"Soldiers vs. soldiers, generals vs. generals?"
King mused.
Gusion nodded, "Exactly. If we attack Mary Geoise one day, the main force will be our top fighters, but our army will need to face the Navy fleets and guard our rear."
In One Piece, mobs are useless in high-level battles, but every force still needs them.
If you just want to adventure on the sea, it doesn't matter. But if Kaido wants to take down the Celestial Dragons, a large army is essential—to block Navy harassment, support allies, and gain more strength during war.
"I see. So the accumulation over the years wasn't a waste,"
King said. He'd felt bitter after realizing the SMILE army was unreliable.
"Yes. Now that we've covered basic plans and recruiting soldiers, let's discuss the most important: high-level combat power."
Gusion said, "I'm sure you all know—no matter how many soldiers you have, they can't decide the war's outcome. Only the elite can win the day."
He glanced at the officers. "We need more comrades as strong as you."
"Strong people aren't easy to find, Gusion. In your years overseas, have you seen a force stronger than the Beasts Pirates?" Kaido asked, thinking Gusion was oversimplifying.
"Is it really so hard?"
Gusion smiled, "The sea is vast. You never know who'll show up. Attracting talent comes down to three things."
Kaido was intrigued, "Tell me!"
"First is money. We're pirates; few don't love wealth. Your officers are financially free, but not all strong people at sea are rich."
Gusion explained, referencing how even Buggy became a Yonko—many strong people joined him not because of his power, but because he offered big promises and paid well.
There's no shortage of strong people, but many lack business skills, so following someone who pays is logical.
If Kaido, a renowned Yonko, offered high pay, wouldn't strong fighters join?
The answer is yes.
"Money, huh… People attracted by wealth may not be loyal, but it's a start," King pondered.
"Yes. Interest-based relationships are among the strongest. As long as Kaido is strong and pays well, plenty will risk their lives. Over time, we may win their loyalty."
Gusion continued, "Second is fame. With the Great Age of Pirates, many new faces appear, some supernova-level. They want fame above all. Joining the Beasts Pirates is a shortcut."
Kaido thought, "You mean, attract those who enter the New World?"
Gusion nodded, "Exactly, but we have to be selective. No talentless people—the bar can't be low."
"It's a good way to strengthen us, but it's hard to get real elites with these two methods," Kaido frowned.
"You're right, so there's a third way."
Gusion smiled, "We must recruit people who share your ideals, Mr. Kaido. Such people have character, a common goal, and faith that makes them stronger—the perfect new members. I hope everyone here keeps an eye out for such people."
The first two methods mostly expand the mid-tier. To really grow at the top, you need like-minded people.
For example, in the future, Admiral Aokiji may leave the Navy and join Blackbeard, not because of strength, but shared ideals.
Kaido actually has the ability and position to recruit such people, but he missed his chance.
"Understood. I hope to recruit more of the third type."
Kaido now realized most of his strong officers fall into these categories.
His close friend King is like-minded. Queen is more complex, wanting both fame and fortune, and shares his dream, but isn't as pure.
Jack, the youngest, joined for fame, proved his talent, and was quickly promoted.
Below that, the Tobiroppo don't really know his ideals. Among the Tobiroppo present, only Maria knew.
So Kaido realized few in his crew truly shared his ideals, but he hadn't cared before—as long as they were strong and obeyed him.
Now, after Gusion's analysis, he realized those with shared dreams are often stronger and easier to work with.
"But how do I recruit the third kind?"
Kaido asked after his excitement.
He'd been at sea for years and only met King by chance; he felt few shared his ambitions.
"That brings us back to the original question."
Gusion smiled, "We need to make Wano rich and strong, and let the world know. When Wano is seen as a country where value is based on ability, fair and prosperous, people will wonder: What is Kaido aiming for?"
"What will they think?"
Kaido was confused.
"Kaido is a pirate wanted by the World Government, one of the Four Emperors. If you rule a country well and amass troops, outsiders will assume you plan to either attack the New World's other countries or do something even bigger."
Gusion explained, "Actually, except for Big Mom's territory and Whitebeard's protected areas, there's nowhere we can't take. And we haven't clashed with those two, so your goal is obvious… You plan to war with the World Government."
It was just analysis—he didn't claim he was absolutely right, but clever people would guess as much.
He didn't mention Shanks, since he'd only recently been called the fourth Emperor, and the other three didn't fully recognize him yet.
Shanks mostly has no territory in the New World, just a good relationship with Elbaf, the giants, which raises his status.
"It's so troublesome. Maybe I should just announce my ideals publicly."
Kaido grumbled, annoyed by the roundabout approach.
Gusion hesitated, then said, "That works too…"
In fact, the World Government probably already knows Kaido's intent; their intelligence is top-notch.
But even if they know Kaido wants to rebel, will they crush him? Probably not.
The Revolutionary Army has been active for years, but the World Government hasn't wiped them out. The Four Emperors are strong enough that the government won't act rashly.
Funny enough, if Kaido captured some Navy members, the Navy might not even dare to act until they got approval to fight a Yonko.
Typical bullying the weak, fearing the strong.
"Alright, it's settled. I'll announce my ideals to the world!"
Kaido decided, hoping like-minded elites would join him.
"But…"
At that moment, King spoke up, "Kaido-san, just saying it isn't enough—even though you're a famous powerhouse, words alone aren't convincing, are they?"
Kaido was puzzled and instinctively looked to Gusion.
"King is right. If we want people to believe in Kaido's ideals, we need a model for them to see—let the world know that under Kaido, Wano is well-governed, fair, and its people are happy."
Gusion said, "Nothing is more convincing than an example. If Wano is transformed, other countries will be moved, and when war comes, we might gain unexpected allies."
"But Wano is a closed country. If we just brag, outsiders won't believe us."
Maria pointed out, thinking the plan had a flaw.
Gusion smiled, "My suggestion: once Wano prospers, open the borders and launch tourism—let foreigners visit for 48 hours without a visa. When they return, they'll spread the word, and Kaido's ideals will be confirmed."
"Brilliant!"
Several officers exclaimed.
"Tourism would also be a big income, and could support Kaido's ideals."
Every word of Gusion's struck a chord with Kaido.
Finally, Kaido got up, walked over, and patted Gusion's shoulder—painfully hard.
"Gusion, from today on, you are the Beasts Pirates' new All-Star, our strategist, and within Wano, you have the highest authority."
Kaido declared solemnly, "Hmm… You have that Thunder Blade style; how about calling you the Calamity of Thunder? No, the Thunderstorm."
Gusion hadn't expected to become an All-Star and the Fourth Calamity so quickly. "Thank you for your trust, Mr. Kaido."
"Good, then all the matters discussed today are yours to handle."
Kaido said, full of trust.
"Huh!?"
Gusion was dumbfounded. He'd just been talking!