One Piece : Winged Dragons of the Beast Pirates

With Fukurokuju's insight, Ian found it difficult to explain the concept of changing production methods.

Farming had no future, especially in the feudal era's small-scale economy where men farmed and women wove.

To truly increase the country's wealth, industrial development was necessary.

And the foundation of industry, besides technology, was labor.

Especially in the early stages of industrialization, labor was the most crucial factor.

In his previous life, he had seen Britain undertake a vigorous enclosure movement to drive farmers off the land and into factories, driving the upgrade of industry.

Ian's goal now was similar.

However, while providing labor was important, there was another matter to address.

Ian went to see Kaido-sensei.

"You showed up just in time," Kaido, who had notably not been drinking today, made Ian's mouth twitch with his words, "Haven't given you guys a lesson in a while, huh?"

Didn't he just beat us up the other day?

Ian thought to himself.

But for now, he needed to get down to business.

"Kaido-sensei, I need your support."

"Support?"

Kaido frowned slightly, "What do you want to do?"

Ian explained the two orders he had just given.

Hearing this, Kaido burst into laughter, "Isn't that great? Exactly! This country doesn't need samurai or farmers. It just needs to be turned into a factory and mine, and that's enough."

"I don't think that's enough, Kaido-sensei."

Ian replied.

"Hm?"

The man who had been laughing moments ago now furrowed his brow.

"Population is the most important resource,"

Ian said, "If left unchecked, in a few years, the country's population will dwindle. At that point, no factory will be able to operate."

"So, what are you saying?"

"I hope that the factories and mines can reduce the workload to a manageable level and provide wages to the workers."

Ian continued, "Not too much, just enough to support the workers and their families."

"Hmph, reduce the workload? And you want me to use profits to subsidize those scoundrels?"

Kaido let out a soft snort. "What nonsense are you spouting? They just need to work in the factory like slaves."

"Kaido-sensei," Ian persisted, "Even slaves, when their survival isn't guaranteed, can't be expected to work diligently."

"I'll use swords and guns to make them work hard."

"For a day or two, perhaps, but what about a year or two? They already have nothing left; if they can't even survive, how can we threaten them? People who fear nothing will not be intimidated by death. And in such circumstances, how will they have offspring? After ten or twenty years, who will work for us?"

Kaido frowned slightly.

"At the very least, they need to see a glimmer of hope for survival."

Ian continued, "If the work isn't intense enough, we can hire more workers. Paying them wages should be sufficient; they'll handle the rest themselves."

"People in difficult situations will never let go of even the smallest hope, and wages provide that hope."

People without hope fear nothing, but office workers are different.

"You little brat!"

Kaido looked at Ian with a look of surprise.

He could actually feel a passion from this kid! It was astonishing!

"And, Kaido-sensei," Ian said earnestly, "You've said it yourself, you've entrusted me with the affairs of this country."

"I also said that your most important task is to become stronger," Kaido snorted.

"Becoming stronger will never be abandoned," Ian replied, "But I believe this will make the Beasts Pirates even stronger."

This kid, now becoming so assertive in front of him?

"Interesting. Then do as you please."

Kaido laughed and said nonchalantly, "But let me make it clear, as long as it doesn't affect the arms factory's business. If you can't manage that, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

"I was also hoping Uncle Queen could help," Ian said with a grin, "Help improve the technology at the arms factory, reduce pollution, and develop some agricultural machinery. We need to push a lot of farmers into the factory, but we can't neglect agricultural production; mechanical labor will have to replace manual labor."

Agricultural population has decreased, but agricultural output cannot drop.

Otherwise, the Wano Country won't be able to sustain itself.

"You little rascal, ha ha ha ha!"

Kaido is laughing instead of getting angry.

It's the first time seeing Ian this serious about something other than just getting stronger.

Even Kaido is a bit surprised.

"Go find Queen yourself."

"Kaido-sensei, I truly admire you!"

Ian is quite pleased.

"But before that,"

Kaido-sensei stood up, his gaze sharp, "Let me see how much you've improved recently!"

It's only been a few days; how much improvement could there be?

However, since Kaido-sensei is being so generous, Ian couldn't let himself fall short.

"I'll go find Yamato."

Hmm, good buddies, through thick and thin.

After getting thoroughly beaten and exhausted to the point of not having the energy to use his abilities, Ian, bruised and battered, went to find Queen.

After explaining his purpose:

"Huh?"

Uncle Queen's face is trembling with anger, "You little brat sure knows how to find trouble! Where do I have time to study these nonsensical things!"

"But it's Kaido-sensei's request."

Ian emphasized his authority and then gently said, "Uncle Queen, don't you think that creating and building is more fulfilling than just destroying?"

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

Uncle Queen scowled, "You should go tell that big-head Vegapunk! I'm not interested!"

"Oh?"

Ian pretended to be surprised, "So, Uncle Queen, you're saying that only Vegapunk can handle such things and you can't? But we can't find Vegapunk, so we have to ask Kaido-sensei to find Vinsmoke Judge instead? Didn't you say you did research with him before? Can you get in touch with him?"

"Huh? Vegapunk? Judge?"

Uncle Queen's whole body was trembling with rage, he stood up abruptly, fuming, "You really dare to say that? Fine! You wait here! I'll show you what a top-tier scientist looks like!"

Ian's lips curled up into a smirk.

As everyone knows, all top scientists in this world harbor resentment towards Vegapunk, feeling a mix of jealousy and recognition, and are willing to go to any lengths to surpass him.

And Uncle Queen is still obsessed with Vinsmoke Judge.

In short, the goal was perfectly achieved.

"But," 

Uncle Queen suddenly turned around, looking at Ian with some surprise, "Is it just me, or have you changed somehow?"

Is this kid supposed to be so proactive?

The next day.

Noon.

Ian stood on the terrace at the top of the keep, overlooking the plaza below.

A small stage had been set up in the plaza outside the keep, and on it, a bound man was kneeling.

That was Shimotsuki Yasuie.

Today was his public execution.

Almost all the previous shoguns and daimyos of Wano Country were dead, leaving only him.

Keeping him alive served no purpose, and besides, this guy still had a fair amount of influence among the samurai of Wano Country.

So, it's best to execute him.

"Your Majesty!"

At that moment, the paper door slid open, and Fukurokuju entered respectfully, "The people have arrived."

Ian didn't even turn his head, "Let them in."

"Yes."

Fukurokuju bent his waist and turned around, calling out to the door, "His Majesty Ian invites you in."

Outside the door, three men dressed in white suits, white cloaks, and masks slowly walked in.

Ian finally turned around, "Welcome to Wano Country, government envoys, the CP0."

The three CP0 agents were also examining Ian.

The leader, wearing a goat mask, bowed slightly to Ian, "Nice to meet you, Your Majesty Ian."

He really is just a kid.

He certainly has Kaido's style.

**********

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