Blackstone Code-Chapter 672: No Fools, or Everyone’s a Fool

On TV, the host asked a congressman, “Why did our navy defeat the Gephra, yet still get provoked by pirates?”

This was exactly what the public wanted to know. Not long ago, people were celebrating the naval victory, firmly believing the Federation had finally risen.

But then they were made to look foolish by a bunch of pirates. It cast doubt: was the Federation Navy really as invincible as people believed?

One newspaper’s front-page headline read: What’s Wrong With Us? We could defeat Gephra, yet we’re helpless against some pirates.

The guest on the sofa looked solemn. He bowed his head slightly, pondered for a moment, then answered, “Our navy is strong—but small.”

“A few years ago, we were still immersed in the escapist mindset. To appear non-threatening, we didn’t expand our military during the war.” 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

“When the global war ended, it became clear there were no real winners. To satisfy the international community, our government pushed for large-scale disarmament.”

“People’s mindset back then was very different. Looking back now, it’s almost laughable. To prove we weren’t aggressors, we tied our own hands.”

“Our navy has always had just one complete fleet—and that hasn’t changed to this day.”

“From what I know, nearly all our warships are already deployed. Aside from the two ships still chasing the fleeing Preyton Pirate Group, the rest are escorting major long-distance trade vessels.”

“In other words, during this hijacking incident, our response wasn’t lacking in strength—but in numbers.”

The host, a sharp and professional woman in her early thirties with a rare short haircut, wore a light pink blouse with a blue collar and wide-leg light trousers—an outfit that had become trendy since the start of summer. Her clothing, accessories, and expression together gave her an air of intellectual elegance.

“Our ships aren’t enough?” she repeated. “Why haven’t we built more?”

The congressman laughed, “That’s the result of historical choices. To reassure our neighbors and powerful nations, we kept our naval presence limited.”

The host seemed to understand. “So now it’s become our problem—we can’t cover everything?”

She pressed further, “But now? You’ve said it yourself—these are historical issues. After this incident, will we finally address it?”

“Or will the government continue prioritizing a harmless image, even as our army shrinks? Can we really make the world feel safe while losing the ability to protect ourselves?”

The congressman shook his head. “Honestly, I’m not sure. It depends on what our country and society want us to be.”

“If the public still fears war and military action, then Congress won’t pass any proposals to strengthen our forces.”

“Second, it depends on whether other lawmakers share your views—or ours.”

“Respect doesn’t come from politeness. It comes from strength that cannot be ignored.”

The host picked up on a key point. “You’re saying there are still people opposing military expansion?”

“Why would anyone be that stupid? Do they think enemies won’t attack us just because we don’t have a military?”

“In the world war, the aggressors never spared the weak just because they were weak…”

The congressman spread his hands. “People are complicated…”

The show was highly impactful. Whether or not it had aired similar content before didn’t matter—what mattered was that society now understood: it wasn’t that the navy was powerless, but that it simply couldn’t be everywhere at once.

In the interviews, both host and guests continued to criticize the Conservative Party’s past actions. The goal was to shift public anger.

People channeled their resentment—not toward themselves for being weak—but toward the political climate that forced them into weakness.

Once that mindset took hold, it triggered hatred toward the conservative president and his escapism. To prove they weren’t lackeys of that doctrine, many began publicly siding with the Progressives and Radicals—Look how extreme I am, how could I be a coward’s pawn?

This backlash pushed public opinion to its peak within two days. In some regions, spontaneous protests broke out, demanding naval and army expansion to maintain world peace.

If not for nearby countries panicking and the Emperor of Gephra throwing another fit, the protests might have been even larger.

Though labeled spontaneous, these demonstrations were actually fueled by interested parties—like shipbuilders and arms manufacturers—who spent large sums stirring public sentiment and organizing rallies.

And so, it was now the third day.

“We’ve roughly identified their position at sea. The navy is ready to strike at any time. But there’s still one issue—how we handle the hostages…”

In the President’s office, the task force leader—a civilian colonel from the Defense Department—was reporting progress. “If we prioritize the hostages’ safety, we must go through with the ransom exchange. Only after confirming their safety can we act.”

“But if we do that, the money may be lost in the operation.”

“If we disregard the hostages, we can wait for them to expose themselves, then use overwhelming force…”

The President raised a hand to stop him. “The lives of Federation citizens are worth more than money. Don’t speak of sacrificing hostages again. Pay the ransom, ensure their safety, then take them out.”

The colonel nodded and said no more. The President had the authority to bypass Congress for a short-term military operation, giving him full command over this mission.

“Do a good job, Colonel. We’ll hold a press conference and wait for good news from the front lines. Don’t let me—or the entire Federation—down.”

After dismissing the colonel, the President stood up and paced across the world map carpet in front of his desk. Then he looked at Truman.

“Thanks to your reminder, I avoided a major misstep.”

“I’ve spoken to others. Once this is over, you’ll return to work.”

The news caught Truman slightly off guard. He’d expected more time off—not such a quick return.

But there was no helping it. Summer had arrived, and that meant only a few months remained before the election.

Truman had once again proven his worth—he prevented the President from choosing the worst option. Now, more than ever, the President felt he needed him close.

The President of the Federation isn’t some omniscient saint. Never mind divine power—most presidents aren’t even as capable as their own staff.

A politician’s path to the presidency has little to do with personal competence. It depends on backers—and how well they perform on stage.

To stay in this position long-term, he needed capable people to support him—trusted confidants.

The President valued Truman greatly. Truman wasn’t just exceptionally intelligent; he also represented the military. Aside from the occasional temper, he was outstanding in every aspect.

He could have kept Truman close without formally reinstating him, but he chose to do so anyway—because their partnership wasn’t just for the present, but for the next eight years.

At this moment, the President made no attempt to hide his ambition. His goal was to become a ten-year President, one who held true power, so he needed people outside the financial consortiums to support him.

“I thought I’d have to wait a while longer. You know, those people aren’t exactly easy to deal with,” Truman said with a smile, referring to the people he’d offended in the past.

But the President responded differently than usual. There was a rare trace of contempt in his smile. “You’re far more capable than I am. You just refuse to do things you don’t want to do.”

“Dealing with those people takes a bit of finesse. Once you learn the tricks, you’ll see—they’re not much smarter than fools.”