Most of the people in the Tru Kingdom had gradually gathered in the royal city, forming a complete economic cycle.
Businesses had begun springing up everywhere.
Sometimes, a single decision was enough to change the fate of most people.
“You have a point, but why not consider joining the World Government?
If you did, there would be no need for all of this…”
Before Aokiji could finish speaking, Nero interrupted him.
“Are you asking why I refuse to serve those Celestial Dragons?”
His dissatisfaction was obvious.
Nero glanced at Aokiji before continuing.
“Joining the World Government may provide protection on paper, but the problem is that the emperor is far away.
We’re located in the South Blue.
For a small country like the Tru Kingdom, if pirates or another nation attacked us, I’m afraid the entire country would be wiped out before your discussions even reached a conclusion.”
“More importantly, I refuse to make my citizens pay Heavenly Tribute to those Celestial Dragons every year.”
“Instead of doing that, why shouldn’t I strengthen my own nation?”
Nothing is set in stone.
It all depends on which choice benefits us more.”
Aokiji nodded slightly, seemingly in agreement.
At the same time, however, he felt that the young man standing before him possessed a mindset that was a little too dangerous.
“As a Marine, you naturally have your own responsibilities,” Nero continued.
“But for a small country like ours, survival isn’t that simple.
Growth is even harder.”
“The Tru Kingdom is tucked away in a corner of the South Blue.
All I want is to give these people better lives and a more stable environment in which to live.”
“But you’ve already seen what happened.”
“And I’m sure you received the news long ago.”
“The neighboring Kingdom of Roya worked together with pirates and nearly reduced us to ruin.
Our people suffered because of it.”
Nero’s words left Aokiji’s expression shifting between embarrassment and discomfort.
Reports had already reached him.
The Tru Kingdom’s forces had already advanced into Roya’s capital, and at the current pace, the Kingdom of Roya would likely disappear within five days.
Yet Aokiji remained silent.
The only thing he felt was increasing curiosity toward the young king standing before him.
For the first time, he asked directly,
“So what do you plan to do with this country’s future?”
Nero smiled.
“Just take things one step at a time.”
“Once everything is settled, I’d like to rest for a few years.”
“Otherwise, your World Government won’t be happy.”
“And if the CP agencies decide to investigate, I doubt they’ll be as easy to talk to as you are.”
Aokiji looked at him in surprise.
“I didn’t expect you to know so much.”
“But that isn’t necessarily a good thing.”