While in America, the system says Roosevelt was an emperor.

Tom shrugged and spread his hands, saying:

"The bad news is, I'm just an ordinary employee of the New York City Department of Finance."

"If Brooklyn and Queens weren't so chaotic and nobody wanted to take over, I wouldn't be the one collecting taxes."

"I can help the Corleone family clear their name and help them control a municipal constituency."

"But do you think I could keep Pierre Capone right now?"

Upon hearing Pierre Capone's name, a glimmer of clarity flashed in Vito Corleone's eyes.

As a fellow Italian immigrant and Mafia boss, Vito Corleone knew Pierre Capone all too well.

Pierre Capone—one of the most notorious mob bosses in American and even world history, who made his fortune through bootlegging and arms smuggling.

In addition to his ruthless methods against other gangs, Pierre Capone also did dirty work for factory owners and dealt with people who gathered together to discuss refusing to work in exchange for protection.

In the 1930s, Pierre Capone ordered his men to publicly massacre foremen and rival gang members as a warning to others.

The extremely cruel methods used have drawn attention across the United States and even the world.

Ironically, this man who indiscriminately killed innocent people was not punished by the local court because of his ambiguous relationship with a local councilor.

Even local judicial authorities gave Pierre Capone the green light by leaking the jury list.

All jurors and their families were given death threats.

The matter escalated until the federal government intervened and charged Pierre Capone with tax evasion, leading to his imprisonment.

Since Pierre Capone, the federal government has been extremely wary of mafia groups that have become too large.

Vito the Godfather let out a long sigh, casting aside his delusions, and said with a hint of disappointment:

"You're right, Tom."

"In modern America, it's impossible for one Mafia organization to control two counties."

Putting aside whether they can actually sweep through the two counties, even if they do, would the federal government stand idly by?

If they only controlled one municipal district, they would even help collect taxes during the war.

If the municipal government can't do anything about it, the federal government will turn a blind eye.

But if a mafia group controls four or five municipal districts, then it's a carbon copy of Pierre Capone.

The federal government's iron fist can strike at any moment.

Vito, half helpless and half resentful, said:

"Having only one municipal constituency is good enough. With voter support, you have the confidence to do any business, which is much better than just being a member of the mafia."

"Perhaps this is... the upper limit of the Mafia..."

Vito the Godfather lowered his head, as if he had seen through the future and lost all hope.

Tom gave Vito a pep talk, saying:

"Godfather Vito, don't be so dejected."

"It's not that the Mafia has no potential, it's just that the Corleone family is not doing well now, but that doesn't mean they won't do well in the future."

"The war has only just begun, and the federal government's attention has not been completely diverted."

"Once the war reaches its climax and the federal government's attention is completely diverted, most importantly, I'll climb the ranks."

"As long as you don't act like that idiot Pierre Capone and deliberately expose yourself to the public."

"Even if you're a plus-size version of Pierre Capone—Pierre Carson—I can still protect you."

Capone is an Italian surname, while Caesar is a French surname.

Even if Vito Corleone were a supercharged version, he couldn't possibly surrender from Italian to French.

Besides, Italians are just taking sides, they're not born French, so how can you call that surrendering?

Vito the Godfather took Tom's joke as a way of comforting him, smiled, and didn't think much of it.

As for Tom's "climbing"?

How high do you have to climb before you're done?

Even the mayor can't save a new Pierre Capone.

Could Tom possibly climb to the position of Governor of New York State?

Or is he the President of the United States?

Vito's expression returned to normal, and he asked Tom:

"Are there any requirements for those ten spots?"

"Does it only require clean-cut Americans?"

Vito Corleone emphasized "clean-blooded" and "American," which Tom, of course, understood, and replied with a smile:

"I understand what you mean. Next time, just ask me if I can arrange for illegal immigrants."

"Godfather Vito, we're family. We don't need to use code words in private."

Undocumented immigrants have difficulty finding legitimate employment and are often forced to work illegally.

The armed personnel in the Finance Bureau have no salary or contract, but it's still considered a job.

Once an illegal immigrant has had a government job, they are no longer considered lowly illegal immigrants, but rather free and noble Americans.

Tom had already thought this through and stated his conditions directly:

"Everyone must work under me for at least three months, and during that time they must be available whenever I call."

"There is no salary, no food or lodging provided, and fieldwork and weapons are all at your own expense."

"Besides that, I am not responsible for any accidental injuries or even death."

"Of course, I won't let them die. I'll definitely be by their side during their mission."

"If they want to leave after working for three months, I can give them a work certificate from the Finance Bureau."

Tom directly stated his "employment conditions"—payment only for working, with no insurance or benefits.

Without a second thought, Godfather Vito nodded in agreement.

Despite the seemingly stringent requirements, the line of people wanting to come stretches from New York to San Francisco.

The United States may not have many other things, but it has a large population, especially a large number of free spirits with dreams.

Tom's terms would be considered "merciful" in any period of American history.

After discussing some details with Tom and finalizing everything, Tom made an excuse and left the Corleone family's stronghold.

Before leaving, Tom made an appointment with Godfather Vito to come and pick up the man for work in the afternoon.

Tom wanted to give Vito's godfather some space to handle the family's internal affairs.

As soon as Tom left, all the men of the Corleone family surrounded him.

The soundproofing in the "prayer room" wasn't very good, and they could all hear the two people talking.

"Uncle Vito, should we try to clear our names?"

"Father, I don't want to be a government lackey!"

"Cousin Vito, is that bookworm really trustworthy?"

Vito the Godfather looked at the scruffy men around him and shook his head helplessly.

Making them understand the importance of whitewashing is no less difficult than making Khorne learn from Tzeentch to play conspiracies.

They have no brains at all, and they don't want to use their brains; all they know is that fighting is fun.

Vito the Godfather simply picked up the white cat and started petting Hakimi. Only after the noise had died down did he speak without even looking up:

"Ten suitable undocumented Italians, who must bring their families."

"Bring all the good people to our base. Tom will take them to the Finance Bureau this afternoon."

"By the way, Mike, since you're not leaving before Christmas, you'll be in charge of the handover with Tom this afternoon."

"This is none of your business to tell us what to do in this family."

The crowd's faces turned pale instantly. They realized that Godfather Vito was serious, and they all nodded in agreement, going to make preparations.

Vito the Godfather, without question.