The moment the royal capital was breached, everyone watched the war-torn city and the fallen flag, still feeling like it was a dream.
They had actually overthrown the powerful Frauce Kingdom.
The kingdom's iron cavalry had conquered all other nations in the East Blue, seizing the most land.
In that moment, faced with rage and hatred, even farming tools became sharp weapons.
They shattered the hard steel armor, killed the soldiers, stormed inside the walls, and saw those graceful, noble lords who had treated them like livestock.
They used their farm tools to crack open the nobles' skulls, only to find no difference inside; the same red blood flowed.
But why were these people so cold, so merciless, so reckless with human life?
They couldn't understand. They just wanted to live, to have a bite to eat.
Why wouldn't they even give them that?
When victory was finally won, the two men who had charged at the forefront raised their hoe and shovel high. The two farm tools crossed, signaling the birth of a new nation and the establishment of a new order.
On a red flag, a hoe and a shovel were intertwined, a victory belonging to the farmers.
Betty finally lowered her flag, breathing a sigh of relief. Continuously using her ability to inspire these soldiers was the only way she could teach them how to resist. If their will couldn't be stirred, she couldn't help them survive.
The Pump-Pump Fruit was suitable for those who still had hope in their hearts, not for the negative ones. Like Usopp, whose negativity was so potent that even Perona's Negative Hollows would be infected by him upon contact.
No amount of encouragement could help Usopp; it was better to let him act on his own, where he could turn the tables in desperate situations.
"East Blue... secured!"
Betty took a deep drag of her cigarette, tilted her head back, and exhaled a puff of white smoke into the night sky, speaking calmly.
North Blue
The North Blue was arguably the strongest of the four seas, boasting two powerful nations: the Deul Kingdom and the Brandy Kingdom.
The Deul Kingdom was an older nation, though not by much. The Germa Kingdom had once ruled the North Blue, and both the Deul and Brandy Kingdoms had been destroyed back then.
They were later re-established with the World Government's support. After defeating Germa, the Deul Kingdom acquired some of Germa's technological prowess.
Relying on this technology, they built a massive industrial system, making the Deul Kingdom the strongest in the North Blue and one of the leading nations representing the North Blue in the World Government.
Centuries later, the Deul Kingdom remained immensely powerful, rivaled only by the Brandy Kingdom.
If the Ballywood Kingdom's weapons were bought, the Deul Kingdom manufactured its own, even selling them to the World Government.
If not for the World Government's constant suppression over the years, the Deul Kingdom would have long followed Germa's example and dominated the North Blue.
Facing this toughest nut to crack, the Revolutionary Army found it extremely difficult to overcome. The country's strength couldn't be broken overnight.
Karasu, commander of the Northern Army, found the Deul Kingdom a major problem when confronting it. This nation wouldn't be easily taken.
"Betty has already taken the Frauce Kingdom in the East Blue. Lindbergh is close to securing the Samba Kingdom. The fight for Ballywood Kingdom continues, but the Kano Country suddenly helped us. Their motives are still unknown."
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Explosions roared outside. The battle raged on. Inside the command tent, Karasu looked at the map before him.
Based on the current front lines, they had only captured a port city. The Deul Kingdom's army was advancing toward it.
"We can't break through. The enemy has gathered 400,000 troops on the front, united in purpose. It's hard to breach. The Deul Kingdom is just too wealthy," Karasu said, looking toward the tent entrance.
Deputy Commander Guillon nodded. "Indeed. They've hired too many mercenaries. Although the people oppose them, their money is spent on hiring mercenaries. The soldiers we're fighting now are from various mercenary groups, and more keep arriving from elsewhere."
As he spoke, Guillon placed some arrows in other positions on the map.
"Mercenary ships have appeared here, too, pirate crews, to be precise. They've even hired pirates to fight for them," Guillon said.
"We need a way to win this war. Any ideas?" Karasu looked at the other Revolutionary Army cadres.
"I have one idea!" Guillon said.
"What is it?"
"Decapitation."
"Decapitation!!"
Karasu narrowed his eyes, considering it a viable plan.
The biggest trouble with the Deul Kingdom was its three princes, all exceptionally capable.
The eldest prince, the designated heir, had been groomed impeccably. He was outstanding and widely beloved.
The second prince was strong and powerful. Rumor had it that his mother was from a foreign tribe, so he was mistreated from childhood. However, during his military service, he proved unbeatable and was adored by the army.
He held significant power in the military and was extremely ambitious, often clashing with the eldest prince.
The third prince preferred commerce and managed the nation's finances. Exploiting the people was his doing. He was extremely greedy and coveted the throne, believing he should be king.
The current king was troubled because his other two sons were too outstanding, making the eldest prince's position somewhat unstable.
Moreover, the eldest prince was overly benevolent, the second prince was ambitious with army support, and the third prince controlled the finances and had rallied a large faction.
If he were gone, his other two sons would certainly target the eldest. In his view, the best successor was undoubtedly the eldest son, born to him and the queen.
The second prince was the result of a fleeting fancy, and the third prince was born from a merchant's daughter, sought for her family's wealth.
Running through this information, Karasu understood. It was indeed a good plan.
Decapitation!
Once the king died, the Deul Kingdom would inevitably fall into chaos. The three princes would fight for the throne.
The eldest prince's succession was certain, but the other two would never accept it. Internal strife was guaranteed.
And with a war ongoing? Internal conflict and external threats, it was completely feasible.
"Then it's decided. Decapitation. I'll handle killing the king. You withdraw the troops," Karasu said.
"Withdraw?" Guillon and the others were puzzled.
"As long as there's an external enemy, they can't afford internal chaos. Let them fight among themselves first. We'll attack the Brandy Kingdom meanwhile. Once things here are in utter disarray, we'll return," Karasu explained.
"Yes, sir!"
That night, the Revolutionary Army withdrew.
The next morning, tragic news came from the royal palace: the king was dead. The eldest prince ascended the throne, plunging the country into chaos. The second prince, under the pretext of avenging the king, led his army to attack the capital.
.....
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