😮💨
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From the moment this group appeared, Garp had already deduced the function of the bracelet.
Not only did it restrict individuals with Devil Fruit abilities, but it also dictated how outsiders behaved within the country.
More importantly, Garp couldn't determine what material the bracelet was made of it was exceptionally tough. Any attempt to forcefully remove it would attract the authorities.
Observing Garp's smiling demeanour, the group of a dozen individuals approaching him remained cautious and professional.
Encounters like these were always marked by a strict adherence to protocol.
"There's no need to explain yourself. This is just a routine investigation. Could you please come with us?" the officer at the forefront requested firmly.
"I know your General Abona!" Garp snapped, his patience waning. These people were clearly not taking his words seriously.
"Wait a moment," the officer replied before retrieving a Den Den Mushi from his pocket. He placed a call, engaging in a brief conversation.
Returning to Garp, he spoke in a serious tone: "We'll let it go this time. However, the bracelet on your wrist marks you as an outsider. You should take it seriously. The bracelet is indestructible, but if you attempt to break it using brute force, it will explode once it reaches its limit. Even with your considerable strength, it's guaranteed that you won't save your hand."
Having delivered his warning, the officer waved his hand, signalling his team to disperse.
Garp stood there helplessly, grumbling internally about the excessive rules in this place. It felt like outright discrimination against outsiders.
Frustrated, he lost any interest in exploring the streets. Shopping seemed pointless now.
Meanwhile, the bustling main street remained lively, unaffected by the departure of a single person.
That night, Garp and his group rested briefly before returning to their ship the following day.
By noon, everyone who had visited the Tru Empire the previous evening was gathered aboard.
As usual, Garp reclined on a deck chair, casually munching on snacks, paying little attention to the others or his own dishevelled appearance.
Akainu, seated nearby with his trademark stern expression, surveyed the room. "Report what you observed yesterday," he commanded.
"I think the Tru Empire is amazing!" Gion said enthusiastically. "The streets are completely safe, and there's so much to eat and explore!"
Her excitement was evident, as she had spent a considerable sum of Beris during her shopping spree.
The hefty haul she returned with required assistance to carry onto the ship.
However, her excitement wasn't shared by the others. Akainu's deputy, seated nearby, spoke next: "We didn't find anything conclusive. Whenever we tried to investigate certain areas, someone intercepted us before we could proceed. They avoided confrontation but barred access to restricted zones."
"It's as though they knew our movements in advance," another Marine added. "No matter which route we took, they anticipated our arrival and blocked us."
Garp, still lounging, burst into laughter. "Wow, haha! The issue was with the bracelets you wore. This Kingdom is clever, I'll give them that!"
His laughter, though genuine, carried an undertone of self-consciousness. After all, even Garp had been caught off guard by the Tru Empire's measures.
Akainu's scowl deepened. Despite the bracelet's ability to neutralize Devil Fruit powers, it did nothing to diminish the physical strength of Devil Fruit users. Yet even Akainu himself had faced the same restrictions as the others.
The mission had been a complete disappointment. The Marines left with no useful information, unable to uncover the Tru Empire's secrets.
For warriors accustomed to operating on the fringes of chaos and war, this peaceful yet impenetrable nation was an unexpected challenge.
"Vice Admiral Garp, you will be responsible for reporting this to Fleet Admiral Sengoku. I refuse to relay such an embarrassing account!" Akainu growled.
"That's your business as an Admiral," Garp replied nonchalantly, munching on another snack.
Akainu's frustration was evident, but he knew better than to argue. With a dismissive snort, he leapt back to his battleship.
A Marine admiral, one of the most powerful figures in the Marines, had ventured to the South Blue for a mission, only to return empty-handed.
This level of futility was unheard of, even in the perilous waters of the New World. Yet, here in the South Blue, they had been outmanoeuvred by a single nation.
In the New World, they could face even the Four Emperors with confidence. But here, they were dealing with an empire.
Without the explicit authorization of the World Government, any direct attack would severely damage the credibility of both the Marines and the World Government itself. The risk of such an action outweighed any potential benefits.
Despite their frustrations, the Marines left with a new understanding: the Tru Empire was far from weak.
---
Time passed, as it always does. The Tru Empire continued to develop, unaffected by the presence or absence of the Marines.
Neither their arrival nor departure caused even a ripple in the nation's steady progress.
Over the next three years, the Tru Empire remained low-key, even as spies from the Marines and the World Government prowled its lands.
These spies dared not take drastic actions, lest they provoke unintended consequences.
During this time, the Tru Empire achieved remarkable growth not only in commerce and military strength but also in territorial expansion.
Nearly half of the South Blue now fell under its control. Like the annexation of the Roya Kingdom, the Tru Empire convinced neighbouring nations to willingly integrate into its domain, creating a larger unified territory.
While the process was not without internal strife and civilian casualties, it proved to be the most practical approach for all involved.
The Tru Empire's steady rise was undeniable, reshaping the landscape of the South Blue.
----
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