The laboratory was bathed in the soft glow of artificial light, the steady hum of machines filling the air. Juno stood by the massive windows overlooking the bustling island base, watching the distant horizon. The weight of the plan ahead settled into him like a quiet storm, but he couldn't afford to hesitate. Not now.
Behind him, Vegapunk pored over his notes, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Juno, I've been thinking," Vegapunk said, breaking the silence. "You mentioned the Guild System, but... are we starting with that, or is there something more we need to prepare first?"
Juno turned, offering a slight smile. "Patience, Father. The Guilds can't function without the foundation. If we want this system to be effective, we need the World Bank first."
Vegapunk raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "And how does the World Bank fit into this?"
Juno stepped toward the table, pointing to the holographic display of the world map. "A Guild can't function without money. If we want people to work, they need to be paid. A Guild system that doesn't provide compensation is nothing more than a glorified volunteer organization. We need an economic system that's stable, trusted, and widely accepted. That's where the World Bank comes in."
Vegapunk nodded slowly, understanding the reasoning. "I see. Without money, the Guilds will never get off the ground. But once the World Bank is in place, we'll have the power to control the global economy... and the Guilds will have their funding. But what exactly do we need to set up first?"
Juno tapped the display again, bringing up a list of key items. "I've thought this through. We need to secure several things before we can even think about launching Net-Coin."
He motioned to the list as he spoke. "First, gold. A massive supply of it. The World Bank has to be backed by something tangible, and gold will be our anchor. Without it, Net-Coin will have no foundation. We can't rely on paper currency like the World Government does."
"Gold..." Vegapunk mused. "How do we acquire such a vast amount?"
Juno smirked, eyes gleaming. "I know just the place. Skypiea. Specifically, Birka. It's full of gold. We'll mine it, refine it, and use it to back Net-Coin. We can store the refined gold as physical currency and ensure we have the stability we need."
Vegapunk was already thinking ahead. "But refining that much gold will take time. And the mining process... it'll be complex."
"Exactly why I'm counting on you, Father." Juno's gaze softened with a sense of confidence. "We'll need mining robots to handle the bulk of the work. Automation is key—speed, efficiency, and safety. I need you to design the mining bots and the refining machinery. We can't afford delays."
Vegapunk's mind raced as he processed the information. "And Tera's role?"
"Tera will handle the digital side," Juno explained. "She'll oversee the transactions of Net-Coin, ensuring every exchange is secure and transparent. The World Bank will operate through Tera, and the whole system will run smoothly."
"I can start on the mining bots and the refining machines immediately," Vegapunk said, his voice laced with excitement. "But how will we ensure that the World Bank itself is able to stabilize the economy once it's up and running?"
Juno's expression became more serious. "That's the key, Father. The World Bank will have two main functions. One, it will provide a stable currency—Net-Coin—backed by gold, so it can't be manipulated like Berries." Juno stopped for a second, took a breath, and said, "Two, SeaTrade can finally go online."
Vegapunk said, "SeaTrade... Is it the section that will open on Netra to facilitate trade? It can help people trade, but why are you so excited about it?"
Juno shook his head. "SeaTrade will forever alter the flow of goods, wealth, and power in this world, and its impact is no less than that of the Guilds."
Vegapunk raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? Can you explain more?"
Juno continued, his voice calm but filled with purpose. "You know how limited our world is. The roads are treacherous, the seas unpredictable, and the kingdoms divided. Pirates roam the waters, and gangs and thieves lurk on land. Trade has always been dictated by those who control the ports and roads, leaving those without access to these routes to suffer in isolation."
He leaned forward. "And here comes SeaTrade, which is bound neither by land nor sea. It is a hub that exists beyond limitations. It is an eternal marketplace in a different dimension, where any merchant, noble, or commoner can exchange goods, no matter where they are. With Netra's help, Tera can locate the user's exact location and use the Door-Door Fruit. Through SeaTrade, the exchange of goods will no longer be hindered by the forces of nature or geographical obstacles. Goods will be delivered directly to the buyer, no matter where they reside. Whether you live in a mountain village or the farthest corner of the world, Seatrade will bring your desires to your doorstep—instantaneously."
Vegapunk whispered, "What impact will this have on the world?"
Juno chuckled softly. "Trust, Father, is the foundation of trade. And that, too, is what SeaTrade offers. With SeaTrade, there are no middlemen to steal from you, and no corrupt officials to tax you unfairly. It is an open marketplace where all transactions are bound by the sacred law of exchange. No one will be cheated, and no merchant will go hungry."
He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. "Imagine it. The merchants of the East Blue will trade with the farmers of the West Blue. The finest silks from the South Blue will reach the great libraries of the North Blue. Goods from the heart of the desert will find their way into the hands of those in the lush valleys. The world, once divided by distance and conflict, will be united by commerce."
Juno's eyes gleamed. "The power of SeaTrade goes beyond just the exchange of goods. It will create prosperity for all. The farmers, the artisans, the nobles, and the beggars—they will all benefit from the endless flow of wealth. Trade will no longer be a privilege of the few; it will be a lifeline for everyone."
Vegapunk paused, looking at Juno with a sense of awe. "You're not just trying to change the world, are you? You're reshaping it from the ground up."
Juno gave a quiet nod, his mind already racing ahead. "We're not just changing the world, Father. We're creating a new one."
He glanced at Tera's interface. "Tera, open a Door to Skypiea."
A shimmer of light filled the room, and the familiar hum of the Doors sounded as the massive portal began to form in the center of the lab.
Vegapunk stepped back, eyes widening in disbelief. "Skypiea... You're serious."
"Dead serious," Juno confirmed. "Once we have the gold, the World Bank will be unstoppable."
As the portal fully opened, revealing the misty, golden skies of Skypiea, Juno turned to Vegapunk. "Ready, Father? We're about to change everything."
Vegapunk grinned. "Let's get to work."
Juno stepped toward the portal, his voice filled with quiet resolve. "Let's change the world."