja's resonant voice echoed, Fujitora and Nagli found themselves breathless, envisioning the vivid picture painted by Roja. They could almost witness the uprising of countless islands together.

In their minds, they saw innumerable sparks converging into a prairie fire, engulfing the entire East Blue. The scene unfolded before them – nobles being overthrown, soldiers ascending high platforms to unfurl the banner of revolution under their newfound leaders.

Outside the chat room, everyone stared in awe at the impassioned young man who articulated his vision. It was as if he comprehended the entire East Blue in just a few words. Observing the teenager clenching his fist, it felt as though he held the destiny of East Blue in his grasp.

It's challenging to put into words the mix of emotions stirred by Roja's words—shock, admiration, feelings that defy description. Even the Four Emperors, the mighty pirates of the New World, share a similar sentiment.

In the vast expanse of the New World, these powerful figures vie for territory, constantly engaging in conflicts for control. Yet, until now, they have only claimed a small piece of the vast puzzle.

What sets Roja apart is his robust strategic vision, crafting a plan to triumph over East Blue. The pivotal aspect lies in the fact that everyone witnessing the unfolding narrative couldn't refute its logic.

Roja's strategy derives its credibility from meticulous investigations conducted along the way, and everyone present has been closely following these findings. They recognize that they cannot replicate Roja's strategic response solely based on the information gathered.

However, by aligning this strategic response with the data from their investigations, they deduce the visible feasibility of Roja's plan. Shiki, impressed by Roja's ambitions, acknowledges him as a true careerist—a force that surpasses others. The lion that devours the world, a genuine world-conqueror, he muses with triumphant laughter.

The prospect of the two worlds colliding becomes imminent in Shiki's eyes. He resolves to bring Roja under his command, recognizing the genuine talent that can truly conquer the world. Roja, in his eyes, is the key to victory.

Shiki couldn't contain his excitement and burst into laughter. While Roja's detailed investigations and efforts in promoting proletarian ideology were disregarded by Shiki, the strategy Roja presented this time truly caught his attention.

The focus on practicality, the keen observation of the world, and the utilization of the smallest, easily overlooked places with the weakest and lowest power to shift the dynamics of the entire sea impressed Shiki. Even he couldn't help but admire this approach, considering it more effective than conquering the Goa Kingdom with castoffs from a garbage dump.

Shock, only tremor, carefree, only carefree.

This kind of strategy really moved any careerist and hero in the world.

This is the real dragon slaying technique.

"This is the real dragon slaying technique."

In the Kingdom of Kamabaka, the dragon was already too excited.

If you hear the Tao in the morning, you can die in the evening.

He really heard the truth, the truth of revolution.

"What in the world is going on in little Roja's mind? How does he come up with such ingenious methods so effortlessly?" Ivankov exclaimed, at a loss for words.

For the Revolutionary Army, Roja's strategy of infiltrating villages and towns surrounding the royal capital and covertly gaining influence over allied countries seemed like a revelation.

Despite the Revolutionary Army's decades of experience in revolution, Roja's approach appeared remarkably clear and straightforward.

"In the end, he's Roja," Sabo remarked, unable to help but express sincere admiration.

Meanwhile, at Mariejois...

The Five Elders found themselves breaking out in a cold sweat. While Roja's strategy was ostensibly designed for East Blue, it held universal applicability.

The Four Seas formed the bedrock of the World Government's authority, contributing over 80% of their revenue. If the rebel army were to successfully overthrow the Four Seas, the World Government might struggle to maintain control over the Marines.

Considering that the majority of Marine members hailed from various corners of the world, determining who they would obey in such a scenario could become a complex issue. Even possessing super weapons capable of destroying entire islands or countries might prove futile at that point.

The destruction of a country or island might serve as a deterrent, but the effectiveness of such actions would be questionable when the entire world was in upheaval.

With countless islands and countries scattered across the world, the idea of destroying each one individually seemed impractical.

As wielders of the highest authority globally, the Five Elders were acutely aware that when a prevailing trend gained momentum, no human force could effectively counter it. They had held sway for 800 years, being the dominant force, and Roja's strategy now felt like an undercurrent, subtly eroding their established dominance.

"Terrifying... thankfully, this isn't happening in our world," Vauchuli, the bald mustached Elder, couldn't help but exhale heavily. For a moment, fear gripped him, and he could only express gratitude that this scenario was unfolding in another world.

Fortunately, indeed.

Thankfully, the head of the Revolutionary Army in his own world isn't Roja.

The current Five Elders still hold a big advantage against Long's revolutionary army.

If Dragon had been replaced by Roja, the game the Revolutionary Army's playing would probably be stuck at Mariejois, not moving forward.

Seeing warning signs popping up all over the world.

"We need to squash this chance, grow the CP organization's reach, and blend them into villages and towns," declared Maz Sheng, his long beard framing his determined expression.

Thankfully, there are precedents, and we can't let the revolutionary army follow the same path as another world's.

"In case there's future global interaction," sighed Stansen, his black hat casting a shadow of concern.

"No way," retorted the bald Five Elders, gripping a sword tightly. "The level of interaction might not be as significant as we fear."

"Stay vigilant."

As the Five Elders debated fervently, a voice echoed from the Void Throne.

The Five Elders stared blankly at Lord Im on the Void Throne, but then, unexpectedly, the Lord spoke.

"There's no way. The strategy in the video is too ruthless for the World Government."

Even a high-ranking figure like Im can't remain indifferent.

The image continued to play out.

As the footage went on, the Five Elders felt drained.

Before Dragon's six-year tenure as a revolutionary, they had watched with disdain, feeling relaxed afterward.

Now, the image shifts to Roja, with less than two years having passed.

To be exact, aside from his first year of training, Roja had only been at sea for less than a year.

At this moment, the Five Elders feel like the world has been flipped upside down.

["Please, Mr. Koshiro, deliver this report to Gomon of the Goa Kingdom for me."]

After spending two days in Seymour Zhiji Village, Roja bid farewell formally.

He entrusted the task to Koshiro.

["Please, give it to someone else," Roja insisted, concerned. Luckily, Koshiro was about to head to the Goa Kingdom soon.]

[Even though Koshiro is only 20 years old, his strength is formidable. He's skilled in Observation Haki and Armament Haki, and his swordsmanship is top-notch.]

["It's unfortunate that the phone bugs we have don't have strong signals. I've heard from Mr. Garp that the Marines still possess phone bugs capable of sending faxes directly. We should keep this in mind for the future," Roja said with a hint of regret.]

[To ensure communication among the revolutionary army groups across various seas in the future, having phone bugs with strong signals is essential. We must also take precautions against eavesdropping.]

["I hope that in North Blue, a technologically advanced region, we can find the corresponding technology," Roja expressed his hope.]

["Then, let's depart," Roja shook hands with Kosaburo. "Thank you, Mr. Kosaburo, for your hospitality these past two days."]

"It's nothing, I'm very glad to host you, Mr. Roja," Kosaburo replied with a smile.

As the boat drifted away, Kosaburo watched it with a pipe in his mouth and couldn't help but sigh, "He's truly a hero, born from a young boy. Such courage at his age."

"Yeah," Koshiro nodded, gazing at the distant ship. He clenched the report in his hand tightly, his knuckles turning white.

Roja trusted Koshiro; he could read the report freely as long as it reached the Kingdom of Koshiro safely.

"After reading the entire report and the final strategic plan, Koshiro finally grasped Roja's immense power."

"Mr. Roja, destined to alter the world and this era."

"It's a tremendous honor for me to follow that light," Koshiro's heart raced. He felt it was time to bid farewell to his father and, like Roja, explore the world.

"Mr. Roja, where are we heading now?"

"The investigation in East Blue is complete. Let's head to Logue Town. After resupplying, we'll set sail over the Red Line to North Blue," Roja decided.

"With the East Blue strategy finalized, it's time for us to venture into other seas and plant the seeds of revolution."

"However, three days after departing from Seymour Zhiji Village, sailors on the observation deck spotted an island outside of our route engulfed in flames."

"That's the Kingdom of Oikot," Roja noted, studying the chart in his hand.

[The Kingdom of Oikot is a member of the World Government, but compared to the Goa Kingdom, it's very impoverished.]

"The poorer a country is, the less attention it receives from the World Government, and the higher the chance of pirate attacks," Roja explained.

"Have they been attacked by pirates? Bring the ship closer to assist," Roja commanded loudly, without hesitation.

Immediately after, he instructed Fujitora to use his Devil Fruit ability to transport him to the burning island.

As Roja, Fujitora, and Nagli arrived on the island, the sight before them filled their hearts with dread.

The harbor was strewn with bodies, victims of either gunfire or blade wounds, while wooden huts ablaze nearby crackled loudly.

"There's one survivor," Roja noted, his experience coming into play.

Amidst the devastation, a young girl, no older than six or seven, stood alone. Tears streamed down her face as she waved a makeshift flag taller than herself.

Approaching her, Roja whispered, "I'm sorry we're late."

It was unclear how long the girl had been waving the flag, but as soon as Roja touched her, she collapsed, her body limp yet still clinging to the banner.

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