Although there were fewer allied nations compared to other areas, there were still some.
Tias belonged to the World Government's allied nations, and it was Sage's target this time.
"Should we go over and attack it directly? If the World Government isn't willing, will we start a war here?" Renedia asked.
"There's no need for that; there aren't many troops to guard there. My goal is simple: destroy the shipbuilding industry there and take away the skilled boatmen," Sage said.
Sage added, "A piece of land needs people living on it to thrive. If everyone is taken away, the island becomes a dead island."
Sage wasn't fearless nor brainless; he wasn't foolish.
Would he waste manpower on a place he couldn't control remotely?
If that were the case, why did he come to the New World when he could seize territory directly in the East Sea?
Without people to waste manpower here, his main target was still Whitebeard's territory. But by capturing a group of people, not only could he attack others' ship business, but also improve his own business. There's nothing wrong with that.
"That's great!"
Renedia cheerfully said, "Teaching those idiots is too tiring, and Stansen, that big fool, is too large. He's not on the same shipbuilding path as humans; I'm teaching them all. If there are new boatmen, I won't be as exhausted."
"That's also part of the plan," Sage laughed, "By recruiting more talents, our territory can become full of vitality and life."
Does Sage lack people?
He surely does.
Basic work is manageable; with Gares having a population of two million, sending some out can fill the gap.
In terms of farming, the Little People Race on Vice Island have also found a place to start planting.
After long observation, they've confirmed that Sage really poses no threat to them, and they have greatly promoted the idea of all races living together under his rule. Humans show a fondness for the Little People Race.
They can freely enter and exit towns and live alongside humans. Over time, the Little People Race has let go of their guard.
There's nothing bad for them except not being able to return to Greenbit; this place is much better than their homeland.
The Little People Race are also people; regardless of personality, they want to connect with the human world.
Back in Greenbit, they could only sneak into the human world, unlike here where it's open.
However, no matter how much they farm, there's no such thing as producing eighteen thousand units per acre; they only outdo humans in farming. Instead of focusing on high yields, the Tontatta Tribe excels in planting some fine crops that aren't easy to cultivate.
Moreover, their numbers are too small.
What can five hundred people do?
Weapon making, shipbuilding, gemstone crafting... each requires people, and they need to be professionally knowledgeable.
No matter how much teaching and training, time is always insufficient, and progress is too slow.
It's better to pillage those who know shipbuilding; it's more convenient.
A few days later, according to the Eternal Pose, the Death Star navigated to the territorial sea of the Duchy of Tias, simultaneously dispelling the troublesome storm.
"It's Winter Island."
On the deck, Lily extended her hand to feel the temperature change, then looked up at the sky, frowning.
The climate change caused a layer of ice frost to quickly form on the deck, making the crew shiver and scramble to put on coats and fur garments.
Apart from wearing a battle armor skirt, Lily also donned a thick white fur cloak, like a blanket...
Just missing a Holy Sword and an ahoge.
"Have we arrived?"
Sage stepped out of the captain's cabin onto the lower deck. Extending his hand, Lily handed him a telescope. He took it, peering ahead to see the outline of an island and the port city directly ahead.
He could vaguely make out the shipyard buildings and, in front of this port, stood the Navy Base.
"Sage, there's a Navy Base!"
Renedia lifted her goggles to her forehead and said to Sage, "Let's blow it up!"
"Ah, it seems to be in the city,"
Marika said nearby, "It would affect people, wouldn't our goal be to capture people?"
"That's the plan... no need for cannon fire."
Sage waved his hand dismissively, revealing a sneer, "I'll just go directly!"
…
The Duchy of Tias wasn't vast, and the port city also served as the capital. Near the sea, within the stationed Navy Base, a Navy soldier yawned and shivered from the cold, hugging his arms tightly.
Even trained Navy soldiers struggled to withstand the temperature of Winter Island's climate.
The Great Line's climate couldn't be compared to the stable climate of the Four Seas.
The Navy soldier used binoculars to observe the sea, mumbling, "I want to get some fries at the dock..."
The stationed Navy Base at the Duchy of Tias not only protected the country from pirate harassment, but also served a monitoring purpose, mainly tracking the movements of the Pirate Emperors. Due to its geographical location, though slightly behind, it's centrally located between 'Hundred Beasts' and 'Big Mom'.
Any movement would naturally be noticed.
Generally, no one willingly comes here. Aside from the two-thousand-strong Navy Base, the Duchy of Tias has significant naval strength, having once created the renowned 'Battle of Tias' during a war with a nearby major nation.
Such a place is usually avoided by ordinary pirates...
Ah?
"What's that?"
In the binoculars, a black smear appeared on the vast ocean, rapidly spreading without needing to see the full shape. The Navy first saw the black flag on the mast and the white sail below...
Whether on the black flag or the sails, a skull emblem was displayed.
"Starry Sky Skull Flag!"
The Navy widened his eyes, "It's, it's..."
Swoosh!
A shadow suddenly darted from the top of the mast, quickly approaching.
"It's the catastrophe!!"
Boom!!
Almost the moment that Navy shouted, the shadow was already airborne, unleashing a massive impact that shattered half of the Navy Base and sent debris flying.
Bang!!
The airborne shadow, after creating the impact, smashed directly into the Navy Base, turning the large base into ruins.
"Hahahaha, hoo hahahaha!"
Amidst the ruins, Sage grabbed a person resembling a Navy Vice Admiral by the head and dragged his bloody body outside. Amidst the terrified gazes of the port town's residents, he grinned, revealing his teeth:
"From now on, this place is under my control!"
Buzz!
As soon as he finished speaking, a crimson glow erupted in his pupils, accompanied by a torrent of black and red that rapidly expanded, enveloping the entire city.
Under the fierce impact of the Supreme King, the residents' eyes turned white, and they collapsed one by one.
Sage casually tossed the heavily injured Navy Vice Admiral aside and walked to the ruined Navy Base entrance, pulling out a cigar from his cloak, about to light it.
Whoosh!
At that moment, a flash of a blade suddenly appeared, aiming directly at Sage's neck.
"Hmm?"
Sage uttered lightly, then raised a finger.
Clang!
A Western Saber emerged at the location where the finger, hardened with Haki, met the blade.
As the sword appeared, Sage casually said, "Leave him."
Scrape!
On board the rapidly approaching massive Death Star, a lightning-fast slash raced towards Sage, targeting the space around him. But after this remark, the bolt of lightning reached the spot where Sage's finger was, its cold light flashing upon the Western Saber, the inertia lifting the blade upwards, and the wielder stepped back a few paces.
Thereafter, a sword blade appeared directly before his neck.
Lily, holding the White Thunder, coldly stared at the individual before her.
The White Thunder and that electrified sword hadn't merged; Lily decided not to think about it for now, and took back the White Thunder, leaving the possibility for future considerations.
After all, this sword was her perfect fit.
As for the person she pointed the sword at...
"'Executioner' Suleiman, A-Class War Criminal from the Battle of Tias."
Lily said coldly, "I recall this place expelled you, so why are you here?"