Chapter 209: 209. Display of strength
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One Month Later
The once-silent Skypiea burst back to life as 50,000 people returned to its shores, filling the island with energy and excitement.
But it wasn't just Skypiea that was lively. The Tru Kingdom was also witnessing an unprecedented moment, drawing the world's attention.
The spotlight shone brightly on the kingdom as reporters from across the seas, including the New World, gathered at Nanniwa Port.
Today, the port was closed to the public, with only a narrow channel left open for merchant ships.
This was because the port was hosting a remarkable event hundreds of warships flying the flag of the Tru Kingdom had arrived, a spectacle that attracted throngs of onlookers.
The scene was chaotic. The docks were overcrowded with people, and every floor of the nearby high-rises was packed.
Those unable to find space climbed to dangerous vantage points, perching on branches and rooftops to catch a glimpse of the warships.
Even with Marine support, controlling the crowd's enthusiasm proved impossible.
Ten days earlier, the Tru Kingdom had announced the debut of its naval era, promising to unveil its military might. This announcement stirred the world.
For the past two years, the kingdom's meteoric economic rise has been a topic of fascination and scepticism.
Many had mocked the kingdom, claiming it lacked the means to defend its newfound wealth.
But now, with this display of power, those doubts were being silenced.
At the forefront of the fleet were ten colossal steel warships, each a marvel of modern engineering.
These ships, featuring two-tiered designs and expansive decks, bristled with mighty cannons. Unlike the traditional wooden vessels of the pirate era, these warships were entirely forged from steel.
Their construction rivalled the advanced technology of the Vinsmoke family of the North Blue but surpassed it in key ways.
Each warship was powered by engines and propellers, a revolutionary feat in this era. This technology, unheard of in most parts of the world, positioned the Tru Kingdom as a technological pioneer.
The Media Frenzy
"Big news, big news! Get this live-streamed immediately! The Tru Kingdom is making waves literally!"
Reporters scrambled to capture the moment. Some were already live-broadcasting, ensuring the entire world, from the Grand Line to the New World, would know about this event within the hour. For the Tru Kingdom, this was a declaration to the world a show of strength meant to deter potential threats and cement its position on the global stage.
By 6 a.m., as the first rays of sunlight bathed the port, the event was already dominating headlines worldwide.
Observers Across the Seas
In a dimly lit room, a man with blond hair, sunglasses, and a pink feathered coat leaned back in his chair, his legs crossed. The infamous underworld broker, Doflamingo, grinned as he watched the broadcast.
"Fufufu... What's our hidden partner planning now? Those ships are certainly... unusual," he mused, his smile widening.
A figure in a green coat, with a hunchback and perpetual runny nose, entered the room. "Joker, what's got you so amused?"
Doflamingo chuckled, his voice laced with anticipation. "It looks like the Tru Kingdom is giving the Marines a new headache. Fufufu… I can't wait to see how this plays out."
Elsewhere, powerful figures in the New World were also watching. Among them were the Four Emperors Shanks, nursing a hangover; Kaido, intrigued; and Whitebeard, the world's strongest man, observing with quiet intensity.
Even the World Government and the Marines were closely monitoring the event. Admirals and officials alike sought to understand the implications of the Tru Kingdom's actions.
The Symbol of the Kingdom
The Tru Kingdom had become a household name. Its crescent moon emblem and flag, a sword adorned with two bundles of wheat, were recognized worldwide, thanks to the kingdom's vast trade network.
However, this event was about more than trade; it was a demonstration of raw military power.
In the South Blue, traditionally considered the weakest sea, the rise of such a formidable economic and military power was nothing short of shocking.
The fleet's ten steel warships were the centrepiece of the event. Each had taken nearly two years to construct, an astonishing feat of engineering and coordination.
In contrast, the rest of the fleet, built from wood and relying on sails, could be completed in mere days.
Despite their smaller size and lower cost, approximately 100 million Beris per ship compared to the 100 billion Beris needed for a single steel warship, these wooden vessels were more than capable of patrolling the kingdom's waters.
The massive steel warships were a testament to the Tru Kingdom's ambition. This was a message to the world: the kingdom was no longer a target for exploitation. It had the means to defend itself and more.
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