One Piece: Conquering Wanokuni at Start

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Wanokuni – Amazon Lily Fortress

Amazon Lily, the land of women, had become one of Wanokuni's most closely guarded territories. Though still autonomous in name, it was now fully integrated into the Wanokuni empire.

The traditional wooden high-rise architecture of the Country had undergone a significant transformation, replaced with more modern and grandiose structures. This change was most apparent in the royal palace at the heart of the fortress.

After Boa Hancock ascended as empress, she ordered the demolition of the ancestral buildings inherited from previous generations of rulers. In their place, she constructed a far more comfortable and magnificent castle, tailored to her tastes—and to accommodate someone of great significance.

Among the palace's opulent facilities was an expansive hot spring pool, lavishly adorned with coral and beautiful rock formations. It was here that Alex found a rare moment of tranquility, surrounded by a carefully arranged group of Kuja warriors and female retainers, each chosen for their beauty and loyalty.

In the private section of the hot springs, Hancock herself basked in luxury. Her snake, Salome, coiled beside her, dutifully supporting its mistress whenever she shifted position.

Nearby, Robin sat perched on a coral rock, clad in a deep purple swimsuit that accentuated her calm elegance. With her slender legs dipped into the warm waters, she listened intently to a report relayed through a specialized Den Den Mushi belonging to the Shadow Guard.

"Understood," Robin murmured as she closed the call.

Alex, reclining against the smooth rock, opened his eyes slightly, his relaxed expression tinged with curiosity. "What's the word from the Shadow Guard?" he asked.

Robin turned to him. "They've received intelligence from their sources in the Whitebeard Pirates. It seems Whitebeard plans to mount a strong offensive after the battle, aiming to claim the spoils for himself."

A faint chuckle escaped Alex's lips. "So, it seems everyone is already convinced that we'll win," he remarked.

"Naturally," Robin replied smoothly.

Hancock, lounging nearby, let out a dreamy sigh, her face glowing with admiration. "Isn't that obvious? How could that old hag Charlotte Linlin ever compare to Master Alex? Even with Kaido, she's still nothing more than a nuisance."

While speaking, Hancock spoke excitedly with a face full of intoxication, and indulged in the side pool with satisfaction. Fortunately, the pet Salome next to her immediately coiled up skillfully and quickly lifted the owner up.

Yamato's expression changed. Not long ago, she understood what Hancock said was far better than hers.

"Let's not underestimate them," Alex interjected, his tone firm. "An alliance between two of the Four Emperors is no trivial matter."

Blind arrogance is the greatest mistake one can make in a conflict of this scale. He has no illusions about his strength; while he might rival Whitebeard at his peak, facing two sea emperors simultaneously is far from a guaranteed victory.

Alex's devil fruit abilities, unparalleled when combined, were undeniably at a world-shaking level. But he understood the balance of power on the seas better than most. In the New World, battles between the strongest weren't decided by Devil Fruit powers alone—Haki reigned supreme.

Kaido and Charlotte Linlin, as Emperors of the Sea, had both mastered Haki to an elite level. Their alliance posed a significant challenge, not only for him but for the entire Wanokuni military.

This is war, not just a battle field between emperors.

In terms of raw combat power, the combined fleets of the Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates couldn't match Wanokuni's meticulously organized forces. 

In terms of resilience, as long as Charlotte Linlin fell, the fleet of Totto Land would collapse entirely.

Robin's cheeks were flushed, though it was unclear whether it was from the heat of the hot spring or something else. She steadied her emotions and, with a composed voice, asked, "In that case, should we consider the World Government's proposal? Should we accept it?"

Though no official envoy had been dispatched, the government's intentions had already been conveyed through subtle channels. CP agents, including Catarina Devon, had relayed the message. Wanokuni's powerful Shadow Guards had been monitoring every move, giving them clear insight into the forces involved in this war and their plans.

Alex chuckled deeply at Robin's words. Even with Kaido's alliance with Charlotte Linlin forming a "Double Emperor" coalition against him, his confidence in the situation remained unshaken. The World Government's scheming was just another thread in a much larger web he had already anticipated.

From the beginning, this war was never solely about defeating BIG MOM. The true objective lay in handling the opportunistic powers waiting to exploit the post-war chaos. Whether it was Kaido, Whitebeard, or the World Government, they were all pieces in a game Alex was determined to win.

"The World Government thinks they've come up with a clever plan," Alex remarked, a sly grin forming. "Fine. Let's accept their proposal."

His declaration didn't surprise anyone, least of all those closest to him.

Yamato, having known Alex longer than most, understood his ambitions well. If he intended to annex Totto Land, he wouldn't let anyone—especially the World Government—gain an edge.

Beside him, Kozuki Toki reclined gracefully, her emerald hair trailing through the water. She smirked at Alex, her tone teasing. "Our dear Shogun must have another devious scheme brewing."

"Undoubtedly," Gion replied with a small sigh, her tone carrying equal parts exasperation and amusement.

Alex's smile deepened, his lack of denial speaking volumes.

When Yamato leaned closer, curiosity shining in her eyes, Alex finally elaborated. "It's simple. We'll agree to conditional support from the World Government, but if they fail to provide anything meaningful, there's no reason to grant them any benefits in return."

He ran a hand gently through Yamato's hair before turning his attention to Toki and Robin. "And don't forget—we already have a hidden ally who can keep them occupied."

Both Robin and Toki immediately understood who Alex meant: the Revolutionary Army.

Robin, reflected on this revelation with greater depth. She knew the World Government's sudden willingness to support Wanokuni was largely due to her presence there. That fact alone made it possible to play both sides against each other.

By subtly involving the Revolutionary Army, the World Government's efforts to gain influence in Wanokuni would be effectively neutralized. This approach would also ensure the exclusion of the World Government from any spoils of the post-war era.

As the pieces fell into place in her mind, Robin's eyes brightened with understanding. She couldn't help but admire Alex's ability to plan so meticulously, turning every enemy into an unwitting pawn.

"Brilliant," Robin thought.

Alex noticed her reaction and looked at her with a mixture of approval and pride. "You're becoming more and more adept at this, Robin."

Robin met his gaze and gave a slight nod, her calm exterior masking the heat rising in her cheeks.

"Come here," Alex said lightly.

Robin hesitated for only a moment. Ignoring the envious or teasing looks from the other women around the pool, she bit her lip and gracefully swam toward him.

Watching the scene, Maria chuckled mischievously. "I'm jealous. Guess I'll have to settle for Yamato instead."

Toki , observing the interaction, rolled her eyes and grabbed Gion's hand. "Let's give them some space," she said, leading the blushing swordswoman away from the scene.

As the two walked off, their pure gold rings caught the light, glinting beautifully through the soft mist rising from the hot spring.