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"Tell me, what plans and ideas do you have for Germa’s future?"

After touring one large laboratory after another with Ichiji, Vinsmoke Judge spoke in a low, contemplative tone.

He had always known that his eldest son possessed sharper vision and more burning ambition than himself. It was impossible for him to lack plans for the future.

The three-hundred-year-long dream of reviving Germa had consumed Judge's entire life, pressing down on him so heavily that he sometimes felt suffocated. He wasn’t sure if he would live long enough to see Germa reclaim its dominance over the North Blue.

Thus, he wanted to hear this son’s thoughts—after all, Germa would eventually fall into his hands.

"Without our own territory, resources, or taxes... these are all shackles holding back Germa’s development. We’ve hit a bottleneck, and I’m sure you feel it deeply too."

Ichiji didn’t hesitate to respond. Germa’s future development and transformation required the approval of Vinsmoke Judge, the current ruler, so he spoke frankly: "The lucrative rewards from war contracts may be enough for smaller nations, but for Germa 66—a kingdom aiming for rapid growth and rise—it’s merely a drop in the bucket. Moreover, war contracts aren’t always available..."

"... What you’re saying is absolutely correct."

After a prolonged silence, Vinsmoke Judge let out a heavy sigh, fully agreeing with Ichiji’s assessment.

Germa 66 was different from other kingdoms. For generations, it had been a “kingdom of science,” boasting a world-class research team. The World Government would never allow such a dangerous entity to possess its own land and gradually grow stronger.

Furthermore, the various kingdoms of the North Blue, which harbored deep grudges against Germa, remained highly vigilant against this ambitious “evil organization.” If Germa ever grew strong enough to threaten their safety, they would undoubtedly unite to suppress it without hesitation.

"At present, further development under the watchful eyes of the World Government is indeed impossible. But that doesn’t mean there’s no way forward..."

Ichiji smiled as he spoke.

Skypiea, wasn’t it the perfect place?

Even if it lacked resources, it could completely evade the World Government’s surveillance.

But there was no rush for now.

After all, in this world, hard power was everything.

Unless Germa possessed a secret weapon equivalent to nuclear weapons, advanced technology alone could only serve as an auxiliary force.

How far Germa could go ultimately depended on how strong Ichiji himself—the inheritor of the Vinsmoke bloodline—could become.

Why were the Four Emperors so arrogant?

Why did even the Marine Headquarters, the undisputed master of the seas, tread carefully around them?

It was because they possessed terrifying strength!

Even the pirates under the Four Emperors could easily crush most other pirate crews, shattering the dreams of countless aspiring Pirate Kings each year.

As long as Ichiji himself became strong enough—and planned meticulously—Germa’s top-tier scientific foundation would ensure its rise wouldn’t be difficult.

However, dominating the North Blue was far from as simple as it seemed on the surface.

---

Late into the night.

After hours of discussion with Judge, Ichiji finally returned to his quarters.

Of course, he had other plans, but the timing wasn’t ripe yet. Speaking of them now would serve no purpose.

Two identical-looking young women, both possessing stunning figures, sat whispering softly while swinging their dangling legs.

"Master, you’ve returned..."

Isabelle, elegant and poised, immediately approached him.

Her emerald-green eyes, sparkling like precious gems, brimmed with affection and admiration.

Five years ago, when this princess of a fallen kingdom had been rescued by this prince from the abyss of despair—saving her from the fate of being defiled by vile criminals—Isabelle had already devoted her life, heart, and everything else entirely to this master.

"Master..."

The twin sisters, Winslet and Delia, quickly rose to greet him as well.

"Isabelle, you’ve worked hard... Have you missed me these days?"

This beautiful maid wasn’t his only woman, but she was the first he had kept by his side.

For a considerable period, she had accompanied Ichiji onto the battlefield, proving herself far from fragile despite her outward appearance.

In his heart, her position was irreplaceable.

"Of course..."