Every new network token faces the same skepticism: Does it actually do anything on day one, or is it just a placeholder for speculation? For $U, the answer is clear: demand starts immediately. … ● Why $U Demand Starts From Day One $U is not a governance token waiting for “future utility.” It’s the gas token of the Union network, consumed every time critical actions occur: > Aggregating and verifying ZK proofs > Updating light clients > Configuring new cross-chain routes > Relaying transactions between connected ecosystems Every protocol, relayer, and prover that uses Union has to buy and spend U to operate. ● How $U Powers Cross-Chain Settlement This design creates a live, dynamic fee market for interoperability. Participants pay more to prioritize critical cross-chain actions. That means real demand tied directly to Union’s function; secure, trustless settlement at scale. It’s not theoretical. With @union_build already powering 97% of foreign TVL on Babylon Genesis and supporting partners like Berachain, Polygon AggLayer, and Celestia, that demand starts flowing from day one. ● $U as Stake, Fuel, and Coordination Layer Unlike competitors where the token plays an indirect or secondary role, $U is structurally embedded in the network: ✅ Validators and users stake $U to secure the chain. ✅ Relayers and provers buy $U to execute transactions. ✅ Protocols integrating @union_build accumulate $U to ensure connectivity. The token isn’t a sidecar. It’s the fuel, the stake, and the coordination mechanism. ● How $U Connects Utility With Long-Term Value From launch, $U ties value directly to the thing institutions and users care about most: proofs that can’t be faked, bridges that can’t be compromised, and transactions that settle everywhere. Day one utility means long-term alignment. It’s not waiting for adoption. It is designed for it.