Juno stood in the massive vault of the World Bank, his eyes watching the final shipments of gold being carefully transported into its deep, secure chambers. The once-empty room now glittered with the brilliance of refined gold bricks and coins, stacked in neat piles. The sight of it filled Juno with a sense of satisfaction. This was the foundation of a new world—a currency system that would give people real, tangible choices.
The workers, under the careful supervision of Vegapunk's machines, moved in a synchronized rhythm. The refined gold was not just an asset—it was a symbol. A physical alternative to the volatile and fluctuating value of Net-Coin, something solid for those who might still have doubts about the virtual currency or fear its future. Juno knew that trust would be earned through flexibility. If someone didn't want to hold Net-Coin, they could opt to be paid in gold instead.
The Challenges Ahead
Yet, he knew this dual currency system would not go unchallenged. The World Government would never allow him to replace Berries or lose control over currency. And even beyond them, there were other forces at play—pirates seeking to plunder the wealth, nobles who would try to monopolize it, and hidden factions that thrived on economic instability.
He was prepared for resistance. He had already foreseen the dangers. Linking Net-Coin to gold was risky—if too many people hoarded gold, its value could plummet. The World Government could even attempt to flood the market, devaluing gold to strike a blow against Net-Coin. But Juno was not afraid. His true power lay in SeaTrade. As long as SeaTrade only accepted Net-Coin as the primary currency, the world would have no choice but to adapt. The tides of commerce would force them to exchange their gold for Net-Coin, ensuring its dominance. And this was only the beginning—he had many more plans yet to unfold.
He also considered other possibilities. What if the World Government or their allies tried to infiltrate his banking system? Could they create counterfeits or introduce a competing alternative? He needed safeguards, checks, and countermeasures. That, too, was already in motion. Security protocols, trusted guild members managing the flow of currency, and strict oversight would keep everything in check.
A New Era of Currency
"I think this will do," Juno said, his voice calm but filled with purpose. He turned to Tera and Vegapunk, who stood nearby, observing the final steps of the process.
Tera's digital voice responded with an affirmation. "Final shipments confirmed. Gold reserves are secure, sir."
Vegapunk nodded approvingly. "A solid base for your plan, Juno. This gold, combined with Net-Coin, will give people options they've never had before. It will build trust in the system."
Juno's eyes lingered on the towering stacks of gold. "Yes. But trust is fragile. We'll need to be careful. Some people may prefer hoarding the gold, thinking it will be a safer bet than Net-Coin."
Vegapunk's brow furrowed, a thoughtful expression on his face. "It's a valid concern. If people only hold on to gold, it could disrupt the liquidity of the system."
Juno smiled, the kind of smile that hinted at a well-thought-out plan. "That's why we need to offer people options. Gold-backed currency will be a backup, but Net-Coin will offer a chance to grow, to gain power, and to influence the world. People will trust the system if they know they can exchange freely between the two."
A small sigh escaped Vegapunk's lips as he nodded in agreement. "I see. Flexibility is key. If they have a choice, they'll feel more secure."
As they discussed the intricacies of the plan, Juno couldn't help but feel a strange sense of foreboding. There was a lot to accomplish, but he was certain the foundation of gold would anchor the rest of the world's progress. The wealth of the past would fuel the future.
The Poneglyph's Secret
The conversation shifted as Juno turned his thoughts to another matter. It had been a few weeks since his discovery in Skypiea—the ancient city of Birka. While the gold was an essential part of his strategy, there was something else he'd found in the ruins. Hidden deep in the city, beneath layers of cloudstone and ancient debris, Juno had uncovered a Poneglyph.
He closed his eyes, recalling the moment vividly.
Flashback to Skypiea:
Juno stood at the heart of a forgotten chamber, a faint glow emanating from the walls around him. The stone was covered in moss and ancient markings, and at the center of it all, an enormous stone tablet stood. The Poneglyph.
As his fingers brushed the surface of the stone, a strange sensation rippled through him—an ancient energy, heavy with history, pulsing beneath his touch. The markings were unlike anything he had ever seen. An inscription that held the weight of forgotten truths, untold stories, and possibly even the future of the world.
The faint hum of Tera's voice filled his ear as he scanned the Poneglyph's surface. "Unable to decipher...Unknown language...Scanning further."
It was a dead end. A riddle he couldn't solve. Yet he felt the pull to understand it. The need to know what was written there, to uncover the lost pieces of the world's history.
Seeking Knowledge in Ohara
Back in Vita, Juno turned to Vegapunk, who was studying the Poneglyph carefully, a small frown on his face. "I cannot read it," Vegapunk admitted. "This language... It's ancient. It's not like anything we know."
Juno stared at the stone, deep in thought. "I need answers. The world needs answers."
"Where will you turn?" Vegapunk asked, his eyes narrowing in concern.
Juno's gaze hardened with determination. "There's only one place I can go for the knowledge I need. Ohara."
He knew the World Government kept a close watch on Ohara. If he made a wrong move, they might see him as a threat. He needed a strategy—not force, not bribery, not deception, but something more lasting.
"I'll bring the scholars, historians, and librarians into the Guild," Juno declared. "Under the banner of knowledge protection and preservation, we'll digitize their books and research. We'll upload everything to Netra, ensuring that their knowledge can never be lost or destroyed."
Vegapunk looked impressed. "That would make it impossible for the World Government to erase history."
Juno nodded. "Exactly. Even if they burn the books, they'll never erase what's stored in Netra."
A New Dawn
The preparations were almost complete. The gold was secured. The World Bank was nearly ready to operate. And now, Juno had his next move.
He stood before the vault, the sound of the gold echoing in his ears. Nearby, golden coins were being stamped with a new emblem—a symbol of the new era he was creating. An era where wealth was not just power, but a tool to reshape the world.
Yet, as he watched, his mind drifted beyond gold and commerce. The Poneglyphs. Ohara. The lost knowledge of the past.
Juno exhaled slowly, eyes set on the horizon. How many more secrets were still hidden in the world? How many more truths had been buried beneath centuries of lies?
He had already changed so much, but there was still more to uncover. The past held the keys to the future, and he would make sure they were never lost again.
With that thought, Juno stepped forward, ready to claim the knowledge that had been hidden for too long. The next phase of his plan was about to begin.