Just as Dejoka said, the smooth implementation of "war-time rationing" is more important than winning a victory in battle.

For Shire, the undefeated war god, one more victory is just another addition to his record, something the military and civilians are already used to, changing nothing.

But a series of operations under the "war-time rationing" deals a heavy blow to the domestic capitalists, completely stripping them of their control over resources.

If necessary, Shire can even "abuse public office for private gain."

The navy, controlled by Shire, logs the materials that come ashore. At Shire's word, one or even several merchant ships could be selectively ignored by the navy.

Once ashore, these materials would not be accounted for in the national treasury, becoming Shire's "hidden assets" at his disposal.

Military supplies, disabled soldiers, military families... Shire could always pull out a large batch of goods to win people's support or bribe parliamentarians with ease.

More importantly, through this matter, Shire tested the tolerance of the French people toward "dictatorship."

The war-time rationing, plainly spoken, is Shire's one-handed control over life and death.

War-time supplies are everything, determining life and death for everyone, including the front-line troops.

And with supplies under Shire's control rather than the parliament's decision, to some extent, it is the realization of Shire's "dictatorship."

The French people are very averse to "dictatorship," often opposing it out of habit.

The parliament is also on guard against it at every level, repeatedly willing to risk defeat to weaken Shire.

But now...

Shire has successfully created an atmosphere: If power is not handed over to Shire, there will be danger, people will starve, the military and civilians will riot, and the country will perish.

Ultimately, Shire has to take the lead in this time of crisis to save the country, becoming the only person in control of the supplies.

The entire process was smooth and natural, so much so that many didn't even sense the "dictatorship."

The mindset of the French military and civilians subtly shifted from "opposing any form of dictatorship" to "staunchly supporting Shire's dictatorship."

They just didn't realize it.

Dejoka understands Shire. He knew early on that Shire's ultimate goal was to defeat the domestic capitalists and ascend to the pinnacle of power.

Now, Shire can be said to have taken shape.

Dejoka marveled; it took less than two years.

Dejoka always thought it was impossible, but suddenly finding that success was just one step away, he could hardly believe it was real.

Shire didn't delve into the topic.

He knew that within France's system, achieving without revealing is the best choice, as it makes people think it's their choice, not Shire's.

Just like the "war-time rationing."

Power was handed to Shire under people's calls and support, not what Shire intended.

Shire opened another document and casually asked, "How's the business with the United States going?"

"Very smoothly!" Dejoka nodded, his eyes gradually turning from relief to confusion: "Did you already know what would happen?"

Shire played dumb: "What happened?"

Dejoka flipped two pages of the document on the table and said:

"You sold the Galland Rifles to the public at half price."

"They were immediately sold out and finally ended up on the black market, with prices going up two or even three times!"

Shire calmly responded, "Really?"

"Yes." Dejoka nodded, "You have no idea how popular this rifle is, and you can't even imagine who the main buyers are?"

Shire shrugged, indicating he knew nothing.

"It's the gangsters, the American gangsters." Dejoka said with an incredulous smile, "I thought Americans would use this rifle for hunting, but they actually use it to equip gangs."

Dejoka flipped another two pages in the document:

"Look at this, in one month, there were 8 gang wars in New York, all large-scale battles recorded."

"In those gang wars, two gangs were wiped out, the police were sent in to stop them, but 70 officers were killed or injured, resulting in a humiliating defeat."

"Then they sent in the military, but the military was also unable to stop them."

There was no need to elaborate further.

Gangs equipped with Galland Rifles exhibited a "big fish eats small fish" phenomenon, rapidly expanding in a short time.

The document also detailed one event:

The U.S. Army dispatched a tank unit used for experiments led by Colonel Johnson, but once again they suffered a crushing defeat.

The gangs learned to suppress military firepower using three Galland Rifles in alternating fire, making the infantry unable to raise their heads.

When tanks entered the city for street fighting, they struggled to deploy firepower and quickly had their tracks blown off by explosives.

In this battle, the U.S. military lost two expensive tanks and suffered over 40 casualties.

The gangs inflicted heavy damage on the military, unexpectedly costing the military dearly!

Colonel Johnson shouted furiously over the phone, "Compared to their rifles, our weapons are garbage! If we don't stop this, we will become the only country where gangs seize power!"

That night, Colonel Johnson sought out Joseph: "You must stop selling this rifle!"

"This could be difficult, Colonel!" Joseph frowned, "We stated in our contract that we are allowed to freely sell light arms on the market, and these rifles are clearly light arms."

Colonel Johnson reluctantly swallowed:

"Yes, they indeed are light arms."

"However, as you've seen, it has caused unprecedented chaos in New York, and this chaos is spreading to other cities."

"The speed at which this is happening makes it impossible for us to stop it!"

Joseph remained indifferent: "This has nothing to do with us, Colonel..."

"This is no benefit to you either, Mr. Joseph." Colonel Johnson's tone carried a hint of threat, "Aren't you worried that the gangs will take over your arms factory?"

Joseph spread his hands toward the factory: "Unless the gangs have the capability to produce and maintain the entire production line."

Colonel Johnson thought for a moment and realized he was right.

The gangs buying the Galland Rifles at half price was already a bargain.

What is the point for gangs to take over the factory?

To get the rifles at a higher price but unable to maintain them?

One day, if the factory stops selling weapons and ammunition to them and sells to their enemies, the gangs would be doomed.

So, the gangs dare not offend the arms factory no matter who they offend.

"Alright!" Colonel Johnson said reluctantly, "We'll buy all your rifles, sir!"

However, Joseph replied, "Too bad, the price has doubled now, Colonel, it's twice the price!"

Colonel Johnson was stunned and about to explode, but Joseph interrupted: "It's already selling for three times the price on the black market, I believe..."

Hearing this, Colonel Johnson found himself speechless.