Chapter 61: Vegapunk: The Unexpected Arms Dealer

"Unity," the crow murmured softly.

When Roja uttered the word, he felt a strange surge of strength.

"Yes, unity," Roja repeated, "It means coming together as workers."

"To protect workers' rights to the fullest, we need to form a workers' union."

"The voice of a single worker may be faint, but the collective roar of thousands can shake even the nobles and royalty who only seek their own pleasure."

"Alright!" The crow exclaimed eagerly, "Mr. Roja, tell us how to start a union!"

"Firstly, we must understand that the highest authority in the union is the General Assembly, made up of all members, responsible for discussing union matters."

"To build a union from the ground up, the key is to recruit members, explain the union's purpose to workers, and encourage them to join voluntarily.

"Considering the size of the workforce in Coal and Iron City, we can divide ourselves into major trade union groups, discuss among each other, and then come together for final union management."

"Start by reaching out to a few familiar and trustworthy workers, then expand our membership base," Roja suggested, pondering the plan.

"One thing I hope you all do is to gather detailed information about members as much as possible. Know their backgrounds, what they did before, any special skills they have," Roja emphasized. "Whether you're a native worker, a former slave, or someone without allegiance to a country or a pirate, all this information is crucial."

"I understand. It shouldn't be too hard. I still have some influence among the workers at the steel plant," the crow said confidently.

Observing the crow's self-assurance, Roja realized that the crow likely held significant sway.

"The crow is well-known in the mining area. Before I arrived at the '500', he was almost like the leader of the workers here."

"After recruiting members, let's discuss organization. We can choose educated and insightful members to help with management."

"I've roughly divided the roles into four parts. The propaganda department will regularly give simple speeches to help workers see how they're being exploited and spark resistance against the common enemy."

"The negotiation department will handle talks with the royal family and the world government. Our main tactic will be strikes, and if that fails, we may resort to uprising."

"Is negotiating with the World Government even worth it?" the crow asked, his eyes filled with resentment. "In past uprisings, they never listened to us; they just aimed their guns."

"Uprising isn't a negotiation method, and it's a last resort. Strikes, however, can be negotiated," Roja clarified.

"Both the royal family and the world government value the Lubni Kingdom because of its rich coal resources. It all boils down to profit."

"Uprisings can't be easily resolved, but strikes can. To get production back, we may need to make some concessions. If we don't, they might resort to violent suppression," Roja explained.

"It's a sad truth, but slaves are seen as assets by capitalists. If too many slaves die, it hurts their profits. Faced with that loss, they'll choose the option with the least damage, which often means conceding," Roja continued.

"I understand. What you're saying makes sense, Mr. Roja," the crow conceded, though he didn't like the idea of compromising. He knew Roja was right.

"The third team is the supervision team, tasked with ensuring the factory sticks to any concessions made and also keeping an eye on our own people," Roja continued.

"My own people?" the crow asked, puzzled.

"Yes, I call them scabs. If workers want to wield power, they must stay united to force capitalists to make concessions. A scab is someone who betrays the interests of all workers," Roja explained.

"But there shouldn't be such people," the crow objected, still somewhat naive, unable to imagine a fellow worker betraying the union.

"Don't underestimate human nature. What if the world government or the royal family sends people to persuade some workers? What if they offer better terms in secret to break the workers' strike?" Roja's tone remained calm and rational.

"This place is nothing like Goya. The environment is different, and there are too many people to manage," Roja concluded.

The crow fell silent, pondering Roja's words.

"You should find trustworthy individuals to organize workers' pickets and if necessary, take action against scabs," Roja sighed.

"The fourth department is the condolence department. If a worker gets hurt during the strike, the union should offer condolences and help with treatment. It's like a support team," Roja explained.

"Alright, that covers everything for now," Roja concluded. "Let's wrap up today's discussion here. We can go into more detail on specific matters later."

"I'll get started right away," the crow replied, his expression serious.

Today had been fruitful. Under Roja's leadership, they had made real progress, moving beyond mere thoughts of uprising and desperation.

"This kind of adversary is truly formidable."

On a Marine warship in the New World, the crow couldn't help but sigh.

Watching Roja effectively devise an organizational structure using available information in a short time, she realized the power of leadership in breaking through deadlocks and mobilizing people.

"Even with immense power, like that of the Four Emperors or the One Piece itself, a leader of this calibre is the most formidable opponent."

"They are composed, logical, wise, and forward-thinking, yet not arrogant. Despite their power, they don't underestimate situations and foresee potential outcomes."

But there's something Tsuru didn't voice.

Roja is more formidable than anyone she mentioned because he isn't just a provocateur of war; he's a revolutionary fighting for freedom.

This definition originated from Roja himself, and Tsuru couldn't find a better term to describe him.

It's because of Roja's simple message that he can resonate with and mobilize the world's most underestimated yet potent force: civilians.

Tsuru struggles to articulate this power. Even with her wisdom and foresight, all she sees in Roja's gradual progress is a monumental wave heading towards the Red Line.

Though not imminent, it's inevitable.

This wave will surge from every corner of the globe, and when it finally converges, even the World Government, which has ruled for 800 years, won't be able to halt its momentum.

"Yeah, but Sister He, I don't find Mr. Roja frightening. On the contrary, I believe what he's doing is right. Right and wrong are clear-cut to him."

Gion spoke calmly yet profoundly: "As Mr. Roja himself pointed out, it's crucial to distinguish between friend and foe."

"Many find themselves in a position where they must start from within their own class to discern their political stance, to recognize who truly stands with them and who opposes them."

"Sister He, in Mr. Roja's revolutionary army, are the civilians he liberated our true enemies? Are the World Government, national nobles, and Celestial Dragons our genuine allies? And where does our Marine class fit into all this?"

Gion's emotions ran deeper than Tsuru's composed demeanour. Consequently, she tended to view issues more from the perspective of the public rather than that of the top Marines.

Having absorbed many of Roja's insights from watching his actions, she had learned to analyze problems through his lens. But the more she thought about it, the more perplexed she became.

Until she raised what might be the most critical question for all Marines:

"What is the class of our Marine?"

Are we the bourgeoisie? The landlord class? The petty bourgeoisie? Or the proletariat?

Tsuru was momentarily stunned, her gaze fixed on Gion before she regained her composure.

After a moment, she couldn't help but laugh with emotion.

"You're the truly sober Marine, Gion," Tsuru sighed. "I heard Roja tell Garp earlier that most Marines are slowly succumbing to the World Government's power."

"At the time, I dismissed it, even sneered a bit, thinking I certainly wasn't among those being corrupted."

"But what you've said today has made me wake up. Without realizing it, I've stopped looking at things from a perspective of justice and started seeing them through the lens of power and authority."

"I'm truly ashamed. At my age, I should be able to discern right from wrong," she chuckled self-deprecatingly.

Smart individuals often become too self-assured, and gradually, this confidence becomes a trap, blinding them to reality.

"Miss He," Gion began apologetically, but Tsuru smiled and shook her head, her eyes filled with understanding.

After so many years, it seemed she needed to reexamine herself from the beginning and reassess the world she thought she knew so well.

The crow departed, but Roja remained, turning to Morrie with a question.

"How long have you been in the Kingdom of Lubni, Morrie?" Roja inquired.

"I can't recall exactly. Most of the time, I've been underground, perhaps a few years," Morrie replied after a moment of thought.

"In the past few years, what have you learned about the underground coal mines in Lubni? How many are there?" Roja continued.

"There are still numerous large coal mines. Based on their progress, they should be close to completion, and they seem to have plenty left to excavate," Morrie responded.

"That's it," Roja murmured, bowing his head in thought for a moment.

"Can I ask one thing of you, Morrie? Could you help me remember the locations of those large coal mines?" Roja requested.

"Of course, that's no trouble for Morrie," Morrie replied easily.

As a giant who could spend years underground, Morrie possessed an unusually gentle personality for his size.

Roja left the underground with Fujitora.

"What's your plan in asking Morrie to note down the coal mine locations, Roja?" Fujitora inquired once they were above ground.

"It's just an idea. The World Government's interest in the Lubni Kingdom stems from its coal mines. I think if we could somehow extract or smuggle out all the coal from those mines in a short period, whether by hiding it or purchasing it..." Roja trailed off, contemplating.

"Once the coal mines are depleted, the World Government's Marines will likely withdraw. Even if there are genuine workers' uprisings or riots, there won't be enough Marine forces to suppress them effectively," Roja analyzed.

"How is that possible? The coal mines in the Kingdom of Lubni have been operating for a hundred years. It's impossible to deplete them in a short period," Fujitora objected, shaking his head.

"Actually, there's still hope," Roja replied, smiling at Fujitora. "We have Morrie, who can easily excavate large underground spaces, and you, with your gravity fruit abilities, can levitate vast quantities of material into the sky."

"By maximizing our mining speed and transportation capacity, even if there aren't many coal mines left, there's still a chance," Roja explained.

"Of course, this approach is just a secondary step and can be implemented simultaneously with the trade union revolution."

Over the next few days, Roja and the crow occasionally discussed their plans, dedicating most of their time to developing the union.

Roja focused on the coal mining area, while the crow took charge of the steel plant.

However, after a week, the crow's progress surged ahead while Roja's lagged behind.

After some consideration, Roja identified the problem.

"Firstly, the crow already has a high reputation in the steel factory. Before I arrived, they were even planning an uprising within two years, so their support base is strong.

Secondly, according to the crow's information, the living conditions and food in the steel factory are much better than those in the coal mine. The coal mining area is highly dangerous with a high mortality rate, typically employing slaves. In contrast, the steel factory employs mainly aboriginal workers, resulting in significant differences in treatment between the two groups.

Thirdly, in the coal mining area, the food conditions are poor, with workers barely getting enough to eat and facing starvation. Many uprisings in this area have been ruthlessly suppressed.

As a result, the morale of the workers in the coal mining area is low, with little hope for improvement. Their willpower is akin to those who have lost all hope, making it futile to try to rouse their long-dormant resistance through speeches or other methods. No matter how persuasive the speeches may be, they fall on deaf ears.

There is, however, a solution: attracting them to join the trade union through improved food provisions. Just as with those who had lost hope in the beginning, only when their basic needs are met will they be receptive to the message of the union and willing to engage with its goals?

"This won't work; we need to secure more food, or our progress will be too slow," Roja asserted.

"But with tens of thousands of people here, where will we find enough food? Even if we manage to purchase it, we don't have the funds," Fujitora countered.

"East Blue," Roja interjected suddenly.

"The Kingdom of Goa?" Fujitora clarified.

"Yes, Mr. Yixiao, I need you to rush back to East Blue as quickly as possible and have Gomon bring me at least 3,000 tons of food," Roja instructed.

"Inform him to procure heavy-duty merchant ships and secure as much food as possible. We'll pay him with coal," Roja added.

"I understand, but if I leave, what about you, Roja?" Fujitora hesitated. He had been by Roja's side, ensuring his safety, and leaving now made him uneasy.

"Don't worry, Mr. Smile. Tonight, I'll delegate the responsibilities of Coal and Iron City to the crowd and return to the hotel in the port city. With my current strength, the pirates from all over the world won't be able to harm me," Roja reassured him casually.

"I understand," Fujitora replied, not pressing further. He understood the urgency of the situation.

That night, Roja handed over the responsibilities to the crow, informing him of his temporary departure.

After settling everything, Roja and Fujitora returned to the port city.

Fujitora had planned to leave the next day, but Naguri's return disrupted his plans.

Naguri had brought back an arms dealer.

"The arms dealer came directly with you?" Roja asked, intrigued.

"Yes, I informed them it was a significant matter, but they insisted on having an interview with you, so they came along," Naguri explained.

"Don't you know we don't have much money now?" Roja was left speechless.

"Well, they seem to be even tighter on funds than us, but the quality of their weapons is still top-notch. I've tested them myself, and they're much better than the standard equipment used by Marine soldiers," Naguri explained.

"Oh? Take me to meet them," Roja said, growing more curious.

This arms dealer seemed to have something special to offer, being able to procure superior standard weapons than those used by the Marines.

A moment later, Naguri led Roja to a hotel.

After knocking on the door, the sight inside caused Roja's expression to change slightly.

"Hello, we are MADS," the man with an unusually large head introduced himself to Roja.

"My name is Vegapunk. I heard you need a large number of weapons," he continued.

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