Robin adapted quickly to life in Wano Country.
Or perhaps, for someone who had long navigated the shadows, possessing enough vigilance and sharpness, she could adapt swiftly to any kind of life.
"Miss Viola, here is today's report. The growth-inducing drug developed by Mr. Queen has shown initial success. The growth rate of crops has increased to about three times the original speed. Farming has resumed in some areas, and the first harvest is expected in about two months."
At the General's residence, Kozuki Hiyori reported the progress to Robin.
In just half a month, Robin had fully taken over Caesar's responsibilities. Her versatility allowed her to perfectly understand and execute Caesar's decisions. Moreover, her meticulous attention to detail as a woman made her handling of certain aspects even more refined than Caesar's.
"A threefold growth rate... It's incredible that such a drug could be developed," Robin mused thoughtfully. "However, such rapid growth might deplete the soil's fertility. We need to carefully consider the next crop selection to ensure another harvest before winter."
Hiyori looked puzzled. "Fertility?"
"Never mind, I'll discuss it with Mr. Queen," Robin gently shook her head. It was clear that Hiyori was a pampered young lady. Though intelligent, her knowledge was still too limited.
During this time, Robin had gained a deeper understanding of Wano Country.
A feudal and isolated nation, backward and ignorant. Even during its most prosperous times, the common folk barely scraped by. After Kurozumi Orochi usurped the country and Kaidou established weapon factories, countless people starved to death.
No wonder the boss was so revered simply for ensuring they had enough to eat.
Nowadays, Caesar was recognized wherever he went in Wano Country. Even the former retainers of the Kozuki clan under Hiyori and the samurai who had been resisting Kurozumi Orochi dared not show the slightest disrespect toward Caesar.
This was not only due to Caesar's popularity among the people but also because he had raised the banner of "Oden's Will."
By criticizing the policies of the past while praising their benevolence, he legitimized his position as the General...
This new boss was exceptional in both his approach to governance and political acumen. Most importantly, he understood human nature.
Robin noticed that Caesar was quite similar to her—he could quickly grasp a person's essence.
However, while she often catered to their preferences or exploited their weaknesses, Caesar could resonate with their inner selves, swiftly gaining their approval and conveying his ideas and philosophies.
Of course, he didn't have such patience with everyone.
"Miss Viola... are you Caesar's woman?" Hiyori asked curiously, gazing at the strikingly beautiful woman before her.
She had been curious about Robin's identity for days.
Robin had suddenly appeared by Caesar's side half a month ago, exuding an unflappable aura of a seasoned leader, which made Hiyori feel somewhat intimidated.
"You seem quite interested in him?" Robin teased, looking at the young girl.
"Not really... It's just that I feel a bit complicated..."
Kozuki Hiyori spoke with a hint of restraint, "Mr. Caesar is truly remarkable. Not only can he handle dangerous individuals like Kaidou, but he also ensures that everyone is well-fed and treats the people with kindness and approachability. Such demeanor has indeed captivated me."
"I've also considered whether I should attach myself to Lord Caesar, but after all, he is a member of the Beasts Pirate Crew, and I am the daughter of Kozuki Oden..."
"You're being a bit presumptuous."
Robin said plainly, "He doesn't have those kinds of feelings for you at all."
Kozuki Hiyori was slightly taken aback, "Huh?"
"Hehe..."
Seeing Kozuki Hiyori's stunned expression, Robin covered her mouth and chuckled softly.
From Caesar's words and actions, although the reason was unclear, it seemed he harbored a strong dislike for the Kozuki Clan.
In fact, Caesar's attitude towards the lively young girl Ulti was far better than his attitude towards Kozuki Hiyori.
Robin had initially been puzzled by this, until Caesar recounted the deeds of Kozuki Oden to her.
Since Caesar narrated Oden's actions from the perspective of a normal person, Robin wasn't moved by the "Tale of Oden" as in the original story. Instead, she found him quite foolish, squandering a good hand.
As for Kozuki Hiyori, according to Caesar, she was... a "green tea" girl?
Though Robin didn't fully understand the term, it didn't seem to be a compliment.
As the boss's secretary, Robin naturally stood by Caesar's side.
She could see that Wano Country was undergoing an invisible transformation, with the gun of pragmatism aimed at feudalism and lineage.
At this stage, Kozuki Hiyori's existence was indeed crucial, as it could greatly legitimize General Yamato's position.
But what about after that?
Caesar didn't need to persecute her; as long as he performed better than the Kozuki Clan, there would be no shortage of savvy subordinates eager to label her as a "feudal dictator of the old era."
Kozuki Hiyori probably hadn't realized this yet, but from her demeanor, she seemed to vaguely sense this unease, which was the fundamental reason she sought to attach herself to Caesar.
So, what would her new boss do?
Would he take the opportunity to overthrow the Kozuki Clan?
Or... would he step forward to bestow favor and fully inherit the Kozuki legacy?
Unfortunately, the outcome wouldn't be clear for some time...
Robin shook her head lightly and stood up to leave the room.
Aside from her secretarial duties, Caesar had made other arrangements for her—training in Haki.
From the events two years prior, it was evident that Robin had considerable physical strength, but her martial arts skills were somewhat lacking. During the two years she was separated from her companions, she had successfully mastered Fish-Man Karate but hadn't made further progress.
Caesar's expectations for Robin weren't high; he only wanted her to reach a certain level in martial arts, to master Observation Haki, and to ensure her own safety to some extent.
To this end, Caesar had even assigned Yamato to be Robin's martial arts instructor.
Nowadays, Robin led a very fulfilling life. In the mornings, she helped Caesar with administrative tasks, and in the afternoons, she trained in martial arts and Observation Haki with Yamato.
But Robin's ambitions didn't stop there.
When she saw Caesar, blindfolded, fully immersed in his training, and even Kaidou's right-hand man treating him as an equal, she clearly understood the significance of power on the high seas.
"All the suffering in this world ultimately stems from a lack of strength."
These were the words Caesar had spoken when he demanded that she train, and Robin wholeheartedly agreed with him.
No matter what intentions Caesar harbored toward her, at the very least, she was genuinely grateful to him for having Yamato assist her in her training.
Meanwhile, in the village of Amigasa.
After half a month, Caesar returned once more.
Unlike half a month ago, there was no one at the village entrance this time. Without a doubt, the villagers were likely all out working in the fields, including the children who were helping the adults with their tasks.
In the current state of Wano Country, having land to cultivate and the strength to work it was undoubtedly a tremendous blessing.
Soon, Caesar arrived at the small treehouse where Tenguyama Hitetsu resided.
The old wooden door creaked as Caesar gently pushed it open.
The room was silent. Hitetsu knelt with his hands resting on his knees, his gaze fixed intently on the black longsword lying horizontally on the sword rack before him.
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