If one wishes to set sail for the final island, it is impossible to let others know.
Once it becomes known that someone has reached Laugh Tale and uncovered the truth about the One Piece, the World Government will be the first to act—doing everything in its power to prevent the revelation of what lies there.
Caesar knew that if he became a serious contender for the throne of the Pirate King, he would be eliminated at any cost.
There exists a world where the One Piece is real, but for the World Government, its existence must never be acknowledged.
At this moment, Caesar lacked the resources and confidence to challenge the World Government directly.
Since he was not yet fully prepared, and whether he pursued this goal now or later did not make much difference, he temporarily abandoned the idea.
For now, his priority was development.
How long does it take to establish a powerful pirate crew? The World Government has ruled for nearly a thousand years. Strengthening his forces and expanding his influence was far more important than rushing to claim the One Piece.
With that in mind, Caesar turned his attention to another matter.
Like Charlotte Linlin, he understood that securing his own territory was a crucial step toward realizing his ambitions.
But unlike before, his situation had changed—he now had a child. Wandering the seas indefinitely was not a sustainable solution. It was time to claim a domain, build a foundation, and accumulate true power.
The Conditions for His Territory
Securing a proper island required careful selection.
1. Size – The island had to be large, the bigger the better. As his influence grew, so too would his followers, and a small island would not be enough to accommodate them. A true kingdom required vast lands.
2. Population – A larger island meant a greater population, and from them, he could recruit and train powerful warriors. If he were to prepare for the inevitable battle against the World Government, he needed an army.
3. Reputation – As a pirate, directly seizing a kingdom and declaring himself its ruler would tarnish his name. He did not want to be seen as just another tyrant who usurped a throne by force. Instead, he sought to gain the support of the people and rule with legitimacy.
For that, he needed a land where the people suffered under oppression—where they would welcome change rather than resist it. Ideally, the island would also be located in a region dense with other islands, making future expansion easier.
Caesar's ambition was not just to rule an island; he aimed to be a true king—one respected, admired, and willingly followed, not just feared.
Brute force alone could establish dominance, but it meant nothing without a lasting legacy.
More than anything, he wanted to create a world of freedom and strength. Power was necessary, but it had to serve a purpose beyond conquest—it had to protect and nurture growth. Only then could he inspire loyalty and gather the support needed to realize his ultimate ambition.
Choosing the Right Island
Throughout the world, especially in the New World, there were many islands suffering under corrupt rulers.
However, very few met all of Caesar's requirements.
After careful selection, he finally decided on his target.
An island in the sea near Dressrosa— Gilmanda Island.
It was vast, but its royal family was incompetent and corrupt. Pirates frequently raided the land, and the citizens suffered under oppression. They lived in hardship, yearning for change.
After searching for a long time, this was the only island that met all his conditions.
The location was ideal, offering easy access for new allies and recruits.
Now, it was time to act.
Planning the Takeover
Caesar had no intention of rushing in blindly. Before claiming the island, he needed to hear the thoughts of his crew.
After lunch, he gathered everyone and shared his plan.
"I have made a decision," he declared, his gaze serious.
"What decision, Captain? Tell us!"
Barrett, ever loyal, spoke first. No matter what the captain decided, he would stand behind him. His eyes burned with admiration—he had clashed with Caesar in combat many times, yet every encounter ended the same way: utter defeat.
"Yes, Caesar, just say it directly."
"Boss, whatever you want to do, I'll support you!" Brad added with his usual unwavering confidence.
Seeing the seriousness in their eyes, Caesar nodded.
"I have decided—it's time for us to claim our own territory."
Sailing endlessly was no longer a viable option. If they wanted to grow stronger, they needed a solid base.
The room fell into silence as the crew processed his words.
Gnaly was the first to speak. "I agree with the captain's decision. But I'm curious—won't settling down make it easier for the Navy to track us?"
"That's a fair point," Yakexi said, rubbing his chin.
A Nuo, looking relaxed as always, waved a hand dismissively. "What's there to worry about? The Navy wouldn't attack us unless provoked. It wouldn't benefit them."
"I'm not saying we should fear them," Yakexi countered. "But constant movement gives us flexibility. Staying in one place makes us an easier target."
After all, they were high-profile pirates. Occupying a kingdom would bolster their power, but it also came with risks.
Regina's voice cut through the discussion. "Caesar, are you thinking about the children as well?"
The room quieted.
"Yes," Caesar admitted with a soft smile. "That is part of it."
A ship was no place to raise children. While their group could protect them, they needed stability to grow properly.
"So, the captain's doing this for the children too…" someone murmured.
"That's just one reason," Caesar clarified. "More importantly, we need territory to build our strength."
Hades, who had remained silent, finally spoke. "I agree. A base would benefit us. And more than that, it would give our children a proper home."
"Hohohoho," Yixiao chuckled from the corner, leaning on his sword-cane. "I'd love to see what this territory of yours will become."
The discussion continued, but it was clear that most of the crew supported the idea.
Still, there was one major challenge— how to overthrow the existing royal family without triggering a rebellion.
The Plan to Take Over Gilmanda
Caesar and his core members brainstormed solutions.
Veena, a noble's daughter, had insights into royal politics, while Yakexi's travels had exposed him to various ruling systems. Caesar himself, with knowledge far beyond this era, had the broadest perspective.
Ultimately, they devised a plan.
The people of Gilmanda Island were already suffering. They hated the royal family but lacked the power to rise against them.
What they needed was a breaking point—a moment where their despair turned into rebellion.
The key was to push the citizens into realizing that their rulers were beyond redemption.
Their method? Make the royal family even more despotic.
If the people saw no future under their rule—if they reached a point where they had nothing left to lose—they would revolt.
And Caesar had the perfect tool to make this happen.
During his time in Wano, he had acquired the Imitation-Imitation Fruit.
With its power, he could infiltrate the royal family, manipulate their actions, and drive the people to overthrow them from within.
The plan was in motion.
The age of Caesar's empire was about to begin.
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