Planet Earth, native world.
"Dear audience watching the worldwide broadcast, it is currently 1:30 PM on August 11th, 1498 of the Sea Circle Calendar."
"I'm Stella, and today I'll be your guide for our main coverage!"
Across nations, islands, and regions, thousands upon thousands of projection screens displayed the same golden-haired beauty—graceful in posture, radiant in smile, dressed in professional white attire.
Countless citizens instantly recognized Stella. After all, that 'Liberation Day Gala' had left a deep impression—not just for its beautiful songs and dances, but also for the breathtakingly gorgeous performers.
Far away in Mary Geoise, Imu watched Stella on screen with considerable surprise. Wasn't this woman supposed to be performing as a star alongside Tesoro?
What he didn't know was that after careful consideration these past days, Stella had realized she didn't share Tesoro's passion for performing songs and dances on stage.
She simply loved listening to Tesoro sing and watching him dance.
Though disappointed, Tesoro, who deeply loved Stella, didn't want to force her into doing something she disliked. After discussions with officials from the Publicity Department, they decided she would become an official reporter.
Her main job would be interviewing Tesoro, with occasional live reporting assignments. This time, she had come along with him.
"The place I'm standing right now is 'Tequila Wolf' in the East Blue. I suspect most people find this name quite unfamiliar?"
"But if I say 'Nation of Bridges' or 'Labor Country,' I believe many will recall this place."
As Stella's words fell, many viewers indeed showed expressions of sudden realization. While some younger viewers remained unfamiliar, most older citizens had heard of this place to varying degrees.
"Seven hundred years ago, to connect islands and facilitate transportation between nations, the World Government ordered the construction of these massive bridges."
Stella turned sideways, allowing the camera to pan past her and reveal the enormous stone bridge—already more than half completed—behind her.
The sight of circular bridge arches, each estimated at forty to fifty meters tall, left viewers awestruck. Many were seeing such a colossal bridge for the first time.
Looking at the cross-sections under construction, one could clearly see dense reinforcements of steel bars, hinting at the bridge's incredible sturdiness.
"To build these bridges without disrupting the normal lives of citizens from member nations, the World Government at that time brought the royalty, nobility, and citizens of 'Nations of Disobedience'—those who refused to join the government or pay Celestial Tribute—along with criminals from various countries here to serve as laborers."
Unsurprisingly, Stella's report sparked heated discussions among citizens worldwide.
Some felt the World Government's approach was inappropriate, while others countered—if citizens from 'Nations of Disobedience' didn't build the bridges, should citizens from member nations who dutifully paid Celestial Tribute be forced to do it instead?
"Today, the 'Tequila Wolf Project' is approximately two-thirds complete."
"Logically speaking, since the bridge is nearing completion, construction should be accelerated. However, according to the latest information I've received, the World Government has decided to gradually release the citizens of the 'Nations of Disobedience' currently working on the bridge construction. This decision is made out of respect for and alignment with this year's Levely agenda. The East Blue Navy will escort them back to their homelands, and government officials will be dispatched to assist them in reestablishing their nations and returning to normal life as soon as possible!"
Stella reported excitedly to the Image Snail before her, her admiration for the World Government now at its peak.
"What?!!"
Simultaneously, hundreds of millions of people across nations were stunned by her words. Many men and women instinctively gaped, their jaws nearly hitting the floor. The collective uproar was so loud it almost caused a minor tremor across entire kingdoms.
The live broadcast continued.
"That's right, you heard correctly! The World Government has decided to use prisoners from Impel Down as laborers to replace the citizens of the Nations of Disobedience in continuing the bridge construction. However, to minimize negative impacts on the project, releases will be conducted in batches, with the labor exchange planned to complete within a year!"
As soon as she finished speaking, deafening cheers erupted under skies Stella couldn't see, resounding through the blue heavens and white clouds of every nation.
Everyone loudly praised the World Government's benevolent policies, and in this process, the government's image in people's minds improved further.
"But it's worth noting that the royal families and nobles of the Nations of Disobedience will not be released. The World Government believes that as kings and nobles of nations, they should bear greater responsibility and culpability than their citizens!"
At this point, Stella's expression turned serious, and the audience gradually quieted down.
"I believe everyone now has a question in mind: what will happen if there are more Nations of Disobedience in the future?"
"This will be the main topic of the next Levely!"
"First, the World Government is considering having all unaffiliated kingdoms and islands become member states. Therefore, there will no longer be so-called non-member states in the future, nor will there be any refusal to join!"
"Second, for kingdoms that have the capacity to pay the Celestial Tribute but refuse to do so, the World Government will only sanction their royal families and nobles, without implicating all citizens!"
"As for kingdoms genuinely unable to pay the Celestial Tribute, the World Government will dispatch professional economic teams to investigate."
"If confirmed true, they will consider waiving one to four years of tribute and fully support the kingdom's economic development, helping it become prosperous and a normal nation capable of paying the Celestial Tribute!"
After saying so much in one breath, Stella quickly paused to catch her breath, but the excitement on her face was a delight to the audience's eyes—even though they were now thoroughly overwhelmed by the information.
"At the same time..."
"The Heavenly Tribute Collection Management Committee under the World Government's Ministry of Finance will begin investigating tax rates across nations. If excessive taxation, chaotic tax categories, or secondary allocation of Celestial Tribute to citizens are discovered, an initial warning will be issued. Failure to rectify will result in severe sanctions!"
"For this purpose, the Heavenly Tribute Collection Management Committee is publishing a reporting hotline. Citizens of all nations who discover excessive taxation in their countries are encouraged to provide feedback. The Den Den Mushi number is 820453438!"
"Let me repeat: 820453438. Everyone, please join in supervising your kingdom's taxation. Remember, you have the mighty World Government standing behind you!"
Somehow, Stella completely omitted mentioning the planned reform of Celestial Tribute allocation ratios. After her announcement, she began walking, with the camera following closely, piquing the curiosity of viewers watching the live broadcast.
"Next, I'll guide everyone on a tour of this 'Nation of Bridges,' and show the entire process where the first batch of 50,000 citizens to be released will be exchanged with 20,000 Impel Down prisoners who've come to assist!"
Simultaneously, viewers across nations saw warships from various East Blue branch bases docked at the stone bridge's harbor. Numerous prisoners in black-and-white striped uniforms were being escorted onto the bridge by Navy personnel.
As the camera shifted, another scene showed a crowd of weary but tearfully excited men, women, and elderly—clearly the laborers about to return to their homelands.
"Oh yes!"
Stella suddenly exclaimed as if remembering something, laughing loudly.
"To celebrate the World Government's liberation trumpet sounding over Tequila Wolf's skies, from 9 PM to midnight, world-renowned superstar Tesoro and a rising new star will perform a spectacular song-and-dance show for the laborers still awaiting liberation! This is our gratitude for their diligent contributions to the world and the East Blue!"
"WOW!!!"
Cheers erupted once more across nations worldwide—this time not for the laborers, but in anticipation of tonight's musical feast and celebration.