Chapter 400 - 400: Hypocritical Justice
(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 Chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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Wanokuni had changed hands, and the Beasts Pirates had surrendered.
If such a monumental event were to spread across the seas, it would undoubtedly cause massive waves.
Even the World Government would be thrown into unrest because of this.
More importantly, there had always been an ambiguous transactional relationship between Kaido and the World Government.
Through Doflamingo, most of the seastone produced by Wanokuni ended up in the pockets of the World Government.
However, when Uchiha Madara stepped in, the seastone supply to the World Government began to dwindle.
But after Colt arrived, he demanded that the supply to the World Government be resumed.
"If they want it, just give it to them. It's not like they aren't paying. Doubling the price is always a good way to make more money," Colt said with a smirk.
Although Colt never explicitly forbade his subordinates from eating Devil Fruits, none of the ninjas had chosen to become ability users.
After working as ninjas for so long, they all rejected the idea of having such an obvious weakness.
Since the World Government placed such importance on seastone, Colt decided to profit from them to develop Wanokuni.
After all, when the time came, those resources given would return to his hands.
For now, the Five Elders and the mysterious Im could hold onto them for a while.
To be honest, Wanokuni's situation was far worse than Colt had imagined.
But Uchiha Madara couldn't be blamed for that.
It could only be said that this country had been ruined for far too long, to the point of near collapse.
Kaido had squeezed the people dry for twenty years.
For ordinary people, even eating their fill had become a luxury.
Therefore, the first reform in Wanokuni was to completely eliminate all class distinctions, confiscate the assets of nobles and samurai, and redistribute them for redevelopment.
This move polarized public opinion about the Ninja Alliance.
In the eyes of the wealthy and nobles, they were demons—devils who robbed them of the resources they had worked so hard to accumulate.
But in the hearts of ordinary civilians, their perception of the ninjas was far more complicated.
Free healthcare, allocated arable land, and even the establishment of numerous schools to teach basic physical training and swordsmanship—these were benefits they had never dared to dream of.
This drastic change greatly impacted the common people's worldview. In the education they had received since childhood, commoners and samurai were taught to be loyal to the daimyo or general in exchange for better treatment.
The civilians were overwhelmed, but there was no denying that their lives had improved significantly.
However, Colt did not dismantle the arsenal established by Kaido.
Instead, he increased production.
A large number of captives continued to work as laborers, and the labor shortage was filled by recruiting workers from Wanokuni's population—of course, for a wage.
The money confiscated from the nobles was enough to fund Wanokuni's full-scale development for several years.
The only concern was the potential intervention of the World Government.
"Spread the news. Don't let the Five Elders get in the way," Colt said to Kakashi.
A month later, shocking news spread across the seas, leaving countless people in disbelief.
The alliance between Kaido of the Beasts Pirates and the red-haired Uchiha Madara had broken down, leading to an all-out war between the two.
This was further complicated by the Mom Pirates forming an alliance with the Beasts Pirates.
The three top powerhouses of the seas had turned Wanokuni into their battlefield, locked in a fierce stalemate.
After the initial shock, people realized that while the news was thrilling, it had little impact on their daily lives.
The war between the emperors was terrifying, but Wanokuni was isolated from the outside world.
Even if the island was torn apart, it had nothing to do with them.
In fact, the New World became calmer because the two troublemaking Four Emperors were preoccupied with their conflict.
All in all, it was still great news for most.
However, for the World Government, the situation was far from ideal.
"Tobirama, what the hell is going on?!" the blond Five Elder demanded, his expression dark as he glared at Senju Tobirama.
"Has Doflamingo gone mad for money? This month's seastone shipment—he's demanding double the price!"
Facing the reprimand, Senju Tobirama remained calm and replied indifferently.
"According to the CP team stationed near Doflamingo, Kaido has increased the price of the goods he sells to him. Many factories were destroyed by Uchiha Madara, severely impacting production.
"Additionally, Kaido has made it clear: whether we like it or not, seastone has never lacked buyers."
"That bastard!"
Hearing such arrogance, the Five Elders trembled with rage.
Given their status, it had been years since anyone dared to threaten them so blatantly.
"These pirates are nothing but treacherous, wolf-hearted scoundrels!"
The Five Elders continued to curse Kaido, but there was little they could do.
Seeing the opportunity, Senju Tobirama offered his analysis.
"Elders, I believe Kaido's motives are twofold: first, to make money, and second, out of necessity."
The Elder who held a sword was intrigued.
"Continue,"
"Yes," Senju Tobirama nodded. "Compared to Kaido, Uchiha Madara is a lone wolf, a rogue with no attachments who acts with reckless abandon."
"To maintain the daily operations of the Beasts Pirates, Kaido has no choice but to squeeze Doflamingo for more profit."
"If..." Senju Tobirama deliberately paused, "If we were to help Kaido defeat Uchiha Madara, I believe Kaido would reciprocate by restoring the seastone prices to normal."
"Impossible!" the blond Elder snapped.
"The World Government cannot stoop to becoming a pirate's lackey!"
"Moreover, if our stance becomes too clear, the repercussions across the seas would far outweigh any minor loss of Berry!"
Having ruled for so many years, their instincts for balancing interests were razor-sharp.
This content is taken from freёwebnovel.com.
The World Government could manipulate the Four Emperors, but they could never openly cooperate with them.
Doing so would risk mutiny even within the Marines.
After all, no matter how hypocritical justice might be, it still needed to maintain appearances.
"Enough," the mustached Elder finally spoke, his tone final.
"It's just a little berry. The World Government can afford it. Spending money to slow down the movements of these three powerhouses and prevent them from wreaking havoc on the seas is a price worth paying."
Senju Tobirama lowered his head slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips.
'Just wait until you set your sights on Wanokuni. You'll realize how foolish you're being now.'