The Strongest Lunarian in One Piece

"Regarding the currency issuance, Tsuru, have you finalized the preparations?"

Somewhere over the sea, the airborne fortress Atlantis was soaring away from Fusang (Wano) Island, leaving the newly annexed territory behind. It was now en route to the heart of the Totto Land Kingdom.

Meanwhile, in the opulent Cake Island Palace, the kingdom's leadership gathered to discuss crucial matters.

In the grand hall, King El—along with Linlin, Lillian, Gerd, and other prominent figures—sat attentively before a projection of Tsuru, Totto Land's renowned strategist and advisor, often hailed as the "Fallen Angel Strategist" and the "Prime Minister of Totto Land."

On the table before them lay samples of Totto Land's new currency—a mix of coins and banknotes.

The coins, beautifully crafted in copper, silver, and gold, bore the Totto Land Kingdom's emblem. The banknotes displayed intricate designs featuring portraits of El, Linlin, Gerd, and other notable figures.

This marked Totto Land's bold move to sever monetary ties with the World Government by creating its own currency, commonly referred to as the "Totto Coin."

Tsuru's projection addressed the assembly:

"All preparations are nearly complete, as per your instructions, El-sama. The sample designs for the coins and banknotes are ready. We can begin full-scale printing and distribution within two weeks, pending your final approval."

El, visibly pleased, examined the designs:

"These are excellent. The craftsmanship and design are impeccable. I'll leave the final decision to you all."

Linlin, holding a red banknote featuring El's portrait, exclaimed:

"I think this set is the best! It's bold and regal."

Lillian countered:

"No, this design is more refined."

Gerd interjected with a grin:

"I prefer this version. It has a stronger presence, especially with our portraits included."

As the debate grew more animated, Linlin playfully clung to El's arm:

"I don't care what you all think. El-oniichan, you decide!"

Just as the friendly argument continued, Baka, a secretary from Totto Land's Intelligence Bureau, entered the hall with urgent news.

"El-sama..." she said, bowing respectfully. "We've received intelligence from the West Blue. The World Government has dispatched Vice Admiral Sengoku to negotiate with Chinjao the Drill, the 12th leader of the Happo Navy, in the Kano Country. They've invited him to join their new organization, the Shichibukai, but Chinjao refused and has engaged Sengoku in combat."

The news stunned the room.

"Sengoku?"

"The Shichibukai? What's that?"

"Chinjao's been making waves in the papers recently. I didn't expect the World Government to try recruiting him."

Even Tsuru, appearing via projection from her office in Totto Land, was taken aback.

"So, they're trying to recruit Chinjao into this Shichibukai system?"

El's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

"The World Government is moving faster than I expected to establish this system. They must be feeling the pressure."

The group quickly grasped the strategic implications. Tsuru spoke up:

"Recruiting Chinjao makes sense. He's strong and has considerable influence. If he becomes the first Shichibukai, it would create a lot of buzz and attract other powerful pirates to join."

El smirked.

"It seems the World Government intends to consolidate power by enlisting pirates with strength and reputation to counterbalance the growing threats posed by us and the Rocks Pirates."

From her office, Tsuru nodded in agreement.

"With the current three-way standoff between Totto Land, the World Government, and the Rocks Pirates, the balance of power is precarious. The World Government likely fears an alliance between our forces and Rocks' crew. It would be catastrophic for them."

El chuckled coldly.

"True, but just as they're wary of us joining forces with the Rocks Pirates, we're equally cautious of Rocks allying with them."

Looking at the bounty poster that Baka had brought in, El's gaze fell on the arrogant-looking youth with a pointed head.

"A pointed head? No wonder he's called 'Chinjao the Drill,'" Lillian remarked with some surprise. "Is he from the Longhead Tribe?"

"Yes," El nodded. "Speaking of which, the Happo Navy's Hasshoken would pair perfectly with Flash, our 'Metal Drill.'"

He chuckled, continuing:

"I considered going to the West Blue to acquire the Happo Navy's secret technique for him to learn, but with everything going on these past years—training and teaching those little ones—I completely forgot."

"Metal Drill" Flash, a 34-year-old Longhead Tribesman, was one of the prisoners El had liberated from Impel Down's Eternal Hell. Renowned for his expertise in headbutts, Flash became even more formidable after eating the Drill-Drill Fruit, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit. His abilities had elevated him to a significant contender for the "Eight Vajra" rank within Totto Land's forces, earning him a bounty of 1 billion berries.

"Perfect timing," El said with a smile. "I'll personally make a trip to the West Blue."

"What!?"

"You're going to the West Blue?"

Linlin, Lillian, and the others were visibly surprised.

Even Tsuru, on the other end of the communication line, couldn't help but interject, her usual composure cracking slightly:

"You, the king of Totto Land, are saying you're bored? Who's the real leader here?"

El laughed:

"The capable always do more work, don't they? And I have absolute trust in your abilities, Tsuru."

Tsuru sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Can I resign?"

Despite her grumbling, Tsuru couldn't deny her admiration for El's trust and vision. He had defied opposition to place her—a former Navy Strategist and 'traitor'—in such a vital role. The freedom he granted her to implement reforms made her deeply grateful.

However, this king's carefree attitude was maddening. Apart from steering Totto Land's grand strategy, he left most of the heavy lifting to her. To make matters worse, El insisted she dedicate time every day to training and maintaining her combat readiness.

"You've boarded the pirate ship; there's no getting off," Lillian quipped playfully.

"Lillian, you've been corrupted by El!" Tsuru shot her an exasperated glare before her expression softened. "By the way, where's my little nephew? I haven't seen him in weeks, and I miss him dearly."

"He's out causing mischief," Lillian replied with a grin. "Don't worry; you'll have your turn someday. You can have more children with El."

"Lillian!" Tsuru flushed, visibly flustered. "Some friend you are, always trying to sell me off!"

El chuckled, his tone warm but teasing:

"No rush, Tsuru. You're still young. Let's wait until the research team makes progress on the gene project."

Tsuru's composure faltered further, and she hurriedly ended the call, her face as red as a tomato.

As the room fell into laughter, Lillian leaned closer to El, her eyes sparkling with curiosity:

"How do you resist her, El-sama? It's incredible."

"Don't make me sound like some lust-crazed beast," El said, rolling his eyes and gently tapping her forehead. "Emotional connection matters, you know."

He explained further:

"Having someone like Tsuru—intelligent, capable, and understanding—is invaluable. There's no need to rush."

~~~

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