NOVEL NEXT Chapter 203: 203. Improvements
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Over the past two years, the Tru Kingdom has undergone dramatic and unprecedented transformations, not only in its economic prosperity but also in other significant aspects of its society.
No citizen in this Kingdom worries about food or clothing, and safety concerns have become a thing of the past.
Neighbouring nations no longer dare provoke the Tru Kingdom, given its growing influence and reputation.
However, the situation has created challenges for neighbouring nations.
A mass exodus of citizens from these regions has flooded into the Tru Kingdom, seeking a better life.
Despite efforts by local armies to prevent this migration, the outflow remains uncontrollable.
Take Crimea, for example, a neighbouring nation and a member of the World Government. Its population has dwindled from 13 million to less than 5 million. Farmlands lie abandoned, with no one left to cultivate them.
The annual tribute of Heavenly Gold to the World Government has become nearly impossible to meet.
The situation is dire for those who remain in Crimea, including the elderly, the infirm, and the aristocracy none of whom can contribute meaningfully to the nation's recovery.
Instead, they have become a burden, further exacerbating the country's decline.
It isn't just the civilians fleeing to Tru Kingdom; even soldiers from neighbouring armies have defected in secret.
Word of the prosperity and security of the Tru Kingdom has spread far and wide, making it the ultimate dream for those living in poverty.
For many, becoming a citizen of the Tru Kingdom is now their greatest aspiration.
Even so, immigrants face limitations. While they can live comfortably in Tru Kingdom, they are classified as "B-class citizens," restricting them from serving in the army or participating in political affairs.
Yet, aside from these restrictions, their quality of life mirrors that of native citizens.
Despite its rapid success, the Tru Kingdom has not been without challenges. Its reputation has drawn the attention of pirates and opportunists from across the seas.
However, its strategic location in the South Blue, a relatively quiet and barren region, has helped shield it from more aggressive rivals in the New World or the Grand Line.
The Tru Kingdom's economic reach now extends far beyond the South Blue.
Products manufactured at the Alabasta base are sold not only in the New World but also across the first half of the Grand Line.
To the surprise of many, the sales volume in these regions far surpasses that of the Four Blues combined.
While the Tru Kingdom prospers, Alabasta itself has seen remarkable development.
Infrastructure near Nanohana has flourished, with vast areas once covered in desert now boasting lush greenery.
Although the more remote regions remain arid, the transformation has given the people of Alabasta renewed hope for a brighter future.
Without Crocodile's schemes destabilizing the nation, Alabasta has proven its resilience.
The Shichibukai system remains unchanged for now, but the broader world seems more stable than it was in years past.
Even the Marines have taken notice of the changes in the South Blue. A new military base has been established on a small island not far from the Tru Kingdom.
Staffed by 500 personnel, the base primarily patrols merchant routes, as pirate activity in the region is virtually nonexistent.
It is now the year 1514 of the Sea Calendar, and while piracy remains a constant in the world, the Tru Kingdom's economic influence continues to grow.
Its booming industries, ranging from snacks to shipping, dominate the global market, with new products introduced every few days.
The capital cities of Tru Kingdom and Nanohana in Alabasta have become iconic commercial hubs, revered as holy sites for trade. Both regions are governed under a unified administration, further strengthening their ties.
Visitors to the Tru Kingdom are often amazed by its towering buildings and bustling ports, particularly at Nanniwa Port, where merchants feel as though they've stepped into another world.
Each visit reveals new developments, reinforcing the perception that Tru Kingdom is a land of endless opportunity.
With the influx of businesses and residents, the kingdom has embraced a thriving cycle of economic growth.
Merchants from every corner of the world, whether the North Blue, West Blue, or East Blue have established a presence here, drawn by the promise of prosperity.
Many have even purchased homes, choosing to settle in the kingdom while expanding their enterprises.
The Tru Kingdom's economy has reached a point where it no longer relies heavily on imported goods.
However, traders often bring unique items from their homelands, which are eagerly purchased by the kingdom's increasingly affluent population.
Life for ordinary citizens has improved dramatically. Even those who once lived modestly by the sea now reside in charming, Western-style homes.
State subsidies have ensured that everyone can enjoy a standard of living that was once unimaginable.
In essence, the Tru Kingdom has become a beacon of hope and a model of success in the One Piece world, seamlessly blending economic prowess with social harmony.
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