Chapter 36: Marines Arrives
Tropico, the island that is transforming into an agricultural hub, is a picturesque paradise located in a tropical region 10 Km away from the BlackRock. The island is characterized by lush, green landscapes, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine beaches. The tropical climate provides ideal conditions for a variety of crops to flourish, making it a prime location for agricultural development.
As Tropico undergoes its transformation into an agricultural hub, vast expanses of land are being dedicated to farming activities. The island's topography includes fertile valleys, rolling hills, and flat plains, allowing for diverse agricultural practices. Plantations of crops such as bananas, pineapples, sugarcane, coffee, and exotic fruits dot the landscape, creating a vibrant tapestry of colours and textures.
The one responsible for the revolution was Miss Lilly, the wielder of the Mosa Mosa no Mi a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that grants the user the ability to accelerate the growth rate of plants and control them to their desire. Previously the poor citizens of BlackRock had to struggle to eat proper meals but now with the surplus produce the food prices had shot down drastically.
Blacklight Agro was in charge of maintaining the flow of goods, processing and export of food products to Sanchez Territory for now. Leaving aside the food crops like wheat, rice, vegetables and fruits, Victor has ordered to grow cash crops too. Sugarcane can be used to produce alcohol, timbers from the lumber mills can be used to build ships and tobacco can be used to produce cigars. These were the initial industries that grew around Tropico near the source of the raw materials.
Bob B was busy building new infrastructures like a massive library, administrative buildings, roads, a teamster's office that would handle all the logistics and a shipyard. The civilians were being recruited in large numbers after an easy physical and written test. Educational programs were established to provide the workforce with the skills needed for the evolving industries. The island's youth eagerly enrolled in schools that offered specialized courses in vocational skills along with martial arts training. At the Moriarty Family's request some of the skilled craftsmen, literate civilians and even many of the gang members volunteered to teach the students whatever skills they have gathered in life. The island saw visible changes every day and the citizens were optimistic about the positive change in lifestyle. There was also a good proportion of slaves, both humans and non-humans who were freed and decided to make BlackRock their new home.
Law enforcement has also been set up and a dedicated police force to handle all the daily day-to-day troubles has been established by Victor who personally handpicked the initial 150 police personnel. The criteria were simple, strength and integrity along with the desire for a change.
A panel of 20 local leaders and intellectuals were selected to lead a council and draft an initial lawful constitution that would promise equality and peaceful coexistence in a rule-based society. Slavery, murder, ra** and treason were declared as capital crimes. The video broadcasts were used daily to provide the latest news and updates along with entertainment programmes like music, dance and talk shows where people from various walks of life could come and voice out their thoughts and opinions freely. After a whole day of hard work, many people would gather in the town squares to enjoy the programmes and socialize with other islanders along with some drinks and hearty conversations.
Three days later the Marine Ship arrived at the BlackRock naval port when it was almost evening and the heat was starting to cool down a little. The huge marine ship dwarfed all the Moriarty family warships that were docked nearby causing an ominous gloomy shadow. Victor was present personally along with Mr Hugh and Tesoro to receive the special guests in the private port. The accommodation ladder was mounted to the ship as Vice Admiral Tsuru in a marine uniform less formal than the other high-ranking officers, consisting of an untucked shirt, with the sleeves rolled up and a tie around her neck and cape walked down the stairs. What they didn't expect was the huge figure who followed behind her. Even if Tesoro was ignorant, Mr Hugh who had lived so many years wasn't. The hero of the Marines, the poster boy of the World Government and the rival of the pirate king, Monkey D. Garp. His hair and goatee were still black, with sideburns beginning to whiten. He was wearing a dark double-breasted suit with a white shirt and a red tie. In the end came young Rear Admiral Gion. A tall, slender woman with red lipstick, long curly black hair that is tied back, and a mole on the right side of her face below her mouth. She also possesses a black spider tattoo on her left thigh.
"Welcome to BlackRock Islands. This is the first time Marines have arrived in these parts of the world." Victor said politely but his tone was laden with mockery.
"Victor Moriarty, I hope this will be a new learning experience. I was worried that the Moriarty Family would decline a meeting with us." Tsuru answered calmly.
"I was eagerly waiting for your arrival Miss Tsuru but we were not informed about the presence of the Marine Hero for the meeting. I hope would won't find our preparations lacking." He said calmly as he looked eye to eye with Garp.
"Bwahaha! Am I not welcome here?" Garp said with a laugh.
"Of course, you are welcome here Mr Garp. I'd be the happiest man if you decide to join BlackRock Island as a citizen after your trip." Victor said with a smile.
"Hooh! Moriarty Brat, what special can you offer that would compel me to do so? Is it just empty talk?" Garp looked at Victor with a serious face.
"Freedom, Meat and rice crackers! Lots of it." Victor replied confidently with a smirk. The atmosphere grew tense as everyone was stunned. Mr Hugh had cold sweat running down his back and his hand subconsciously went towards his sword. If Garp takes action, he'll defend Victor with his life if need be. He knows he doesn't stand a chance but at least he can stall for a few moments. Tsuru squinted her eyes and looked at Victor deeply.
"Bwahaha! I'll have to give it a second thought Moriarty brat." Garp burst out laughing and the marines who were listening were stunned.
"Usafufufu" Young lady Gion tried to be serious but couldn't hold back her giggle.
The tension in the air dissipated as Garp's hearty laughter echoed through the naval port. The unexpected exchange between Victor Moriarty and the Marine Hero had caught everyone off guard, and the stern atmosphere gave way to a more relaxed one.
Vice Admiral Tsuru, maintaining her calm demeanour, stepped forward. "Well, it seems we are in for an interesting visit. Let's head to our lodging, shall we?"
"Sir, should I prepare for another carriage?" Mr Hugh asked Victor but before he could reply Garp answered, "I'd like to walk the distance, stretch my legs a bit. It's been a long journey, and I could use some fresh air." Tsuru also agreed but her reasons were different, she wanted to gather more info and check the conditions in BlackRock after it closed off its borders.
Victor, still amused by Garp's unexpected response, nodded. "Certainly, Mr. Garp. We'd be honoured to have you explore our island. But I'd request you to put off marine uniforms so as to not alarm the citizens."
"We'd like to do the same, if possible enjoy some local cuisine." Tsuru joined in. She wanted to see the reality at ground level.
"Sure, Gild Tesoro will escort you around the town and bring you to your lodgings after your exploration is over," Victor said and nodded at Tesoro. "I'd like to reiterate our conditions for the meeting, none of your soldiers should step on our soil during the diplomatic visit without permission or else we'll consider it a hostile behaviour."
***
Meanwhile is an unknown island in East Blue:
*Peru Peru Peru* clink
"Leader, it's Morley. We have a problem" A voice emerged from the other end. Morley of Fur is a giant and a newkama, as well as the commander of the West Army in the Revolutionary Army.
"What happened?"
"The Maine hero along with VA Tsuru are visiting West Blue! According to our intel, they were looking for our whereabouts."
"Stay low for now, did anyone get caught yet?"
"None yet, we're in hiding right now. We have successfully caused revolt in 6 unaffiliated islands but the rest were occupied by the Syndicate."
'I hoped it'd be more but I guess small steps still count as progress.' Dragon thought to himself, "Where's the Marines now?"
"They were heading towards BlackRock, Moriarty Family territory."
'Hmmm! What are the Marines planning now? Do they want to drag the underworld into this fight?', He thought about the possibilities. "Send someone to look into it and maintain utmost caution." He ordered.
"Yes Leader!" Dragon ended the call as various thoughts passed through his mind. The Noth Blue was unsteady and troubles were popping up one after another.
*Knock Knock*
"Come in!"
"Dragon, a Celestial Dragon's ship has entered the East Blue and heading towards the Goa Kingdom!" Ivankov entered the room and said in a hurry.
A/N: Notice: The updates will be slower as my final exams are near(until 13 Dec). I will not give up and this ff will not be dropped so don't be worried.
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