One Piece: Wielder of the Void

67. Fourth Phase

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After all, combat experience is invaluable and cannot simply be gained overnight. For those who truly live by the sword, each battle brings new insights and instincts that cannot be easily matched.

Yet for Anos, this type of mastery remains out of reach, at least for now. He's not reckless enough to venture into the New World to provoke such powerful figures, the time for that will come, but not today.

Settling into his chair, Anos leafed through a thick stack of newspapers, each headline recounting events from the far reaches of the Grand Line.

Nearly half an hour passed in silence as he absorbed each detail, flipping from one story to the next.

When he finally set the papers down, a sigh escaped, and he leaned back into the sofa, eyes distant as he pondered his next steps.

"Everything happening in the New World is still too far beyond me," he thought, feeling the weight of reality settle upon him.

He was ambitious, certainly, but even the most determined ruler must know his limits.

For now, the New World would remain a distant dream a place to reach for only after he'd secured his position here, within the Four Seas.

"To gain a foothold in this world, that is my first step," he murmured, almost as if reminding himself. He couldn't afford any missteps.

The Tru Kingdom was his current domain, his stage, and the foundation upon which he would build his ambitions. Only once it was secure could he look beyond it.

Just as he was deep in thought, Suzu entered the room, her brow furrowed slightly as if uncertain about the message she bore.

"Your Majesty," she began, her voice respectful, "Losta's reply has arrived. She asks if we should start preparing for the fourth phase."

Suzu's hesitation was understandable. As someone not typically involved in the Kingdom's political dealings, she lacked insight into the complexities surrounding such decisions.

The "fourth phase," after all, was more than just a plan; it was a strategy of considerable risk and ambition.

Anos paused, considering her question.

"The fourth phase…," he mused, his gaze turning steely. This was the plan to initiate large-scale exploration and extraction of mineral resources in foreign territories.

While promising immense rewards, the endeavour would demand substantial manpower and resources.

More dauntingly, meddling in other Kingdoms' affairs could ignite tensions or even spark full-blown wars.

He glanced at Suzu, her expression one of slight apprehension as she awaited his answer.

She wasn't accustomed to the weight of these decisions, and she did not need to be. But Anos knew all too well the risks they faced.

"Reply to Losta," he finally instructed, his voice firm. "Tell her to proceed, but caution her to start with the entire South Blue region. We cannot afford to move recklessly."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Suzu replied, her tone reflecting her respect and understanding. With a small bow, she left to relay his message.

For a moment, Anos remained seated, alone in the dimly lit room.

He picked up the newspaper once more, his eyes lingering on an image of the Four Emperors those figures of immense power who ruled over vast territories within the New World.