Chapter 221: Financial Collection
Chapter 221: Financial Collection
Although the Navy Headquarters currently lacks the resources to deal with the Rockefeller Pirates' invasion of the New World, Marshal Kong still assigned Sengoku to oversee the situation and monitor the movements of pirates in the region.
During this period, it wasn't just the Rockefeller Pirates stirring up trouble—many other pirate groups were also expanding their influence.
However, the Rockefeller Pirates' actions were unprecedented. They had destroyed eight kingdoms in one swift campaign. This massive event left the entire world stunned.
The Flying Pirates also began their own campaign of conquest.
The entire New World was thrown into chaos.
Almost every day, a new kingdom was invaded by various pirate groups.
Surprisingly, the only kingdoms left untouched were those flying pirate flags.
In particular, many nations turned to Whitebeard for protection.
The symbol of Whitebeard deterred most pirates from even considering an attack.
This made it clear to everyone in the New World—
The World Government's flag no longer held any weight in this lawless sea.
The member states of the World Government were plundered daily, yet the World Government did nothing.
However, the kingdoms protected by powerful pirates were left untouched.
In particular, Whitebeard's territories became untouchable, as even John and Silver Axe dared not provoke him.
In the ruins of the fallen kingdoms, Barrett led a group of swordsmen, loading boxes of treasure onto the ships.
Standing on the sidelines, Carter, Wolfe, and Isaac meticulously counted the loot.
The loot from the eight kingdoms was enough to fill fifteen entire ships.
But this wasn't just from the royal treasuries—
Charlotte had explicitly ordered that they not forget the noble merchants.
Charlotte, having spent years in the Rocks Pirates, knew that most kings didn't actually have much wealth.
Their treasuries were often half-empty, their vaults mostly filled with ceremonial items.
Instead, the true wealth of a kingdom lay in the hands of the nobles, merchants, and ministers.
While an individual noble or merchant might not possess a significant fortune, when all of them were looted together, their wealth surpassed even that of the king.
Roughly 80% of a kingdom's wealth belonged to nobles, merchants, and ministers, while the remaining 20% belonged to the royal family and commoners.
Charlotte had no interest in plundering civilians—there was little financial gain in doing so.
Instead, his target had always been the wealthy elite.
The recent price hikes on raw materials had made Charlotte suspicious.
It was highly likely that the nobles, merchants, and ministers had conspired to cripple him economically.
It was one of his few known interests.
With over thirty ships, they departed from the ruined kingdoms, returning home with their spoils.
Three days later, Charlotte stood at the port, waiting for Barrett's fleet to return.
He had already been informed of the successful conquest.
He even had a rough estimate of the wealth they had acquired.
A large group of people had gathered alongside Charlotte to welcome them.
No one objected, as this victory benefited everyone.
Soon, those with sharp eyesight noticed rows of black dots on the horizon.
As the ships grew closer, their sails became visible.
Ivan whispered in Charlotte's ear.
Charlotte smiled and nodded.
Esdeath stood beside Charlotte, crossing her arms, clearly displeased.
Jenny quickly pulled her aside.
Charlotte glanced at Esdeath but said nothing.
Originally, Charlotte had intended to ground Esdeath as punishment.
However, after hearing reports of her performance on the battlefield, particularly her leadership in leading troops into enemy territory, Charlotte changed his mind.
Although she wasn't rewarded, she wasn't punished either—a neutral stance to acknowledge both her mistake and achievement.
The anchors dropped, and Barrett stepped ashore, carrying the sealed box.
Barrett, despite his massive four-meter height, slightly bowed before Charlotte.
Charlotte addressed Barrett and the 1,800 warriors behind him.
Though they had Barrett and could push forward easily, there had still been casualties.
Over 2,000 men had embarked on the campaign—only 1,800 returned.
Charlotte understood that most losses had occurred during the naval battles.
His subordinates were strong on land, but they lacked proficiency in naval warfare.
This needed to change.
Charlotte mentally noted that naval combat training would be a priority in the future.
Charlotte took the sealed box from Barrett, already knowing what was inside.
He contained his excitement, deciding to wait until later to examine his new Devil Fruits.
With the fleet safely returned, Charlotte led them all back to his castle, where the maids had already begun preparations for the upcoming grand banquet.
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