Through the World Government's attitude and actions towards Gourmet Island, Benedict realized that to dominate the high seas teeming with masters and force them to obey, the current strategy of the Xuanwu Navy was insufficient.
According to Benedict's original plan, everything was to be done step by step.
While a steady and deliberate approach would undoubtedly earn the trust of the residents within their dominion and better combat pirates, it required considerable time.
However, the World Government possessed deep reserves. If they were given time to react and resolutely attacked the Xuanwu Navy with their full might, disregarding the covetous gazes of the Big Mom Pirates, the Beast Pirates, and the Whitebeard Pirates, even if the Xuanwu Navy ultimately repelled them, they would be crippled.
Therefore, rapidly occupying territories and adopting an overbearing stance that rendered resistance futile was the strategic goal the Xuanwu Navy should pursue.
This was precisely the case with the current Skypiea.
They would simply suppress both factions with overwhelming strength, leaving them no room to resist.
As for how to manage things afterward, that could be dealt with later.
The Golden City of 'Shandia'.
This city, which had existed for 800 years, was already in a state of disrepair.
However, the city, built of gold, still showcased its past prosperity.
Due to Benedict's forceful suppression, the Shandian chieftain, leading his tribe, followed Benedict and his companions to this place.
Also present was Gan Fall, who wished to explore.
However, as soon as they arrived at Shandia, the giant snake, which had lived for over a thousand years, immediately charged out and attacked Benedict and his group.
However, before the giant snake's attack could even land, ten Xuanwu Navy soldiers rushed out and, with a flurry of kicks, routed the beast.
Gan Fall, along with the Shandian chieftain and others, was shocked by this sight.
For Gan Fall, the giant snake was one of the significant threats to his rule over Skypiea, and the greatest obstacle to their ambition of reaching Shandia.
For the Shandian chieftain and his people, the giant snake was their faith.
Yet, this very faith was no match for ten of Benedict's soldiers.
This immense disparity dealt a significant blow to the faith of the Shandians.
"Marshal Brother, that's a Poneglyph," exclaimed Nico Robin happily, pointing to a vine-covered giant stone with carved text.
Gintoki waved his hand, and sword energy flew out, instantly cutting away the vines covering the Poneglyph.
"This is an inscription related to the ancient weapon Poseidon," stated Olvia, her gaze sweeping over the Poneglyph as she quickly deciphered its contents.
"I know, I know," Robin raised her hand, like a child eager to answer in class.
"I know too," Benedict chuckled, patting Robin's head.
He then issued an order to Gintoki, "Gintoki, arrange for people to pack up the gold, jewelry, and Poneglyph here and take them away."
Upon hearing this, Gintoki immediately began making arrangements.
Robin was about to say more, but Olvia scooped her up and silently made a shushing gesture in front of her.
Robin understood, and her large eyes shifted to look at Gan Fall and the others.
"Let's leave three hundred people on Skypiea."
"Rotate them every three years, and those who wish to stay can continue to do so."
Benedict told Gintoki, who had returned.
If not for the limited number of people brought on the warships, Benedict would not have minded leaving a thousand people on Skypiea.
Skypiea's unique location might prove useful someday.
After spending half a day plundering all the gold and jewelry, the expressions of the Shandian chieftain and his tribesmen were somewhat somber.
"The Poneglyph that your ancestors protected is the key to uncovering the truth of history. With your strength, you cannot possibly safeguard what is here."
"I, on the other hand, will take it and set history back on the right track."
"Therefore, you should feel fortunate, as I have lifted your burden. Now, you only need to consider how to live better and become stronger."
"Speaking of which, you have lost this place for 400 years. How many of you still possess the will to 'protect Shandia' and 'protect the will of the ancestors'?"
Benedict's words caused the Shandian chieftain's face to flush with embarrassment.
In truth, for much of the time, they had not even considered these matters.
All they desired was to reclaim their homeland.
This was also what their ancestors had consistently pursued.
Having gained some clarity, the Shandian chieftain's expression became more serious as he said, "Thank you, Marshal Benedict."
Benedict nodded, then boarded the Xuanwu warship, preparing to depart.
Just as Benedict was about to order the navigator to set sail, Wyper, the Warrior God, ran out and called out, "Marshal Benedict, may I accompany you to adventure on the seas?"
"You wish to join the Xuanwu Navy?" Benedict asked Wyper with some interest.
Wyper hesitated slightly before saying, "I want to visit the places my ancestors lived, our homeland, and I want to become stronger."
Upon hearing this, Benedict understood Wyper's intentions and replied, "I will give you six months. If you can satisfy the officer stationed on Skypiea, I will allow you to come to the Xuanwu Navy base to find me, and I will arrange a position for you."
"Okay! I will do it," Wyper responded with a serious expression.
Benedict nodded, then instructed the navigator to set sail.
As Benedict and his group departed, Gan Fall glanced at the three hundred Xuanwu Navy soldiers now officially stationed on God's Land. Despite his displeasure, he had no choice but to reach a peace agreement with the Shandian chieftain at this juncture.
The Shandian chieftain was well aware of Gan Fall's ambitions and knew that peace between their two tribes was not yet assured.
It would take time to measure and reconcile.
However, regardless of the circumstances, as long as the Xuanwu Navy maintained its presence and acted justly, the Shandian tribe had little to worry about for the time being.
"Marshal Brother, is this name someone?" Robin asked, pointing to the name Gol D. Roger carved on the Poneglyph as the warship sailed, laden with cargo, "They came here too."
"Did Buggy also come here?"
"Then why didn't he find this place and take the treasure?"
Benedict listened to Robin's words and chuckled, "Perhaps he got lost."
Robin looked a bit bewildered, then said after a moment, "Buggy is so silly!"
"He sneaked out to dig for treasure and got lost."
In reality, Buggy was unaware of Shandia's existence and was searching in the vast sea of clouds.
Even though he found a map in Birka and eventually located Shandia, it was several days later.
Upon learning that Benedict had already packed away all the treasure, Buggy was furious.
He subsequently missed the opportunity to rendezvous with Benedict.