MTLNOVEL Chapter 576: Judge: I Really Want to Improve
As Judge looked into Luffy's sharp eyes, memories of Germa's troubled history flashed through his mind—how his kingdom had been expelled by all the North Sea nations hundreds of years ago. The recollection made him pause.
Judge opened his mouth to explain himself, but Luffy raised his hand, cutting him off before he could speak.
"I understand your ambitions," Luffy said calmly. "Anyone whose ancestors have such a storied history would naturally want to emulate or even surpass them. But this isn't something we can resolve with just a conversation between the two of us."
Luffy continued, his voice steady and measured. "Whether it's the powerful North Sea lords or the high-ranking officials and nobles of Marineford—no one wants to see the North Sea controlled by a single country. No one wants things to spiral beyond their control."
"So you want me to maintain the status quo?" Judge asked, his tone growing cold. "Keep my large army but remain without any actual territory?"
The king's frustration was evident. "What was the point of all this? I gave you my daughter and a substantial dowry. If you're telling me it's all for nothing now, then haven't I wasted my resources and time on these pointless discussions?"
Seeing Judge on the verge of losing his temper, Luffy turned around calmly, his brow furrowed.
"King Judge, I haven't finished speaking yet," Luffy reprimanded, his tone sharp as if he were addressing a subordinate. "Why are you in such a hurry?"
The harshness in Luffy's voice displeased the arrogant Judge. However, having lived long enough to know when to swallow his pride, he quickly masked his dissatisfaction. He offered a dry laugh and nodded repeatedly, acknowledging that he had been too impatient.
Satisfied with Judge's response, Luffy nodded and turned around, continuing to walk aimlessly as he spoke.
"Again, I understand your ambition. But trying to become powerful in one go by swallowing the entire North Sea? Regardless of whether the World Government approves or not, don't you think it's too risky for Germa to attempt such an annexation? You must realize that the North Sea is the most formidable region among the four seas."
Judge was about to boast that his Germa 66 Legion was unrivaled throughout the North Sea, but he caught himself and remained silent.
Noticing Judge's restraint, Luffy nodded slightly to himself. Perhaps the king wasn't as foolish as he seemed—at least he wasn't blindly confident in his invincibility.
"Since you recognize that your idea is too ambitious, I suggest you refrain from mentioning the unification of the North Sea for the time being."
"But this way, all my efforts over the years will have been for nothing!" Judge protested, clearly hoping Luffy would help mediate with the World Government on his behalf.
Luffy shook his head and didn't mince words. "You idiot, just listen to me. The fact that I'm willing to tell you anything at all means there's still hope." His eyes narrowed as he studied the older man. "You claim to be a ruler, yet you panic at the first sign of trouble. How do you expect to make any progress like that?"
Being scolded by someone younger than his own children made Judge's face flush with embarrassment. Still, he dared not argue back. After a moment of indignant snorting, he spoke with careful sincerity.
"Admiral Luffy, I truly want to improve!"
Luffy: ...
Luffy couldn't help but laugh at Judge's shameless display. The king's willingness to humble himself suggested he still had some value, which was why Luffy continued the conversation.
"Fine. Since you're eager to make progress, listen carefully," Luffy said, his demeanor becoming more businesslike. "Your current priority isn't some grand conquest. Instead, you should first pay a tribute of Heavenly Gold to the Celestial Dragons. Let them know that the Kingdom of Germa is aware of the World Government's financial challenges and is willing to step forward to help maintain the dignity of the world's nobility."
Luffy held up a second finger. "Next, regardless of how many countries you wish to attack or what ambitious plans you're harboring, all proposals must be reported to the World Government in full. Make it clear that you merely want Germa to have a permanent home—that you no longer wish to live as wanderers."
He continued, "You must also explicitly state that you'll ensure any conquered nations that weren't originally World Government members will pay the Heavenly Gold tribute promptly, helping offset the government's budget shortfalls."
Raising a final finger, Luffy concluded, "Lastly, Germa 66 can no longer operate as mercenaries. They must not interfere in the internal affairs of other North Sea member states. Even if conflicts arise between Germa and other North Sea nations in the future, you cannot strike first before the other party mobilizes their troops. Instead, report the matter to the World Government, present your grievances, and request their intervention and judgment."